Mono

Absolutely right, Clint. For those who have played the game, at a reasonable level, it was a given that it was often "harder to get a kick in the twos than the ones". So it is for Bail. As for decision making, go back and look at his 2 games, and check out how many of his decisions (real decisions, not a blind handball) led to goals? Plenty. Bail also brings an X factor. Look no further than the first goal against the filth: running for and demanding an over the top pass before running into an open goal. How many of us can remember such daring, taking the game on from a demon player? Make no mistake, Bail is an absolute gun. (Perhaps I should say: he could be an absolute gun? )

Sensational. 1. Hardness 2. Skill 3. Speed 4. Motor

6. Jamar 5. Bail 4. Bennel 3. Frawley 2. Grimes 1. James McDonald

You, and a few others here, are way ahead of where Wonna and Watts are. Wonna hasn't played for 18 months, Watts for 12. Neither are in our best 22 ATM. And FWIW, neither is Jones - he will be flooded soon by the wealth of mid-field talent we have coming through (indeed, Moloney may be in trouble as well). And Newton is not a long term 2nd ruck answer. Who is? Not Spencer ATM.

34/1 now on Sportsbet.

I notice the incident has been mentioned in the Age here. Fingers crossed Guerra gets sited, and gets 6+ weeks. Its what it deserves; from memory, it was about 20m off the ball.

Anyone notice Guerra put the 'pigeon' tackle on Steve Johnson today. Pinned his arms and drove him into the ground; well off the ball. He stuffed Bruce's career with a similar tackle. Just trash, plain and simple.

Not forgetting Meeson, and Newton's 2 yr extension.

I agree, Bailey and the FD had a good game. Particularly: At the selection table. Taking in one ruckman was a gamble that worked (do they know something about Jolly that others don't?), and the selection of Bail - his impact on the game, and others around him, cannot be overstated Electing to play man-on-man As for the sarcasm in your last line; not only have the players now shown they can do it, so have the coaching staff/FD. They also must repeat their effort week-in week-out.

Interesting point. He does drop the ball (when kicking) a little awkwardly - on its point?, but his final kick of the game, to Petterd, was none preferred (left side) and precise.

What his stats don't show was his hardness at the contest. Loved it. Strong lad.

Yes, he's eligible. Sportsbet has him about 65/1.

For me, Bennell & Newton out, Sylvia, Martin in. Going forward, I don't think there is room for Jones (or perhaps Moloney - they are similar with Moloney stronger). I watched the game on tv; was Jones tagged? Most times he was near it, he made a meal of it.

On the ABC, Schwab's most interesting comment for me was that we now longer need to worry about attendance numbers like we used to. He implied we are now financially secure. News to me. Thought he spoke very well, very measured. McClure tried to bait him, but he didn't bite.

(Watching on tv.) Don't know how much game time Bail has had, but I have loved his hardness in the contest.

If we can get it in there, and Scully and Trengove play forward, at least they will show intensity and defensive pressure. Just got to get it in there.

Thought I read on here somewhere that Hughes had shown a bit in the NAB games. He has a few supporters from Casey last year. Also he is a bit older (24?23) with a solid body.

I'd like to see Bail & Hughes get a run.

Maybe, maybe not. Contracts can be paid out/negotiated. And we don't know the details of the extension (KPI, performance etc). I think there will be a club review mid year (there certainly should be ) which will decide his fate, amongst other things. As I said in another thread, I reckon he is a gonner. Connolly to take over as interim (or if Connolly is shown the door as well, I'd back Wellham. ). Oh, and Mahoney has to go! But, then, what do I know.

Maybe. I think its more a case that they didn't want runours floating very early in 2010. I am not a fan of Bailey, but I don't think a coach in his position can go into a season with it being his last on a contract. Better to give a one year extension, and assess mid-year, and pay out/settle the contract if need be (I'm betting Bailey is on pretty low $s for an AFL coach ~$350K). Connolly is able to take over as caretaker if need be. (At least he'd show some passion!) I'm betting he is gone mid year, but hell, what do I know. But FFS, get rid of Mahoney.

Sportsbet have Melb/Filth 10/1.05. Exactly the same for Tiges/Dogs

Green is far too easy on the senior players. Quote: The younger and older players seem to be going all right. Green excepted, the older players are not going alright. They are not leading, setting an example, taking the game on, etc (read Connolly's article). These are the blokes getting the bulk of the $s, and they are not earning it. (Deja vu - I was saying this back in 2008.) The middle tier players will be better if the senior players are standing up. If they, the players, think the problem is just the middle tier, then we are in for the mother of all floggings against the filth this week. Connolly made comparisons with Fitzroy in its death throws - we may have a few better players, but I doubt we have better leadership. Sigh.

Outstanding article by Rohan Connolly in the Age. Neatly summarises much of the discussion on these boards since Saturday. Read it here. From my point of view, Saturday was 2008 revisited (including the pre-season. Remember the classroom sessions Bailey led to 'teach' the players? ). Pathetic, beyond belief. And remember, we are paying 100% of salary cap - front-ending to allow for salary demands in a few years . Talk about getting ahead of yourself.

From Rod Nicholson in the HUN: "Hawthorn set the tone by dominating the opening term to scorch to a 36-point lead in a classic example of utilising an open and effective forward line combined with a mean and cohesive defence. The statistics were telling - 15-3 effective possessions in the forward 50; 6-1 tackles in the same zones and 6-1 contested possessions in the danger zones. The statistics didn't point out that the Melbourne forwards refused to play to spread the Hawk defenders, who fed off a pack situation at half forward to rebound with ease." The bit in bold says it all. School footy, and uncoached school footy at that. Mahoney should have been sacked months/years ago. What's it take?

Sylvia broken jaw(s). Link