Dr. Gonzo

He was out under the H&S protocols so you'd assume he's right to come in

It would be great if we had FT umpires who could study tape, become accustomed to players techniques etc They could not only identify the players who tend to do it but also know what to look for. Serial offenders have the benefit of doubt removed, if it looks like they ducked (including dropping the knees, shrugging the arm, leading with the head) ping them for holding the ball. After all apparently ducking is prior opportunity.

Yeah, that's not happening.

Of course though I'm sure if you asked the players they would prefer to train across the road from the G instead of in the middle of nowhere at least once or twice a week.

The AFL should not be applauded for implementing something that should've been done 15 years ago! This is on their head, they created this mess. Could've stamped it out early in Selwoods career but they've let it fester and become a blight on the game. Let's hope they actually stick to their guns but I won't hold my breath.

And the commentators laugh it off as an "ear massage" or making him earn it.

I know Petty has been our most consistent defender this year but I'd still like to see him tried up forward. Could end up having a Neitz career, start at FF, go back to CHB before returning to the forward line. It gives us another get out option and gives us flexibility to send him back (a la TMac) especially if Tomlinson can hold down the 3rd key defensive post.

I think the premier comes from Geelong, us or Freo. I haven't seen any other teams play well enough consistently to take the cup. GF will be played off between 2 of these 3 sides.

Glad someone else saw this, couldn't believe the posts after the game yesterday.

Here's the avatar ready to go

Seemed that way to me as well and if that was the case you'd say he played his role effectively.

When he burnt Spargo in the 1st I was curious because you could almost see it play out in slomo. So much so that I kind of thought his first instinct was go for goal, then he saw Spargo and thought about giving it off. He ended up doing neither and the ball just rolled out of bounds. So I was thinking afterwards whether he was caught in two minds and stuffed it altogether. I haven't watched the replay of it though so it may be he just went for goal and it was an awful kick He definitely should have given it off though, it was a certain goal for Spargo who deserved reward for effort.

We never "win" we just almost lose 🙄

Fritsch is not getting dropped. Neither is Salem or any of our other first 22 players for those suggesting that.

He's probably gone but that's in October. In the meantime we still have a flag to win so I don't feel any less enthusiastic watching him play.

Nuffies who will never be satisfied

Just a reminder for all the sad sacks on here

You're joking aren't you? Sparrow was good today.

Thanks for typing this to save me the trouble.

Geez you lot jump off quick. Grow a backbone FFS. Win today and we are equal first a game clear of 3rd. Win by a lot and we could pinch top spot back. Sydney did us a huge favour last night, up to us to take advantage of it. Our only losses this year have been to sides sitting 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th. Port are not a very good side and missing a ruckman. Looking for Max to have a day out and Viney to step up in Oliver's absence. Despite our loss last week Petracca has been back to some of his best hitting the scoreboard with 3 goals in consecutive weeks. On a dry track I expect Kozzie, Bedford, ANB and Spargo to bring the manic pressure we were renowned for last year. Demons by 24+

We can only land a 23-27yo key forward if one is available. Who would you target?

Exactly, Freo want Jackson to make their list better. Why would they give up one of their best players for him if it means they end up with a worse side? I don't think we'll get any players back for him, at least not any that Melbourne supporters will be too enthused with. It will be draft picks but I just don't see how Freo can satisfy our requirements without shooting themselves in the foot. When we prised Lever from the Crows they would have wanted Petracca or Oliver in return. They ended up with two mid first round picks.

And won't even hit his peak for 5 years.

Yeah that ain't gonna fly. We should reasonably be expecting 2x top 5 picks. Freo need to come up with some kind of equivalent to satisfy a trade.

Teams don't just lose their ability to run and repeat sprint etc during games. It's not just down to some intangible like "hunger". How "former" is this former great? Many former greats have NFI when it comes to the modern game and get paid handsomely to espouse their ignorance.