3183 Dee

I was at the Tigers-Port game yesterday and had these exact sentiments. It’s not so much grunt, because we do have grunt players, but what really stood out was the constant running from the Tigers’ mids. Whether in attack or defence, they offer pressure and options: when they win a contest and break from it, there seems to always be 2 or 3 options. They also know where each other is - for example, I saw very few missed handballs or handballing to a stationary target. Added to this, when you have a couple of legitimate marking forwards in Reiwoldt and Lynch, as well as some good half forwards and crumbers, it make the transition from back half stoppage to Forward 50 entry so much easier. The Tigers play the game that we are trying to play, but without the ‘panic’. The intensity and ferocity of ‘panic ball’ is there, but clear heads, when it comes to distribution and decision making.

I think another silver lining, will be getting games into players in the back end of the season, so that they are raring and fit for pre-season.

It was a good crowd - loud especially in the last quarter, when Carlton came back into it. That horrible feeling and noise when the opposition is coming back on top of you!

I was at the game - we completely dominated Carlton for 3 quarters. By half time, the game should have been over - instead, our inaccurate kicking and inability to stop them scoring immediately after our goals, kept them in it. In the end, it was a relief to get over the line, but we deserved the win. I wasn’t aware that we were 3 rotations down in the last - only knew that TMac hadn’t returned - but some of our boys looked cooked, which would have helped Carlton’s momentum. Our forward line without TMac tried hard, but really missed some grunt - Weid doesn’t seem close to dominating yet. It’ll be interesting to see if they keep Preuss in with Gawn as a resting forward: he did some good stuff today. I noticed that we are starting to spread the ball much more now - maybe a change to the game plan? Otherwise, some great stuff, some terrible stuff: story of our season, really. Still - deserved the 4 points, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

On the MFC website, they’ve put the whole footage up - it’s pretty interesting. Frost doesn’t want to hear it at first, but then goes back to placate May. I like it.

That’s a pretty long bow you’ve drawn there.

Have liked his game from the get-go: as others have said, he has real footy smarts and keen determination, but also he goes so hard at the footy, regardless of the opponent. Yesterday, there were three occasions that I saw, where he crashed the contest against much bigger bodies. He and Marty Hore have been great pick ups this year - long term Demons, both of them.

Probably pretty stressed - those guys have a lot to deal with.

I’m not sure about the last bit, but I’m afraid I tend to agree with the first bit. I cringe at the thought of the upcoming Inside Melbourne podcast, which will be run by the players during Player Takeover Week. I’m all for mixing things up and having a bit of a laugh, but not sure that this is the right moment!

Thanks for the report @Earl Hood - this is a bit concerning from McCartney. Surprising that the level of training is not good enough, especially when the players, you would think, have everything to prove.

'Massive relief' as Weideman signs on http://melbournefc.com.au/news/2019-06-07/massive-relief-as-weideman-signs-on

He actually has a go with his left first and then gets him with the right. Obviously, the impact was not severe, but the action is undoubtedly there.

And he leads for the ball!

I liked Keilty’s game today. I’ve never seen him at VFL, but his ruckwork was sound and he’s pretty mobile for a big guy. Keeps his spot for mine.

Congratulations Declan Keilty and @Drunkn167! Hope you kick a couple of bags!

This is what’s most pertinent. In fact, Goodwin has said all along that it is not an excuse.

Lol - I know a Pies fan who has never seen them lose doing this!

Be very fookin surprised.

Much as I love all our boys, I think that these ins and outs show the lack of depth in our list right now. Although you cannot question his effort or commitment, I don’t think Stretch is quite up to it and Nibbler is certainly going to need to lift. Preuss out is a great shame and I’m not sure what the plan is for taking Reiwoldt and Lynch. Hope I’m wrong, but I think this will be a shellacking.

It’s going to be ugly ?

I’m not sure that anyone at Melbourne speaks to Tom Morris. It was him who broke a story about Goodwin last year - whilst being employed by the club as one of the podcast presenters - and didn’t have the balls to turn up to the podcast the following week, when Goodwin was the guest.

I saw this conversation last night, but just walked into a cafe to see this splashed all over the front page. What a beat up - I hope we are galvanised by this.

Agree with this - his was the pass to Harmes from Gawn’s tap, which led to Weideman’s goal on Saturday. Also, he went back inside at a crucial time v Hawthorn in the Semi-Final last year, which steadied the ship.

Totally agree - it was a big part of our game last year, with a couple of exceptions - notably the Prelim Final. The sooner we get the swagger back, the better.

It was such a good place to live, although on my last trip back it’s gone pretty bobo now. Isn’t Palaiseau on the RER B, if I remember correctly? Easy trip into town.