3183 Dee

Sometimes the truth is hard to hear 😬

Wishful thinking - the idea is great, but can’t work in practice unfortunately. FWIW, I believe that our downturn in form (post Geelong game) may have coincided with Gus stepping away from the club. Honestly, at the beginning of the season, the team was playing with such lightness and togetherness - remember the reaction to the Petracca spoil at the end of the Hawks game? It may be coincidence but, to me, it suddenly changed at the time Gus left. His loss has been absolutely massive - the biggest blow of all, in my opinion. He’s not only an absolute gun player, but he bonded all the different parts of the playing group together. A super smart guy, absolute clubman and a dedicated athlete - able to relate to all different types of people, therefore invaluable as a leader of the club. A complete culture setter. I wouldn’t be surprised if his departure has had a huge effect on Petracca’s thinking and also weighing on Max: Gus would have been a fantastic sounding board for those guys - someone they respected and admired.

Very well put. Of all the hurdles our club has faced this year, losing Gus Brayshaw is the biggest, in my opinion. It has clearly devastated the playing group as, not only was he an outstanding, brave player on the field, but clearly the glue that bound the playing group and brought everyone together. Add to this, the imminent departure of ANB means that our recruiting team have one helluva job ahead of them: not only to get hold of quality players, but they will ned to be exceptional leaders as well.

Hmmm…wait til Hawthorn hit their straps over the next few years - they will be insufferable. 😂

Yes - that’s just a young guy with a lack of confidence in his own kicking, but eventually you have rip the bandaid off. As we say back home: “Either sh** or get off the pot, me duck!” 😂

It’s why we couldn’t get there in 22 and 23, in my opinion. We’ve got the contest and defence bits right, but what happens afterwards is just a lottery. There seems to be no plan once we are in forward possession, other than kick it long to a contest in the pocket. The obvious problem with the long kick, is that it gives the opposing defence time to position themselves, so that the contest is, at best, 50/50. If we do mark it, its then in the pocket and not somewhere in front, which obviously leads to inaccurate kicking. I just don’t see how you can win games of football like that. Weirdly, it seemed like we started the season playing a much more accurate, free-flowing game style, but then stopped somewhere after the Geelong game.

So annoying, isn’t it?!

I agree - he clearly has ability, otherwise why would his contract be extended? He hasn’t particularly shone in his senior outings to date, but should be given these next few games to get some time under his belt.

Two average teams battling it out in the end. First quarter, we bullied them into making mistakes and were good value for our lead. From the second quarter onwards, we were so inconsistent with our play - lots of silly turnovers (and a couple of shocking umpire decisions) let them back in to the game. GWS are not a fatastic team, but they are quick and because they have had so many high draft pucks over the years, they have some very skilful players by foot. We put the effort in, but we are way too agricultural in our disposal. Also, the same old problem with forward connection has still not been resolved and has to be addressed and the current system changed as a matter of urgency. Aside from all that, we lost ourselves the game this evening, it was there for the taking.. I actually thought Clarke wasn’t bad tonight, although the centre ckearance in the last was poor.

I just don’t see the point in picking up guys like Fullerton and Schache, if they’re not going to play. I get that list spots need to be filled, but surely you would look at proven performers coming to the end of their careers, who could be on call to jump in if needed and, in the meantime, teach the young kids at Casey. To me, it seems that Schache and Fullarton are not likely to make the first team, so why persist with them? I would rather have a Brayden Preuss type, who at least shows a little appetite for the contest.

Yes - it was pretty unequivocal wasn’t it? Whack!

A beautiful little doco. How many of us would love to have the same feeling of family and community that Kozzy has? Also, a great idea to take Clarry along - somebody at the club knows what they are doing.

You could tell at the game that he wasn’t right during the 3Q - he couldn’t follow up any contest and couldn’t run generally.

It’s infectious isn’t it? Disco Turner is the same: loves the contest and loves kicking a goal.

BUMP! I thought he was very good yesterday and has been much more consistent this year - last year, he ran out of steam by this stage. He seems to be Nibbler-esque in his team first mentality and a couple of the younger guys have mentioned him as a role model. His contested marking is excellent for his size: there was one that he took at full stretch on the Shane Warne wing, where he beat a much taller opponent. The highlight, though, was in the final couple of minutes, when he sat Harley Reid down in a crunching marking contest (I’d love to see a replay of that!). Well done Chin - keep it up son.

Top tier Ponsford and Shane Warne Stand closed.

Yes, I think he comes straight back in - no point in delaying it.

This is true, although there did seem to be a tangible shift in the way he played (attitude, commitment) at some point last year. I wonder if it was after the Entrecôte brouhaha ?

I have nothing but respect and admiration for Jake Melksham. Two years ago, I thought he was done and glad he hit the 💯 for the Dee’s. Then, when he did the ACL, he could have legitimately retired. Instead, he doubles down and gets back ahead of schedule. He is what our forward line is desperately missing: not just his kicking (although he’s a super kick), not just his contest (although he can lock down any key defender) but it will be his smarts and leadership which will help steady and form our young and rudderless forward line.

That was worse staging than May - imagine what Robbo and Buckley are going to say about this…

Yes - I don’t think they’re bickering. They just hate conceding and so dissect each goal with a robust discussion. The Lever-May relationship seems built on respect and honest feedback!

Absolutely! Great player: love his attitude - not fazed at all, just gets in there, with a grin. We’re crying out for these types, especially with Gus and Hibbo out of the picture now. As soon as he gets the confidence and knowledge to give himself that extra yard to get a shot away, he’s going to be elite.

Very encouraging signs last night from AMW, Kolt, Taj and Disco. What I liked the most is that they all seem to be ‘up and about’ types: love the contest, like a bit of chat, seem to really enjoy playing football together.

A really solid debut - exceeded expectations, I would say. He looked very poised for a first gamer and looks to have a bright future.

There are many parallels to draw between England FC and the Dees. Fantastic list on paper, but no rhythm and seem to play weighed down under a cloud of expectation.