Bonkers

West Coast were good in the 2nd quarter not just the last half. But it's ok to have different opinions.

It was a game of two styles. While the pressure was high and the game was scrappy Collingwood got on top in the first quarter because it suited their style and speed of play. To West Coasts credit once they were able to make it 50/50 and stem the tide in the midfield they slowed the game down and started possessing the ball. Collingwood were then restricted in their scoring and whenever they tried to move the ball forward they rarely had a marking option which made it very hard for them to score. Cox was not really that effective apart from a couple of marks due to the body pressure put on him which Richmond were not able to do for whatever reason last week. In the 3rd and 4th quarter the Eagles aerial dominance took over the game and they really should have been further in front at the final siren. Their marking and size prevented Collingowood moving the ball out of defence often and it allowed WC to have repeat 50 entries without actually putting it on the score board. It also nullified Collingwoods forward pressure as their marking in the back half stopped te ball from hitting the deck as much and took Collingwoods ground level players out of the game. When transitioning the ball I think I counted around 4 or 5 contested marks for Darling in the 3rd quarter alone after he has a bad first half. This allowed WC to play a kicking or positional game. It was a good example of how to nullify a teams run and pressure.

In all fairness we have no idea if it is indeed a side business or not. For all we know the business could be the only thing bringing in money for his Mother/Family, or it could be a multi-million dollar business etc etc. His priorities are his family and his long term employment prospects (football and private sector). The Swans may offer him 3 years and the MFC only offer 1, he can move close to his family and business. What would you do? It's not that hard to understand really.

Eagles by 5 points NS: Yeo FG: Jack Darling

So if he was more talented he would be ok. It's not anything to do with his mental capacity?

Sounds a bit over the top and dramatic to me. That is based purely on speculation and what if rather than the reality of Gaff being a quality player in the AFL for half a decade. He stuffed up on one occasion and most people will move on from it. If he's mature enough he will move on as well. It's interesting that you compare him to Bugg. Did you ever consider that Bugg is just not up to it as a an AFL footballer and therefore we moved past him being selected in the side after we improved and moved past him? If you are going to compare him to others why don't you compare him to players such as Brereton, Lockett and Diesel Williams? Probably because it doesn't suit your argument right?

Agreed. If they are that keen on him just pay him overs on a shorter term deal via free agency and ask him to take a cut on the next contract. We'll have a truck load of cash if hogan leaves.

I'd hope the club is looking to bring in a free agent or 2. The only one I am aware of that is any good is Gaff and the rumour is he may be off to North. I'm not sure if there are any others worth looking at, other d'landers may have more info? If Hogan goes then the deal probably turns into 3 or 4 draft picks that we on trade for players we have already earmarked or we then use them in the draft(not desired).

He's asking for mega dollars and to ask for that coin you need to be a top 10-20 player in the Comp to justify your wage. We are better off chasing better value elsewhere or paying for real quality. Gaff at 900k might be worth it for example.

Whilst Omac has improved and has become dependable to a certain extent, I think it's debatable if he's ever going to be a quality lock down defender against the bigger tall forwards. Ben Brown, Hawkins, Buddy, Kennedy all get a hold of him on a lead or in a one on one too often, hence why Frost became so important to us during the latter part of the year due to his size and speed. I think people are kidding themselves to assume May wouldn't improve the side. He is definitely an upgrade on OMac. When Lever comes back into the side our backline should be sorted for around 5 years with Lever and May at FB and CHB respectively with either OMac or Frost playing alongside them. Collingwood and Hawthorn are chasing him if you believe the rumours and they are top 4 rivals. They are both seeking a replacement for Dunn and Frawley respectively. If we obtain May we weaken their future prospects and improve ours in the process by picking up May. If we can get May for a mid first rounder or less you'd be pretty happy. There aren't too many other KPD options out there to improve our backline at the moment and he would definitely help reduce the bleeding that's been happening when we aren't controlling the midfield on our off days.

