Dee*ceiving

Mark Neeld never coached a team to an 8 goal lead

Tragic Insipid Inexplicable Inevitable Out.

I wouldn't read to much into Max's answer regarding next captain. He genuinely came across as having never thought about it, ummed and ahhd and spat out an obvious answer. He'd also been peppered with 27 nonsense questions in a row.

2 times out of 6 🙂 I jest, positive signs from Luker. It would be good to see him play for Melbourne before the end of the season but also appreciate the argument to leave him be until 2026

Based on the fact that we implemented a new game style this season, AND, Goody has a year to run on his contract I cannot see him being sacked before the start of season 2026. It may mean a repeat of 2025 but I think that's the direction the board will take and in IMV it's a sensible, dedefendable approach (though probably not favoured by the majority of members/supporters)

Kolt's got the key attributes but agree the stats and output don't paint a pretty picture, yet. Interestingly he's only averaging 62% game time. Could be fitness related, could also be swayed by games he's been sub/subbed. I reckon it's between the ears with Kolt, the penny will drop at some stage, once it does and he feels like he belongs he'll become a valuable contributor. Question is, how long might that take... ?

A range of challenges. I certainky agree we need a more dynamic, diverse centre bounce crew. Viney, Trac and Oliver should never appear together and there should only ever be one of them in there at any time, IMV. Kozzy has been a revelation and Rivers should be in there a lot more than he has. Langford is starting to get a taste and will be a good option long term. Beyond that we're looking a little thin, possibly Kolt, longer term? That said, Viney's presence in the middle after quarter time on Saturday was one of the main factors that got us back into the game 🤷

Looks promising and just like Jeff!

Ripping analogy Rab, spot on. We are all force and no finesse. It worked for a time when clubs didn't value precision kicking and leg speed to the extent they do now. We win the ball more than enough, get it into our F50 and fight to keep it there long enough to kick 8 goals 15 behinds. Meanwhile the opposition flood back, absorb pressure with numbers until the next time they can scythe the ball end to end with speed and precision.

The forward system is being stifled by our froward half 'trap it in there' game style. Tackles inside 50 are great, but we get so many because there are a stack of players in our F50. Conversely St Kilda and PA have shown us they can withstand our forward half game because we continually bomb it in to the forward line, where the ball reaches a big pack of players, where it's rarely marked and if it is marked it's often by an opposing defender. On occassions when our forward hald pressure and repeat entries unlocks a shot on goal it's often a tough one that we miss or more often an easy one, THAT WE STILL MISS!. Then, when the opposition get their chance to move the ball, a bloke will run with it for a bit (faster than our blokes run without it) and kick it to a bloke on the wing. Then that bloke kicks it to a bloke at half forward who kicks to a bloke leading into space inside 50. That bloke marks it and kicks a GOAL. All the while forward half still has 30 players in it!

Gawn Fritsch Pickett (though he disappeared after half time) Turner 2. Bowey Howes

The defence was outstanding yesterday, we should persist with that setup as much as possible for the rest of the season. JVR didn't impact enough but seemed to do better in the second half, persist. Lindsay was quiet but laid a couple of brutal tackles, if fit persist. Langford had a good game in my view, if fit persist. Viney the only 'must include'. Most likely for Windsor, Tholstrup or Lindsay and ideally in a forward pressure role with some time on ball. Keen to have another look at Jeffo but he may need to wait for an injury or for JVR not to take his chance (2 more games?), whichever comes first.

Respectfully disagree Jibroni. The aesthetic of the game is being ruined by the insipid rules and woeful officiating. When a dodgy free is paid or not paid the audience, live and on TV are calling it within a second of the umpire blowing the whistle. The TV umpire would be even quicker and able to say to the umpire as the action occurred 'let me look at that one for a sec before you blow the whistle'

An umpiring improvement plan doesn't need to be overly complicated or expensive. There are also a couple of very simple changes that could be made immediately...Number 3 on it's own would have seen us get the 4 points yesterday (assuming it's incompetence and not corruption driving most of the umpire errors). Install an GM of umpires or if there is one already make it a visible role Reduce on field umpires to 3 Install 1 video umpire who is viewing the game live and able to speak with the on field umpires primarily to 'consult' or 'overturn' decions in real time as required With the video umpire being a sedantary role this will keep the best, most experienced umpires in the game longer and capable of video umpiring 2 or more games per weekend This group of 5+ 'video umpires' would be the very best who can also be umpire 'coaches' and employed full time until retirement age (no need to be an elite runner) Initiate an umpires academy available to 16+ year olds, inclusive of: Youth and mature age traineeships Access to umpire mentors A pathways program that leverages state leagues and for active AFL/state league players whereby they can study to be an umpire whilst still playing Make umpiring a full time professional role, eventually, by leveraging the academy It might take a decade or more but we'll get there, eg. existing umpires can remain in place until they retire or choose to become full time professionals Meanwhle the 20 somethings who have come through the academy will be more than satisfied earning $130k per year working full time as an umpire and when they aren't umpiring, they train to be better umpires The very best umpires can go on to be umpire coaches/video umpires and remain in the game for their entire working career (if they choose)

Until next week...