layzie

6. Salem 5. Harmes 4. Melksham 3. Brayshaw 2. Weideman 1. Sparrow

This is a very good observation. Good to remember where we actually are in the scheme of things.

Footy’s back! And it looks like those ‘funny old days’ are back with it. Lets just start with this, the Sky is not falling in. Not yet anyway. I thought we started very well and our midfield was on top. Clearances galore and the work rate and willingness to get physical was on display. We fell into a bit of a lull, that was ok, until it lasted 25 minutes then it was not ok. This is the key thing I’m concerned about, I know teams don’t perform 100% for 100% of the game but it’s about making sure those periods are as short as possible. To see us no-where near it for that long is pretty concerning. Max was worked over, I expected it. But he looked drunk out there today. I know he copped a knock early on but he looked at tomes like he’d lost hand-eye coordination! Lycett has the blueprint and I’m sure others will follow. To be fair even when we were quiet I felt out defensive structures were pretty good and there were still good defensive efforts being made to keep us in it. Eventually though these all died away (esepecially in the 2nd half when we were REALLY stuffed). We then looked like a team that didn’t have a clue. Jack Viney must have spent at least 40% of the game off. Has no lateral movement at all and looks useless. Yeah underdone etc but come on man. The defence was average but they were under siege, Oscar had a shocker and Frost looked dumb, Jayden Hunt showed glimpses of what he was and at least worked hard. Salem was a great contributor, used it nearly every time when others couldn’t. We’re one dimensional, if we don’t get them with our 1 Wood we don’t get them. Break even with contested ball and .. yeah you know. The one thing I’ll say about defending in transition is that at least we aren’t giving up the switch every single time now, but we still stink at it. Really have no answer for that other than just don’t lose a 50-50 ball in midfield. We were knackered late and just totally clocked off. There’s never a good time to lose like this but I guess if there is ever even close to a good time it’s now. I think decision making was probably the big thing that killed us. First 20 mins we were playing with intent, going first option and just going with the gut, after this it was too much thinking about it and looking sideways and that’s where we just go into a state of flux. Need to just back ourself in more. Sparrow looked a goer, Marty Hore was in the headlights, Spargo had a honker, Wagner looks like a slightly quicker version of Josh. Jack Watts is not back, don’t buy into it. He played a reasonable game as he always does in Rd 1. And don’t waste energy wondering ‘why he couldn’t do it for us’ just keep walking. Disappointing day, especially with the great RDB sitting a few rows back from us. Onward to next week, which I don’t feel great about but it’s another game. See you soon.

Cooked

Crucial period

Let's lift Dees!

Way too quiet for too long. Lull periods are going to happen I get it, but this is the area that must improve. We seem to have to be bang on with contested ball all the time.

How many hearts were in mouths just then?

Some nice work so far. A few cheap turnovers in midfield but we're getting busy.

Not a good look. I imagine he would have been out anyway but an injury like this can be aggravated. Not happy about it but it's done now.

Like the idea but think some extensive testing is needed. Could be useful in conjunction with the video review down the track if proven somewhat reliable.

I also have the feeling if Stretch can stay healthy his speed will be beneficial, especially when we're in transition. Someone like Salem who was an improve last year could even go up another cog? I think the elephant in the room is how Weid will go. If I could choose one for this season it would be him.

Took the words right out of my mouth.

Was the right way to go. Back him in

I look forward to hearing the B word directed at us a lot soon

I'm ok with it. A ruck would have been nice but best to play it safe with the last rookie spot.

As a neutral it will be hard not to want to see this if you get past City GV.

Not your average 100 but these are the 100s you love hearing about.

Yeah 100% That will be the secret sauce. Either way they are gonna be a fun watch.

Baker has one of the more accurate deep balls going around so this move makes the right sounds. Surely on the up now?

Geelong in Geelong last year is the freshest in the memory and was extremely hard to cop. 2015 against the saints. There was nothing on the line but it burned like hell, didn’t help that it was my birthday either. I even remember saying to someone that Howe’s goal with 30 odd seconds left gave us a ‘fighting chance’. They thought I was nuts and that I should be celebrating a premature win. When Joey kicked the winner I turned around and said “That’s why I say these things”. Farmer after the siren in 2002 was torture. Special non-mention: Richmond in 2009 in the infamous tank game. I was not heartbroken, I wanted this loss and don’t pretend you didn’t either. Off topic but this is the worst after the siren winning goal in the history of the game, Jordan McMahon 35 metres out looked like he was kicking a sack of door knobs.

Yeah another 3 years or something like that. It's a bit of a punt at 31, yes he's brilliant and could go a while yet but still a risk. Some new off field issues don't help. I'd welcome him of he came but still not convinced he's a perfect fit. Would rather a decent long threat and some serious pass rush this FA. The Raiders have serious cap room and are desperate for a big fish. Gruden is a fan so would make sense.

Yep, it’s official. Still no obvious reason why but he seems keen to move on. I feel like the Raiders might make a cannonball splash in this pool.

Oliver

Thanks for the training update, always appreciate these.