Dr. Gonzo

Interesting, it seems we've been setting our zone further back this year for whatever reason - it hasn't been the high forward press we saw last year.

I'd rather Grundy in than Cox, the Texan has a way of getting hold of us.

It looks like there's still plenty of GA at the top of the Ponsford and Northern stands

May out, Petty on and off injured, Max injured should've been subbed out but Turner was concussed so was subbed out instead. We kept bombing it straight down the throats of Cox and Moore.

Jackson has to agree to go to WCE we don't have the power to trade him there without his consent.

And his work up the ground as a marking option.

Especially with Fritsch contributing as defacto key forward

The art of commentary and analysis is to make the dry engaging and relatable to the novice. Employing boofhead ex-players as special comments isn't going to help them achieve this so they just go the lowest common denominator route.

It does make sense when you consider 18 man defense is built upon the ability to cover ground at repeated intensity throughout the course of a game. Fatigue inhibits a teams ability to do that and heavy loading periods cause fatigue to set in earlier in a game allowing teams to be overrun in games (like we were against Freo, Sydney and Collingwood earlier this year). Of course other factors also come into play such as in game injuries, form, adherence to game plan/structures and the old fashioned players being "up" for a game. Put it this way, had we been dominated from start to finish in a game and lost by 10 goals+ I wouldn't say loading is the primary factor. But leading a game by 4-5 goals before being overrun in the 2nd half with in game injuries contributing I think loading is a big factor particularly when players look lethargic/sluggish compared to previous weeks. Players don't just lose the ability to run and cover ground The coaches wouldn't be giving these games up but it's short term pain for long term gain. I'm sure they expect us to win every game we play but if we lose a couple midyear after winning our first 10 and come home with a wet sail I'm sure they'd consider that an ok outcome.

We lucked out playing Port and Dogs twice and were unlucky with Freo and the Pies who both missed finals last year. Swings and roundabouts.

It's no different to us always playing Port, Freo, Gold Coast etc in NT. Should we be forced to play Essendon, Carlton or Richmond at home in Alice Springs because the other clubs think it's unfair? Geelong hosts the big club's at the G once or twice a year because they make more money than if they hosted us or North there. That's the reality.

Very true, we own them in September 6-1

Papley was still contracted.

And Cerra ended up nominating Carlton - the equivalent here is Jackson telling Freo he's nominating the Eagles.

Not true, I think he worked himself into a bit of form the past month before getting injured. Taking marks up the ground and kicking 2 or 3 goals a game.

I think his output has been similar it's just he was hitting the scoreboard more last year. He's had opportunities this year and missed whereas last year he was slotting them from everywhere.

The whole game had a weird feeling about it I think because the Freo crowd was so subdued (when they weren't booing).

We have an extra days break on the Pies 2 extra days against Carlton who are coming back from Brisbane And an extra days break on the Lions The fixture has been tough up til now but no more excuses. We get a week off after round 23 to reset and rest some of those tired and sore bodies. Let's run the table and take number 14! ❤️💙🏆

This is where I'm at too (assuming Brown is still not right). I understand not wanting to throw a kid to the wolves and not wanting to put him in before he has the fitness base to run out a game. But surely he won't offer less than what Weid did last night. Unless his fitness levels will impact our team defence I would give him the debut. You can point to Watts' debut but sometimes it comes down to the character of the individual. Some people relish that kind of challenge and it encourages them to excel. If the coaches think JVR has it in him I'd love to see him suit up on Friday. Give the Pies something to think about as well. Other than that the people talking about Sparrow and ANB being dropped have NFI. Am I watching the same games as them?

If Jackson can get paid handsomely to move back home after already winning a flag with the club that drafted him - why wouldn't he do it? I don't really begrudge Jackson it's just frustrating he's out of contract the one time Freo decide to have a decent season this decade.

Every chance we play them in a big final so I want to get inside their heads. Strangle the life out of them, stomp a mudhole in them and walk it dry!

If Carlton miss finals that would be just exquisite. Lions at the Gabba, us then the Pies in a potential "elimination final". Would be so good to see them flop.

Nah stuff that, [censored] bury them

That and the fact he was tackled at every contest before taking possession of the footy

It's not just opposition supporters but I agree players like Spargo, ANB and Sparrow although maligned are every bit a part of the first 22.