Dee in a Kilt

Not to be dramatic but informed, I went on to ask Claude.ai "If an AFL player had a number of concussion instances over 9 years ago, he recently had another incident in which he only presented symptoms 4 days after the game and it is has now been 4 weeks and he still has not cleared protocols, does this have any significance or does it reflect significantly improved head trauma protocols these days?" The response:

Early in his career, Jack had repeated concussions as his habit was to drive into contests with his head over the ball. These concussion instances were short-spaced apart as there were not the protocols we have today. At the time, the club said they had to retrain Jack's attack on contested ball otherwise his career would be cut short. Jack did learn to turn his body going into contests. But still... I hope Demonlanders don't mind if I quote Claude.ai to ask about delayed impact of repeated concussions from earlier in a sporting career:

It's my understanding the way we lost against GWS in round 1 collectively dented the boys' confidence. At the same time, the players had to implement the new game plan. A drop in collective confidence and implementing something new is not a recipe for success. Before the Freo game, there was recognition the boys focused on the new game plan to the detriment of the strengths Goody and the players always valued - the stuff that wins grand finals - contest, total team defence... Goody was quite open in his pressers and he said as much at the time. Going into Freo, the team galvanised behind embracing contest and total team defence, starting with pressure in the forward 50. Then it becomes a 'chicken or the egg' thing where was this re-embrace of the Dees historical strengths a catalyst for the improved form of our leading players or was it that the instruction to 'stop over-thinking the new game plan' resulted in freeing the players up mentally? From there, confidence feeds on itself. The Gabba game was huge for their self-belief and belief in the new game plan. There's truth in the old saying "Success has many parents while failure is an orphan". Goody would have been incredibly lonely when we were 0-5. And it was not obvious he had any support from others in the club, especially without a CEO or the President-in-waiting Steve Smith. Another wise old saying is failure never defines you, but how you respond to failing can build character and your destiny. Goody's response through the 0-5 period and the last 6 weeks has been compelling. Godspeed Goodwin

I’m surprised Kossi is 9th for pressure points on the team. It feels like he creates so much more pressure. Kossi is like if you’re in the surf and you notice a shark fin 100 metres away, you feel the pressure. 🏊‍♂️🦈 Kossi should have +50% bonus points as he’s that preying shark that can eat you somewhere in the vicinity

I was also at that 2018 West Coast prelim @BDA . What a shocking experience. I sat behind Jordan Lewis's wife and 6 year old son, who had his Dad's number on his back. The Eagle fans noticed this. In the first quarter, when Jordan made a handball error gifting the Eagles a goal, a mass of Eagle fans stood up, all looking at Jordan's wife and son, thrusting their arms up and down, pointing at wife and child. Jordan's son immediately crawled into his Mum's lap in the embryo position...And they kept yelling and pointing... There are times when human acts frighten me. Having said that, I agree Collingwood supporters are worse. Proud to be a Melbourne fc supporter.

It's also the first time this year the Dees have had strong, experienced leadership across every line. Backline - Lever and May Mids - Gawn and Trac Forwards - Melksham and Petty With the youth we've had in our forward line for so long, the absence of Melksham has been telling and significant. This is why I prefer Jake in a defensive forward role (Andy's description, not mine 😂). In this role, Jake can see, direct and lead better. It's likely another reason for Lever's quick inclusion. Lever brings on-field leadership in spades and is about the only Dee with the respect and self-confidence to tell May things others would fear to say.

With TMac's strong form, it's the first time this year we've had an emergency player who would make the starting 22 in most of the other 17 clubs.

Very nice description @Deeoldfart . Trac has been truly open and honest since his very first media interviews at the Dees. In those early days, older players were surprised with how well he articulated feelings within the club and where the club was at in a way that that was open and honest yet respected the club itself. Surprisingly, the lads get next to no media training. There are some aspects of AFL as an industry that are brilliant - I mean, what a great game - and there are other aspects that are cringe worthy amateur hour. Still, nothing's perfect, especially me. Back on Trac, his openness and honesty reflects a man who has been raised by a family filled with authentic Italian family love. For those who remain somewhat disgruntled with Trac for the media circus and conjecture following the Kings birthday game last year, just for a moment put yourself in Trac's shoes. He was informed he could have died. Then, he may not be able to play footy again. The recovery process was traumatic. For someone who aspired (aspires?) to be like Dusty and become the best in the AFL...how would any of us cope coherently... For this, Trac should have our compassion, nothing less. Celebrate a champion at the G this Sunday.

Viney's delayed out is a worry. He had many concussions earlier in his career until he learned to turn his body going into a contest. Multiple concussions over a career becomes a medical issue. As sure as night follows day, the AFL is going to have a massive lawsuit from ex-players with evidenced brain trauma. In the background, there will need to be significant, documented evidence the Dees and the AFL have ticked every box to ensure Jack faces no danger from playing AFL. On a related note, aren't you all really ticked off: That West Coast kid only received ONE week when it looks like our Jack will be out for 5! I hope new, well-networked MFC director Steve Smith can become The Incredible Hulk within AFL headquarters with this sort of stuff. The *!@&% TV commentators made light of the hit Jack took. They're not in sync with the seriousness of head trauma in global sport.

