3183 Dee

I think we cannot discount the run of injuries this year: effectively, we are in almost the same position as last year (albeit with a harder run in) but our run with injuries has really stunted our flow. As I’ve said in another thread, the loss of TMac has been huge for us: he straightens up the forward line on so many levels and, in my opinion, is good for a +2 or 3 goal advantage on what we’ve had this year. Last night was painful - mostly because we could have had that game sewn up - not once, but 4 or 5 times. To me, the forward line is the key issue, not the Game Plan: exert the pressure, have a TMac type target and you will get a very different outcome in games like last night - no question. We have a great list, a great coach and a great club. Sometimes things will not work out, but stay the course, because we will see greatness from this team again.

It has definitely hurt us. As you say, TMac gives a legitimate worry for the opposition each week: there’s no way Ben Brown gets double teamed each contest if TMac is there. He also leads really well, is a pretty accurate kick, has incredible endurance and puts pressure on. It’s impossible to say for certain, but I think TMac could have straightened us up to the value of 2 or 3 goals each week. It’ll be interesting to see whether he does get back for finals or if they may throw caution to the wind and give JVR a go, who seems to exhibit some of the same characteristics in his game (although not as developed in terms of a tank and general strength).

Sorry @binman - should’ve been clearer: Bala as in Balaclava! A much easier trip, but can sometimes take ages to get on the train afterwards with these size crowds, especially with kids.

On another note: does anyone have any clever tips for parking at the G? Normally, we train it in from Bala’ but want to make a quicker getaway tonight with the kids. Any ideas?

Are you sticking around for one of your famous reports @kev martin?!

From Entrecôte.

I don’t think anyone loses, regardless of what happens on Friday/for the rest of the year. I’m grateful for the considered theories on this thread - we can’t all be right (or maybe we can?!) but these ideas have been compelling and thoughtful: certainly much better than espousing thoughts of players ‘not trying’.

I think - and this is pure speculation on my part - that the heavy loading has been done through (I guess) gym and track work and now the emphasis seems to have shifted to gameplay. Listen, I could be completely wrong here, but I remember watching the training vids that were released last year, where the focus seemed very much on the players as a group, reinforcing the ‘team spirit’. That was the vibe I got after watching the footage today.

Interestingly, there is some footage up on the MFC socials today, showing an intense, full contact training session from this morning. In line with what @binmanand others have been saying, I remember these types of sessions starting to take place this time last year. It’s only a few clips, but it looks like the intensity and focus has lifted - certainly the ‘feel’ of the group seems to have intensified (in the last few weeks, I’d thought that the mood was quite flat).

Also N Melb twice.

🤣🤣🤣

Forgot to mention that he’s using Quail eggs…

At the end of the day, it is a theory - a darned good one, and one that most of us hope is true - but that’s all. It’s just an opinion, so easy on those who have formed it: they are not coaching the team nor playing. Let’s just enjoy the next month, stay the course and see what happens!

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.