spalding

why a loss may not be the end of the world. MFCSS coming to the fore here. If we win tonight, but lose against Geelong in the last round, and Port happen to beat the bulldogs in their last round, we would finish 3rd and play Port (second) away in the first final. This assumes all the top 4 win in Rd 22 - which is probably a fair assumption. If we lose tonight, and then end up finishing fourth (assuming we lose to Geelong in the last round - which can be arranged!) we would play the Cats again in the first final (most likely at the G, but the risk is we end up at GMHBA) Obviously the best outcome is just win the next 6 games - then nothing to worry about!

Or learnings

Just went to watch my weekly recording on Foxtel and it came up with the North v Geelong game. Now looking for those anti nausea tablets that I bought in Thailand in the Olden Days of international travel

Not sure if it’s the Olympics, or a learned behaviour to emotionally protect myself, but as our form slips I feel like I am slowly disengaging from the season. we need to find a way to hold onto the top 4 and then have the week off to re-group for an assault to the summit - and then I can get really excited again.

St Kilda didn’t turn up.

It would seem the umpires have their money on a bulldogs v cats final

So who wants my Flemington tips for tomorrow then?

Think Tigers have fired their best shot and are done - for now and 2021

my brother was silly enough to get married at 4.30pm on that famous last Saturday of August in 1987. He and I pretty much took ourselves (as teenagers and younger) to all the games from the mid-70s. Our extended family has been supporting the Demons from before VFL days (ie in the 1800's) - so you can imagine angst this caused. Half the congregation stood as one and cheered in the middle of the wedding when Jason Dunstall kicked the goal at Kardinia Park, and did it again about 3 minutes later when the siren went at Western Oval. Geez it was a good reception too !

Not a chance - I will be super obnoxious during and after our 4peat.

If it comes down to being in a position where one of he and weidemann want to leave for more opportunity, particularly when Tomlinson comes back, I’d keep Petty. Even if he plays forward post BBB or Tmac

I didn’t notice any pace issues, but thought he looked very comfortable at the level. Like jordon, petty, sparrow - a clear and consistent development strategy could result in a good AFL level player in a year or two

Like the look of Turner as a development project similar to Petty for key back depth

Back to the AFL part of this topic. It was nice to see that MFC was excluded from the definition of a “smaller” club in the article in the Age this am that noted that the recent shutdown has cost the AFL $15mln. with the position of both the AFL and AFLW programmes on field, the bloodless president transition earlier this year, the Re-signing of sponsors in tough times, financial position where we don’t need AFL support, and hopefully a solution to the training facility in the wings (although Casey seems to be working well now too) these are heady times for long suffering Demons supporters. A lot of kudos needs to go to the Board and senior management. now for a period of sustained success to become a power again.

I was thinking the same re the lions, but their backline looked really slow to me last night, and I don’t think that the mcg would help them at all.

JJ - gone from depth to so dependable and reliable. welcome to the wingers club! What a game playing Ed Langdon’s role.

I’d try Hunt on the wing. His tank has improved (particularly remember the tandem running he did with Langdon vs the tigers) as has his defensive game. bring Lockhart in to play defensive on either Bailey or McCarthy. Hibbo for Cameron.

Just watched the replay and nibbler’s one touch marking and delivery to the forwards was exceptional last night. He wheeled and went straight after a mark and made excellent decisions on the move with passes to tmac in the second quarter and on the left foot to weideman in the third. If he could maintain this level with the ball, coupled with his pressure, he becomes a weapon. A great one two punch with Spargo at the moment.

Was around 11.30am today I think

Agreed. I heard Craig Jennings on SEN talking about how you stop Melbourne - start with Gawn, tag Pickett, man up defensively on lever and try and limit Petracca from the stoppage. Swans got 4 out of 4 of those and still lost!

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw him in the VFL game v North. He was very competitive in the ruck when Majak was off for the second half, and quite agile and mobile when the ball was on the ground (poor man's LJ!). Remember Max took about 6-7 years in the system (I know there were some significant injuries during that period) biding his time behind Jamar etc before he was ready to take the no1 ruck position. I would at least rookie Bradtke for next year (if he's not contracted).

They’re actually similar to Carlton’s jumper - or they were 2 years ago when my sons played against them. They are in the Loddon Valley league - and they are struggling. However they are still fielding an u/18s team which is a credit to them. 2 years ago nine of the 10 teams in the comp had an u/18s. Now there is only 4! Covid has smashed country footy at the lower age levels in particular.

I was surprised and disappointed with his hand pass that led to the first goal, as I thought he just hand balled loosely to space, but on watching the replay I think it was meant for Max but was too quick for him! He’s quickly becoming one of my favourite players - just like a previous owner of jumper no 23

Just say we're better than everyone else

I haven't seen much of Casey for a while, but watching last Thursday night, Zac Foot's forward craft reminded me a lot of Bailey Fritsch when he played for Casey. He has a touch of class about him.