RalphiusMaximus

Here's an interesting little stat for us. Jack Watts is currently equal ninth in the league goalkicking. That puts him level with Ben Brown, Jack Darling and Nick Reiwoldt and only one behind Jack Reiwoldt. Still well behind Tom Lynch, but I think it's worth noting.

Sadly I have to disagree on this one. He's got nice skills and works hard, but I just don't know if there's enough there to work with. I don't like saying this because I've always been an advocate of footballers before athletes, but he's not a good enough athlete to make it. He's not quick, he's not powerful, he's a full head shorter than me and I'm not that tall. Look at the guys around the league who are of comparable size. They are all quicker and stronger than him. They have an explosive burst of pace. He has none of that. All he has is a good sidestep and a pretty nice mid-range kick.

I suspect Max King will be on that list as well. This year is his last chance to show something as a rookie and so far he's got nothing. While our ruck depth is lamentable, he's not the answer.

Grimes does seem to be slipping further and further down the pecking order. I really do hope he gets two more games, but he's got to be feeling a bit shaky these days.

We looked comfortable against them in the pre-season, but that really counts for little during the real games. While many of us have questioned the overall quality of their list, especially the younger players, there is no doubting the effort they put in on game day. We know that we'll struggle to get free players when in possession and that they'll run like hell to try to outspread us when they have it. We need to maintain our composure, keep moving the ball rapidly and cleanly and not let them run free midfielders into their attacking 50 for uncontested shots on goal. If we can manage to prevent their running efforts from resulting in easy goals we'll be ok

DO tell. What is the difference between Milne and Goodes?

There actually is a rule against it. It's a reportable offence and if found guilty it's a mandatory two week suspension. I think it may have been called once shortly after the rule was enacted, but in general the umpires simply lack the courage to make the call, no matter how obvious the dive is.

I'd be thrilled if Joey doesn't line up next week. Much as I dislike the guy, he's a damaging outside player and he's hurt us before.

I just get the feeling that Harmes is going to play a solid 200+ games for us. He kind of reminds me of Junior, not so much in the way he plays as the attitude. What I liked of Hunt tonight was that he used that pace in little bursts. We haven't seen him blitzing down the wing yet, but he's getting the hang of taking a few steps flat out to make a space in which to work. Also his closing speed no a couple of those spoils was exceptional.

The message that they should leave it to the umpires and the MRP to punish players for this sort of thing rather than taking it upon themselves? Just a thought.

Yep. Viney got 24.

And the club record for contested possessions broken while we're at it.

6 - Viney 5 - Gawn 4 - Tyson 3 - Garlett 2 - Vince 1 - Watts Apologies to Kent, Hogan and McDonald who were all excellent also.

Holy Crap! 24 contested out of 37. That's impressive.

It' shock at winning two in a row.

I think he's gone for a week, and I am so damn proud of him for doing it. It was an instant reaction to stand up for a teammate. Great leadership.

If it's on the table and he hasn't re-signed, simply ask him. Would he prefer to go back to Freo or stay with Melbourne and work out a new contract? If he says he'd like to go to them, put them over a barrel and take what we can off them.

What did he say?

I just read that one. Classic.

This was posted on the Richmond form at BF:

We don't even move up one spot. Our percentage isn't high enough. Still 10th.

Happy with that. If we can play like this all year we'll win more often than not. The top teams will still have us, but we're right in the mix for the middle tier I will say I think Viney has just made a spot in the side for Petracca next week. I can see he and Rance both going for a week.

Was that worth a free kick PLUS 50m? Will they pay that every time someone makes high contact while spoiling?

Love Tommy Mac. Does the sublime and follows it with the absurd.

Both will be missing a week.