BLWNBA

Yeah that's interesting, in light of your comment I looked back at the results and they're vastly different from what I remember, weird how they've left that mark on me. Seems like my memory is relatively based on the 2006 results as opposed to the overall results writ large. Some of those larger wins by the Dees I actually struggle to recall. Although from memory the win against Carlton at their farewell to Princess Park was a lot closer than what the margin suggested. I have to say the 2000 Qualifying Final is etched into my memory, definitely good memories of that one!

That's a fair call and you could be very well correct. Three losses out of their previous four games isn't something that you'd say exudes confidence in a top four finish, at least at this stage and on exposed form. But it's a long season as you said and the Blues have previously shown an ability to turn around a season very, very quickly. For what it's worth, I think the Blues can be too reliant on too few to win a game. But they have some good role players - albeit they can be too inconsistent. If anything, I think their defensive structuring leaves much to be desired with reference to other top four teams and that could be the difference come end of season.

I'd also add that Carlton coming off a loss makes me very nervous. I expect they'll come out firing and think that most of their errors and sloppiness which were seen last week won't be seen against us.

I was cautiously optimistic last weekend against the Catters. I can confidently say that I am far more nervous this week. Being in my early 30s, Carlton have traditionally troubled us. Vivid memories exist of us needing to beat Carlton several times in the 2000s in order to secure our place in the top 8 or top 4 only to falter, from memory once this happened twice in the one season - and let's not forgot Mitch Robinson and the infamous "bruise free football". But, that's all one for the history books. As is last years semi-final result. The head says Melbourne get it done tonight despite our shorter turnaround, but the heart isn't so sure. On a final note, despite growing up with a strong affiliation to Carlton due to family dynamics, my dislike of the club has grown over the years. I'm not so sure this is personally directed towards the team per se, especially in it's current form, but for the life of me I can't stand their supporter base. The pinnacle of bandwagon supporters; at least the Tigers and Pies always have strong support. But Carlton? They go very bloody quiet after a loss.

My first thought was 'Mickey and The Mousepack'.

Not suggesting Windsor would be an omission in place of Hunter, although I can understand how it can be taken in that manner after re-reading my post. More referring to Hunter potentially taking retaking the wing position that Windsor has been playing. I don't think Laurie will be omitted either, but I also think Woey hasn't been as poor as some have suggested on here. I'd be happy to persevere with Woey in the side, at least for the time being until Bowey returns.

I'm a big fan of Yeo and props to him for hitting form again at the age of 30. A great story. I'm not sure exactly what he's paid at the Eagles, but I'd imagine he's on a good wicket. Given he's already a premiership player at the Eagles, I'm not too sure the lure of 'success' would be what some may imagine it to be. I'd love him at the Dees, but a Perth boy at the age of 30, packing up to go back to the east coast for a couple of years? Yeah, not sure that would happen.

Whilst Hunter has moments of brilliance, I'm not sure he really offers anything more than what we have in the side at the moment. His underground handballs are frequently intercepted, and he doesn't exactly offer speed in the spread out of the contest or around the ground. I commend his ability to kick the miraculous goal, but he doesn't hit the scoreboard enough IMO to justify inclusion on that ground. I'd much rather give the game time to Windsor; his skills are far superior and he can also kick a classy goal (though I wouldn't depend on him week in week out for a Joe the Goose).

Based on our efforts against Sydney and Brisbane, and now this - it’s very difficult to expect us to trouble anyone come finals.

*Kozzie

Taking his AFL form into the VFL, by the sounds of it.

Thanks mate. Has Verrall been playing more forward? Curious given he's been credited with two goals, or has he floated forward from the main ruck duties? Appreciate the insight if you're able to give some.

Verrall rucking?

If he was five years younger I'd say roll the dice on him if he came cheap enough. No chance with his current output and age though.

This is a brilliant story mate, thanks for sharing.

Both my grandfather's served in World War II in the Pacific. One in the Royal Australian Artillery and one in the RAAF. I'm in my mid 30s and I was fascinated by the boys own stories they would often recount to me as I was growing up and they've remained particularly close to me. My great-uncle and great grandfather also served in World War I. I myself haven't served in the ADF, but I've had close associations and very strong contacts with many enlisted members of the ADF and have worked in a collegiate environment among them, tomorrow will be a special day. Lest We Forget.

I'm (pleasingly) surprised by this. I feel for the past five seasons or so I've been excessively agitated and critical of our inability to defend the 'junk time' scoring of opposition sides! Gladly put in my place with this one, fantastic records on both stats.

Is anyone able to confirm if Laurie is training with the mids?

Understandable, though I would've like to see him at least be retained as the sub.

Will be interested to hear track watchers insights on McAdam, given he's seemingly overcome his injury and out of his rehabilitation period.

Does anyone with some insight into the club know how the sale of the ANZAC guernsey is going? Somewhat surprised that there still seems to be a large availability of guernseys this year, compared to previous years.

Yeah I totally agree that Jeff seems to love Melbourne and I think that's genuine. Kalani seems to have enjoyed his time with the Dees too when he trained last year. But purely based on what I see on social media and some comments Jeff has made about his son, they seem very ingrained in the Gold Coast lifestyle and have a strong network in Queensland. I have no personal connection and could be entirely wrong (hopefully so!), but I think there might be somewhat of a lure to staying on the GC given how ingrained he appears to be.

Unless we went in a different direction, i.e., brining in another tall like Fullarton, I'm not too sure what our other options are noting injuries and form. Based on what I saw during the pre-season, I actually thought Brown might have been in line for an early season debut (at least as the sub). His form looked decent and I thought he showed enough in that small forward role, albeit arguably going up against Chandler who has been reasonable for the majority since the start of the season. I wouldn't be against Brown, but I think that others have shown more at more regularly intervals at Casey (NB: I rely on reporting and don't actually get to see the Casey games. Others would have far more insight than me in that regards).