Fork 'em

They did it by having a fit list during the season and getting some confidence at the right time of the year. Still dropped games they shouldn't have and made harder work than should have been in others. You look at the stats, we'd dominate clearance and inside 50 count near every game but the ball would often leave just as quick as it went in. The midfield consisted of Viney, Clarry, Brayshaw and Jones, none of whom precision by foot is a strong point. Even the 2 finals we couldn't put the opposition away till late game despite being all over them both early. It was manic attack on the ball and man that got us through. Then we came up against a side in the prelim who could move the ball with some real precision, they pulled our pants down for all to see. And FWIW we've missed Hogan rotating through the forward line with Tmac this year as the Weid hasn't come on like we'd hoped. For all his flaws a big bloke with a good engine is hard to match up on.

Well lets say I find it hard to believe that anyone thinks we move the ball with precision above some of the other clubs. Even in 2018 our conversion rate of inside 50 entries was deplorable. There isn't any precision with Hail Mary bombs to contests.

With player salary capped the big clubs have turned it into an arms race off field which is why some have suggested capping football dept spending.

Find that hard to believe TBH. We've been turnover merchants for years and years. There's a reason Goody runs "Chaos ball" and it isn't because of our precision ball movement. I remember them saying GWS were the ones to watch at training when the ball hardly hit the ground.

Which takes money. And the more specialised coaches .... The more money. Was listening to the radio during the year. Several players from opposition clubs are using Greg Williams one on one for example and been happy with their improvement. I thought at the time Clarry would get alot of benefit from some time with him. And he charges.

I remember during my playing days. I wasn't a bad kick and had reasonable skills but on the run with goals in front I was forking woeful. Wasn't a bad snap, wasn't a bad set shot. Same with a bloke leading straight at me. Would put it at his feet time after time. Leading on an angle and I could hit 'em. And you are right about confidence. The amount of times players were clear and instead of taking a shot they looked to dish off handing responsibility to someone else ..... Even Dusty Martin obviously has his demons. 30m out dead in front and he'll try play on and hook it in every time.

You're singing my song man but I do wonder ...... You go down to training for eg and they're running with the bare minimum. And it's not just kicking for goal. They can't get the ball from one end of the ground to the other without a turnover either by hand or foot.

I'm sure if we were a bigger club with money falling out our backside we'd have a hell of alot more support around the place regarding development of players. Same with the medical dept.

I actually chuckled at that.

'88 watching Ben Johnson win the Gold medal for 100m sprint on the big screen. Batgirl streaking. Old snaggle toothed Hawthorn supporter hoarsely screeching "C'mon .... The Horrible .... HAWKS!" behind me for the whole game. 2000' Neitz marking and missing twice in the opening minutes. Ball goes up the other end and Hird marks, goals and they were away. Essendon doing as they've always done and physically beating us up and Melbourne seemingly totally unprepared for the onslaught. Seeing as we were 'fortunate' to come up against 2 of the most dominate sides of those eras I went to both games knowing that we'd probably get done but knew I wanted to be there if they snagged it against the odds.

Basic skills all over the ground.

Too many are willing to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Especially considering I have zero faith on who they'd trade him for. It'd be some injury prone NQR. He improved this year and if he can improve again next year and the year after he'll be a 25yr old gun.

Then come out firing ........ Happy days.

Marlon Pickett reminded me of Michael Long. Probably the way he held the ball with arms extended. First gamer did well. Lock him in for SC rookie next year.

From full back.

Stewing on the past? It's about setting up for the future.

Unless we can get some quality disposal in the place it's closed.

Tend to agree BR. We are in effect homeless, or sharing the rent with a rugby club at best. Need to grow up and get our own joint.

Little wonder. They're a rare event around these parts.

You know. One of the most embarrassing things I've seen at the footy was when I took my young kids over to the players race after the game (a loss) so they could see the players close up. The abuse the players were copping from grown men was an absolute disgrace. When I realised what was going on I gathered the kids up and shot through. That B SHYT is not the example of how adults are supposed to behave at the football. And ya know what ..... The post game abuse didn't help. We were crap the next week, and the week after that, and the ........

Watching another turnover.

While gaming on dope is fun, Fortnite is a game of reflexes. You gotta build like a madman and hit those shots and if you delay for a split second .... You're back in the lobby. About to have a couple games now with the kids.... ? Above I suggested fishing. But second thought at the top level you still need focus.

Nope .... You need fast reaction times for Fortnite. You'll get cleaned up by kids all day long. Actually, I've thought of one .... Fishing.

Can't think of any sport it would be performance enhancing. Not unless delayed reactions times were important.

Surprise, surprise drugcheat fanboy Slobbo has also pleaded his case. https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/afl-360-host-mark-robinson-launches-astonishing-pro-cannabis-willie-rioli-defence/news-story/3f0158c44ce67597bea68c4ed46b7d6b