Nasher

This one was never in doubt in my mind, but should keep a few of the panic merchants around here quiet for a bit. Without meaning to give a backhanded compliment, this is the first time that Dunn re-signing has given me that *yessssssss* feeling. He definitely took the scenic route, but has developed in to a strong, reliable and important player. His promotion to the leadership group shows where the club thinks he is at, and I couldn't be more pleased. Well done.

*Blinks* Wow. That is so unbelievably stupid that it's actually alarming. As if sending a pictures of his penis to a teenage girl isn't evidence enough, but the guy must be seriously lacking in the intelligence department.

As much as I love a good conspiracy, I think a more likely explanation is that he did something highly inappropriate, which was bound to become public, and as it was at the end of a lengthy changes of other unprofessional conduct, they sacked him for it.

Don't the club have an obligation to put players forth for interviews? As much as I'd love it if Dawes did fulfilled our media responsibilities all on his own, I think the odd dull Watts interview is just something we have to accept. And I'd much rather he was interviewed while things are rosy, rather than when we're being flogged and he is under a ridiculous amount of scrutiny.

The 3.20 timeslot was a blocker for me being able to attend this year. I'm still spewing about it.

That's only because the average footy club is a few decades behind on the social evolution scale. Give it time. I expect my children's generation would be much less prejudiced than my generation, which is much less prejudiced than my parents'. This particular appointment should prove to be a huge step forward in that regard.

In what way is he not following instructions? I've seen him on TV do exactly what Saty said; appear in the contest from half forward and impact it physically. I thought it'd be even more apparent from the ground?

I read it to be that it is actually Pedersen's instructions to do that and Satyriconhome is just relaying them to us (rather than it being Satyriconhome's idea).

Pedersen's transformation wasn't even just between last year and this; he looked hopeless as recently as about round 3. He was working hard by all reports, but just wasn't impacting games and definitely wasn't the dependable one grab player he has become. Now that he's found a bit of belief, he's become a whole different beast. I wonder how much Dawes' leading by example has made. I had this thought in the game where Dawes and Pedersen both laid a truckload of tackles (vs Adelaide perhaps?), Pedersen seemed to have upped the ante on the pressure stakes once Dawes rejoined the side. That he was able to continue it with Dawes out was a big positive.

Heh. Looks like he meant that, and had a moment of clarity right in the nick of time. Would rightfully have had the book thrown at him if that had connected (and I would have been filthy with him).

Glad I'm not the only one to appreciate Dom's great hair.

I liked him, but wasn't too disappointed when he went as he's a pretty generic player. He isn't better than any of our starting back 6; he's probably a better defender than Terlich, but doesn't offer the same offensive option. Didn't the pick we got fir him net Tom McDonald?

I thought he's struggle to make the side at the start of the year. Pass the dunce hat, please.

Why bother with coaches at all if it's up to the players to pull the trigger? Ask any of the players if they're trying any harder than they were last year. Leadership and mentorship from experienced people who know what they are talking about is critical in any team activity, none more so than football. I'd say the opposite to what you said is true: good players only get you so far, and you need the best coaches to enable them to reach their full potential.

We get an article that offers some real insight in to what a player goes through when they get the chop, and this is your contribution. We all know where Bennell was at when he went. Not too many of us would have done much differently had we been in charge of the list. He also was unfortunate enough to be part of arguably the worst coached side of all time. He has gone on to establish a decent career at a solid club.You are dead set the worst poster on this site at the moment, and that's amongst some stiff competition. Grow up, mate.

Out: Our Grand Final In: Just another H&A game where we try to suffocate our opposition to prove we are a real side, and come away with four points. I would love to hear Nathan Jones or Chris Dawes say words to this effect during the week, and nip that noxious crap in the bud before it begins. I can already hear the Collingwood supporters, players and coaches belittling us now and making excuses, and it hasn't even started yet.

Is this business of Roos saying 'enough is enough' and the playing group - who have nominated him as captain for three seasons in a row - 'speaking' going to happen before, or after Grimes plays 22 games as (co-)captain of the MFC in 2014? Grimes today registered 2 clangers. Dom Tyson registered 8. 8 clangers! Lynden Dunn registered 4, the worst of which came at a time where we still could've won, and was seemingly at odds with team orders as it drew the ire of the coach on national TV. I think we should all carp on about how awful Grimes was though.

+1.

I've never understood this attitude. How about, "never hit anyone"?

Out: Gawn In: Dawes The in speaks for itself. Gawn out is the only way I can see to achieve balance - the second ruck has to be able to play as a forward. I have supreme confidence in Pedersen's ability to play the ruck/forward role; he's bean dead set excellent this year, which makes big Max largely redundant. Gawn also had a poor game today, but that's not the point. Anyone know why the Toumpas for Riley change was made?

Blease, Strauss and Nicholson are on the proverbial gallows with nooses in place. Bail is firmly cemented in the 22, and Jetta is playing good footy. The only question mark in the list is Evans, who has another year to run on his contract anyway, so he's got plenty of time.

To be fair, it's not something a player gets to do often - in that fashion. And it's not just the spoil, it's the demonstration of intent; in my opinion it's always there and that's the reason I think the idea of dropping him is a joke. Especially when people (not you, I realise) toss in names like Blease and Strauss as potential replacements.

Titan, I'm a fan of yours so I'm trying very hard not to be a dick about this, but the idea that any of Strauss, Blease etc would push Grimes out of the side is laughable. Kent is not a contender for the same role. Look, I know I'm coming across as overly defensive. I don't love Grimes, and was livid at that centering kick to a player under pressure on the HBF. He needs to improve. But he does have redeeming attributes, and the criticism just goes way over the top. I'm more than happy for him to be replaced by a better player, I just think that player isn't on the list.

As with most of your posts, I can only assume you are joking.