AJ has to stay in. The last time we played Sydney (March 2024) was the first time Max played against Grundy after Brodie was traded by the Dees. Twice Grundy intentionally drove his knee powerfully into Max's back. To my eyes, it came across as payback for who knows what reason. Max is crucial. So we need AJ to stay in just in case Grundy has any more payback in mind - and because Sydney runs with 2 rucks. What we Dees fans are not used to is Goody managing players. In previous seasons, Goody insisted the boys play every game and play through niggles, delivering the mental resilience that delivered flags. He has changed dramatically this season. That extended bench is so strong, I wouldn't be surprised if another player was managed this week.

In the postgame thread, I summarised comments by SEN's expert caller for the game, Dean Solomon. @Adam The God asked that I repeat some of the post on this thread. Here are some of Dean's observations over the course of the game pertinent to this thread: Goodwin clearly out coached Fagan. It was a brilliant coaching game by Goodwin Melbourne has given the competition a blueprint on how to beat Brisbane: In the 2nd half, Melbourne set up their defensive structure to take away Brisbane's passing into their half forwards. Solomon said it was almost as if Melbourne was inviting this pass, then causing the turnover and rebound After half time and in their half of the ground, Melbourne brought 2 of its forwards up towards the stoppage, bringing their Lions defenders with them, which opened up Melbourne's inside 50. Make Harris Andrews ineffective, reduce Neale's and Zorko's impact - does this make Brisbane beatable?

😂😂😂 @Rab D Nesbitt I follow the St Mirren Saints in the Scottish league. My heart's with the Paisley Saints as my great uncle played for the Saints before being whisked off to WWI. Interestingly, rugby is bigger in Scotland than soccer. In Scotland, there are more golf courses than rugby fields and more rugby fields than soccer pitches. When I first came here, I called them 'rugby ovals'. The Scots laughed at me saying only an Australian with your cricket would call them rugby ovals. But honestly, AFL and the Dees leave them all for dead. What a great game. What a great club. In Europe, no work gets done over July and August to take advantage of the weather and summer school holidays. My word the weather is terrible in the UK. So my wife and I are heading back early July for 2 months. Can't wait to see the Dees live.

I enjoyed listening to SEN's call of the game with Dean Solomon. He played for Essendon and Fremantle and was interim head coach of Gold Coast for 3 games. Here are some of Dean's observations over the course of the game: Goodwin clearly out coached Fagan. It was a brilliant coaching game by Goodwin Melbourne has given the competition a blueprint on how to beat Brisbane: In the 2nd half, Melbourne set up their defensive structure to take away Brisbane's passing into their half forwards. Solomon said it was almost as if Melbourne was inviting this pass, then causing the turnover and rebound After half time and in their half of the ground, Melbourne brought 2 of its forwards up towards the stoppage, bringing their Lions defenders with them, which opened up Melbourne's inside 50. Make Harris Andrews ineffective, reduce Neale's and Zorko's impact - does this make Brisbane beatable? Fort is a very good ruckman, but Gawn is currently playing at another level When you see Gawn live, it's amazing the power running he does that's not captured on the screen This was one of the very best games of the season This was Petracca's best game since returning from injury Aidan Johnson is madder than a cut snake Melksham is at his best when he looks like he is playing angry

Thanks Andy. It's wonderful when you do these interviews on club and player personnel. Here's some questions: Harvey, you seem so much bigger than your parents. Are you a family outlier or are there bison-like bodies in the family tree? Our family had the great pleasure of hosting a number of MFC draftees before the Brayshaw's took over. We could see why host families are required in the first year. Going from high school to a full-on AFL environment was incredibly taxing emotionally, mentally and physically. At home, all our boys were walking zombies the first 6 to 9 months as they basically just trained, played, ate enormous amounts and slept and nothing else. Has the transition to an AFL environment improved or is it still footy, eating and sleeping to this stage of your career? Are you with your family, a senior player or a host family I was surprised our draftees were really tight with their own recruiting class and, to a lesser extent, with the recruiting class one or two years older. It seems the older players have families and have developed interests outside of footy, perhaps not enabling a strong social bond with the newbies. So there was not the same tight social mentorship and connection. Is this still the case? Harvey, I love everything you're bringing to the Melbourne footy club. You're a brilliant addition. Sports science is such that by time you finish, you could be playing into your 40's. Be the first to 400 games for the mighty Dees!

You always have good insights @Ghostwriter . Thank you. From what I hear, and to my surprise, Jonesy is well regarded by the players and is considered a strong addition to the coaching group. I believe it was Paul Roos who started the process for Jonesy to understand the depth of meaning underpinning leadership with the confidence to soar above being a brute footballer. That Roos provided this mentorship was important. Jonesy was a player leader during truly dark days. It would have been so easy for this period to be mentally scarring for the remainder of his life. That he confronted darkness and now becoming the man with head coach aspirations speaks volumes to Jonesy's character. Goody has also been important to Jonesy's growth. Roos was old school, aloof with the players. Goody brought authenticate player connection representing today's leadership. Given his years playing together and understanding his human strengths and weaknesses, I think Jonesy is ideal for Clarrie's mental health battle. BTW, did you see the clip of Trac being interviewed after the Eagles game? Trac was brilliant regarding Clarrie, speaking of the importance of men showing vulnerability fighting mental demons. There's a raw honesty about Trac that's endearing. Godspeed good Jonesy.