DemonWA

Question for the chaps on the pod; In our losses, the team has been good enough to lead for long periods of the game, but has lacked the killer instinct to put teams away and ultimately it's seen us loose some games that we've had control of. Do you think this issue can be helped with changes to the line-up, or is this purely a fitness and complacency issue. Do you expect any significant changes over the next 2 weeks or would you expect the FD to continue to back the same sort of personel and structures?

I'd like to think we'll beat the Blues by 30 points and I feel like we've got the wood over the Lions too. Can't take any win for granted but I think we're still a chance for top 2

Our form has been up and down. But if we play to our ability we can best most sides on their best days. We'll need some luck and some more consistent efforts but it's feasible. This time last year I didn't truly believe we could win it either.

Watching some of the post match. Pies carried on like they won the flag. Flogs

Sorry mate. That's a round peg and a square hole.

I'm aligned with that for sure. I feel like in the 2nd half we engaged in a shoot out(a little like the dogs game) which is a sign we were not in control. That's got to be a factor too. I'm not devastated by these losses. I think our team is good enough and maybe loosing these sorts of games might spur them on a little.

Yeah agree. But it's also possible we're just not as fit as Collingwood. Loading or otherwise

6. Gawn 5. Oliver 4. Brayshaw 3. Viney 2. Lever 1. Brown

Ive been a devils advocate to the loading theory but I don't believe tonights result puts it to bed. Collingwood are playing great team footy. We lost narrowly because we didn't take our chances.

ANB gets 90% of his touches with immediate pressure incoming. He chooses to take the tackle and create a stoppage. I assume this is what the coaches drill into them, because he does it everytime and is always picked

Out: Melksham, Hunt In: JVR, Harmes Picket looked hampered by the knee with strapping. Rest him if needed. Chin can have a run if this is the case.

That one stung. Pies made the most of their chances. Felt like a final and we came up short. Few players looking tired and sore. We don't quite have the spark we had last year but we'll be around the mark. All of the part time supporters throwing the toys out of the cot and saying they're over the team can gtfo. Buckle up. Get behind the boys.

F×ck. I forgot what this feeling was like. This is excruciating. Come on dees!!!

After watching the game live at Optus last week I'm confident. Our press was impenetrable, and whilst we know the pies will move the ball quickly (and be more of a challenge), having all 3 of May, Lever and Petty in the side gives me confidence we'll win the required battles more often than not. No Adams is a big out for them too. I'm also expecting 3+ goals from BBBB who will be fresh af.

Nat Fyfe is probably that mid

What a [censored] show of a camp. Sad thing is I think alot of clubs may have done or considered similar sorts of initiatives over the journey all in the name of getting a competitive edge. No doubt the Crows camp seems to be worse than others in this space though. I'm just glad the contributors on this site are largely mature enough to be disgusted and aren't potting Betts for being honest about his experience.

ANB is a hard worker and I'd suspect he is a sponge to the coaches message. When I watch his interviews I can't help but think he's got the same turn of phrase as Goody. I can see why he'd be in the leadership group. Spargo and Pickett talk about him often also so he must be doing something right

Perhaps that learning, coupled by the change over between Mission and Burgess helped formulate the change in approach. BTW If we smash the Pies I'm happy to say you've been 100% right about every aspect of this loading discussion and I was way too sceptical haha

I used the sentence 'equally mental' because no doubt the additional games took it out of us too.

That 2018 massacre was equally a mental thing though. Stage fright.

No. Gawn is a people person and has brought the club together. Viney is a fantastic leader but we don't need a change

I didn't notice this watching the game live, but watching the replay on Kayo it really stood out. Really quite bizarre

Take Nic-fat as the steak knives?

I think Max's comments were brilliant but are as much about putting an arm around Luke and showing that he supports him either way, as they are about trying to sway his decision. Great leadership, but I don't know whether it changes my view on the situation all that much. Last time the media were so sure about a player leaving us Tom Scully had just held a press conference telling us he wanted to be a one club player.

Brayshaw going to the middle allowed Salem and Rivers to play more familiar roles - I saw this as a huge positive for the team. Where do you both see Gus playing out the year, and if Harmes is cleared to play, does he automatically come back in?