layzie

I could have sworn Pedersen was coming in but T-Mac makes the world of difference. Can’t see Joel Smith getting the nod. I would say Fritsch in for Kent and maybe Hannan for Trac

When I wrote this I was still too annoyed. I didn’t really take Friday night games into consideration I was mainly thinking public holiday type blockbusters eg Easter Monday, Anzac eve/day, QBD etc but thinking about it that all does make sense. I guess I’m just frustrated that we’ve worked our rear ends off to get these big games which I think are fantastic for everyone involved and it would be nice to show that we’re worthy of them for years to come.

Well I was talking blockbusters rather than Friday/Sat night games but it’s in a similar mould I guess. Do you think we make a good case for blockbuster games with 12 years out of the finals and 40 odd thousand members?

1. Oscar is most improved 2. Brayshaw looks to be attacking the ball how he did in his first year 3. Lever was better

I remember this quite well and did feel for you a bit. I didn’t have a major problem with it or players/coaches doing this to an extent but at the end of the day you need to remember which club pays your salary. It’s not exactly the best look especially when we get convincingly beaten and makes you wonder if they want success for this club as much as others do and hurt as much as we do after these losses.

In addition to this, what exactly does this football club do to justify getting two blockbuster games each year? In what way do we deserve these fixtures more so than a St Kilda or a Bulldogs? The criteria usually comes down to one of two things: Sky high membership and/or performance on the field and right now this club shows none of that. We haven’t been in the finals for 12 years for crying out loud! I’m sorry if this upsets some people but I could totally understand if these other clubs were frustrated at us getting these opportunities on a regular basis when we probably don’t deserve them. We are what we are and that is a mediocre football club who doesn’t really know anything about the big stage.

Last week’s was like pulling teeth. This one is not much better 6 - Omac 5 - Gawn 4 - Clarry 3 - Jones 2 - Melksham 1 - Hogan

“Garlett - Waste of space” Haha whoa that’s deep man. But I agree he was nowhere

The worst part about following these games lately is the long droughts of goals, good play or anything at all to cheer about. It’s that about to fall asleep feeling. So if following Melbourne is like a drug I’d say it’s a fast acting sedative.

We were never gonna win that game it doesn’t matter which way you slice it. Don’t tell me the weather played a massive part because while we were way too fumbly and not clean with our skills while Richmond seemed slick and composed whenever they had it. The Tigers are playing such smart footy right now and always find runners when they need them. The night was summed up here: we had 2 goals to half time, kicked by our pinch hitting half forward, who kicked one from a dodgy free. Seriously, we never looked like kicking a goal in that first half. Run and carry was non existent, partially because Richmond don’t let you. They defend the G better than anyone. Some of our general skills were just appalling at times tonight. Good to see since Jayden Hunt’s stay in the VFL he’s totally forgotten how to kick. ANB, Harmes, Stretch were all useless. The only player on our list who has improved is Omac. We are not good enough, simple as that. And when the game is not on our terms we stink. I’ve had enough of this for now. Get stuffed

Is there any reason why we are so unclean with the foot and they are slick?

Forward, for now..

Well, based on the first 4/5 games you’d be right. Good thing is it’s a marathon and not a sprint.

Let the long bow reaching begin 6 - Oliver 5 - Jones 4 - Gawn 3 - Hogan 2 - Salem 1 - Kent Seacrest out

For the first time in a very long time there is little to be gained from the 3 word analysis. The team was woeful

Wow. What in the hell was that? Turned up to play in the first quarter but as soon as the Hawks found their rhythm and the rain came so did our game plan and effort. I'm completely lost for words after that. All I can think of right now is the phrase that was thrown around after rd23 last year. How it was going to 'burn in the guts'. That's all just words it really is.

Shown up is a complete understatement

Lapse or lethal

Would have been really happy with that quarter had we not conceded that last one

Let's go Dees! In the Olympic stand today for the first time in about 12 years hopefully it brings some kind of omen

And the rain comes down.. 26 point lead becomes at least 40

What’s happening with Hunt? Is he looking ok at all?

Boy this one is tough. 6 - Gawn What can I say? Best player on the park. Good in the air when needed and torched the hit outs against a quality ruckman. 5 - Hogan We all want to see him kick goals but geez I love what this guy offers around the ground. His field kicking is brilliant and more often than not uses it well. 4 - Lewis The game he needed to play. Composed when we needed it, won a few good 50-50s, glad he’s there. 3 - Petracca Getting plenty of it. Loved the confidence to just play on and dob it even when he had recently had the yips. Song of a true great. 2 - Jones Came into it after half time doing what he does best. 25 touches 11 contested and 7 tackles. 1 - Kent This could have easily gone to Bugg but I was just so impressed with the way Kent stood up when it mattered. Especially in the 3rd when we found it so hard to break through. Welcome back son! Apologies to Bugg, Salem and Wagner

Hopefully he played a terrible game. Thats right JW lovers come get me!

The hoodoo is dead people! There were many times I thought we'd drop the bundle. 1st quarter, 3rd quarter when we couldn't seem to break through their rearguard etc but we came through when we needed to. Gawn was great, Lewis showed the composure we needed him to show and Petracca really is becoming the player we think he'll be. Good job Dees! Hard 3 weeks coming up