pitmaster

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.