Deeoldfart

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!

With apologies to Max, I hope!

Out Petty. Was promoted too early and seemed lost / overawed all day. It will smash his confidence even further if he is 'thrown to the wolves' again next week; Hannan has done little more than kick a few cheap goals all season; Tyson continues to be slow and indecisive. In Frost. At least we know what we will get from him. I'm prepared to take some bad with the good. Garlett. I'm generally in favour of the mantra that players need to find form at Casey before being elevated, but not having a crumbing forward as part of the current structure is killing us. Enough is enough! Stretch has more than earned a call up through repeated, high level performances at Casey. I'd like to make a couple more based on today's performance, but three is enough for one week.

............ because nothing ever changes for its supporters.

Completely outplayed, and dare I say it, out-coached. I'm completely shattered.

I'm just as concerned about the week after Darwin vs Bulldogs.

My reading: Pert was the 'fall guy' at Collingwood; Caro is a sniper, and a headline grabber.

Perfect selection and timing, I reckon. I always feel that there's something special about a youngster making his debut for the MFC. The reports from Casey watchers, and the article posted above by Bates Mate only increase my excitement. I hope he has a rippa game and quickly becomes a regular.

Good on him. He has earned a bit of luck!

Excellent and professional all around. Just what was needed!