Deeoldfart

One of the most physical AFLW games I can recall. Our defence and the coach's bench were the difference imo. We 'gutsed' it out well, and the girls seem to have inherited a dash of 'never say die' attitude from our men.

With both teams on equal points, a win is very important for our finals prospects. If we play like we did in the first half against Brisbane, there’s every chance we will lose. If we can maintain our form the second half, we will win comfortably. Tayla Harris might be the difference. I’m backing the latter scenario. Dees by 3 goals.

I agree with all that bin, but I reckon a comparison with the late and great Sean Wight is even more valid, including the Gaelic footy connection.

Tayla Harris, just wow! Right up there with the most influential game I’ve s seen from any player in the AFLW.

Really looking forward to seeing what the two Demon debutants can bring to the team. With such a short AFLW season, a win is very important, and this game presents as a great opportunity to stamp our credentials as genuine contenders. Go Dees.

Wow! I’d forgotten how much magic Liam Jurrah produced in his short career! Unbelievable raw talent!

I’m concerned that Goody was part of the group, and is only missing from the photo because he just stepped out to purchase a group lotto ticket.

Schwarta in his prime was ahead of Carey at his best imo, but I’d still go for Robbie ……. true ‘poetry in motion’.

Really looking forward to your synopsis, as usual ‘fence’, ………… and isn’t it mind boggling that they are welcoming crowds to a practice match at Casey, but Covid demands that regular track-watchers like your good self, have to tangle with tiger snakes, while seeking a suitable vantage point to peek through a wire(?) fence at regular training sessions.

Mostly BS, based on flawed logic, or no logic at all! But. who cares, we are the reigning Premiers.

VFLW report: "Purcell is building back to AFLW nicely, with 20 disposals, 4 tackles and 3 clearances, a class above."

5. Hanks 4. L.Pearce 3. Mithen 2. West 1. Paxman Special mentions: Harris. Goldie

Defence outstanding (again!); mids and stoppage work very good (again!); forward craft hopeless (again!); handball out of trouble to put a team mate into more trouble, far too prevalent (again!). I’ve loved some of Paxy’s work over recent weeks. Just kick it off the ground and gain 20 or 30 metres. There should be more of it from her team-mates! Also loving Lily Mithen’s game. She consistently ‘nails’ those 15 to 30 m. passes through the corridor. Lauren Pearce is the AFLW’s Max Gawn. Goldie is an AFLW version of Sean Wight in so many respects. Westy continues her rise but disposal needs work.

Thanks D_I_O. I especially loved this bit: "Purcell is building back to AFLW nicely, with 20 disposals, 4 tackles and 3 clearances, a class above."

Agree with all above. We have shown in drips & drabs that we are good enough to challenge this year, but dribs & drabs will see us falling short again. We need to start asserting ourselves, with everyone playing their part.

Great insights as usual Fence. Thank you! Quick question: From what you've observed this pre-season: - have Bedford, Chandler and AMW been training for similar roles, and what are those roles (?), - how would you rate them, in order?

Bitter grapes?

5. Mithen 4. Zanker 3. Birch 2. L. Pearce 1. McNamara

Oh well, a win = 4 points, but plenty of improvement needed if we are going to seriously challenge the top few.

Eliza McNamamara is becoming a very, very good AFLW player..

We must have a W in the W/L column. Unbelievably, the season is half over, and anything but a W will see us falling well off the pace.

Fantastic to hear that it was a ‘fair dinkum’ match sim. A few knocks and bruises which, on the face of it, seem little more than than you would expect on game day. Seems that competition for spots is intense, and will keep everyone honest. Obviously everyone wants to be part of our next Flag! Thanks Fence, for another captivating summary.

He was!

One of my idols as a player during our golden era, and so sad to hear of his passing. Joining a legion of past players looking down on the ‘golden era’ just begun. RIP Laurie. Condolences to his family.

One of the best footy action photos of all time imo. Wallpapered on my pc, framed in my mind.