Nasher

1. Fritsch’s contested marking and ball use were in full display last night. He has developed in to an exceptional flanker/wingman - unexpectedly for mine. 2. We took it up to a finals experienced side, on their home sh—heap, in a finals grade game, and showed we can match them. Next step: learn how to win. 3. The season is still alive. The degree of difficulty has no doubt increased, but we’re a long way from dead yet. If we make it now, we will have to win at least one game like this one, which will mean we deserve finals by definition and can take confidence in.

Yep. Lewis said in his post match with Burgs, “there aren’t too many positive thoughts rolling through my head right now”, which is a feeling we would all have related to last night. They’ll come out in time, although in this case I don’t really feel like exploring them. I just want to move on. By the way I thought Lewis was a good choice for the one post match conversation. The younger players would have been gutted. Lewis was too, but is probably better equipped to deal with it and still do a decent interview, given both his footy and media experience. His message seemed sensible to me, “this will hurt today and tomorrow, but as professionals we have to get on with it after that.”

Hahaha, yes! *DON’T BREATHE INSIDE THE FLAGS* is probably our coach’s #1 pet peeve.

Definitely didn’t feel zen coach, just didn’t know what else to do. Like you, I had little ones who I wished to remain asleep. Have fun at work. Swimming is my daughter’s sport of choice. Since watching her train (a lot), I’ve noticed one of the skills required for a coach is the ability to repeat yourself ad nauseam. It amazes me how long it takes for the message to get through sometimes!

I know others have responded already, but this post really hit me. Mate trust me, even those of us with lives jam packed full of other stuff feel the sting. Being able to rationalise it away with “it’s just footy” comes later after things settle down, but the initial emotion still cuts deep. For me, the blame phase isn’t part of the package when we lose. I don’t need to blame OMac for having a poor game, or JKH for missing an easy shot, or Goodwin for whatever, like so many do. That gives me zero therapeutic value - in fact it just makes me feel worse. That’s why I will often come across here frustrated when I post on here after losses. I just want an outlet to share my disappointment with other Melbourne supporters because I don’t really know many others, and all I seem to come across is misplaced rage and mindless criticism. People mistake my attitude for nonchalance or that I’m just happy with effort. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Last night honestly felt up there with the most crushing feeling I’ve felt in my life. I turned the TV off immediately and just sat in the dark silence by myself for ages. I haven’t felt such a feeling of hopelessness for ages. The rational, intelligent man knows it’s stupid to react so strongly to football, but it still happens. Anyway my point is, there are more people out there in your corner than you think.

I don’t know whether to smash my phone in to a million pieces or burst in to tears. The latter is probably a cheaper option but 34 years of society telling me men don’t cry means the tears are in short supply. I honestly wish I could right at this minute. Someone give me an outlet please. Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

[censored] football. I am not coping well with this at all.

Same. I feel like I’m going to chuck, to be honest.?

This comment is a quarter old I reckon. Had a hand in a number of goals that Q.

Gripping game. I’d be loving it if neutral. As it is I’m stressed and uncomfortable. We’re so wasteful inside 50 - nothing new there. Will need a valium by the end at this rate.

Harmes has been on Selwood who has done FA. Was only on Danger when the ducking one was off according to Channel 7.

I nodded off on the couch at quarter time watching it. Woke up with two minutes til half time and thought I’d awoken in a parallel universe. Saw every minute of the third quarter though and they are absolutely dominating. A better side would be up by 40 now. Hope they finish the job. Sydney falling at this hurdle is massive.

I’m really nervous about this game, but only because of its value to our finals aspirations. It’s the most important of all those remaining on the schedule considering Geelong are one of our key rivals on the ladder. I’ve seen this Geelong team fold to pretty uninspiring teams a few times this year. Talent for talent, this game is quite winnable.

Great article. I didn’t know Hibberd and Melksham were such close mates before they came. Obviously they’re grown adults, but still being able to walk in to the club together would have taken the edge off the nerves. Because I’ve become a spiteful footy supporter, my favourite part about all this was that Melksham was Watts-level (or even greater) whipping boy at Essendon. The fact that he’s come here and become an important member of the team and even pretty popular among the fans gives me great morbid pleasure. Suck it, Essendon. Hope it stings. When he’s going he’s an such enjoyable player to watch: a reliable contest winner, gets the ball to boot very quickly, and is an absolutely fantastic kick. He won’t always fire which is probably what separates him from the very best, but no doubt he’s an asset to the club. Congrats Jake on the 150!

We’ve had umpires down to training before as well guys. It’s common, not the sign of a conspiracy. YIKES IT’S A SHADOW!!!

So he’s definitely talking about Marrara Oval, where we spend 4 hours s year, and there’s absolutely no chance he’s talking about our training ground, where our players spend a dozen hours a week, which was recently described by a Demonland member as being rock hard? I’ll never understand why people choose the conspiracy theory over the simple and logical conclusion.

This seems to be the most unlikely of all the suggestions. Has looked well past it whenever he’s played this year.

Do you understand the difference between anecdotal evidence and actual research? This is not the first time this week I’ve seen you call on your very narrow personal experience to draw a very wide conclusion.

I think Hibberd’s actual defensive “craft” (I hate that word) is what will be missed most, and why an actual defender needs to take his place. This is why Hibberd is an important player - he’s effective in both the attacking and defensive elements of the game. Melksham, Fritsch et al can assist with the rebounding, but they’re not true defenders and I’d say will almost certainly be found wanting when the play demands solid defence. It’s a conundrum.

Hmm. Maybe I am underestimating his drive. Oh well, we’ll see how we go.

Staggering that Goodwin would use words in a press conference. What was he thinking.

It’s probably a controversial opinion but I reckon his ball use when at full tilt (ie creating run and drive) is often sub-par. I’ve seen him kick it directly to the opposition as often as not. I honestly think Smith or Wagner can cover that aspect of his play. It’s his contested work and support for his teammates in the back half that I think we will miss.

Is Hibberd irreplaceable? He’s a good player, but I don’t see this one hurting anywhere near as much as losing Viney or Lever.

Yes, probably best you don’t mention Gawn or Oliver ?

Opportunity for Wagner or Smith. Obviously either would be a downgrade, but not so significantly that it’s a game changer in my opinion. Injuries happen. No point getting too upset about it.