Demonised

One problem with playing young players is that they can't play their natural game, the one that got them to where they are. They're trying their hardest to follow team rules, to play the role spelled out to them by the coaching staff, to position themselves where they're told ... I think they're second guessing themselves all the time and consequently don't play with confidence. The ones that do are rare beasts indeed.

It will be claimed that it was our skill error that resulted in the Saints' goal, but at the game you could see the utter confusion and uncertainty when the whistle blew - no confidence in any decision these days - and then whether we were allowed to play on or not. It was officiating chaos.

This.

Spread, spread, spread, spread, spread, spread, spread. They did and we didn't.

And that's one of the more amusing auto-censor moments I've seen.

Since Lever was injured, our back line hasn't been functioning as well as it could. Whatever changes are made must address this.

Agreed. That's why I had the proviso 'provided there is will from those in charge'.

With respect, it can change, provided there is will from those in charge. 1. Acknowledge that the phenomenon of parochial crowds is real. There is plenty of good, academic evidence to support this. 2. Train the umpires to resist crowd-based decision making through extensive and rigorous simulation programs. Those who fail get relegated to minor leagues.

For those with a historical perspective, we do have a Demon double Brownlow medallist - the extraordinary Ivor Warne-Smith. Surely he'd have a hand on third place.

Grundy constantly grabbed, manhandled and dragged Max down, and none of the umpires were fussed by it.

Brayshaw rarely seemed to be in for the centre bounces. After starring the last couple of weeks in this role, I found that strange.

I am Gawn!

'Still Woewodin!"

Three ravens on a fence there were, As black as black as black. Said one, 'Watch your defence, it's not all about attack.' 'Be sure to spread,' the second said, 'but keep one out the back.' 'The Blues aren't bad,' the third one said, 'they're sure to have a crack.' Talking birds upon a fence each with a football brain. Take their advice and perhaps today, The Dees will win again. Dees by 22 points.

What I'm taking away from this thread is that some people like one style of commentator and other people like a different style of commentator.

He's overthinking it at the moment. He's been given a role - no idea what - and he's not playing confidently or fluently. Same as a lot of our players.

True, but will get Brownlow votes nonetheless.

After their premiership win, Richmond supporters are pretty insufferable. I'd like to be insufferable, too, one day.

Keep an eye on the development of Harrison Petty. We could have a good one on our hands here.

The Hawks were the better side blah, blah, blah, but I couldn't believe the number of times that hacks off the ground, or fluky bounces, or wild punches out of packs landed in a Hawthorn lap. Incredible.

The Hawk I'm most worried about is Clarkson. I think he's a clever game day coach, while Goodwin is still learning. Clarkson might have a few tricks up his sleeve for first bounce and throughout the game.

Extra points if you pronounced it 'looxury' in your head.

Luxury.

You had me at 'Lovely user of the ball'.

If we're looking for a fullback, Tassie Johnson sneaks into 'last 50 years'.