Deeoldfart

Early in the week I was very apprehensive about this game (our home ground disadvantage, the doggies outside run, scars from the St Kilda game, MFCSS kicking in, etc), but after more thought, and seeing the respective teams, I'm now more confident of a win. We are both more talented and more experienced, and besides, I just can't bring myself to tip against Melbourne when finals are on the line. ? Dees by 24 points.

I love the idea of Clarry spending more time forward. He seems so self assured and confident in his own ability. Cool under pressure and keeps things simple. (I can't imagine that he would ever get the goalkicking 'yips' a la Tracc, for example). Just a very good young footballer, who has 'future champion' written all over him. The sort who will win us matches off his own boot one day.

Just reward for JKH's effort and good form at Casey, as it was for Billy last week. It's now up to Jay to replicate his VFL form at the next level. It's his spot to lose for the rest of the year and beyond, and we'd all love to see him take it with both hands.

I heard an interview where he said that he would now consider returning to Melbourne, because his reason for going to Brisbane in the first place was to be close to his ailing father. I imagine if he does return, his preference would be for C'wood.

Probably look to move on with his midfield mate, Jack Viney. ☺️

I've been on this earth for too long to be able to put my hand on my heart, and say with honesty that the Melbourne Football Club has "treated me poorly over my lifetime" .......... but I can say that since the honeymoon period ended late in 1964, I've been treated shabbily, and totally denied what I regard as the football equivalent of my 'conjugal rights'. Sure, I've been 'teased' occasionally since '64, but this has never amounted to anything of real substance. Still, my passion has not wained through the 55 years deprivation. I just want to fall asleep in her ams one more time, for old acquaintance sake.

Paul Roos agrees with you Pates: Oliver's stunning first 50 games I'm particularly interested in Gerard Healy's view: "But on the outside, he can break open sides (with his foot speed) and I can see him being a dominant mid-forward, just like Dusty Martin."

Bernie Vince on panel / boundary for Thursday night footy on Fox. Audition for full time gig in 2019?

We must be good judges. The coaches are on the same wavelength: Gawn takes the lead in AFLCA votes

It could be either Dr.G, but given the slippery conditions, it might also have been the old 'wet weather' tactic of just getting the ball forward at all costs. If that is what it was, it clearly didn't work out as planned, but I'm prepared to give Lewis the benefit of the doubt on those transgressions.

I agree, and add some regular cameos up forward (like yesterday!) and he will hit the headlines, big time.

100% LH. The conditions suited him, but he would have exceeded everybody's expectations yesterday.

I think the time he spent in the back half was when he was giving Max a breather in the ruck.

6. Oliver 5. Gawn 4. Brayshaw 3. Fritsch 2. Salem 1. Viney Apols to Tracc, and Frosty

I'm a Nibbler fan, but he has to go for mine. In Bernie.

We are still breathing ..... that's the first positive. All the changes improved us ........ that's the second. Tracc (in particular) and Hogan returned to form big way ...... that makes three. Max and Clarry continue to star. Fritta continued his rise ......... etc, etc ......... and the cognac is very smooth! Well done Dees!

Vanders excellent in the conditions. First game for 2 years and he had a real impact!

I wish I was as confident of making finals as I am of beating the Dockers today. Our home ground advantage will get us over the line by around 8 goals.

Maybe caught an early flight to Darwin?

My 'glass half full' attitude copped a major crack around the rim against the Saints. If we can't beat Freo I'll be writing-off the year , and my glass will be deposited in the nearest recycling bin.

Here: Media Conference: Simon Goodwin 4/7

Makes sense Trav, and goes a fair way towards accounting for Max's absence from the top 10.

Of course what Lewis said is merely 'talk', and needs to be backed up in Darwin ........ that's just stating the bleeding obvious! But is there anything else people would have had him say to make them feel better? I found it somewhat reassuring.

................... but what would be worse for his confidence, demoting him after a very poor game where he looked completely 'at sea', or dropping him after a second poor performance? Of course I don't know that he will have another 'shocker' if he is selected for next round, but I suspect the odds would be pretty high, after what must have been a demoralising debut experience for the young fella. I expect the MC will consider this later in the week. They know him better than we do!

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