John Crow Batty

Interesting to see how Brisbane goes. They are going for five wins in a row after losing their first 3. Looks like they will be a serious contender to challenge us.

Joeboy - unrealistic lofty standards.

Sydney were the highest scoring side before this round. We kept them to their lowest score of the season so far. Another big win for our defence.

The yin and yan of the game means they might have dropped off somewhere else. But I agree we need to be better where we can. We are not Richmond yet with a dynasty.

Marks inside 50 was the difference. We lost just about every other key indicator or just broke even. Thanks Tmac and BBB. Tmac was brilliant and it was only by sheer luck that he is still playing with us. It was obvious he was playing injured in the past 2 seasons. We should have treated him better. Last night we played the hunted role as in the previous week. Sydney applied more pressure than other sides have dispensed all season. We were resilient but we have to get back on the front foot to being the hunters again. We can’t play on the ropes all season.

Richmond were relatively poor winning centre clearances in their flag years and it didn’t bother them much. A pattern I notice is that we concede too many goals in the first few minutes at start of games and start of quarters before we lock down.

Going for 10 wins in a row from late last season. When was the last time we did that? All comfortable wins but we haven’t truly smashed any sides nor has any other team taken us to a close finish. Swans have a tradition of dishing out kick sand in face humiliation to us when we are looking good. They seem to lift when they play us, like they espouse to a big city Sydney/ Melbourne rivalry which we don’t click to. I believe they will be our greatest challenge so far in our incredible start.

I found that last nights game was very similar to ours against Richmond despite opposite weather conditions. Richmond bullied early and were very dominant but us and Geelong managed to resist and turn the games around with fast moving pressure football and Richmond folded. Richmond don’t intimidate as much as they used to do. Now it’s more bluff than true dominance.

Melksham is getting the same Fritsch hate treatment from not long ago when he wasn’t kicking goals. Melksham is easily capable of kicking 3-4 goals and setting up the same for others. Does far more than Jones could in the forward line.

Some times clubs have to gamble but he appears a low risk bet. As you say Petracca is a generational player that must be kept. His progress has not been lightening quick but his development has been consistently linear upside with no ups and downs that happen with too many other gifted players. Is more likely to maintain or even improve his standing barring injuries.

I’m not bothered with hand wringing about changes whilst the winning formula continues. Once we lose a game or further injuries others will get their chance.

i could be wrong but I believe Hightower still posts here under the name H_T. Top notch poster.

44 games in five seasons. He has to make an immediate impact and kick bags of goals if and when he returns to the side. He has not offered much different to what Mitch Brown offers.

Or a thick hide. Criticism generally hurts. Would make a good politician.

This in The Age. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/dees-secure-petracca-on-massive-new-deal-until-2029-20210505-p57ozd.html

Russell Robertson gives his two bobs worth. ‘Babes in the woods’: Former Dees star delivers blunt warning to current crop

Right in front of the umpire who didn’t think it was reportable. Agree should only be fine.

Never mind %, 100% winning record is better.

Melksham - current whipping boy.

Bump

All the positive indicators of this game that makes me nervous. The word ‘upset’ was invented for these kind of games. All other sides have produced a shocker this season except us.

He was actually checking the vision to admire and make sure his coiffure wasn’t too ruffled.

The virus proliferates outside of camera angle. That’s where super spreading occurs. Didn’t you know?

Bulldogs have only beaten one top 8 side and that’s 8th Brisbane.

It is heartening to know that three of the most astute and experienced opposition coaches, Hardwick, Clarkson and Scott have not been able to find a chink in our defence. We have only conceded an average of 54 points against their sides.