Robbie57

At the risk of stepping on a landmine by entering the soccer debate, I get that it may be used to move on, relieve stress, blow out the cobwebs and there may be some sound psychological basis to it including helping the team to move onto the next challenge. However what is missing in that equation is that its a poor signal to the fans who have endured at least half a season of poor kicking in front of goal. Sure have some soccer but make some statement (directly or by actions at practice) that our goal kicking is not acceptable and will be addressed. Until that happens people will continue to be frustrated.

Plenty of good ideas here with one central point we need to have a reliable routine and practice it. It would warm my heart if the coaches came out and said the same thing and implemented something, anything!

This is so fixable. Some coaching and confidence building. Whatever we are currently doing isn't working. Perhaps a 45 (or 60 degree triangle (at its apex) with its apex placed in the middle of the goals extending 40 metres out where its based is drawn. If you miss at training then there has to be some meaningful penalty (perhaps 6 shots in row before you can leave the field, anything really). Also defines the area for leads for the forwards. Inside this area no round the corner set shots. Everyone given a set routine. No ball spinning. as weird as it was Big BB long run seemed to be pretty good for him.

Time to give JVR and Jeffo some confidence and guidance. JVR needs to be a bit up the ground in a more mobile role. I think of him as a CHF ( Jerremy Cameron style). Jeffo reminds me of a Daniher (not kicking wise) in his build and probably needs coaching so he is not out bodied. What they need is specific coaching directed to their strengths by some recent players, I know we have a soft cap but we must be able to do this somehow, its a lot cheaper than just recruiting.

It was really agricultural.

Agree on our potential. Keep Disco down back, he will become the new Lever. Find a new May next draft. I really think we go all in on JVR and now play him for the rest of the year to learn in the cauldron and get him a personal coach who has played his role (ideally CHF). Finally get a pure FF for F's sake.

The goal kicking was deplorable as was our effort. Can we get Hawkins (or similar) in to fix our forward problem? I love Max but he even smiled before his attempt on goal as if he knew the outcome. The problem is not isolated this year and must be our priority. Two players in the reserves who can kick straight in front JVR and TMac must be bewildered. Why oh why did we let them switch so often and then leave 15 directly in front uncontested? Can anyone explain that? Our season was on the line and we fell into a pretty obvious trap.

6. Melksham 5. Gawn 4. Oliver 3. Bowey 2. Pickett 1. Petracca

Even if the plan to coach our forwards is seen as A+ the results aren't so something has to change. Does JVR need to go back? That way he might learn a bit more about how good forwards exploit opportunities. I would bring in someone like a Hawkins as a different voice , something anything! Give the forwards and supporters some hope.

Congratulations to Fritta and Natalie. A weeks personal leave may be in order. He will want to be near home and the hospital this week. Its a pretty magical (and demanding) time for a family. It will also give him a chance to relieve the pressure and regroup.

Fortunately I was on a plane and didn't see the match and now don't feel compelled to do so. Blind freddy knows we have no forward plan or if we do it doesn't work. We urgently need some outside expertise to start to address the problem. We need to build some confidence in the playing group that its fixable.

Don't get me started..... ok you got me started. Why a knee into the back/ribs/stomach of another player including going for a mark (who often doesn't know its coming) is acceptable when it clearly has the potential for serious damage leaves me bewildered. That action should become a free kick in the way the head is protected.

Waiting to come on he looked like a deer in the headlights but what really struck was the vision of him jogging when he should have been trying flat out to put some pressure on. I really hope someone in the leadership group points that out to him. That said he was on a hiding to nothing when brought into the game late.

6. Gawn 5. Lever 4. Trac 3. TMac 2. Salo. 1. Lindsay

Ok my nerves are rested.... Unfortunately we were better than Freo for most of the game which may cause the coaches not to rethink a few things before round 1. When Freo went wide in the 2nd we were caught out (especially on the traditional Lingers wing) which exposed that playing him out of position has a large defensive cost to us. He covers so much ground and quickly that his presence or perceived presence would have closed out that option for Freo. Windsor had numerous missed tackles some of whihc ended up in scores. He is not the answer at half back. Simply put Langdon and Windsor are out of position which is damaging to our defence. Poor kicking for goal may also be used as an excuse along with the conditions but the reality is we had no forward presence in the air or on the ground. Whilst he was not the answer at least AJ tried and put in defensively as well. Fritta was casual at best.

Apart from the team at the club who rightfully deserve the accolades, I wonder if Hamish's profile with the club helped on this? Will Max be featuring on Legomasters this year? Btw: A big shout out to Hamish who has done a lot work with some sick kids in a very low key way. Top effort.

https://www.afr.com/technology/deepseek-backs-the-pies-chatgpt-the-dees-and-other-ai-disputes-20250128-p5l7qu OpenAI backs the Dees....

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Have to agree about JVR, he needs to be allowed to play his position. He can ruck when its deep in the forward line if need be but his job is to contest and kick goals....simples.

I cant do the math but if North want Houston is there any acceptable deal that gets us pick 2 with a workable second pick?

they weren't.

I think Uber professional is an apt description and was probably the source of the friction. One thing is obvious the whole club needs to be as uber professional which will require everyone to work as hard as Trac this off season to get our house in order.

I'd say we are not finished at 9, 9 + 5 may become a higher first and a selection of other picks. Who knows we have to wait for the music to stop....

The GF gave me some hope. First I like Brody, seems a class person. His game in the GF was not stellar nor is he ever going to win a GF for them. What Sydney lacked was a class (or fit) tall forward and their mids couldn't run both ways and defend. I agree the ground size exposed them. The lessons for us are simple we need our mids back in form or some fresh blood there that can run all day like Lachie Neil and crew. And we need a dangerous tall forward. Over time we need a refresh on half back. Address the first two issues and we are in the hunt.

McAdam is going to have a breakout soon. Kossie loves having him in the side and hopefully the coaches will develop that in a positive manner. At the moment our forwards need some choreography, we looked better in the game where Petty was higher up the field. I suspect Fritta is getting a bit cramped.