Fork 'em

I'd add him to our list in a heartbeat.

The two he missed in the opening minutes of the 2000 GF a case in point. Ball goes up the other end for Essendon captain Hird to mark and goal. Inspiring for them, deflating for us. One bloke who noticeably improved his goal kicking during his career was Russell Robinson. Unreliable early but worked on it and became quite the dead eye.

Yes we need a forking kicking coach. Even when kicking 100pts and winning a couple finals we were butchering it everywhere. Having said that I wonder how much it will help in the heat of game day. Something tells me if they can't with any sort of efficiency kick by now they never will. Old habits die hard.

Costagna was hungry. Wanted a goal on the big day bad. In the end after 5 failed attempts he lost confidence and started dishing off.

Must admit ... Riewoldt does a better Mr.Brightside.

Something like " Hopefully they learnt some lessons in regards to attitude ........."

Was that a veiled clip from Lewis to the attitude of players during the pre-season I heard?

When youthful excitement at the prospect of playing finals and Weid doing his bit got us through.

Back when he was on the market and we were looking at a new coach I would have taken Hardwick mainly due to the way he was as a player as well as ruthless and aggressive environments he came from. Premiership player at both Essendon and Port. Coached by both Sheedy and Mark Williams. But if I remember correctly his computer skills and Powerpoint Presentation weren't quite as polished as Neelds. He found himself under the pump big time in his 1st few years at Richmond and when the vultures were circling in 2016 he stated to the that he had at his disposal the best list he'd had since he'd been at the club and wouldn't be going unless shoved. We all thought he was dreaming and then come out and won the flag the next year. Hats off to him. Since he won that flag he's been a far more content man infront of the camaras. Speaks with the relaxed authority a premiership under your belt brings. Now he has 2. Might turn into Clarkson soon and we'll all be chasing Richmond assistants.

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.