pitmaster

Sure, it's a tactic to slow up play and enable the filth to set up defensively. But the point is he is allowed to get away with it, mainly, I suspect because the umpires are cowed by the Collingwood mob in full voice, as they were last week when the Hawks were on the receiving end. Stuff he is excused over would see our blokes punished every time. Count on it.

Watch the number of times Howe pushes his opponent in the back once beaten in a marking contest but don’t count on a 50 metre penalty. He got away with it multiple times against Hawthorn last week.

To answer a query above: On the few occasions I have attended training there has NEVER been a concerted systematic goal kicking session. Not varied angles or distances or even more than a handful of shots. Is it done secretly at Casey Fields? Old style full forwards supposedly had 100 shots at or separate to training. If Max won’t bother to fix his goal kicking issues what hope have we?

Yes, he did. Maybe making it a family tradition.

Discipline. Nowhere have I seen or heard anyone congratulate the Dees on their discipline yesterday. In the face of some of the most appalling umpiring ever witnessed at any level, never did I see Dees players show the sort of dissent that has you penalised 50 meters or worse. The players copped it sweet. Even Kozzie who had every right to go ballistic, so congratulation fellas, and Simon Goodwin for drilling into them where to direct their energy. For those who weren't there and who can't face the replay, the umpiring was bad but worst for the Dees. I have only just remembered the free to Watson for McDonald's attempted spoil. (Resulted in a goal to Watson, who, unlike our blokes knows how to find the space between the big ones.) There appeared no contact at all. And since when can't you bump a player when he's disposing of the ball? We copped two of those. It was kiddie rules. One bloke behind me (MCC) shredded his throat all afternoon venting at those clowns, which saved me the same. He had a moustache like Lever and I reckon this morning he sounds like a post-game Jake as well. If you read this, I feel for you, mate.

I should have mentioned that as invisible as JvR was in the forward line, he was terrific in the ruck and won most of his contests. It's a shame because I want him marking in front of goal. He had two chances at FF and blew them both then marked strongly in defence, 120 metres from goal. We had nothing from Jeffo who I have not seen much of but I can understand the doubters on that showing. Until those big forwards start holding two or three marks a game and convert we are going to struggle. When Lever returns Turner should go forward. Strong mark and beautiful kick. But until then it's grim times.

Terrible conclusion to a game in which we outplayed the opposition for the better part of three quarters. Barring the first 10 minutes I thought we more than matched them and at one point in the third term we looked like kicking away if we could just get a break. Must wonder about the fitness team after that finish although had we taken our opportunities (Fritter take note, also Sharp, Spargs, JvR etc) scoreboard pressure may not have seen them play with the freedom they did in the final term. I am normally critical of umpires but I have to say that was one of the most lamentable performances I have seen. The insufficient intent against Clarry, the non-free to Kozzie for a trip, the free kick to Cool (I think) for launching himself at a pack in what was clearly a reckless exercise and should have been penalised, the disregard of Hawthorn's throwing (barring one instance) and an absurd holding the ball against one of ours who had literally no time to dispose...left me speechless. That said, you can't complain about the umpires when you kick yourself out of the game in a manner that is so familiar it seems to be part of our game plan. It's early to say it but I fear that's the season, right there.

Jake Niall's take is quite different. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/goodwin-s-candour-invites-unwanted-attention-on-gawn-but-empathy-can-t-be-faulted-20250324-p5lm64.html

This is also true. Where was the effort to create separation from opponents? It's ok to run to dead pockets if that's going to break up the oppo's back structure but all I saw was our tall forwards flailing against out numbering opponents.

Losing is one thing. Capitulation is something else. Awful skills sure but you should never drop your heads.

Beautiful autumn afternoon. Roof closed. Wasted the sun cream.

Looks like a strong turnout from Dees fans. Let’s make some noise.

Then I reckon you'd be happy to be called 'kid'. My point stands, round one is a famously misleading pointer to full season performances. The Mark Neeld years notwithstanding.

You're drawing end of season conclusions from round one? How old are you, kid?

This one is going in the time capsule.

Interesting. I didn't know you could split them like that. I just today took a big hit with 2 X GFG, 2 full price MCC-MFC and 2 discount associate MCC-MFC for the family. It takes some digesting.

Neale was the standout. Thoroughly deserved.

Clearly it's time for Whispering to post another historic article so there's something other than this done to death thread to focus on.

Yep. Big miss, that.

Honestly, that first question [censored] conspiracy theory was a ripper. Does that questioner seriously think there are no MFC members working at the Herald-Sun who could have provided Jay Clark with Brad Green's letters? Think about it: you're Jay Clark and you do a lot of reporting on the MFC, and you know Charlie Stringbag who works as a sub on the foreign desk is a rabid Dees fan. So you politely ask Charlie to let you know about any messages that are flying around on matters of interest. Chasing a story, that's why they are called newshounds. I am sure the implication that the board leaked its own messages could be true, but having worked in the media for decades I also know there are plenty of ways for information to spill out. Thanks for the link but I gave up not long after. I might take a deep breath and have another crack, but the cricket will need to be very boring before that happens.

I can't see Ryan coming up with this on his own. It's such a random idea coming after both MFC and Mount Scopus have expressed their ability to work out of Caulfield. Hopefully it is no-one at MFC that put this to him. Maybe someone connected with Hawthorn looking for some easy $ to help them with Dingley. Would be worst of all if it is the AFL being devious. Waverley has few fond memories for us and is literally miles from any of our bases. Apart from the fact that it is soon to be vacant it has no appeal. They have even outgrown their museum space there.

Interesting piece from the public broadcaster on a dual flag hero, and much more. Harold Ball had a short but impressive football career before he died in WWII

This is why I can't find the same passion for the women's game: far too much swapping and changing clubs. It's great for certain individuals such as Tayla - premierships with three clubs - but in terms of generating supporter loyalty it's a cold shower. I was rapt when I saw L Mithen on the list again. Her great uncle or whatever, was a terrific player, a tough, hard at it wingman in some of the best teams the MFC has fielded. Now she's off. Seriously? Just don't expect me to take it too seriously.

I wondered after the GF how he could summon the energy to front up again after losing four GFs on the trot. No surprise and an honourable departure.

Might be a paywall but look top left: https://edition.theage.com.au/shortcode/THE965/edition/aad3490d-83ba-8e90-e203-75255b736013?page=477b9e6e-4a0c-6eca-95bb-e3c3840d4894