Deetective Sgt. Taggert

If you watch the first 10 mins of the game again, I think you'll see Melbourne had some semblence of a strategy to beat Collingwoods press that worked briefly to produce the first two goals. Unfortunately Collingwood were quickly able to counter it and then went for the kill. However,the midfield was where the game was won and Collingwood's work at the stoppages and in general play was so well drilled and so well executed you could almost see in unfold before it even happened. The positioning of players and their ability to spread to the right locations and read the play was very impressive. In particular when a player would spread goal side of the stoppage and move forward to receive the ball to make an un-pressured forward entry. We just haven't reached that level of discipline and application yet and that can only realistically be achieved consistently through experience and a settled lineup I would have thought. We are still experimenting with players in different positions and roles to see what they can do rather than each player knowing their specific (and largely unchanged) role each week. This is a separate issue to a lack of consistent effort (i.e. contested possessions) but I think it goes some way to explaining to apparent lack of an effective gameplan.

Did you ask him about our seemingly step backwards in defence this year?

Or Essendon in 2009. I would have to agree at this stage. Can't see the merit in scraping into the finals unconvincingly and then getting smashed in a final by Sydney or West Coast (the likely 5-6 finishers at this stage). Unless by some miracle we produce a huge turnaround in the second half of the year of course and can make the finals in our own right.

Given that Slyvia is probably the only player on our list that could drag the rest of the team to victory makes him an ideal captain (onfield at least). Moloney would try to drag us to victory but lacks the natural talent and polish of Slyvia - although a few more goals from fifty like last week would help his cause. The big thing thats missing from the current leadership team is consistency. Arguably something that Junior excelled at.

Good thing we don't have to choose and have them both...oh wait

In retrospect it does seems like an obvious selection blunder. Could have freed Rivers up to play his role as third man up, but not sure how much difference it would have really made.

Morton was good for most of the first three quarters with a great job on heath shaw, then made the ugly category with a lack of conviction in the latter parts of the game. Shame really

I also think that having some of their star players out actually worked against us too, the Collingwood guys who came in had a point to prove whereas the stars may have just lumbered along a little

Even their debutant looked bigger than most of our players

The hit to our percentage today probably cost us a spot regardless, unless we can make it up with a huge win over GC in round 23

I second that!

Who would make way for us to make the eight? On current form its hard to see who we could knock out but it would have to be one of Essendon or Fremantle I would think. At this stage I could see St Kilda as more likely to leap frog us and sneak into the eight ahead of us. The least we can do to give ourselves half a chance is to beat Freo in round 13. I just hope we can stay in contention for the rest of the year to make things interesting

Didn't watch much of the game but he executed some nice taps in the ruck. There was a short interview with him in the second quarter and he said he not playing just to make up the numbers and that he's aiming for an AFL return which was good to hear.

3 goals in a row from Outside fifty, Casey taking full advantage of the breeze.

Great contested mark from Lucas Cook before too. Our most recent crop of tall draft picks all seem to be coming along nicely which is good to see

Good to see Garland back from Injury - Hopefully see him back with the Dees soon

See what Garry Lyon had to say on a similar topic in his recent speech...

This is an interesting point. Did Jurrah play against the Pies in 2009? Given that we kind of poached him from Collingwood it would be great to see him rub salt in the wounds with a 5-6 goal haul. Could be the difference

Too early to say but can't see it happening based on our inconsistent form to date. If we get on a roll and start getting some guys back from we could at least give it a shake but would required breaking some losing streaks (Etihad, AAMI and/or Carlton/Hawthorn/Collingwood) and rightfully so.

Strauss will go if Bartram or Tapscott are ready. Simple as that. Not a cross against his performance but those two select themselves if fit.

Great story WJ. Clyde reminds me of my late Grandfather, a one-eyed demons supporter who always maintained a degree of optimism, despite all the years of dissapointment. Unlike many on this site. I agree that the bombers fans seem nervous, I can only hope it rubs off on their players too and we can sneak a surprise victory.

I'd love it to be Watts, but won't happen this year

Its worth remember how young Bennell still is... As for Howe. Saw his interview with Matt Burgan and how big do his arms look?! Certainly a man's body. Hopefully being a Tradie he can bring a bit of mongrel attitude too

Happy enough with the ins. This season has turned into another 'development' year so might as well go all all with the debutants. Only suprise is to see so many young guys given a shot after all the talk about bruise free footy.

Didn't Judd have similar concerns about the team culture during his time at West Coast? Still managed to help steer them to a premiership with a browlow along the way.