John Crow Batty

My West Coast following brother in law who always used to boast about his team and sometimes mocked us refuses to talk footy with me since our premiership. Gives me the silent treatment. Not even a well done or congratulations. He hast mentioned football at all at our catch-ups since the GF. I can talk to his sons about the footy but he just totally ignores the topic and stays out of the conversation.

Umpires tried hard but well done Freo.

Umpires starring for crows today. Round 10 2021 deja vu.

Strange to have the wooden spoon decider in round 1.

Geriatric cats doing what they do best, beating up on young kids early in season.

Gawn does seem to cop a lot of unjust penalties for so called blocking but his opponents rarely do. In the GF it appeared it was Stefan Martins brief to block Gawn at every opportunity at centre bounces yet no penalties. It’s like he’s held to a higher standard of compliance than any other ruckman.

A ‘what if’ moment. If the Bulldogs had won I wonder if Bevo would have made his outburst? I don’t think so. I believe Bevo was frustrated that his side was just as impotent as in the GF and had to project his frustration on Morris who as well as being a focus of annoyance is a Melbourne supporter and a soft target to receive his wrath.

Public eye, big mouth and social media = Russian roulette.

That one against the handbaggers was a Clayton’s Premiership. Shortened games, shortened season. Someone had to win it in a completely ruined season and the cards fell right for them.

His toughness and aggression was well known. Because of his uncompromising style he was hunted all the time. He copped some huge hits but it never bothered him. Always bounced up and played on as if nothing happened. He was almost indestructible. He was unique in that regard and he wasn’t a huge man either. Looked like the normal man in the street.

We are still kings for marks inside 50. Last night 17-6 to add to the 48-14 from last seasons finals campaign. That’s an incredible 65-20 in four games. Forwards are spreading well and midfield working hard to get forward. Ben Brown has also made a huge difference. Greg Stafford has done a great job since becoming forward line coach.

Dustin Martin looks cooked. Down rated to good ordinary player. Richmond can’t play tempo footy.

Morris versus Beveridge has all the appeal of Carlton versus Richmond. Want all to lose this one.

The kid needs more regular game time. I’d like to see him start in the 22 next week.

Half his beef with Morris’s was the leaking. The other half was because he was a Melbourne supporter. Confirms last years GF defeat still resides in his head space.

Our ability to finish strongly and shut out the opposition in second halfs stood out again. Only conceded a measly 3.2.

I knew I saw Bevo’s outburst somewhere before.

Clearly Bulldogs rattled by us. Whining about the silly song and now Bevo going psycho chicken on a reporter who barracks for us. He should concentrate on whoever is leaking info rather than vituperating on the messenger.

Last 4 set shots 3 behinds.

12-4 frees to bulldogs already.

Much talk and had wringing about our defence. I would not be surprised if Tmac get a run down back and Smith up forward if it’s not working. Still our best defenders May, Lever and Salem are all still there.

The media likes to get their populist we told you so narratives prepared before something happens. They would like to print headlines in Thursdays news like ‘Bulldogs get revenge over arrogant and cocky Demons’ or ‘Demons victims of their own Hubris.’

Whilst most pundits agree we are the best side in the competition it is counted by many alluding to us becoming complacent, drinking bathwater, arrogant etc as if it’s a reality.

Sounds like they covering up for some inadequacy with faux rage. As If throwing in the towel at the last quarter isn’t enough motivation.

I hope your sister has recovered well. Heart attacks can take over a year to recover but residue damage will always be there.