Nasher

And West Coast. They are truly dreadful.

That’s what I thought. I just enjoyed watching Port sweat more than anything else. I feel a bit for North. When your team sucks, those games where you almost snaffle it but fall short hurt a lot. I reckon that last quarter was a classic case of “don’t know how to win” on display.

I find it hard to believe that if it was as simple to fix as you guys make it sound, Max and the squillion of professional coaches around him wouldn’t have fixed it by now. You’re essentially accusing Max of professional negligence, given the impact of his misses at times. I also can’t think of an example ever where a truly dreadful set shot for goal has become a dead-eye overnight. I think the overwhelming evidence suggests that if they’re wonky by the time they get to AFL level, it’s going to be like that for their whole career. If it were that easy, professional footballers would never miss set shots, but it happens all the time.

I reckon we collectively overthink the changes when our coach prefers only making simple ones. Goodwin almost never makes changes that alters the structure/balance of the side, especially after a win. I thought McVee replacing Howes was obvious and in line with the coach’s MO, but I got a lot of challenges on it in the pre-match thread. Fullarton is the obvious weak link and JvR is the logical replacement. Melksham to me is clearly still best 22 and someone who plays a similar needs to make way. The only real options here are Sharp or Fritsch. I don’t think anyone else will be looked at.

Kade Chandler is fast becoming my 2025 favourite. The smother-follow up-hard ball get-dish off combo that lead to the Petracca goal was just outstanding team play and hopefully gets highlighted during the week. He very nearly got on the end of the chain and could have received the pass from Trac, but Trac went for the goal. Really enjoying the next evolution of Chin. He’s having a great season.

The need to protect Gawn from excessive workload can’t be underestimated. This isn’t 2021 where we had the luxury of Luke Jackson who could take over in the ruck and we lost not much, and he’s not getting any younger. The fact that Fullarton struggled only really emphasises the need to take these opportunities to rest Max when we can.

Has to be in the conversation for best Melbourne player ever. Definitely the best in my Millenial lifetime. My partner asked me tonight what Melbourne would do when Gawn finishes up. I changed the topic - honestly I can’t and don’t want to ponder that.

I assume it was about giving Fullarton a good look. We’ve now had a good look.

Out: Sharp, Fullarton In: Melksham, van Rooyen Sub: Melksham (Edited after a rethink)

On playing with Oscar: he stopped short of saying mum would have killed him if he’d put Oscar back on the injury list.

TMac speaks so well. I’d love someone to ask him to talk about what it’s like at footy clubs during periods of success, compared to when they’re really struggling. There aren’t many players who have really traversed the ladder up and down to the extent he has. In his 100th game, he had a 26-74 W-L record. By game 193 he had a flag under his belt. Get him on the pod @Demonland !

No - “personal reason”. Just one 😂

Happy with that. Assuming Melksham is around the short break. Didn’t think Fritsch would be out long. Move the ball like we did against Freo and he’ll get on the end of a few.

It says in the article that he asked for an exemption and was denied.

They did try that:

Underwood called Lindsay “Turner” at least 3 times in the second half, despite the fact that Turner had been subbed out with concussion. I have low expectations of commentators these days. I don’t even mind Brian Taylor in small doses. But please, know who the players are. That’s all I ask.

In: May, McVee Out: Turner (inj), Howes (omit) No “messages”, no dropping the “worst” player, just simple like-for-like role upgrades.

Literally had a charcuterie board for tea. Dunno when I turned in to such a Melbourne supporter.

How strange was it seeing OMac playing? I didn’t realise he was still on an AFL list. Had a pretty good game too.

Meh. We kicked 1.6 and at least 3 of those misses (Gawn, Chandler and Melksham) should have been goals. I think a few rushes of blood under the circumstances are understandable - the fact that we didn’t lie down for the first time this year is very pleasing.

Nice to see we’ve remembered how to play footy. Enjoyed Fullarton’s game so far. I don’t think he’s much of a marking tall but he gets involved in general play. I still think JvR is the long term answer but he hadn’t given a yelp, and if he’s not taking marks he does nothing. Bowey’s been great so far. Best on for mine.

We’re no good right now obviously but I’m so glad I don’t go for West Coast. Been garbage for 4 years now and still not looking even remotely competitive.

Eh? The first three can hop in the bin but Bowey’s having a go.

Hah. My partner goes for Carlton - I said on Wednesday it was good we played on Thursday and Friday night because then we could just enjoy our weekend. Nailed that, unfortunately. We suck.

In: Pickett, Lever, Turner, Spargo Out: Billings, McDonald, Henderson, Lindsay Open to a JvR Casey stint too. If AJ is the second ruck, there’s no justification for carrying Roo if he doesn’t give a yelp as a key forward.