Dr. Gonzo

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/10178925 Some things never change 1) Melbourne loses to the easybeats and wins the games you least expect 2) Umpires hate Melbourne

I have to say the silence on this issue from the club since last year has been nothing short of disheartening. I haven't given this issue much thrift previously other than to thinj it would be good for the players to have better facilities. However I am now firmly of the view that the lack of a proper home is THE major issue facing us. Footy clubs are community hubs (not as in local community but for the players, coaches and admin). They provide the sense of history and identity for the players to feel connected and inspired by the past. I've been listening to the Kick To Kick podcast which is a must listen for anyone who loves the history of the game. The 3 guys are going through each VFL/AFL season since 1897 and currently up to 1927. The main thing that has stood out for me is the identities of successful clubs, the fact they are actual "clubs" and not just teams of players. This is something Smith fostered for us in the 50s and I assume something he inherited from Checker in the 30s. Most clubs these days have not just modern training facilities and home bases, but club museums proudly displaying their heritage. Where is ours? In the MCC? How accessible is this to our players (nevermind the supporters)? It is an indictment this has been allowed to go on for so long, the members need to agitate the board about this to make sure it is their number 1 priority. The longer we stand still the further back we go.

Or we kick it in high to midgets like Spargo, Garlett, Lockhart, Hunt who are outnumbered 3 to 1. The delivery from the mids has been shocking but our forward setup is also dysfunctional.

None of the kids in that article were even born last time we played off in a Grand Final.

Someone that can kick with a bit of pace would be nice.

Define "trying"

2017 Hogan was out of the side and TMac played well as the key forward. I don't buy that he can't be #1 forward, I think it's his toe/foot still giving him problems because he doesn't seem to have any explosiveness, he can't jump for the footy and his kicking is off. If it's not injury it's a massive form slump and unforgiveable for what he's being paid

Do we have a sports psychologist on the books? If not we definitely need one and should've had one 20 years ago (though I remember Daniher specifically was against it/thought it was rubbish)

If a kick goes 40m to a contest it is deemed an efficient disposal regardless of whether the team maintains possession.

FCS he better be taking a long term view and not rushing back guys before they're ready just to salavge some respectability from this disaster of a season. I don't care if Lever, May, Hannan, Hibberd or Kolodjashnij play (again) this year - the focus should be on a long term plan to make sure they're cherry rule for round 1 2020

Doesn't excuse effort

Nah the worst non call was Hurn playing on from a kickout and running close to the 50m line without taking a bounce

I agree. If Petracca, Garlett and TMac kick the goals they should we win by 4 or 5 goals.

The guy regularly fresh airs when going for spoils. I've given him chances (about 2 years worth) but he just isn't up to league footy.

Might as well try and get something out of the season

Its our structure. We make it so easy for the other team to pick us off because we are so predictable. We arent doing too badly except for our kicking inside 50 and conversion of inside 50s to scores because we either hack it forward or move too slowly forward so end up with kicks down the line to hot spots/key forward targets. The key defenders just tangles up the key forward allowing the intercept defender an easy chop off. We need to learn how to move the ball more efficiently forward (greater skill and flow rather than the haphazard panicky scrum/hack it forward footy) and how to spread the field. It always feels like we have no space, we need to spread the field, particularly the forward 50. Part of it is wanting to go down the corridor but sometimes the best play is to go over the corridor to the "fat side" and spread the field more. We did it several times on the weekend, we're so focused on attacking through the corridor we don't see that the next kick after that makes it easier to defend. If we go over the top of the corridor onto the fat side it spreads the field, creates more space for the forwards to work in, spreads the defense and forces them to work harder.

Bombers are at Tulla not Essendon airport

I was gonna ask anyone who was there, had it been raining? Humidity? Both teams seemed to be handling a bar of soap out there but it looked like perfect t conditions.

That's what we were saying too

Bowling shoe ugly as JR used to say (for you WWF fans)

The game should have been all but iced at quarter time. Great to get the win but [censored] me this team can make you pull your hair out. How have our skills dropped so markedly in 6 months. We were never the most skilled side but this is another level. Why does TMac attempt marks with flat palms? Why does Omac continually fresh air spoils?

Occam's razor says we should be based at the G

Settle down Misso

I've always wondered whether we would've continued dominating if Barassi had stayed on to coach - or would things still have played out similar to the way they did and Barassi would not be the supercoach he is known as today.

I agree with you although the Bulldogs flag is always in the back of the mind - all you have to do is make finals and then prepare yourselves for 4 weeks of blitzkrieg footy. Won't happen for us this year though. 2020 we will bounce back as long as we focus now on getting our players fit for round 1 2020 and we attack the draft with at least 3 or 4 guys with pace and skill who can slot in (a la Duursma, Rozee, Butters at Port)