old55

A lot of things to take away from that game, not least that we won while losing the centre clearances 4-17 and that will be discussed in detail elsewhere. I want to focus on one thing here and that is the magnificent game by TMac. I have never seen a more complete game by an MFC key forward under very difficult conditions. Four goals himself - all in different ways - first a classic get separation on the lead in a congested forward line, next a run down tackle and goal from a very difficult angle, then a weaving collection and run in heavy traffic for a great left foot snap and the delicious icing - sure Bolton probably won the car on Friday night but for me Tom's pack mark from four deep to seal the match was the greater mark - just awesome - his confidence was up and his leap at the ball was majestic. And not forgetting that he gave two great goals away - an unselfish great vision spot up of Ben Brown and the other to rival his pack mark - a magnificent running with the flight spoil, clean gather and lightning handball to Trac. Massive kudos to Tom McDonald - match winner.

Cameron on fire

Tried to tell yas ...

Pretty accurate comparison of Scully and Trengove vs Dusty in there though - he was ahead of the curve.

We've got a premiership combination together now with Petracca, Oliver, Gawn, Viney, May, Lever, Salem, Langdon, Ben Brown all stitched up and able over the next 3-4 years. Add in Fritsch, Jackson, Pickett, Rivers, Jordon and a decent mature supporting cast. I'm going to put it out there now that we WILL win at least one flag in the next four years. I wouldn't have anywhere near that confidence without Petracca in that mix, so if it takes a 7 year contract to keep the band together over that period then so be it. It's been 56 years, quite frankly MFC supporters will not give a second thought to Petracca's contract length when this crew delivers the flag. I couldn't care is we gave him 10 years!

Sydney midfield last week was Kennedy, Parker, Rowbottom (20), Warner (19), Florent (22) https://www.afl.com.au/news/607621/secrets-to-success-every-club-s-cbas-kick-ins-for-r7 We'll have Petracca, Oliver, Jordon (20) - then you can add in your 2 preferred from Brayshaw, Jones, Harmes, Sparrow but note only 1 of those 4 were in the starting 22 last week. Someone has to go out and that could be Baker but then you've got to fill his wing spot so you're still only left with 4 primary mids in the rotation. Melksham, Pickett and ANB did cameos in there. I'd be going with Harmes and Brayshaw back to the wing. I could go with a midfield rotation of Petracca, Oliver, Jordon and Harmes. I'm just not comfortable with a midfield rotation of Petracca, Oliver, Jordon and Sparrow - there needs to be one more because of the inexperience and that would mean someone else has to miss. There'll be a significant number of combos where Jordon and Sparrow both have to be in there.

I can understand why we went for Brayshaw in the middle last week, with Viney out we've got a young midfield: https://www.afl.com.au/news/607621/secrets-to-success-every-club-s-cbas-kick-ins-for-r7 Petracca, Oliver, Jordon and we used Brayshaw and Jones If we go back to Brayshaw on the wing and Jones to sub (because Petty replaces Tomlinson) and bring Sparrow into the middle then we have a pretty young core set-up: Petracca, Oliver, Jordon, Sparrow ... I could see Harmes coming in for this reason.

Don't tell givemethenews

All true and I was in that mailing list too ...

I think TMac with only one year on his contract and much better form would be an attractive option for a number of teams.

They're not old, they're 28 this year and it's reasonable they'll both still play when they are 31 - that's another 3 seasons beyond this. Kennedy 33, Riewoldt 32, Hawkins 32, Dixon 30 - all still playing well in contending teams.

He'll be offered 4-5 years elsewhere and I don't know whether we'd go there - it's going to be interesting. I'm confident he'll carve out a successful AFL career, he'd make a good KPB if he doesn't make it forward - but whether or not that's a MFC remains to be seen. I really hope we can retain him - he's dynasty material along with Petty.

AKA old55 and Spunjy

I'll be amazed if you'll find a better mature alternative to Majak who's ready to go now. I don't think we need to waste picks on back-up in these areas, we already have Mitch Brown and Majak Daw, and we have Weid at Casey. IMO we should be trying to get ahead of the 2021 Draft curve and draft the best young talent we can. Right now our first pick is a 2nd rounder tied to Brisbane so likely to be late 2nd round.

Swans may have Rampe (189cm) back but have lost Melican (193cm). That leaves Tom McCartin (193cm) as their only tall back.

Fantastic news!

Ph.D in hubris, perhaps?

Sydney $4.20 at Sportsbet - get on!

You said he'd be sacked by Round 8 sunshine

Remind me again about your Goodwin and Kossie predictions. Thanks Dr!

Oh my word! First, people with no idea of maths lecturing on percentage, now somone with no idea of physics. It's momentum you're looking for. Baker's momentum increases with his velocity. His mass stays constant.

Nope, I believe that's "your turn over the barrel" sailor-boy

Honestly, if you haven't skied the deep powder you haven't lived. The only thing possibly better is inside a Mentawais barrel.

Ruthless - I like it.

I'm looking for a similar scoreline on Sunday - we owe these campaigners.