old55

You've missed the point I'm trying to make. Many here are advocating a solution based on limiting rotations thus causing fatigue and therefore reducing congestion. But that is a poor solution.

Fatigued players does not provide a better game, it means more skill errors and a poorer spectacle where players are unable to perform at their optimum. How can this be better? Maybe we should make all the players run a half marathon before the bounce eh? Less congestion because there's less players per square metre is a far superior solution.

It's a great idea as @Dr. Gonzo and @Fat Tony say. For those who doubt less players wouldn't affect congestion. Would it be more congested with 30 per side, less with 10 per side? The way the game is played has changed and the rules need to adapt to maintain the free flowing essence. Decreasing the number of players is the least invasive rule change - in fact it doesn't actually change any in-game rules. 6-6-6 and zones are horrible misdirected actions. The sweet spot is likely to be 14-15 per side, and I'd keep the four interchange.

FWIW, AFL Computer models - aggregated here by Squiggle predict us finishing 15th (13th - 16th) with 9 wins (8-10 wins). https://squiggle.com.au/ladder/ The "colour bar" on the RHS - the size of the "block" represents the likelihood the team will finish in that position. Top 4 = 5%, Top 8 = 19%, Bottom 4 = 37% You can click on each team to see the detailed prediction of each model. I'm not buying what they're selling but is that because I have more detailed knowledge of the MFC situation or because I'm an overly optimistic supporter?

Too much hysteria about investing in talented injured players. 2/3rds of the list actually play - about 30-32/44. That's 12-14 who don't play. If one of AVB, Bennell, KK or Smith make it then it's worth the risk IMO.

It's 100% clear that is the case, as soon as he is even near fit he's straight into the team. The FD highly rate him.

Yes the FD don't regard AVB as a "depth player", if fit he's guaranteed starting 22, however Kent is a depth player.

Gold!

Only up against Smith and Scully.

Tomlinson vs Frost - @Dr.D and @TGR what did you make of last night?

If Nathan Jones is the worst player in our 22 this season we are going to have a very good side in operation.

You lost me at "Oliver is slow"

We're in flag mode now, we need to know if we're up to it or not and if not why not. We need to put WC at full strength to the sword on their own dung heap and not have to see them again until the last weeks of the season. If we can't do it we need to work out why and fix it. Too many times we've fallen at this hurdle in big finals. It's time to rectify that.

I hope they're at full strength in R1, we want the best possible test.

A clown is Chief Football Writer down there - what can you expect?

Snail

It's a massive bridge from 3 turnovers to your "19 intercept marks" You were clearly implying that Hurn and McGovern's 19 intercepts is a huge number. "Just looked up to make sure, and Hurn and McGovern had a total of 25 marks in that game (including 19 intercepts). Geez." However two of our defenders had more - that's why it's relevant. Don't post bullsh1te and you won't be called on it.

Viney is credited with 3 turnovers, Salem had 7. You also neglected to say that Josh Wagner and Marty Hore had a total of 20 intercepts between them - 10 each. Keep digging and you'll pop up in a deserted Wuhan street shortly.

He is a big out but they've got plenty more to replace him.

Nice first post Si.

Set shot kicking is technically far easier than field kicking, the target is much bigger and it's stationary. The problems players encounter are mostly mental. TMac and Hunt are 2 players who manage this.

I think North rely on their best players, the issue is that they are senior. Results need to come now. It would have been doubly difficult for North fans "death-riding" our season for an early pick. Either we're better than they thought or their future is horrible.

My informed info is that Gosch's Paddock surface is not fit for purpose particularly mid-winter because it's open to public foot traffic. The training surface there directly caused in-season injuries last year. We will need to prevent foot traffic for this to be a meaningful solution.