Adam The God

I reckon you just have to go with it in the good and bad times. We have that rich Irish tradition as a club anyway, we should lean into it. Might even convert some Irish backpackers to the redlegs. 😆

Brings a tear to the eye, Ghosty. Thanks. ❤️💙 Can you please have a word to Guerra about it being a permanent fixture? As an Essendon (former) man he should know.

And I get to take the boy along. He's 4-0 this year and has even started watching the game at times. 😆

Kolt and Howes really good in that play. Along with Turner, Bowey, Taylor and AMW, and that's your back half, all 24 and under.

I seriously think we should keep the Irish music at all home games after every goal. The scarf waving in the MCC was Essendon-like 1990s early 2000s. An amazing spectacle. I think it'd really lift our players seeing the scarves waving in the stands and it'd put off opposition teams, certainly interstate teams where we have the outnumber. As for the game itself, Koz was brilliant early, loved Langford's game, Chandler's best and Kolt's. All three probably played their best games. Howes and Turner down back are such steady heads on young shoulders. Trelly did some special things, didn't he? That cut back to JVR in the last was utterly outrageous. And I loved it! A great game from JVR. Sharp, Langdon, Checkers and Fritta all played their roles really well. And we got contributions from Jeffo, Laurie and Moose. Extremely happy with the win. And again, to those who said losing to Essendon would undo all our good work for the first four weeks, naaaaah.

Kozzy probably needs to have 15-20 score involvements today if we're any chance. And kick 3-4 himself. No pressure, Koz.

There will be growing pains this year (last week, Freo). This will be a baptism of fire against the double premier, but if he does well, it'll expedite our development markedly. I'll back our development team in to prepare him and scaffold him this year. But the sooner (the better) we can see a settled backline of: AMW Turner XT Bowey xxxxPetty? Lever I think we are missing another kicker or two too. XL is filling the role this year and learning the defensive elements of the game, but we need a lethal kick back there. I want XL onto the wing ASAP, so if we can fill that need and allow XL to move further up the ground next year that'd be ideal. XT's speedy development could transform our back half though with his agility and offensive capabilities.

I actually thinking his kicking this year, for the most part, has been superb. Particularly, kicking inside 50, but in general play as well.

I disagree. Sure, the crowd might be down on what it would have been, but on-field it's all part of the journey and it won't be the only blip this year. Football isn't linear. Today wasn't a backward step. It was a paethic performance and King was thoroughly outcoached, but it doesn't detract from our three wins IMO. In fact, I'd view today as an important learning step for this group, including the coaches. Because this game plan as it stands right now and as our list stands right now, is very easy to counter. We're not the dominant stoppage force we once were, so when sides get on top there and mix this with ball retention (Hawthorn will do this against is too you'd think), the system and our list doesn't have an answer.

The board. That's who I'd put my money on.

I know you're a betting man but the odds were in our favour 20 minutes before the game according to the AFL app that I was reading as I walked into the ground and growing larger. Also, according to Google, we were favourites.

Fascinating. I need to watch more closely. I felt he'd really struggled this year.

And get in one more best 23.

Whenever I see this thread title, I just think of Patrick Warburton and Seinfeld.

He was a Bulldog growing up...

I don't think this year, no. Perhaps towards the end of the year, but more 2027-2028.

I'd rather play a more mobile back half. AMW Petty Howes Taylor Turner Bowey With Lever and Salem for support. But as with King's philosophy, he wants players to be able to play multiple positions. Blake could play a wing or half forward as well. Happy birthday, Blake. 🎉

Well, we were favourite in the betting market.

Yep, things are really shaping up in this department. I've viewed 2026 as a year to bed down the game plan, draft another two or three elite talents (potentially trading future picks) and playing a game style that attracts FAs and other trade targets for 2027 and 2028. So far so good. We'd be a very appealing prospect if we continue on our current trajectory. Need to get some bigger crowds as the year goes on too.

Bloody Tim Lamb, hey? 😜

We were favourites in the Carlton game too. I also disagree with thia sentiment going around that if we lose this week it will undo all of our work. We will have slip ups this year and it would put us at 3-2. I think most fans would have taken that going into this year. I certainly would have. That is not to say we should lose to Essendon...

I think a midfield that has a mixture of speed and contested ability is the one that will test us. Suns are one paced and IMV slow around the ball and rely on pace from behind the contest to handball chain or link up quickly. The real test is the premier in a fortnight. Their midfield has both ability to win it on the inside and speed away from the contest. With the Suns you can get them on the outside of the contest, and if you go head to head with them at stoppage they rely on that handball receive from behind or power ahead of the ball.

I think they were talking about "Jake", not "Jack". ie Jake Melksham.

I watched the replay last night. Mac Andrew was responsible for half our score I reckon. His defensive positioning and reading of the game is still pretty poor. Maybe it's a coaching thing?

When I got back into the car I had to turn them off as I felt they were downplaying us and saying the Gold Coast would be fine and it's just what they needed.