bing181

In some ways he always was, but what stands out to me his how much better and more accountable a defender he has become of late.

Sure, but part of what we're seeing now is because of what losses like that taught us, and what we were able to take out of them.

Well, as fine as umpiring can ever be.

Spargo not going to be out of the team anytime soon.

Yes, but the backbone of the team and most of the key playmakers, is still that same bunch of senior players with finals experience. Plus Tom Mitchell (enough said).

No, but we can perhaps bring in Joel Smith.

Laughable.

Yes. And after he spent time at Casey being coached to do so.

Agree that Hannan earned his call-up (while missing a gettable set shot), let's see if he can back it up. He's done this before (more or less), good first game back in the firsts from Casey, but then faded from then on to end up being dropped again. Kent started to show a few more smarts, has put his time at Casey to good use. Still see him as a bit of a loose cannon, and he tends to rack up the Frees Against, but if he can get the job done, he'll have earned his place. I actually don't think we'll take these 3 plus Spargo into the finals, as much as anything because all 3 tend to flash in/out of games, which you can't afford once everything goes up a notch. But ... ?? Going to learn a lot next week, but don't think too many players will be putting in short steps.

Agree - but it's because he's not really a one on one defender. He doesn't have the body strength, nor the experience, he's more the sweeper role down back. Fritstch is better further up the ground, either forward or wing, which for me is a case for including a more specialist defender, though not sure who ... Joel Smith when he comes back or as you mention, Wagner?

If we can win one final would be a bonus, but don't think we can go much further than that. Would be very different with Lever, Hogan and Viney, but you can't take out that kind of talent, all of whom play key roles, and still expect to perform at the pointy end.

Bittersweet for Stretch, Hogan and Lever (at least).

Sure, but who do you bring in? Apart from JKH who's not much of an upgrade on Spargo in any case, cupboard is pretty bare at Casey.

Not for GWS, but I'd be getting Joel Smith back in ASAP so we can move Fritsch back up the field (wing/forward) where he can do more damage. He's handy as a sweeper/loose man across the back line, but isn't strong/experienced enough to be playing as a one-on-one defender - Exhibit A being that mark that LeCras took on him. With finals looming though, none of Hannan, Kent or VDB would want to put in a dud game next week.

Club are probably safe now in sending out details on how to get finals seats.

From what I can see: - if we lose against GWS we get the looser of Swans/Hawks. - if we win against GWS, probably get Geelong.

Posted this on the Post-Match thread, but does anyone have any idea who we might be playing first up in the finals (depending on win/loose against GWS)?

Does anyone have any predictions as to who we might face in the finals if we win/loose?

Yes. Another one that could have really made a difference against the Swans. Was missed. Let's hope we can get Viney (at least) back in for the finals.

So many times Goodwin goes on about learning, and taking opportunities to grow, etc. etc. Not just hot air, and we saw today what it means. More than anything, what impressed me today was that for the first time we started to show what we've so often sorely missed: maturity.

Would be cruel to lose this, we've done enough. But there are two teams out there, so ...

Yes, because selectors just queue up to select players who aren't up to it.

This. Harmes especially, even his handballs are hit and miss. These boys will take time.

Great quarter, but disposal and composure under pressure (and even not under pressure) still our Achilles heel. Can't question the intent, but we're still pretty rough around the edges.

You only have to look at this thread for confirmation that he was right. Self-indulgent wallowing.