Dr. Gonzo

I'm in a similar boat - on the one hand I get what they're doing but on the other I feel some moves/changes yesterday would've seen us in with a chance to win the game. Looking long term is fine but I hope we'renot sacrificing wins now doing that.

And the baby goes flying out the window with the bathwater

Roos finishes this year so having his contract off the books should negate the money we don't get from NT. I reckon it's time to scrap it, fact is that games at the G today and we more than likely win.

Port conceded the hitouts and then just sat on our midfielders forcing them into a turnover or locking it up for a second bounce to get the 3rd man up. We really had no idea how to combat that - on one occasion Jones tapped the ball on instead of taking possession and earned a free for holding the man but we should've been do this all day or until Port was forced to relax their tags a little bit. Otherwise Gawn should've just hit the ball into space instead of down Viney/Jones' throat and allowed our guys to run onto it

Not strong enough send him back to the VFL for either Frost Dunn or Pedersen

23 and sunny today 30% humidity - not bad

I don't necessarily disagree with this but my first thought is its wrong. If it were the case wouldn't the club dieticians etc have everyone on a vegetarian diet? Do you know of any other professional athletes where strength/power is a key attribute that don't eat meat?

My brother used to play against Dylan when he was at Hurstbridge. He was OK but those at the club held Jack in such high regard saying some kids you just know are gonna make it. Dylans grown about 2 feet since then I reckon but it's amazing the fall from grace Jack has faced and I think like most things in footy, it's between the ears. The Neeld years ruined him more than most, his reaction after the 148 loss to Essendon and being put out to front the media as a kid and explain what had happened was dumbfounding. I remember his first year and one of his first games maybe even his debut against the Eagles where he just took the game on running down the middle. Now he is hesitant always second guessing himself. If he went elsewhere I'd wish him all the best, I can't imagine noone being interested at a low price.

Hawks because they've treated us with utter contempt forever. Multiple 100 point losses where theyve barely raised a sweat.

Yep again fair enough - I probably didn't articulate it well but I was trying to explain why Roos wouldn't have him in the team. Considering Roos' focus on competitiveness and competitive players its the only reason I can fathom other than he doesn't think he's cut out for senior footy (not strong enough, not quick enough, too slow to make a decision etc). That's a weakness I thought he had compared to others who are getting games ahead of him which is why I assume he is not in the team.

Maybe the coaches think we need to win the games we should and this is a game we should win all things considered. You have to take each game as it comes (while also balancing the long term view - not easy) and I think Gawn needs to play with what he brings. Maybe bringing in Spencer to ruck more minutes couldve been an option with Gawn resting more often but to leave him out altogether I think would be tempting fate.

Fair enough - maybe I shouldn't write him off but I remember last year just tearing my hair out with him particularly against the Pies. Maybe my "having a crack" comment was unfair. Really it is his decision making that is the frustration and when we already have TMac back there freaking us out I don't know whether we can afford to have Grimes as well. He'llprobably get a chance at some point this year so when he does I will keep an open mind.

Maybe it's just me, not saying he shirks a contest but I don't see the manic get ball at all costs approach that guys like Bugg and Kennedy have brought to the team.

Grimes has been deplorable for some time now, his decision making in particular he is just painfully slow at moving the ball on. His disposal is a bit iffy when he does get boot to ball maybe because of the pressure he feels either real or perceived. I wouldn't say his careers over at MFC but he has a tonne of ground to make up before getting another gig. One thing he doesn't have which others like Newton and Michie do is the desire to compete and crack in. That's what Roos seems to value above all else and if he's not doing that in the VFL he won't get a game regardless how many possession he may rack up.

I think it'll be won or lost in the midfield as most games these days. If you think our backline looks shoddy take a look at theirs! At least with Jetta back this week we'll have our cool-headed general down there to stabilise things.

Wow, I knew our record against them was bad but I never imagined anything like that!

Yeah I'm tipping the overs for this game (191.5 I think)

That was my point.

Pedersen and Dawes seem on the way out if a ready replacement is there to fill in the gap.

I don't think they'd be happy to see him go in the same way they were Howe. I think they'd want to keep him but not at any price. Tomlinson is a good one, isn't getting a game at the moment but is only 193cm according to his player profile and I think he's been playing midfield in the NEAFL? 53 possessions last week though.

It's quite a crazy change in personality from the perennial Eeyore! Glad to see you're seeing a glass half-full these days od.

I never said I was a leftu!

Nah, unlikely

I always like that guy

I would've thought it's the right wing neo-cons who want to do away with borders - as long as it only applies to capital of course