binman

Good call

And on cue Bailey nails one from 50

He's been really good actually so far in this game - was just flying the flag, which i don't mind (JVR had been driven into the ground after his mark)

Just had a certain goal taken off him after a beautiful lead and big shove would have put him in the goal square but for a reversal (Laurie smashed into a tiger's player)

Some great footy - very noticeable how they are using lots of forward handballs like we did in the seniors last week. Also running on top of the ground

The internet is amazing! Match feed, which includes real time updates on all scores AFL - News, Fixtures, Scores & Results - AFL.com.au

That may well be true, but he still needs to bring the defensive heat and effort

That's very true. There were three interesting things about last week's game in terms of accuracy One was our actual score was only 4.1 points above the expected score, meaning it's not as if we shot the lights out or anything. Basically, AFL average for the shots at goal we had. Secondly, it's not as if Freo were inaccurate and unlucky to lose because they missed too many easy targets - their actual score was 3.3 above the expected score. And thirdly, that means that the margin between expected scores was basically the same as our winning margin of 10 points (expected margin was +9.2), meaning there's no asterisk on our victory of the sort that there is on the wins of many of our opponents over the last two seasons (ie they won, but only because of our woeful inaccuracy) xScore Score xWin % xMargin Margin Swing Melbourne 102.9 107 69% +9.2 +10 +0.8 Fremantle 93.7 97 31%

By the by, I answered yes to the question: Want an example of a team this year that looks like they might be loading early? This was the response:

I just asked chatgpt Do AFL clubs start 'loading' early in the season? This was the answer (note, they are my italics under point two): In the AFL, "loading" typically refers to a period of increased training intensity aimed at building fitness and endurance, with the goal of peaking later in the season — usually around finals time. Clubs can start loading early in the season, but whether they do depends on a few key factors: 1. Team's Season Strategy Top contenders might load early (e.g. Rounds 3–8) to allow a drop in form mid-season, followed by a freshen-up leading into finals. Developing teams may spread their loading more evenly, or focus on skill development rather than heavy physical loading. 2. Fixture Considerations If a team has a tough early fixture, they might delay loading to stay competitive. Conversely, if they expect easier opponents early, they might load then and accept a short-term performance dip. 3. Injury Management Clubs with injury-prone lists might avoid early loading to protect their players. Others with durable squads may hit them hard early to build a base. 4. Performance Trends Some clubs historically load in May–June (e.g., Richmond under Hardwick was often known for peaking late). Others, like Geelong in recent years, have manipulated form across the season through careful loading and tapering phases. So while not all clubs "load" early, many do incorporate it in the first third of the season, especially if their sports science teams think they can manage the dip in performance. Want an example of a team this year that looks like they might be loading early?

Adem yze has a daughter?

Absolute key. Come out of the box breathing fire and take the inevitable chances early. Take the tiger's crowd out of the equation, but perhaps more importantly the voices in player's head reminding them of the shellacking they'll get if they lose to the Tigers.

Indeed. The exception that proves the rule

I have to say cranky, your sense of humour is gold, in particular your command of irony, the bedrock of great comedy. To whit, this magic one two: 'I really don't know how humanity survived without their gratuitous advice' 'She should shut her cake hole'

Indeed - was arguably one of the best games of career. All while negating Serong, Jack had: A player rating of 19.9, behind on only Koz and Brayshaw (who had a phenomenal 26.2 points - Serong had 13.2) 25 disposals (Serong 27) 458 metres gained (Serong 345) 10 contested possessions (Serong 13) 5 clearances (Serong 5) 7 inside 50s (Serong 3) 7 score involvements (Serong 7) That's some game for a bloke supposedly 'tagging' (which he wasn't really)- amazing he didn't get any coaches' votes.

At the risk of being positive about a pies player, Nick Daicosis not predominately an outside player. He is as every bit as good an inside mid as Bont or Ablett. Kid is tough AND skilled. He's already one of the best players ive seen - and he's only just begun his career.

I assume you mean Bowser is #19 in the AFL for metres gained?

Ooh, so edgy.

In all honesty, I did too.

For the season I think that was. The article is referring to the first 6 rounds. Given of the 6 teams we've played only the roos and bombers won't make finals it's probably not far off the mark in terms of the difficulty of the draw.

C'mon OD, surely you know progress is not linear for young players, particularly for key forwards. Kids a jet.

Agree. He"s not fast, but he'll get bigger and stronger, and with a couple more preseasons quicker too - particularly from a standing start. Kid will be a beast. But he IS quick of mind. Really good decision maker, doesn't blaze away and lke the very best players has time with ball in hand. His goal was a good example Of what I mean. Was already set up for hooking the ball around his body when he received the ball. By the by that was an appalling defensive error to leave him by himself at a stoppage.

Tackles are just one element of pressure. JVR, who by the by is a jet, was probably dropped for form more than his lack of pressure, but nonetheless still has poor in that regard. Friiter's form was poor AND his pressure was hopeless Round one JVR: 30 Fritter: 29 Round two JVR: 20 Fritter: 11 Round three JVR: 19 Fritter: 23 Round four JVR: 19 Fritter: 20 Round five JVR: 17 Fritter: 28 Thus far this season, JVR is averaging 21 pressure points and Fritter 22.2 By way of comparison, our other forwards season averages are: Chandler 38.2 Koz 33.7 Sparrow 33.5 Spargo 23.5 (note: includes a game as sub, he had 33 pressure points against Freo) Melksham 18