BLWNBA

A very astute reply, I agree with what you've said. Particularly your comments around Hardwick, which is an incredibly hard pill to swallow (I can't stand him) and I also agree personal wasn't the sole reason for our poor defensive showings in 2016 - 2018. The scattergun approach to offensive movement often came at the expense of the quick rebound out when it didn't work, although I've expressed my dismay at Goodwin and concerns on his tactical abilities, credit where it's due - he was able to flick the switch and not go down the path Knights and Sanderson with their kamikaze and smash and grab approach.

Whilst I get the gist of what you're saying, and I say this with more intent than to merely argue semantics, Goodwin had a strategic vision regarding the implementation of the zone which has been effective. However his tactical abilities are still questionable, IMO. I think it's important that the strategic and tactical outcomes aren't conflated. I agree to a point that Goodwin has implemented a typically serviceable and strong defensive system, but I also think your somewhat overselling his 'template'.

The Giants drafted Sam Taylor in 2017, who has played an outstanding intercepting game since at least 2021. Brian Lake fulfilled that role for Hawthorn from 2013; hell, even Nick Maxwell played an intercepting role for Collingwood in their 2010 premiership year. Off the top of my head Phil Davis (at GWS) and Jeremy McGovern are others you could easily throw into that category.

Can't say I've noted anyone potting the Dees, but from memory the attendance was above what the MFC wanted (40,000 pax) and above what they MCC forecasted (30,000~ pax). But what's more befuddling is when grown adults sulk about what the sporting media says, it's hilarious. Who cares?

Goodwin continues to be the worst match day coach in the league. To say he’s even reactive is overselling it. He absolutely has to go. If people want to drink his bath water from ‘21; fine. But he had a Ferrari and he’s continued to treat it like a lawnmower. The selection committee isn’t far off either. There’s absolutely no transparency or authenticity of selection. To bring Spargo in after his off season was a joke, not to mention the decision to play Laurie, Chandler and Spargo in the one side.

Good on Straight Set Simon for continuing to try and disprove that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results.

Looking forward to reading what Simon’s cheer squad says tonight.

Put Laurie, Chandler and Spargo on a board and throw a dart.

Fantastic to see that true Melbourne football is on display tonight!

Yeah, alright George Dubya.

C’mon, please drop “supporters support”. It’ll complete bingo.

"Leave Melbourne alone".

Generally speaking, waivers relating to injury aren't typically enforceable (acknowledging a voluntary assumption of risk, the nature of the activity, unforeseen circumstances and the standard of negligence). The AFL may have requested a waiver, but that wouldn't necessarily stop or prevent a claim for compensation being successful.

Don't stress mate. Remember, Straight Set Simon and Pert have assured the footballing world that we have excellent culture.

Careful, you don't want to make the fanboys cry.

It's a fair summation, for sure. For mine the concern wasn't necessarily the fact we lost, but how we lost. Given most of the issues seen yesterday (i.e., the massive run on and unanswered goals) have been around for the past two seasons, I'm not sure it's as simple as saying we'll turn things around next week against Carlton.

One can dream.

Melbourne defender staring at three months on sidelines, star Demons & Tigers to miss scratch match “Daniel Turner will miss 10-12 weeks with a stress fracture in his leg.”

“Learnings”.

Just looking at that slide show is depressing. Truly, that side was one of the poorest squads ever assembled in the VFL/AFL.

i’mmmmmmm sowwi. R u Okay? Hehehe

Okay.

The same response I received from other posters when I said another straight set exit beckoned for this side halfway through this year.

Bizarre comment and highly ironic, but then again forums are always the best place to view the vagaries of human existence. Maybe learn to contextualise commentary before posting some inane and recalcitrant tripe. I never commented on Oliver, I spoke of the team. You quoted my words, so as I said, consider developing the ability to contextualise what they mean. But please, continue the brave straw man argument.