GS_1905

I seriously cannot recall beating Geelong last year. Having a major "Mandela Effect" moment.

Have been listening for the past couple and havent heard this. Id say its made up too, otherwise the media engine would be going bazonkers.

It could and should change. They are not on the wrong side of 30. They are in their prime. It is inexcusable. On paper, they should definitely be part of our next push. Gawn, May, TMac probably not, but Oliver and Trac 100% have the ability to be there. Perhaps the fire in the belly is not there.

6 would be some bounty, but unlikely. As the narrative is starting to shape in the media, it is more probable that we would need to part with picks to get some of these players off our list given the salary demands. So the reality is that we may have to make way with a pick instead of getting something back. Neither Trac or Oliver is playing at a level where they are worth 2 first round pics.

That at the end of the day is what matters. Our Top 6 vs theirs. Our reliable A-Graders (premiership players) were just nowhere. Have been nowhere.

There is still a large part of me that thinks its form and function. You dont just go from the heights of our dominance 2 years ago to wondering in the wilderness. The absolute nosedive has to have more to it.

The list has been scorched in the media. I do wonder at times whether the commentators etc jump on here to get the general supporter sentiment and use some of that as their own content. The fact that they have suggested to break up the mids (Kingy called them the Beatles) is not necessarily earth shattering but interesting that it aligns with a lot of the perspectives on here. As much as i agree with this, i never ever would have thought we would come to see this day. The midfield was one area that i thought would stand the test of time and we would always have an edge...it is just such a typical Melbourne issue to have.

If we do trade out Trac and/of Kozzie, then we need to throw whatever we can to Port and take Butters now. Readymade elite midfielder who is a perfect hybrid mid.

Normally I’d agree being 3 rounds and all. I’m also realistic about our chances this year and playing finals was doubtful. The reality is we should have top 4 expectations with our list and age profile. But I had no idea how the players would turn up or how the game would be played. I was enthused by the pre season games and the GWS game, but I wasn’t completely sold on them. And the last 2 rounds has shown why I was suspect. I expected teething issues and higher than normal turnovers as we adjusted. However, you cannot excuse the effort and endeavour. It’s embarrassingly short of what is AFL level. Watching teams that are drastically younger and don’t have any premiership experienced players in their 22 are showing more composure and desperation. We look uninterested, uncompetitive and complacent. We shouldn’t have to put up with this [censored] as we were sold a vision that this type of irrelevance was a thing of the past. Well it ain’t and somebody needs to be held accountable.

Yeah they have reinvented themselves as has JJ and Bedford. This says to me that the environment with MFC is a bit suffocating and doesn’t allow the players to use some of their natural talent. I get this is somewhat by design as the system supersedes individual talent.

Cleared of major damage.

The players aren’t over the hill as some have suggested. It’s largely the same list that won us the flag. We should be better for it. Trac and Oliver should be playing career best footy. Viney, Gawn, Lever and May should all be at peak or just coming off it but not nose diving as we can see. Perhaps they don’t have the collective energy to be as ruthless as they once were…. belly full type of stuff. That is on the leadership and footy department if true.. it does explain to an extent what we are seeing. It takes work and effort to change and embrace a new game plan. Perhaps the explanation is that simple?

We need a smart coach. Someone who can see the direction of the game and have vision to try something different. Commands respect from the players, FD and board. The review didn’t go deep enough IMO and it shows.

I think we have had enough time with Selwyn in charge to know that he is average. He was given a Ferrari and has turned it into a Ford Escort with a tranny problem and an oil leak

I heard / read that he also did change of angle running testing on the sideline before being subbed off. Didn’t say anything either way.

Choco doesn’t give two Flying ****s . He’s done with coaching and just earning a pay check.

Anything’s possible. But you have to do something unthinkable to change my mind. Winning next week at the cattery for starters.

With all the talk about ball movement and high scoring games. Watching the two games tonight - they are not really high scoring.

I suppose the GWS game was the outlier.

At this point in the season it has to be. How do you go from the performance in Rd1 to now? Something has happened in the last fortnight I reckon. The lack lustre performances with our list - even though it’s not a top 4 list- it’s not 2nd last either.

I think they have a shot at top 8 but they won’t mount to much in a finals campaign. Both probably 3-4 years away from challenging… but both could just pull a Hawthorn.

So what does a coach replacement look like soft cap wise? If we have to pay Goody out now, assuming we are close to the soft cap limit, how do we bring in a new coach? What if the new coach wants assistants etc? Do the payouts count in the soft cap?

Yeah something stinks for sure.

You could it before the upgrade.

If they thought ACL or even a chance at being one, they wouldn't let him run and test it. Whilst you cant rule it out - and the incident did look innocuous - i think it still safer to assume unlikely.