Dr. Gonzo

I've read somewhere that Adelaide Oval has narrow pockets (ie when you're standing on the boundary to have a shot at goal the goal face is wider than at other grounds. This is the opposite of Subiaco which had deep pockets and made shots from there much harder). I wonder if this had an effect of making it easier to zone off in defence and get to contests quicker. Obviously being able to read the play is necessary as well but playing in a wider defensive 50 may be having an impact.

No, it was a 4 goal run. A "run" means consecutive goals.

Yes that could be it - I should say I find d Eddie to be one of if not the best commentators going when he's not near a Collingwood game or referring to Collingwood players. He has a sense of theatre, history and genuinely loves the game and it's history including the history of all clubs. His fixation with Daw yesterday was a bit strange though

Speaking of last week's game I wonder if yesterday's results tempered the views of those who were super critical of our inability to smash the Lions. They did ok against Port in Adelaide and were unlucky not to win. There are no easy games this year, any time you can bank the 4 points, take it and run.

I disagree I think he has a soft spot for us as he is nothing if not a student of the history of the game. He appreciates the 50s/60s rivalry even if the rest of their supporters couldnt give a stuff. I just found it interesting. Once I heard him say "the Melbourne side" I couldn't stop hearing it.

While we're on the commentary did anyone else notice that McGuire would always refer to us as "Melbourne" or "The Melbourne club/side" or "the Melbourne Football Club" - he never refers to us as the Demons. Is that his Irish Catholic heritage showing? He'll always refer to other sides by their nicknames.

I agree, we still look a bit sloppy but seem to be playing some decent footy. If the "flow" of our game clicks we will be very hard to stop. We've been more inclined to knock the ball on, move it forward at all costs this year which is part of the reason for the sloppy play but our inside 50 differentials have been marked in each game. If we can start converting more opportunities we will be smashing sides off the park. Opposition having high inside 50 conversion rates seems to be a by product of the game plan but if we can convert more of ours it won't matter.

Thanks mate appreciate that. There's also individual stats if you can be bothered posting some, for instance if be interested in Bugg's pressure acts

Wasn't even a free kick

I've only watched the 1st half on replay but Salem has been very good so far, seems like his most complete game to date.

A different approach to last year where he refused to acknowledge it.

Depends who replaces him. He's definitely no star, a good ordinary player, but he's a good 16th-22nd player. The coaches would love his defensive work especially across half forward. He has to kick like today though, missing set shots from 30m out is inexcusable. I'd prefer him to Hannan at this stage though, Hannan has better attributes but needs to work out how not to fade in and out of games.

What were we at this stage last year?

Do you seriously think Eddie does anything without running it through his "how will this benefit Collingwood" filter? I don't care if Melbourne doesn't have a rep but I would've been far more comfortable had there been more than one rep from MFC, North, Dogs and Saints combined. It's the equalisation committee all over again, dominated by Hawks and Pies with a token Bulldog rep chucked in for PR.

Babyface turn for OD?

Haha "ass-burgers" 13 disposals, 1 goal, 0 tackles today. Just sayin

Jetta will be fine unless North lodge a medical report citing "delayed concussion" Didn't see the other one

I don't think it was me but it definitely sounds like something I would've said before. Wagner was very good too. I was extremely critical of his selection in r1 but he's hardly put a foot wrong since halftime time vs the Cats. Hopefully he settles in because he seems to have a good boot on him.

That's why Bugg gets a game hes not the cleanest player but he'll always give you a contest. Salem was very good as was Wagner. After the first 10 minutes it was a pretty clinical team effort despite still wasting some inside 50s and a couple of scares particularly late in the 3rd.

Nice to see they added a token member from the continually kicked in the arse clubs.

2 of them are owned & operated by the AFL though

Campaigner?

Brisbane's resurgence coincided with Pedersen in the ruck last week.

Yeah I was very critical of Wagner's selection in r1 but since halftime against the Cats he hasn't done a lot wrong. Salem has been fine, needs to get more of the footy but hasn't been playing badly.

Hannan had 1 tackle, 0 tackles Inside 50, 2 score involvements, 0 1%ers & 9 possessions Bugg had 4 tackles, 2 tackles Inside 50, 6 score involvements, 2 1%ers and 13 possessions Not groundbreaking stuff but had a better game statistically and provides that forward pressure that is essential. Also did the job shutting down Hodge apparently and did a good job if that's the case. This also doesn't take into some of the other advanced stats like pressure acts etc