Dee*ceiving

We all know flags are incredibly hard to win. We were the hardest team to beat all year, evidenced by our losses all being 10 points or less (bar 1). Agree with posters sentiments about our more daring ball movement in 2021 compared to now. The fact is we had proper forward targets in 21 that we don't have now. TMac and Brown were serious footballers, but it was their last hurrah. We also mustn't underestimate the loss of Jackson. His size, speed and agility was the perfect foil for Max. He was a tall target all around the ground, competitive in the ruck and effective at ground level. He also gave Max plenty of rest time during the game so when he snagged a shot at goal he wasn't completely nackered. Goody tightened up ball movement to keep games close knowing we were unlikely to kick 15+ goals against the better teams. But while that kept us safe at times it also leave the door ajar for teams when we are inaccurate.

It hurts because we came so close It hurts because we tried so hard but failed From hurt comes resilience We will fight again

Except Gus' default mindset would be "try not to hurt him"... Maynard's default mindset was "try to hurt him"...

Very fond memories of that 1994 team, The Hotel definitely a big contributor to that

Radar suggesting showers inevitable and probably soon...But forecast only 1 - 4 mm

Would be dangerous off a half back flank

Maybe nervous optimism but the more I think about it I feel like we have selected well for the conditions (or at least I've been able to apply logic to justify it). Hibberd not tall but tall enough in wet conditions when marking is tough and brings some ground ball agility (theoretically moreso than Turner / Tomlinson). Smith again tall (but not huge) bu super athletic. Very fit, good foot speed and great leap. Can be used forward and back (again more flexible than Turner / Tomlinson). Laurie sub. Small, quick, agile, good kick & performed well as sub last two weeks. Go Dees!

Is that Brownie's undies?

Petracca Fritsch ANB Viney May Brayshaw

Also more comment that question and a topic that's ripe for a Binman rant... Not unusual by any stretch but how sombre were the commentators once Melbourne got on top late in the third and right through the last quarter? I know a famous Swans victory at home to farewell Buddy was the order of the day but you'd swear they were commentating a funeral towards the end of the game. They basically laid out on making any comments for some outstanding play eg. Trac's goal and Nibbler's holding the ball tackle and said nothing of the Melbourne effort, strength and determination to win in hostile territory.

Disco was terrific if you ask me

Outstanding win. Belief, determination, strength and class. Petracca, Fritsch, Viney, May, ANB just huge!! Many others too, including the coach. Bring on September. It's our time!

Agree with recent sentiments, hard to fathom the need to send Max, on a plane to Sydney to play on a heavy track in a dead rubber before finals. Gold Trip doesn't run on a heavy 9 at Mornington the week before the Melbourne Cup.

Sestan and Verell good chances to forge a career as well. Sestan and elite runner in juniors I am told, belying his size and strength. Also bottom age.

Great analysis, bodes well. But should be noted JVR is playing in a better team now, than Charlie was early in his career.

I think it was more in reponse to Hawthorn subbing a tall for a small. Tommo our slowest/most lumbering defender just wasn't needed any more. Agree re: Shache

To my mind... Fritsch, fitness permitting we must get a look at him in the forward in combination with Melksham... Smith > Tomlinson (Smith moves to the backline to make room for Fritsch) Spargo > Laurie Out: Tomlinson, Laurie In: Fritsch, Spargo It does leave us small up forward, but also very lithe...Not against trying TMac but working him in is harder...Sub?

6 - Lever 5 - Melksham 4 - ANB 3 - Rivers 2 - Brayshaw 1 - May

An absolutely outstanding game from Melksham, he completely nullified Sicily who was even run on the ball to try and get him into the play. Having seen this, and with Fritsch coming back in, can Jake still effectively play that defensive forward role on the oppositions tall interceptor? Having seen Smith (forward and back) & Tomlinson back it seems Smith is the better option overall of the two. Tomlinson out, Smith back and Fritsch in seems and easy change. Does that leave us too short/small in the forwardline? Or is that speed and agility potentially an advantage?

Hibbo being managed I reckon. Will be sub and assure the defense for the last qtr and a half. Where we'll likely be looking to protect a lead...

And white...

WTF would Jon Ralph know...

You're not wrong Praha. I was in Adelaide for the game v Port in R4 2022. The one where Port kicked their first goal half way through the 3rd quarter... Every Port supporter I spoke to, both strangers and those known to me were: Certain they'd win before the game Looked at me like i had steaming [censored] protruding from my face when I mentioned we were reigning premiers and coming in to the game undefeated And completely astounded they didn't win after the game Just bizarre...

I feel like Brad Green kicked 6 at some stage and I reckon Cam Bruce did too (or perhaps 8 or 9 against the blues one time?)

No chance