old55

I'm a reasonably keen MFC supporter who lives in Bayside and Casey is "too far away" for me to visit on anything more than an occasional basis. I think a more central location is more accessible for the majority of players and fans. I'm fine with Casey as a component of our set-up. The ground is full-size, the surface seems good and the gyms etc are apparently state-of-the art. But I don't think it's an attractive primary location for player attraction and retention. I think Geelong is a special case. It seems St.Kilda couldn't get Frankston to work and have moved back to Moorabbin. I think somewhere like Caulfield racecourse would be fine in that arose but AAMI Park is the best alternative.

Yes good point, it was the year before.

I think the training ground upgrade is important news for a number of reasons: A full size is required for effective drills and zones Re-surfacing should help remove the injury risk that the current compressed surface presents - I heard from a very good source that this was the direct cause of injuries to players last year I think that training mostly at Casey is a long-term negative for attracting and retaining players because it's too far away. I think it's fine to be part of the program but not the core of the program The location reinforces the concept that we'll ultimately be in the MCG precinct

I think Geelong are rightful favourites for the flag. They would have won last year but for Dusty and I think they are improved this year with Cameron, Smith and Higgins. They value contested football which wins big finals and they have vast finals experience. They have a nice run of 3 games at Kardinia Park into the finals, but I think this is also a bit of an Achilles' Heel because football is different there from at the MCG and so I expect them to campaign extremely hard for a final down there. I think the Dogs are rightful 2nd favourites simply off the back of their unparalleled midfield depth of class - I can't recall a team that bats deeper. They also have the current best player and a match winner in Bont. This week is likely crunchtime for us in Perth. Win there and we can win the flag this year, lose and it will be all uphill. The Eagles will be stung and I think they historically don't rate us so will come out confident of redemption. I fancy the Swans are the other team with credentials. I just can't see Port winning 2 big finals away from Adelaide.

That's total BS. He has pivoted on the spot at speed to execute great hit ups to leads in both the past two matches

All except the ones who beat Richmond at Marvel just 4 weeks ago. Just before beating GWS at Ballarat the week later and then losing to the rampaging Dogs by only 11 points.

I expect WC has a similar preparation since they've been in Melbourne too.

Coaches' votes will be fascinating this week ...

Squiggle loves big wins and holding teams to low scores. https://live.squiggle.com.au/# See the Forecast tab - Has us winning the flag this week.

Quoted for good taste!

I saw it on Kayo, 3qtr time huddle, coaches were talking - team-mates patting Harmes on the back and ruffling his hair, Harmes smiling.

Hawthorn, Essendon and Giants wins would be nice to round out the weekend.

Harmes got accolades at the 3qtr time huddle. He's locked in for now.

Is it confirmed that WC have gone back to Perth?

Ben Brown's first game for us at Marvel. He showed a bit against the Dogs last week and could be ready to cut loose.

Whately on SEN Crunchtime says MFC plane diverted mid-route on the way to GC on to Perth but needs to refuel somewhere ...

Often people can't handle the truth ...

How many do you think we need to take?

Surely Weideman, Hibberd, Jordon and Melksham will all be traveling to Qld and WA and unavailable to Casey. I'd be taking AVB and J.Smith too.

Yes it makes sense that a minimum of those 26 will be travelling to Qld and WA. Jones needs match practice in VFL. Wonder if they will add AVB and J.Smith to the travelling squad?

I don't think it's "money down the drain" if it has assisted in putting us in "Our best chance in 21 years in having a genuine tilt at the flag". Try to look at the big picture ...

Wait, you mean I can stop running because my hair isn't on fire after all?

@Pennant St Dee - where do the clubs train in WA when staying at Joondalup Resort in "lockdown"? Edit: Please ignore - I see that it's going to be different now: https://www.sen.com.au/news/2021/07/29/melbourne-thrown-covid-curveball-ahead-of-perth-trip/

I think it's likely that a significant number of possible VFL players will need to travel with the squad to play GC and then on to Perth for quarantine ahead of West Coast. I expect they'll take at least 26 or 28 with coverage in all areas so the team vs Footscray will be depleted.

Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide and Port got an armchair ride last year ...