The Taciturn Demon

I was sitting behind a set shot goal he kicked against Essendon in maybe 2022 - 45 to 50 out on a tricky angle. The noise it made off the boot was pornographic.

So true. I often ask myself "Do I really think Sparrow can make it or am I just wishfully thinking because of THAT goal?"

Possibly the worst stat among a huge field of contenders. Zach Merrett is comfortably one of the best 10 kicks I've seen in the last 20 years. Ed Langdon is easily one of the 10 worst. Their disposal efficiency stats are almost identical.

Hang on - what? According to the stats you mentioned as reflective of an above average team, we were below average or bottom five in every one in the season just gone.

These are stats from 2023.

I strongly agree with this. Soccer seems to have a culture of sacking coaches after absurdly small periods of time. I'd argue Australian rules, at least at the top level, has the opposite culture. Exactly as Dr Gonzo said, after several years, the idea that a coach is being held back by their list is a very difficult excuse to swallow. That's their list. They're not wholly responsible for the recruiting decisions, but they have enormous influence in how the players develop. I always find it strange when people in the media and some supporters lament the sacking of a coach after 150 or 200 games in charge. Less than ten percent of players make it to 150 and less than five to 200.

Do you feel the Football Department looked at 2018 and said "That was great, but it won't win us a flag?"

That's definitely what concerns me. It seems almost as if we're trying something entirely new without changing the coach. I don't hate that option, but at first glance it seems like a two or three year project - if we do lots right.

Good summary. Sorry - here's the interview where Goodwin says this: https://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/1705825/agm-afl-football-update-goodwin?videoId=1705825&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1734497092001

Goodwin.

On the one hand, when you finish fifth last, that's kind of obvious. On the other - yikes. Is everyone expecting something very new next year, style wise?

The welcome dance was adorable.

It was like watching LinkedIn: The Musical. I didn't get past 15 minutes, but I have to assume someone gave a 35-minute presentation on sun flares causing climate change and several speakers promoted their life coach credentials.

If it's brown, it's training town. If it's yellow, rest, dear fellow.

Ha! When you present it like this, the absurd size of the lists becomes really stark.