3183 Dee

And, by the way, we're surely not bagging out Jason Taylor now, are we?

Freed From Desire? Frees From Umpires more like!

We’ve also had a lot more injuries this year, to key players (Lever, Salem, McDonald especially) so have struggled to get consistency in selection. However, the desperation that we showed in 2021 has only been seen in glimpses this year. I’m waiting for the switch to flick, but I get the feeling it’s not going to happen…

I’ve been thinking this also - similarly aerobic - might be worth a punt?

This week - Round 19 is where we go ballistic!

Ha! Deffo not bitcoin! Round 19 (next week) is where we’re supposed to hit our straps….but that sort of talk is dealing in Futures

I guess we won away from home against one of the in-form teams of the comp (they are only outside the 8 because they lost the first 5), without Oliver and continued forward line problems. Put it in the bank and move on.

Yes - how dare they steal our sign! Disrespecting us!

I agree that our best is scintillating, but the lack of cohesion in our forward line could well prove the difference this year.

This will prove our undoing this year, unfortunately: in fact, we’ve done very well to stay up top for so long, with our key forward options. TMac’s absence has just highlighted how valuable he is in providing a contest, taking a mark, gut running, but most of all providing an effective foil for Ben Brown. If our smalls are not firing (as has happened quite frequently this year) we have an ineffective forward line - this could ultimately cost us this year. The bright light, perhaps, is that JVR looks like he could really be the goods for the future.

Can’t remember how it works if a RFA is traded: do we get compo pick from the AFL? Because there’s no way Freo could trade for both.

Very enjoyable podcast, lads - some genuine laugh out loud moments. I love the 3 viewpoints and I think we have a bit of all them within us. @binman makes a very compelling argument - if correct, would be fantastic. It would be fascinating to see how much of his theory is on the mark. Keep up the great work.

Purely for the frites.

Talking of which - I'm off to Entrecôte tonight!

Listen to Salem's press conference (not v interesting) but he actually mishears the question. Salem says he doesn't know whether Oliver will miss or not - the journo then asks if he's saying there's a chance Oliver will play. I can't remember the exact wording, but Salem thought he said, who could come in for Oliver, to which Salem replies that there are several midfielders ready like Dunstan, Melksham... Nek minnit, Dunstan's a shoo-in!

My main issue with all of this - and also the Gus contract to a lesser extent - is that it starts to become a distraction that gets louder, questions at every presser etc. I know the official line is that the noise doesn’t bother the club, but ultimately it will. It’s an annoyance that we could probably do without.

We would want a pick(s) to compensate: The Pick 3 we paid + the return on investment + Premiership Player + Rising Star + The huge inconvenience to our planning/system. Whoever we deal with needs to be ready to put forward a realistic package.

It’s carried on for too long to be good news, I would suggest. As you say, it has only served as a huge distraction, which is affecting only our club negatively. If he doesn’t sign, this will end up dominating the rest of the year.

Young Discotheque is obviously a popular figure amongst the boys, judging by the love he’s getting on the socials.

I saw this action by Clarrie and I thought it was fantastic. I love this breed of young man that is coming through the Melbourne footy club under Simon Goodwin. Tough competitors, elite aspirations, enjoy each other’s company and a laugh, have love and respect for each other, humble in victory and gallant in defeat. The self confidence and camaraderie amongst this group, together with a mindful attitude, sets us apart from the rest. I think, on so many levels on and off the pitch, we are leading the way in the competition. A year or two ago, in one of Goody’s pressers, a journalist brought up a quote from some meat head ex player (it might even have been Leigh Matthews) that Melbourne players were ‘too gentlemanly”. Goodwin replied something along the lines of “There’s nothing wrong with being a gentleman: but you can be a gentleman and a killer - look at James Bond!”

Thanks for sharing the intel - I have no inside mail, but I think he’ll stay - the articles now are much more speculative in their language. Hopefully, we’ll get an announcement soon.

The same as Taylor Walker slammed Jake Lever for choosing money over success.

Also, every team is going to go their hardest against us - full concentration, no complacency.

And that stat was also never shown on the coverage. I find it easier (less stressful) to watch the games on TV with the sound off - but those commentators were desperately barracking for Adelaide.

Brilliant win - lack of accuracy stopped it bring an 8 or 9 goal win. Just want to shine a light on Sam Weideman - what an effort today. Abysmal umpiring