You mean like GAJ going to Gold Coast and Buddy to Sydney? It's pretty simple if he wants to go it's a money or lifestyle choice, nothing to do with us. If he wants to go then we cash in now while we can get something for him. He's doing us a favour IMO by letting us know now before he becomes a free agent.

Probably because she makes things up.

Although this is a blow, it can also be used to set up the side for a long time. We managed ok without Hogan while he was injured. The cap space freed up by his departure would allow us to go after someone like Gaff as well as May and still have room left over as well as a high pick(s) in a potential super draft. This could be a good thing for our overall list.

This also happened to Collingwood in their final at Optus. It's not just a coincidence.

The club has made some good trade deals in the last few years but we really need to start nailing free agency if we want to make a serious tilt at a flag.

Yeh I have no idea to be honest. I'm just repeating what I have read. https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/amp.theage.com.au/sport/afl/demons-meet-with-steven-may-bombers-also-show-interest-20180920-p504xe.html

It was reported that he met with Melbourne on his own initiative late last week to sound out his options.

I'm leaning towards west coast as well. They will apply body pressure to Cox and I doubt he will have the same impact he did this weekend because of it. Kennedy & Darling got a hold of the Pies a couple of weeks ago. I don't see a reason it won't happen again. In saying all this Collingwood have a great midfield and Grundy will most likely do his job. Should be a cracking game.

Pretty much spot on. We still need to add better running midfielders and higher quality small forwards. Yesterday inside 50s were pretty much equal however we got scored heavily against. Inside 50 efficiency is an issue whilst defending and attacking. Our key defensive stocks yesterday looked barely a pass mark. But that isn't helped when the pressure being applied in the midfield is not upto scratch. Our skills and decision making moving the ball forward are another area we are seriously lacking. This has been highlighted numerous times throughout the finals when we have won and also during the season when dominating a game but still losing.

I've supported them for over 30 years. Didn't mention giving up anywhere in my post. I'm just not sure what will get this side a GF win after witnessing what happened yesterday when so many went missing. Perhaps more perspective is needed, however there's a lot of glaring deficiencies brought to light from yesterday. I'm Just being a realist.

What do you think are the pieces we need to complete the side? Interesting comment about respect earned. From my perspective I was proud of what the club achieved this year. Yesterday was a step backwards. I find it hard to respect the mental capitulation of the entire team, it was shades of the 88 & 2000 GF. For all the fans that spent money and time getting to Perth I really feel for them. The one positive I took out of the game is that I didn't shell out over a grand on airfares to go to the game. People may criticise me for saying this but after yesterday's performance this team will have to do a lot to earn my respect and trust again. It was the worst first half of a prelim final performance by any team in 80 years. That's not emotion or irrationalism that is reality. They had a shot at a GF and just didn't turn up. Personally I find it ironic that they earn the respect back and belief of not just supporters but AFL community and then totally [censored] the bed in their biggest game of the year. I thought this group was different and had moved past mental capitulation after the last Geelong game. Apparently that is not the case and perhaps the thing that hurts the most after a performance like yesterday. Perhaps one glimmer of hope is that I don't think Goodwin is the wrong man for the job. I think he will do what it takes to build this side. Just not sure how he does it after a performance like yesterday when there are so many who have failed.

Pretty ordinary game by Richmond. Granted Collingwood played well so credit where it's due. What is going on in the Richmond coaches box to allow Sidebottom 41 disposals? He is by far their most influential player. If we make it, Harmes would get that shut down role. Cox was allowed a free run and jump at the ball all night, no body pressure, terrible defending. No one was willing to fill the space in front of him either. I can't see whoever their opposition is next week allowing that to happen.

The media is probably just reading Demonland and regurgitating what they read here. I doubt anyone at the club would be leaking team news.

Haha. What a joke that is. Lever cost us 2 first rounders. Hogan would be worth more than that.

Tickets have been sold out since the day they went on sale. Sold out in less than 5 hours. Some more tickets may be released tomorrow from people who haven't taken up their option to go the the game, I presume these are corporate tickets etc.