bing181

But also the format. Where else, except on the Demonland podcast of course, do players (or coaches) get to talk for 20+ minutes? The quick 2 minute post-match MFC interview or 30 second radio/TV grab doesn't lend itself to much more than "yes, we've all been working hard and yes, the foot feels fine" type of answers.

I'm in France, and all very serious here. We have over 1000 cases (including 4 MP's), and in some areas schools and non-essential services etc. are closed and people are advised to basically stay home. Expected to go onto the next level of protection and action in the coming days. Govt has banned any gathering over 1K people (down from 5K people a week or so ago), so sports authorities currently juggling closed door events and postponements where possible. Except that no-one's expecting this to go away soon, so postponement effectively = cancellation. I had a long autoroute trip on the weekend, and the display signs were all carrying virus-info: who to call to find out more or if you suspect symptoms, where to get news etc. We have very effective health and social services, so people at least feel that what should be done is being done.

Along the same lines, there was some really good insight from Tom Mac in the commentary for the North-Dees practise match video if you get a chance. He commented on Oscar that he does a lot of work off the ball shutting down angles etc. that people wouldn't notice. (I'm paraphrasing, can't remember exactly what he said but it was along those lines.) Not giving Oscar a pat on the back either, I'm sure it's true for all of the players getting regular games.

I think you're underestimating the amount of preparation and game planning that goes on, even at lower and junior levels. And he was playing in the SANFL (albeit reserves), there would have been systems in place and clear roles to play.

You're presuming that they (Viney and Gawn) weren't told beforehand. Not only would it be good/standard practise I would think, from their reaction and a couple of things that Goodwin says, I get the impression they knew. Not that I would know ...

Confirms yet again that the coaches watch a different game to us.

Great to get the win, lots of positive signs across the pre-season. Though can't help but get the feeling that at least a few of the players were holding a bit back until the real stuff, which then had an impact on disposal etc. Could be wrong.

Unless there's a turnaround, may have seen his last match for the Dees.

Would imagine that Gawn will only play a half. Perhaps similar for others, such as Jetta, having played last week, and Brown (also played against North). Could be wrong.

Yes, but in those days there were 3 "official" pre-season matches, not 2. (from what I remember ...)

The only thing we have is that he cut his foot (at the beach?) and it became infected. Whether there's something else/more since, hard to know. Not having much luck.

Would be better news to hear that Gawn was playing as well.

And all the more impressive for having missed most of the pre-season, at least the match play part of it.

Round 1 team selection is going to be interesting, more than a few putting their hands up. A nice problem to have.

2nd quarter: 3rd quarter: 4th quarter:

Replay (such as it is) seems to be up on Youtube:

Would make sense to build this around younger players and players who missed Marsh 1. Long season ahead. Also, they may still be wanting to get more of a fitness base into them (best done/managed outside of having to play games).

#31 has a knee infection. Not sure of prognosis/availability.

Third in the B&F is, by definition, a good season. Happy to defer to the coaches/match committee in their assessment of players' performance.

One take-away from the game is how well we've recruited - and not just the draftees. Tomlinson, Brown and Langdon all added something that we just didn't have, and are more than useful pickups. I know there was some concern around the fact that we didn't land any "name" recruits over the trade period, but hard to ask for much more than what this trio bring. Also, surprised by how effective Kozzie was. There's been speculation as to how many games he'll play this year, but on that showing, he'll play most. Perhaps not massive game time, he's a high-flash/low possession player, but if he can snag a goal or so each game and put the frighteners on some of the opposition backs, it'll be enough - and once again, something that we didn't have.

This. To be honest, I was even surprised he was selected, he's hardly had any match play since when was it ... early in the pre-season? Though it's clear that the reason he keeps getting selected is because of his work rate, both on and off the field. The coaches see it, perhaps many of us don't.

Final Leaderboard Max Gawn 464 Clayton Oliver 464 Jack Viney 323 https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/244837/gawn-oliver-become-dual-bluey-winners

The one that he eased across the face and was marked inside the opposite point post? Yeah right. You see what you want to see. Confirmation bias 101.

Yes, really missing Preuss as backup.

Petty (groin?), possibly Wagner the only ones who might be longer-term concerns?