No. 31

Great win by the Dees! Rivers really stepping up in the absence of Petracca 👍 Missed the 3rd qtr and the early part of the 4th qtr as my wi-fi hot spot (or the AFL overseas app?) was playing up but seemed like a balanced, all round good showing by the Dees. The experience the younger players are getting is valuable for the future. Back for the continuation of my evening swim ... a warm evening here on the Adriatic coast in Croatia 🏖 😃 Carn the Dees ... well and truly still in the finals hunt despite missing some stars 😈

Have had better mornings on holidays (in Croatia at the moment), Pittonet in the ruck making the Blues slower than needed, Cerra and Cottrell not contributing enough after returns from injury. Freo lost so that is at least a positive in the chase for second spot. Over to the Dees now to beat Essendon ... time for a polo shirt change (it is 32°C here) 😁

Will check out Gate 2 next time I am at the MCG. Cheers.

No manchego, no cheese platter party! 🧀 😁

I usually won't eat at the footy, just have a beer or two (4 Pines Pacific Ale) in a tinny. If my son comes then I usually have to get him some chips and maybe a hotdog. There is definitely scope for some better quality offerings. Say bakery quality meat pies and grilled kransky or bratwurst hot dogs in ciabatta rolls with seeded mustard and sauerkraut ... just an idea and really not that hard to do 😃

Kossie finally gets his speccy ... this is the time to do it, 40 odd points up against WC, not when it is a tight game ...

I always barrack against the Pies too 😁

If it was good enough for RDB, it is good enough for me (actually wearing my Demons polo top at Incheon Airport right now as I type this) 😁

Carlton supporter. The Dees are my second team.

I remember the Blues v Dees game 7 weeks ago, Melbourne came storming home in the last quarter and nearly snatched a win. Carlton won by 1 point after a great final quarter from the Demons. Fitness wasn't an issue thrn it seemed for the Dees. I suspect it is having more younger players in the side at the moment more than anything else.

Probably 'Elite' during the Dees 2021 Flag year, since then his thyroid illness and injuries have hampered him. Still a good player. Referring to him as 'trade bait' is nonsense. With a bit of luck he can have another few really good seasons in him.

Beating West Coast and Essendon is definitely doable.

The Dees can still make the 8 if they show the contest and pressure game like they played at the Gabba on Friday. A big plus is the Dees don't meet the Blues in the remaining rounds (who of course are storming to their 17th flag 😁).

Caught the Kayo highlights of GC Suns v Pies this morning. Maynard, how embarassing and no commentary other that 'he earned a free kick' 🙃 As for Gold Coast versus the MCG, taking the family (wife and daughter, first live game, son comes with me often though) to the 'G on this lovely day, would never trade balmy Gold Coast for a rainy 12° Melbourne day when it is highly probable the Blues will slap the Tigers about today ... I hear microwaving memberships can provide heat on a chilly day 😁

Good win by Freo, Sydney not as invincible as the media keeps telling us.

Good start by Freo at the SCG, leading 44 to to 17 at quarter time ...

Pretty good AFL debut 👏

Contest, pressure, some younger, hungrier faces and up by 23 points at the GABBA ... enjoying this ... Carn the Dees! 😈

A very good pod, listened to it yesterday evening when doing some odd jobs around the house 👍 I am closer to Binman in my views, I think the Dees may still have some tricks up their sleeves this season and could cause an upset if they make the 8. I think the aim should be to make the 8 and give an elimination final experience to the younger players.

Initially I would expect that, overtime that should subside as he reverts to the old Trac. But ultimately, only time will tell and different people cope differently to the challenges they face.

Jack Martin is only contracted to the end of this season (Jack Silvagni to the end of 2025). If Martin could finally sort out his calf problems he would be a very good pickup. It was no accident that he played in all of Carlton's run to the finals last year and created that 3rd forward threat alongside Curnow and McKay.

Jack is not allowed to leave until he does what both his father and grandfather did at Princes Park, i.e. play in two Premiership teams 😁 I rate Jack as well, a modern day utility who can play many positions. I suspect The other Jack (Martin) will be offloaded before Jack S who is a fan favourite whose family history is intertwined with the club. Jack Martin is quality both up forward and in link up play, his issue is availability due to injuries.

Yes, that is the way I read it too.

We still had the likes of Lachie O'Brien, Lachie Plowman playing regularly in 2022 (both delisted). No Blues supporters regarded us as being in the 'window', I can assure you of that ... only late last season expectations began to rise. There has been some good list management in recent times that have brought in the likes of the Holland Brothers, Acres, Cincotta, Boyd and Cowan. The 'bottom' rung of players in the list is definitely better now and there is some genuine depth.

I would say it is year 1. This is the first time in a very long time that the Blues are a realistic contender. It is a good age profile of players and the club behind the scenes finally has its house in order. Very good drafting and trading in the last couple of seasons as well. That mythical 'window' should be open for several years to come ...