Alex No Fancy-name

I find 'The Edge' a tricky term; what are we aiming for "strength" (solid leadership) or "power" (force)? We certainly missed the strength this year, but as has been noted (and off field issues, real or rumoured aside) so many of our leaders and emerging leaders were struggling for fitness it was going to be a challenge to exert that element. As for power, if we're talking about payback or even "making them earn it", I just want to see this out of the game. To bring up the Bradshaw and Petracca injuries, while many (the AFL included) believe there was no intent to cause significant injury, I have no doubt at all that the instruction was to "go out and make 'em earn it." If this is 'The Edge', I can't wait for it to be gone from the game. As a counterpoint, if we're looking for what we miss from '21, for mine, it's the fun; the dash and the dare. I appreciate there is work required to get there, but focusing on "evening up" and "doing it to them before they do it to you" has (I truly hope) a limited lifespan.

Not that I care enough to look up the stat's. Thought he was very good early but don't recall him doing much in the second half and last 1/4

I like the team, and wish well for "our" players. Song is fun and their socials have made a good impact... however my impression from our last game against them is that a lot of their crowd (not calling them supporters) are a bunch of "merchant bankers" who seemed to spend the bulk of the match trying to make a more ironically-humorous comment than their mate came up with a moment before. (I guess after however many years of MFCSS I get suspicious of anyone who goes to a football match to have a good time.)

At what point will the AFL start to crack down on these over the shoulder throw-balls, and why will it only apply to our No.13?

I'm bored. Might dial up a replay of the last time we played the H's in a final. (One of the best trips to the footy I can remember)

Ok. So if Libba gets called for a throw you guess the organisation has issued a directive.

I'm feeling dogs are going to pull away. (Battle between Frost-ball and Harmes; Harms with the Big Game credentials) (Also, calling @binman, I am not convinced the Hawk's #loading took finals into contention.)

I guess it must have been after his 2016 break-out year that I imagined a scenario where max would disappear and go back to coffees and delivering pizza; a 'what could have been' or an answer to a trivia question for the MFCSS brigade (who was it who blew chunks on ...?). For context, I had a facebook memory today from 2014: going home from the MCG with my 8 year old (also a 'George) from a game where we kicked 3 goals against the second last placed GWS*. This was our lot and it felt like it would be our lot for ever, so we hung out for individual performances (Mark of the year, rising star etc.) in lieu of team success. A lot has changed in the past 8 years, and while there are other players who have played a part in that change (and a couple of very good coaches - a story for another thread!) the Gawn story is significant. His dedication and drive, but (thinking back to individual honours) his selflessness stands out. I am a believer in footy being ultimately pointless, except as an arena in which we create a crucible in which to see a person's character. Time and time again Max has been in the crucible and carried a whole group of players with him - it just so happens these are 'our' players and we should be darn (new to this forum, can I say "darn"?) glad to have followed this team at this time! Two years, five years, ten years... a once in a lifetime talent and leader is something to celebrate. *don't look up details - they are dire!

From the "if my Aunt had wheels she'd be a wagon" file - but just saw the pic of May in the sponsored players frame on this page - with him out there we win. We win a game against a side with everything to play for - we win a game that pundits and folk on this page had us losing by between 7 goals and 70 points. At the end of the day we get experience into some young players, a better look at the list, and something to avenge next time we play this lot (who know they just got over the line at the ground they need to own if they're going to do anything in September*). *they're not.

This week was the first time I was able to get to a game this year: living out of town and with family commitments - I actually did the sums and on Saturday traveled 750km to do children's sport and get to the game. It was Bl**dy cold - and only thanks to sprints at Flinders Street and then Southern Cross I got home at 12.30am rather than 2am. I felt those who were able to get there made a good noise - well done on the cheer squad (I was a couple of bays to the left). Why don't I attend more regularly? the AFL seems to tolerate really poor fan behavior - I can't see myself (and children) attending a game against a "big club" for some time. The AFL (this is a theme) are making a TV product*. The inconsistencies with the way the AFL enact the rules of the game* and the tribunal processes make it hard for a fan like me to get excited about something beyond the MFC. *one of my reasons for making the effort to attend was to get an understaing of what happens off the ball - Clayton being wrapped up and literally calling out to the umpire to pay attention was something the host broadcaster is happy to overlook. Also - it was so cold! I have some sympathy for fans who attended but wanted more to be there (for me - I don't like people, so loved having a few rows to myself) but footy pundits who are paid to attend are not good for the game.

(First time caller etc.) At the game (for the first time this year) I was really struck by the number of poor bounces at the centre square - I don't know if there are stats - but it felt like well over half the bounces were recalled. This seemed more the case in the final quarter. 1) it felt like Max expended a fair amount of energy chasing rucks that were re-called, and 2) the subsequent ball-ups/throws were pretty low and went straight to a ground ball. Both of these elements would (in my opinion) biase a team with a dominant ruck (especially with Clayton out on his feet - but anyone who bags his effort need to take AGHL) It's not a conspiracy theory - but I felt it really played against us on the night. thoughts...?