H_T

This is just BS. And I’m calling you out on it. Whilst I’ve stated I’d like more from him, he was admirable against the Cats mids. Sitting Scott Selwood on his arse n one instance, looking after his mate Oliver who amassed 40 - who was literally tearing Geelong a new one. Sitting in the stand - apart from the last 15 minutes and the frustration that proceeded post game when Geelong fans were turning feral and Dees fans anger - I was immensely proud of our team. This team right now might not know what is possible for them, but if they fricking will click with a strong psyche, to finish off teams in close games - just sit back and watch what happens.

I wouldn’t be surprised if these idiots were the ones drinking in the train on way from Melbourne prior to the game and had a skin-ful. D-heads.

When Selwood snapped truly, the Cats supporters became very vocal and you knew if we didn’t answer with a couple of goals to get that 4-5 goal lead back, it was possible it would go down to the wire. How do I feel? I felt so flat. I knew they gave their all, I cursed a couple of bad decisions, I knew the significance of this game and 2018 - as well as the top 4 potentially go begging. But, they have a big chance to make some amends next week in Adelaide - who will be out for serious revenge from the thumping we gave them in the Alice. If we lose that, it will compound. What some people fail to realise is the likes of Lewis, and perhaps Vince will need replacing - they most likely won’t be as good as they are now; imparting their experience. The dynamic will change again - for the better (?) is a big question. Will we be stronger? Weaker for it? Right now, or before the weekend in particular - we were in a great position to take advantage of progressing with a win over Geelong. Top 4 is significant - it gives you a shot to get to the Prelim with a weeks rest. Yes, we’re still a chance. A slim chance - but the boys need to learn and start winning these close games. Otherwise it’s another season gone by for playing finals. When we’ve been in the eight nearly all season.

And that’s exactly what I want by applying the blowtorch. Well acknowledged.

Oliver. Dont be surprised if it’s this year, they started to notice him last year.

He already has the best vision on the field with the ball I’ve ever seen at MFC. On these threads we’ve always wanted an A-grade elite player (mid). We have one.

Correct. The game against the Dogs. The main point here is we need him to be at his best or close to in the coming weeks. I don’t question his effort, his overall leadership. I encourage him to improve his efficiency, execution and decision making. Making statements early in games, setting the bar along with the current troops led by Maxy and Oliver - that’s what can prove the difference in winning a few more games as opposed to limping into finals or falling short. I want him to stand up in these areas, I know he can. That’s why he’s been such a good player over time. The club has worked its way into this position, the opportunity presents for him, for his teammates. He has got some big challenges coming. At 31, he’s not over the hill and IMO still capable of his best. Now is the time. This topic deserves its own, instead getting backwashed among hyperbole which is the game day thread.

Make sure you quote who has called him to be dropped, so others aren’t tarnished with the same brush. Better to be accountable than make sweeping statements by several here. nothing has changed.

Apply the blowtorch to one of our leaders after a poor performance to get a better return in upcoming games, and people all of the sudden use terms such as ‘killing off’, get off his back and the like. No need for excuses if you can’t back it up, which is it - ill or injured? Yet, it’s ok for people to dribble about fringe players every day of the week, rather than constructive criticism and highlighting improvement in areas for upcoming games. We need the real Jones, the warrior. No one is immune from criticism. Not good players, nor great players, nor solid players. Where is the shame in that? Shameful for even bringing that point up..

I refer to it as Sleepy Hollow. Four quarters including the good start.

Take exception to the above. Applaud your 3 word analysis with the rest who aren’t quoted. ?? Mine on these:- Jones - perhaps his worst Vince - kicking was inefficient Frost - doesn’t think ahead Hibberd - Few deplorable/costly decisions JKH - One good tackle. (Fullstop!) Oscar - Only one error

He’s lucky Oliver, Gus lifted in the 3rd along with Gawn - the future. To be a top 4 team, they need to be more clinical, methodical and efficient under pressure. Jones wilted like Autumn when under pressure last night. Simple, we need more from him starting next week v Geelong.

Our co-captain Nathan Jones looked out of sorts last night, errors galore, lacking in leadership. A shadow of his former self. Poor decisions, hesitation and not going the first option. Just 2 i50s, 2 clearances and a paltry 2 tackles. Just 19 possessions. The whips are cracking in the run home, teams and individuals - particularly leaders - are standing up across the comp. Jones is certainly not passed it, he may have a niggle I’m unaware of, but when you cross the line and play lots of minutes - as a captain - fans and the team rely on leadership, good decision making. He lowered his colours last night and we’ll need him to turn up in the last 6 weeks without J.Viney - to make a serious play in September ... otherwise they’ll along with the fans will be booking holidays for September.

He’s seen knees before up close, I’d be wary of his remedy or dreaded prediction.

Vulnerable as ever. There should be right now more pain with the StKilda loss, the Port loss than R23 from last year. A real test of psyche, strength of character and smarts under pressure for the remaining 7 rounds.

Gee I haven’t missed much in a few weeks. Viney is still 4-5 weeks.

I don't see it. They have re-signed McGovern and they may look to get Gibbs in. They may come to the realisation something has to give, they have quality defenders and probably not a lot of room to move given what Lever may command.

Too much imo. Just pick 10 should do it.

Frost signs and they all go running ..... Just because he signs, doesn't necessarily mean we are out of leverage... Could be that the Crows aren't interested in him (could be another player and/or just pick 10), or we require some depth down back, and we're not prepared to let go of him - he's required...

What ever the case, these days Carlton don't travel there, and haven't for a long time. So it's no real biggie.

Whilst every win is important, and to end such significant hoodoo's or get the monkey off the back so to speak.....this game to me has more importance than any of the other previous lost games streak v North. Given where we were as a club, and where we are at this point - a candidate for top 4. Win this:- • and top 4 is still a very good chance • closer to cementing finals for 2017, first time since 2006. • could well be the final nail in Brad Scott's coffin as Norf coach. • could help Norf achieve wooden spoon.

May our thoughts go to those suffering the low pressure system which was Cyclone Debbie at the moment. From where it crossed the flattened land and to today where parts of Sth east Qld can expect up to 500mm. thankfully the banana plantations remain mostly okay unlike the damage inflicted by cyclone Larry and Yasi. So the good news you ask? Banana prices to remain steady for the time being unless supply is affected by transport - which could be likely, given this storms nature.

I think you've brought this up before picket. Just had deja`vu. Fell free to pm BBO if you want to express your B$ love and romance, but leave this discussion here to 'no B$' and bananas.