Dr. Gonzo

What is most frustrating is how predictable it all was. TMac needs to go, leave Petty in defence and bring in Kentfield or Heath up forward. JVR was terrible again, has played half a good game in 5 weeks. Petty was poor though took a few decent contested marks in the 2nd half. Steele one of the few who stood up early but still had a few moments he'd like back, particularly that missed goal in the 3rd. Way too many passengers, Melksham, Windsor, Latrelle, Mihocek, Petty, JVR, Culley all 10 or less touches. Lindsay, Chandler, Langford, Fritsch largely ineffective though Fritsch and Langford did kick a ripper each. Tholsyeup was poor. Steele, Kozzie, Turner probably the only ones who can hold their heads up after that one. Max had some good periods and some poor as well, how many times did he win a clean tap and it went to an unmanned Bombers player? They just turned up thinking they'd win an easy one, they worked the Bombers over in the 2nd after getting caught off guard in the 1st and then thought the job was done and let the Bombers back in. 1 goal the difference at halftime meant the winless Dons could sniff a chance at a win and would be tough to beat after that. Big head syndrome, been a problem with the MFC for decades. They don't respect the opposition and think they can just turn up and bank the points. King will earn his pay this week, let's see how they respond against the back to back Lions.

We are a better side than Essendon, we lost this above the shoulders today.

Agreed although he has completely outcoached King today.

Wish I put more on them at $4.10 than I did, money for jam

Trying 🤣 they've been pathetic.

Rabble.

He's not alone though, Tholstrup, Culley, Sparrow, Latrelle, Windsor etc have hardly been sighted. Way too many passengers.

Petty and TMac have to go, JVR not far behind. But we've had no winners today, maybe Steele but he's had a couple of horror moments too.

Absolutely pathetic, still mentally soft.

I admit I thought he was another NQR but I've been impressed this year, he has really stepped up and become more consistent in his output. Add him to the list of players who we are getting the best out of atm (Sharp, Culley et al).

I think Tassie can sign one player from each club across two seasons (the year before and year of entry) so players contracted to end of 2027 or 2028. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-01/tasmania-devils-afl-draft-concessions-2028-team-announced/105838224

Add Windsor to the list as well I think?

I can't believe he's lasted this long.

His last two weeks have been great. If he can maintain that standard with Steele Kozzie and Max in the middle we will be a tough midfield to beat.

He is phenomenal. His gut running into the forward line when we had a free kick in the middle to present, mark and goal was so great to watch. Then he saves goals at the other end too. He does it in the air and on the ground feeding out handballs to runners. He is just a beast, he may not be the most naturally talented footballer I've seen at the Demons but he is the hardest working (carrying on the legacy of Jimmy Stynes) and most consistent and I would now say the best. He is the best Demon I have seen in my time (1988-present).

Has blown me away this year with his consistency, I thought he would never make it but he is really playing his role well.

An outstanding performance! We were irrepressible with our pressure and moving the ball forward at all costs. Windsor has really come on, Steele has been better than I could have hoped and Kozzie and Max were their usual best. Great turnout too, 24k against the Suns on Easter Sunday is a good crowd all things considered. Can't wait to watch the replay of this one. If we can win 2 of our next 3 (Bombers, Lions, Tigers) we will be in a great position.

Great 1st half, if the team can keep up that endeavour we could have an upset brewing here.

Agreed, especially with Fritsch now out. Who plays on King? He is a beast, Turner is too short, Petty is too Petty, Lever not big/strong enough, TMac too slow. Walter back in and Ethan Read alongside them means our defence is both undersized and too slow I feel. If our midfield doesn't stand up this could get ugly. Petracca and Humphrey out but they still have Anderson, Miller and now Rowell back in. A formidable trio. Main thing I want to see is Kozzie continue his form, regardless of team performance he needs to build on his consistency and not just rip a game apart every 2nd or 3rd week. I think he can. Hoping for a decent turn out but this ridiculous fixturing means we'll probably be around the 17k mark which sucks because the team deserves better after last week's effort.

I wonder whether that explains a mysterious omission in recent weeks 🤔

Because the issue with May involved his partner and the club are trying to be inclusive of the players partners. They may have stuffed up in how they did it (uncertain without specific info) but I can understand their intent.

This was my initial reaction too. Without knowing what the specifics of the discussion were (I can take a guess) or how it was framed, on the surface of it it looks like the club was trying to get on the front foot to address the issue with May.

I was so disappointed Collingwood didn't go down the Ross Lyon path at the same time, would've been great to see them both stuff up so comprehensively. Unfortunately Collingwood made the right call with McRae.

Agreed, it's quite bizarre.

Petracca's been pretty good this year.