P-man

The players looked mentally and physically fatigued. Combine that with being unable to unlock a Swans defence with two thirds of the team in their D50 and you get that result. Richmond had the same problem, by the way — being unable to score against Sydney. Are they “mentally weak”? It’s not excusable but it’s explainable. We’re not a great team this year. We’re a team that’s on the fringes of the 8 that can challenge if we get a run on. That’s who we are. All this simplistic guff about club DNA and giving Hodgey a call as some kind of DNA tonic is just that. Simplistic guff.

Smith looked out of place. You can see he doesn’t have a football brain with the clumsy decisions he makes. I saw Papley nowhere near him on a few occasions so Papley’s stats aren’t a reflection of Smith’s game imo. Throw him forward if need be and let him use his spring and natural inclination to attack the ball, but as a defender he just looked to be in the way.

Totally justifiable rant. Brereton repeatedly commented on the lack of cohesion and craft in the forward line. In fairness, it looked like it was starting to click with Jacko in there but since he’s gone out it’s returned to its standard repugnant self. A standout performance from Trac is what dragged us across the line last week. We cant be relying on that going forward. There are obvious concerns with delivery but the forward line has been a proper stinker for a long time. At least T Mac isn’t there to rub salt in the wound. I’m now also of the opinion that we can’t afford to play both Fritta and Melksham. Not a defensive bone between them. I’d probably keep Fritta of the two. A new forward coach sounds good to me. At this point it can’t hurt.

I am loath to make excuses for that dross, but flying up that day to face a team who had been there since Saturday to prepare can’t have helped. They just looked so lethargic from the outset. It was almost like we got the worst traits of every player. Viney’s selfishness and lack of awareness. Oliver’s horrendous kicking, at times being lucky to make contact with the ball. Gawn tapping it to no-one, or failing that, a Sydney midfielder. Melksham’s DUMB decisions and outright laziness. Fritta’s total and complete unwillingness to defend. OMac’s OMacing. Even Langers god bless him, as well as he played, missed a couple of set shots which he simply had to nail. Kicking has always been the knock against him. You could run through the entire list. If it was a DrJekyll versus Mr Hyde exercise, there were a hell of a lot of Hydes out there. Also, the secret recipe when looking at the team sheet never eventuated. There was no rabbit out of the hat coming. We looked too tall down back on paper and so it was on the field. Smith looked out of place and out of his depth yet again Desperately disappointing performance. One that makes you almost wish we don’t make finals because really, what’s the poin? Somehow I don’t think that will be a concern. But at the very least, get some fresh, fast legs into the side next week, and only select players who you know will give everything they have to give.

Yeah we’re in massive trouble. Gawn literally stood and watched a player run past him then.

We’re getting belted and we deserve every bit of it.

Scoreline flatters us tbh. They’ve been harder at just about every contest.

He’s a better player than you are a poster that’s for sure.

Ditto. I love the bloke but that’s inexcusable in the context of the game.

Yeah I’m not defending Jones after this.

Smashed in clearances last week as well. What should be a strength every week with the personnel we have has somehow become a weakness.

We look a mile off.

It would be quite a surprise to see Smith played forward when he’s been training as a defender for quite a while now. To flip that on its head, at this stage, does not seem very Goodwin-like All will be revealed when I knock off at 4.30pm with beer in hand.

Not sure I’d be relying on Hunt’s kicking out of the back half. It’s forward or bust for mine. Looks likely he’ll be wearing a different jumper next year. Agree that with those outs Lockhart would’ve been a good in, but if Rivers can do the job on Papley we should get the chocolates.

I think there’s a bit of cognitive bias occurring when it comes to Jones. Those who think he’s finished are seeing a much slower, mistake-ridden player. Conversely those who think he still has value are focusing less on his failings and more on his positive contributions onfield. I fall more into the latter category. He’s on the decline certainly, but he’s not significantly slower to my eyes. His experience onfield alone is a great asset to have. Leaving him stuck on 290 odd games would be a tremendous shame for player and club. But he should only get to 300 if he deserves that last 10 games. He would want the same. My view is that he does deserve them and should go around for one more season. I’d be surprised if Goodwin doesn’t think the same.

Just watching the replay and there’s no way Hannan should keep his spot. Was poor almost every time the ball went near him. Agree with earlier comment about Spargs’ defensive pressure being better than most. Should retain his spot on that basis. Pickett due for a rest. I’m wary to drop Oscar when May played arguably his best game of the year and Lever played his natural game. Wouldn’t mind see Hunt given an opportunity although I’d be happy for Demoniand villain Nibbler to come in. And time to release the Harley.

Come on you [censored] Demons.

Maysy [censored]!!

Aside from no obvious replacement for Lockhart, it’s not that much of a shock if you break it down. We will likely need Brown to provide a meaningful contribution to pull it off though. The lack of speed is a concern, as it usually is when we play the Saints, but with the right mindset we have the tools to get it done.

Bloody Richmond in the box seat to win it again this year ?

If he was in a Richmond jumper he’d be an absolute monty. He’ll surely make the squad but I have no confidence he’ll make the side. The fact it’s an ex Melbourne player mentioning his name for the first time in the media says it all. Someone like Jonas will take his spot, largely because of where Port sit on the ladder. Prove me wrong AA selectors.

And we swapped him for a bloke who excelled as a forward in juniors and became an A grade defender. Circle of life.

Fair call. Might leave Harmes in that case although could equally have Jones/Brayshaw rotate in the back half. Such was the nature of the performance I’m even flirting with the idea of playing Harmes forward. Our smalls let us down badly.

Out: Preuss, T Mac, Spargo, Harmes, Sparrow In: Gawn, Brown, Hunt, Bedford, Jones Would love to bring in a player of Benell’s quality but when defending the ground is the question he isn’t the answer. Hunt is a must inclusion for me which may seem strange but we need his speed and hunger in the forward half. Melksham read the riot act. Another week of that rubbish and he can go.

That’ll learn us for getting our hopes slightly up.