Nasher

That's great news to read that, he clearly doesn't belong in the VFL when in form. Ringing endorsements from Plapp like that are usually followed by being picked unless you are Jack Grimes.

Really? You didn't think we'd get 4 seasons out of him?

Looking forward to this. Accept there's a good chance we will be outclassed, but I'm hoping to see a big response. Goodwin's press conference after last week was the first time I've seen him palpably disappointed and frustrated. The difference between his response and that after the Richmond game was stark. The effort to address our poor starts will have intensified for sure. I think we're on the verge of really hitting our straps. Hopefully this is where it starts.

I'm just embarrassed and an a bit sad for the poor guy.

The conditions in the Crows game were absolutely nothing like our match there last year. I was at ground level at our game, and have never seen a footy float like it did for the teams kicking in to the wind that day.

Wait, this will be his 71st MFC game? Jesus wept, that's gone bloody fast. Would absolutely love to see Bernie make it to 100 MFC games, and I reckon he will. Inspired recruiting at a good price. An absolute gift from Sando - he's added plenty since he's been here and still has plenty to offer hopefully. Onya Bernie!

Or have our players run in to the space occupied by the runner and "accidentally" collide.

I'm all for a good Neeld bagging, but gee it's stiff to blame him for Cook.

Hogan has 94 in 45 games. This year, when he's been ordinary and distracted, he's kicked 3, 0, 3 and 3. I think we still underestimate what a weapon he is.

Hogan?!

Goodwin will be smacking his forehead and wondering why he didn't think of that. Goodwin and all the players would be well aware that you need to be switched on from the start. They don't get off to poor starts on purpose. I agree that it's a problem that needs to be addressed, but I doubt the answer is as simple as Goodwin thumping the desk and demanding stuff.

I'm the same. I used to seethe about it for hours, but found with kids about, it was doing the family environment no good at all. Now I spend my post matches trying to rationalise it, and occasionally wind up agitated supporters who post irrational garbage. It's therapeutic! But when the match is on, it's all game face. Thought I was going to have a coronary today.

Round 1 and 2, Wayno? As usual, we can't remember anything other than the last thing that happened.

Lol. Either a troll or a worryingly short memory. I shudder to think of what would have happened to a Neeld era team if we'd been 5 goals down at quarter time. Sadly, I don't even need to use my imagination.

It's frustrating to see, but I try not to be too critical of individual plays like that when the players stress level would be through the roof. You have about half a second to decide what to do and the pressure is immense. The limp arsed performance in the first quarter is what I'd be closely examining. It was team wide, and we only seem to be able to play 3 quarters of switched on footy at the moment. I'm tearing my hair out.

The same Adelaide that was down 64 points to 0 at quarter time? Righto. This competition is ridiculously even, more even than I've ever seen it. The only club I fear at the moment is the Melbourne Football Club.

That stings.

Not like you to set the bar so low WYL. According to Maxy in the video with the kids, the 2018 target is infinity!

This game is a ripper.

How do you know Roos' tactics wouldn't have worked better if Dunn hadn't correctly followed instructions? This is the old "I know better than the coach" thing again. It's getting tedious.

Hogan and Wagner for ANB and Melksham feels about right, based on that bench. Forward for forward (even if not direct like for like) and defender for defender. Liking the look of this side. Bring on Sunday.

JKH won't be one of the outs. It surprises me that some of the forum regulars still aren't aware that the outs always come from the extended bench.

?

Respected assistant coach prior to getting the gig, and is still a professional in the game. Obviously he was a dismal failure as a senior coach (so was Brendan McCartney), but he must be doing something right.

Goodwin is the third MFC coach in a row not to back Pedersen as a first choice tall. If I'm wrong, so be it - I'm in good company and it means he's playing good, consistent footy and keeping another good player out of the side.