Skuit

A tiny, tiny sample which is unfair to draw anything from but it did look like Harley was in second gear in the Collingwood scratch-match footage. I agree that he needs to develop trust in his body - but he also needs to be managed psychologically. I have no doubt that it's a two-way dialogue though and would love to see him have another taste vs. Fremantle. On the subject of contract issues - Bennell has earned back a lot of goodwill from the wider AFL community this year. If he ditched us now for a few extra bucks that would evaporate overnight, which could in turn jeopardise ongoing recovery from certain behavioural issues. His manager would be negligent in my opinion. The pay-day will come if he makes it back to best 22.

I'm a digibeet but had the overseas watchafl pass and would occasionally cast it from my computer to a television. Anyways.

AFL Live pass? Just to clarify Bin: the behind-the-goals option is available during live broadcasts but not replay? Not sure if sue was asking re. the former and where to find it?

Wasn't aware of this. Is it available on replays?

Are we a chance for our lowest ever live television ratings today?

Seems unlikely but any chance Smith has been brought in for a run around up front? Two talls and two tallish mediums would probably stretch the Swans defence. Smith could go to Alir Alir and make him accountable.

There is a step-by-step protocol in place but I can't recall exactly what it is. I think there's a coin-flip involved at the end. But head-to-head and alphabetical we're good on.

I've been to quite a number of Darwin games over the years and we're always outnumbered by opposition supporters (even against Fremantle wtf?) Playing up here was a clear cash-grab rather than an area for growth: more than half of the (small) population (with limited international immigration, especially as to target markets) comes from down south or from the west and brought their teams with them, while much of the local indigenous population has connections to two or three clubs in particular (I might be little off base here, but my father managed a sports club with the Rioli and Long clans as prominent members). But my perception of Alice is that our support is pretty strong outside of the Adelaide-based teams.

I've got an idea. Let's not trade out the bloke we brought in for ruck insurance who has been providing ruck insurance.

I'm embarrassed by thought of opposition supporters stumbling across this thread.

He does and it's noticeable beyond the stats. I don't know if it's a lack of composure/risk aversion or under instruction - but if we're being defensively pressured and hand-balling in circles he'll most commonly run to a bit of space and dump it down the line as a release valve. I don't think it's always the best option (rather than methodically working through it and launching off half-back/through the middle) but it usually brings some relief.

You're thinking of 2004.

This will be like Clarry's 2017 goal of the year contender at Adelaide Oval. The hint of doubt will sour it's chances. First question in the presser, what? Surprised they even went upstairs.

Football didn't recommence until June.

For someone who thinks we're all just shining balls of inner-light and can't handle the notion of actual human biology: I feel super-sorry for Jack Viney. Will be the most talked about act of defecation for the week in Australia, even during a global pandemic known for causing the runs. I would be absolutely mortified if there was ever a press release about some [censored] I took.

In all seriousness though: Pickett looks like he could do with a rest. Also the perfect opportunity to switch out Jones for Harmes. Our structure seems more important this year than actual personnel. So Omac stays unless we go small and recall Jetta or Lockhart. Fritter (& Hunt) in for AVB and Hannan maybe. Also looking forward to Bennell. Melksham will never be dropped so I'm wasting my time talking about it. Hibberd i think unlikely to take the field and it shouldn't be rushed. Out: Jones, AVB, Hibberd. In: Harmes, Fritsch, Hunt.

Little Charlie Spargo looks like he could do with a rest.

This season to date wouldn't be possible without Ed Langdon. Everyone knew it was an issue and we went out and plugged it (as well as finding another pressure pocket in Pickett). Tomlinson not such a big hit though. Another winger/half-back runner the first point of order. Throw everything at Zachary Williams please. Land that and we can sit on our thumbs for the rest of trade period. Otherwise we need Bennell/Hunt/Baker to step up. Maybe look at another key forward. Beside that we're pretty good for balance.

Was great to have some unorthodox camera-work tonight to get a real appreciation of Langdon's work-rate. I was puffed out just watching him. Whether league-wide recruit of the year or not, I think he is our best plug in eons. Another one this off-season would be a dream.

Called it off the boot, as did I. It's far easier for me to revise my opinion one second later though. He should have overturned his own initial call, but I've also officiated sport before and the second you realise you've made a bad mistake the mind goes to complete mush. Thankfully for both him and us we prevailed - otherwise I think that one would weigh on his mind for some time. I still dwell on on-field errors from 25 years ago. Overall the quality of the umpiring was decent tonight and mostly consistent. It's not the first time I've said that about one of our Alice matches.

Loved his big smile in the post-match interview. He knew he did good.

There was a subtle shift in the external rhetoric heading into the game as to aiming for finals and such. There was a huge shift in the coaches box. Training wheels are off. Goodwin devised a plan to counter the Saints.

I barely ever touch this thread but unusual circumstances with three defenders getting us over the line: May Salem Petracca Oliver Rivers Apologies to Langdon

Goodwin is full of [censored]. I didn't recognise that brand of football at all.

To be fair I don't think many of us would have predicted Trac's huge recent leap in focus and maturity.