Great Sage

I too called for changes to game plan after last year, but trust that the coaches are in a better position than me to make a decision.

One analogy to consider is those who look to improve their golf handicap by changing their swing. Generally at first you hit the odd better shot but are more inconsistent and therefore your handicap struggles. The strong temptation is to revert to what you know. Golf coach will always say stick with the change as those that do, more often than not, end up a better player with a better handicap.

Different sport I know, but I think many are talking about reverting to the old way before we have actually nailed the changes given at no stage has Goodwin said we are playing the way we want to.

Loved it. Thanks for the share. 

Great observation and surprised/not surprised that media have not run with this.

It’s also subtle messaging to AFL ahead of any additional findings findings in Smith investigation. 

Not saying it will happen, but on SEN today Dermie suggested trying Tomlinson forward. He was part time coach at GWS when Tommo played there.

18 minutes ago, Demon17 said:

Sure is.  A good recent example was (listening to ABC driving home last night) Kelli Underwood bringing it up in the context that she said Steven May was the only player not to run up to Melksham to congratulate him on that final goal.

Pathetic Kelli. Just a talking head .  Malthouse to his credit batted away the insinuation.

They just make stuff up. I was at the game and May gave Melky a big hug at the end of the game.

Absolutely love the Deebrief Pods each week. Well worth a listen.

• Form to determine selection.
• Flag
• Kossie to re-sign
• JVR to play 15+ games

Clearly we multiple options for a variety of positions next year. A great place to be. Injuries will often dictate options but I'm hoping we return to form being the deciding factor for selection each week. 

It's why Bowie kept his spot after Hunt recovered and Jones didn't play in the finals despite many of us wanting him to in 21. It will ensure pressure for spots which ultimately makes us a better team. 

20 hours ago, DirtyDees DDC said:

Anyone know when the next training session is held at Gosch's? 

I would appreciate if anyone knows the answer to this question. I am prepared to confirm if May is there as payment 😜

In 2021 I remember reading and club interview that he was one of our best at spreading to make position. An important attribute for momentum and maintaining possession.

My thoughts BB in for Weids (JVR only if BB doesn't come up). Harmes in as sub.

Also think Brayshaw stays as mid for rest of year if he plays to same level as last week. Our midfield becomes stronger and it allows for Hunt or Bowie to stay in the team. Harmes becomes regular sub or replacement for Melk should his form drop.

It's well done.

I couldn't get any tickets with membership 2 days ago. Was able to get 3 together tonight. I would say they have opened up unused AFL and general admission.

First one I have listened to. Love your work.

I find it interesting that many are comfortable stating that Ben Browns form last year was an aberration, but cannot do the same for Tmac.

2 minutes ago, Supermercado said:

Which I'd be prepared to get upset about... if they didn't also play Preuss as a full forward in the rain against Freo.

They mentioned that we had been winning previous games due to crumbing in forward line and were unbalanced with Jackson out. I would also suggest we needed insurance for Gawn given how quickly he came back from injury and what we now know re seriousness.

29 minutes ago, Gouga said:

He lost it. I hope we haven't cooked him mentally. 

It was strange - Hope he is ok. I thought he might be unwell, given he had to grab a tissue.

9 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

Tom McDonald seems to be the biggest concern from the best 22 senior players in terms of finding form.

Surprised at the concern re TMac. He didn't star but certainly held his own and showed his class on occasions - was also very vocal with instructions. Only knock would be that he got caught with the ball a couple of times but he was noticeably taking players on (perhaps under instruction). He also made several centimeter perfect passes over 30-40 meters. At one stage Jade Rawlings ran onto the ground to congratulate him on getting through traffic and kicking a great pass that resulted in a shot at goal. Had to wait to be heard as Tom was shouting instructions to teammates re positioning.

FWIW thought Grimes played well and seemed to be enjoying the freedom of the wing.

Probably a bit too simplistic. Who is to say, really, given our pi55weak club culture, that Hardwick would have mede any difference. Schwab was still with us.

Fair point. Still believe it would have made a significant difference though. Certainly couldn't see Hardwick agreeing to tank.

It's as simple as we said no to Hardwick and Richmond said yes.

Thanks for the info Balls

Best article I have read on the tanking debate. Takes all of my thoughts on the issue and articulates them with eloquence.

Well done & thanks Adrian!!

Caroline Wilson's Tigers are not squeeky clean on this.

But first and foremost, the AFL should be investigated for gross incompetency and hypocrisy in all this. They set the rules and clubs have responded accordingly, the most blatant example in my opinion being Carlton at the end of the 2007 season (Kreuzer Cup). Did they consider "investigating" that one? Will they now?

Here's my list of suspected 'tankers' for the AFL to investigate, and it's just quickly from memory. Fill in all that I've missed:

2004 Richmond

2005 Collingwood (early player surgery, the Pendlebury/Thomas draft)

2004/5? Hawthorn

2006 Kangaroos (early "medical management")

2007 Carltank (Kreuzer Cup)

2008

2009 MFC ("player experimentation")

2010 West Coast

When you review the number of wins for 3 seasons before and after those stated above there are two obvious conclusions;

1. All of these teams tanked

2. Most did it better than us

Melbourne 13 5 3 4 8.5 8.5 4

Richmond 15 7 7 4 10 11 3.5

Collingwood 13 15 8 5 14 13 12

West Coast 15 4 8 4 17 15

Carlton 10 4.5 3 4 10 13 11

Hawthorn 11 12 4 5 9 13 17

Love this idea Clint.

I too have donated $200 to the club today and will do the same again if your idea get legs.

Great effort Muzza