Pates

One of the best things about Jackson is that he is going to add at least 1-2 more years of quality football for Gawn. Bit by bit Max will hand over over ruck duties, maybe even be rested occasionally, because Jackson has proven he can handle the pressure of being the man in the ruck. Max will probably go down as a modern day great for his achievements already let alone what he could be capable of for the rest of his career. As for the chatter about player X (Gawn, Trac, Oliver) going down and we drop out of the 8. All three go down, well clearly that is the key components the engine going down so let’s see how any side goes with that. But I think if we lose one then there are others ready to step up. (IMO Trac would hurt the most)

It’s obviously tricky to work out out of season by the other interesting one would be the same stats for “best 22”. Would have to imagine Geelong’s average age goes up then, the cliff is coming for them big time. I had a chat with a mate who’s a cats fan, discussing the fact of them being up there so long without the reward of a premiership. Didn’t seem to bother him much, he was quite happy just to be up there in the conversation. That home ground advantage is massive for them, I feel it’s papered over some cracks that they have. I just hope the when the cliff comes, it’s that bad that they don’t win at home and the cattery goes to half capacity of fans. (I really hate the cats!)

Robbo probably didn’t give them a choice! 🤣 (To be fair he’s giving a good go)

Walking up the G, seeing the sea of Red and Blue, honestly felt like the footy was back! It’s a weird event, but everyone’s having fun which is what matters. First time I’ve seen my brother in a year and half, great way to celebrate.

I just don’t understand the reasoning behind this, firstly I actually don’t mind the “tradition” of Blues v Tigers to open the season on Thursday. Secondly Wednesday night has got to be the least fan/family friendly hour, which means (as we have seen) fans will AGAIN miss out. At least a Friday/Saturday provides the weekend to recuperate and give kids some rest, Wednesday is ridiculous for everyone. Total fail from the AFL and I really wish Pert/the club had fought this to see passed the tv coverage numbers.

I strangely enjoy watching the dogs get on top of us for that period. It reminds of just how much we had to work for this on the day. Will be interesting to see how everyone there reacts to that period, probably when the bars/food stalls will get busiest! 😛

Anyone hopped off at Richmond yet? MCG gates open today or do we have to use the Swan St exit?

Barassi missing out is definitely a downer on the event. He deserved this opportunity more than anyone to celebrate this moment with the fans but it’s impossible not to see him being the one to raise the flag round one next season.

I like the bells tolling before the players walk out almost as a heartbeat, then as soon as “It’s a grand old flag” is finished put the rest of Hells Bells on.

Good luck to him, not sure the Suns are a great fit for him but I hope he has a long and successful career.

Really like the look of him from those video clips, I think 45 would be the perfect fit for him. Welcome to the club!

They’d have to be insane not to have multiple merchandise stands around, there could not be a better combination of factors for people buying stuff on impulse. Happiness, celebration, beer, and Christmas coming up!

I totally feel your frustration D-Land. I ordered a premiership cap and bottle opener on 29/09, still hasn’t arrived.

Reckon Trac could have something to say about that, mind you Clarry would still be my tip.

It’d be good to know a little bit more about how the day will look, will it be ticketed seating or will we be allowed on the hallowed turf? Either way it’s going to be a great day!

He’s made the number 31 great again, now he’s got the chance to create his own legacy with it. Well done Fritta!

If there was consideration for him to move into a midfield role (or shift Kozzie to be an outside mid on rotation) perhaps he could be an option. Best available will surely be the go when pick 17 comes so if he’s best available, sounds like he’s a good prospect.

Great of him to say that, it’s gonna suck to see him play in different colours. Could’ve been a great pair to have with him and Jacko for the future.

Looking forward to seeing Woey junior at the club, his dad’s departure from the club was a poor one by us and shockingly handled. Hopefully it’s water under the bridge and we get to see a replay of “still Woewodin…kick a goal son!” Only because I couldn’t find anything on the boards, I’m assuming we have moved on from Kobe Farmer potentially joining the Dees. Did he do anything in the WAFL?

Nothing to prove but I get the OP’s thoughts. He had his position usurped by a young gun in Bowie (who’s yet to play in a loss!!!), can the team function properly with both them in there? Not so sure. Expecting Jayden to be fired up to get his spot back. Weid is the number one player who needs a big pre-season (and maybe a pinch of luck as well). He apparently had a very good pre-season before his injury this year, he was touted to be the forward to partner with Brown and then we all know what happened to the both of them. TMac had a great first half of the year but tapered a lot after his back injury. Hopefully the coaching staff during his exist interview told him that the spot is up for grabs, he needs to step up to take it. For Tomlinson, I just hope he has a strong recovery and pre-season to put pressure on Petty. Petty was amazing last year and proved some doubters (me included) wrong. Tomlinson prior to his injury would’ve been in AA conversations so that battle will be interesting to see.

Talk about sliding doors moments, we were in excellent form at that stage and Cam Bruce was playing incredible football, up there with the best we’ve seen from a Melbourne player. From that point on Bruce was never the same player, his departure from the club was a big hole that was massively underestimated by the FD. Was a deliberate act by Guerra to injure Cameron that day, maybe not to that point but his intentions were to cause pain.

When I think of importance to the team I think about how we’ve gone about this last year and it’s so much to do with structure and method. That said I put my top three as match importance as well for what they can do that almost no one else can. 1. Oliver 2. Petracca 3. Gawn 4. Lever 5. Salem 6. May 7. Fritta 8. Langdon 9. BBB 10. Jackson Viney, Nibbler, Spargo, Kozzie, and Brayshaw unlucky not to be in that list as well. Someone also made the point above that what is almost more important are the players that fall into best 18-26 of the club that fill the gaps and keep the pressure on.

What I would say is that if a team is putting this much time/effort/funding into developing a player, then surely there should be compensation should they go in a draft pick that rules them out of getting to that club. Perhaps an additional pick in the second of third round, or even if it’s just purely money back to the club. It just seems pointless to put that effort into development if you do so well that the player ends up becoming unavailable to you.

Absolutely couldn’t agree more, I don’t like potting previous systems and eras we had now that we’ve won the premiership, but those two were very good footballers that had a lot more talent than some of our premiership hero’s. in the proper system Trenners and Grimes have long and successful careers.

After the club tried to manufacture something to happen with #31 Fritta has taken the number into his own. Of course it will always be know for Ron Barassi but now Fritta is creating his own legacy with it. As for the others, I can’t speak to any of the players pre-Wheatley (I remember that memorable WC victory Che was involved in in ‘98). I always felt that Wheatley could have more but the systems and development we had in place didn’t allow him to reach his full potential. Loved to roost the ball though! I thought Grimes was another who’s career trajectory was altered by Neeld, looked ever bit a 200 gamer for us but then he got the co-captaincy and the Mark Neeld reality bus hit him hard.