Pates

Obviously we have to get there first but jeez I feel for Hunt, he’s really in a race against time (and his body) to get to fitness. He’s had a really solid season and it would be gutting to see him miss playing finals (possibly a GF). The question also comes if he has no lead in games would he come straight into the team for the big dance? If Port win on Friday no way should we risk TMac, play Weid and see if he can recall his 2018 finals form vs the Cats.

I would love this but NT are as twitchy as WA. But how awesome would that be for Alice Springs to host and AFL final. Us CHOOSING them as well would surely boost the local community’s support for us. It’s unlikely but put it to the AFL (publicly as well at the same time).

That’s it, dogs win on Friday I wouldn’t be surprised if Scott and Goody have a “gentleman’s agreement” to not go as hard at the ball. I would definitely prefer us playing Port at a stadium of our choice but none of the top 4 send shivers down my spine so I’d prefer fit players over getting the Dogs.

Lol do you get a choice but not the choice you want 🙄. Call me a party pooper but I’ll take us playing at the G with no crowds over a neutral venue with crowds. If this is the case then I would choose us playing at Adelaide Oval for a “home final” against WB or Geelong. Against Port….GABBA or Western Sydney. Either way I think that’s bulltish and makes me wonder why the F we should bother playing our best team this weekend.

I’m not saying what Daw has done is fine but if someone wants be super critical and throw the book at him then where’s the criticism of Selwood what his blatant high bump? Is this yet again media personal wanting “optics” to dictate the MRO? Smells like an agenda to me.

It would be really interesting to see what happens is the bulldogs win on Friday night, would we suddenly be struck down with a lot of "soreness"? Would be an incredibly luxurious position for us to be in! I feel dirty saying it, but c'mon doggies!

I must say I agree with Hutchie in this instance, I understand that plans must begin to take shape but WA have taken a zero COVID approach in the harshest sense of the word this entire pandemic. While I don't agree with their tactics or methods, it is their choice to do it so why risk the showpiece event of the AFL going ahead with no crowds in WA when options are on the table. Call it selfish but I think that the AFL and Victoria should hold onto the plan A of a GF at the MCG until the latest possible moment, and I would call that 2 weeks before the original date in place. Optus stadium is a fantastic venue, but WA shouldn't be trusted with this.

I think back to the Hell and Back doco last year where they discussed the draft, when they were talking about Dogga they acknowledge that he’s be a pick that might raise some eyebrows but they also saw what he could be. An upside that is unlike any player I think we’ve seen come through this club. It was an inspired pick, and LJ has rewarded that faith in spades so far.

Oh whoops, asking what I’d do FOR THE CLUB? Honestly I don’t think I’d do much for them except get as much Melbourne garb out the front of the house to let everyone know how proud I am. And honestly if people wanted to take stuff I probably wouldn’t be upset with that!

If you’re assuming that currently lockdown conditions exist (really hope it doesn’t) I will run to just about every corner of my 5km radium wearing red and blue head to toe screaming like a lunatic. If I get stopped I’ll say I’m doing exercise. FWIW I’m hoping that should we get to that final day in September by that stage there will be restrictions that have eased for outdoor gatherings and that the club maybe be able to organise outdoor viewing locations in parts of Melbourne such as Casey, next to AAMI, and maybe fed square. If the AFL were really fair they would make if free but ticketed and available to members of the two teams playing first.

All you have to do is listen to players and coaches talk about his role to know he’s doing what’s asked of him. If that’s not good enough for you then I don’t know what is. Not saying he had a good game on the weekend but there are deeper things than statistics that define whether they’ve done their job. Goody and co say he’s doing what’s required, that’s good(y) enough for me.

Love the nickname Bowser! Love this kid, looks a damn good pick up.

I think that nails it. That said I think he still played his role in getting to the space as the defensive winger. He ain’t going nowhere, he’s played a massive role for us this season.

Versus WC Melksham showed what he’s capable of. Versus Adelaide unfortunately he showed the other spectrum, that kicking of the ball after the ball went out was just the cream on top. I think he stays because of his efforts last week and he is a good kick for goal, but jeez he’d want to pull his head in.

Possibly one for the records page but I think the last Demon to kick 50+ in the H&A season is was Neitz (TMac got 50 in the finals series). Would love Fritta to get 4+ next week to break that.

It was a bit silly of the coverage to do that, just makes it look more messy. I understand the decision not to overturn it because really there has to be concrete evidence that it needs to be reversed. The mistake was that they only look at it in slow motion, frame by frame, therefor you get motion blur. By looking at the slow mo at a speed you actually see that it was hand on foot not hand on ball. That’s a misuse/misunderstanding of the system and technology, not so much the decision. The evidence they had/used told them “insufficient evidence”. He got the goal he deserved from the kick in only 30-40 sec later so I wasn’t too fussed.

This is a really backward way of looking at the battle against COVID, the whole point to vaccinations is to get people out and about and mingling with different communities. Staying zero COVID after vaccinations have reached the 80% point means you might as well cut yourself off from the world for the next 3-5 years.

Absolutely agree, I was really enjoying saying things like “good work Fritta, great pressure!” The goals at the end were rewards for his hard work. His accuracy has massively improved!

First time since round 12! And that’s including Clarry’s awful miss from dead in front.

He was good without being amazing for me today. Did very Smith-like things at times but also did some good important acts. As a depth player he came in and played his role, not much more you can ask.

Absolutely 100%. Annoys the F out of me that the cats get this free ride with the MRO. Rules for one club, different for other clubs. When it comes to the MRO’s ruling the first box that gets ticked is “Do they play for Geelong?” Yes = no case No = immediate suspension

Given we have dropped silly games like this through the year there’s not much to be too disappointed about today’s performance. Wasn’t pretty and it wasn’t without lots to work on but when you get the 4 points and power home with a quick fire bunch of goals at the end, while missing two key pillars, you have to smile. Particularly with us being on top going into the final round. Next week the Melbourne vs Cats and Dogs vs Port matches look as mini QF finals, they set the tone for the finals. I honestly can’t wait! It was great to see Fritta kick a bag, he really seemed to be enjoying himself. Brown started with a flurry but I felt he stayed involve. Some better kicks towards him could’ve give him a chance at a bag himself (looking at Harmes). Ultimately we got the job done and Fritta got a little confidence to go forward (after basically being MIA for the first quarter). Bring on Geelong with May and TMac back!

Bring the standard pressure we’ve had in the last two weeks and we win. It’s been a curious week with top teams either losing or being challenged at certain point so it’s a good lesson in staying focused and in the game. I’m personally a little disappointed they didn’t take this opportunity to give Weid a crack but Brown’s getting into some good form so hopefully it continues today!

Have to laugh at Chris Scott saying "we should know by now" regarding the pre-finals bye. Is he living in the same world as us right now? We barely know anything day by day let alone over one week from now! I met up with a cats friend of mine and asked whether the old bodies will hold up, he honestly couldn't give me real answer. I think he sees what everyone else sees, which is why he is so desperate to know his his veterans league is going to have the week off.

Yeah I would've thought that's a free kick against Hawkins as he takes his eyes off the ball quite early in the contest whereas the Saints player takes his eyes off the ball at the last second, but Dunstall reckons that's why the umpire didn't pay the free against. As for Danger, I don't like the bloke and I almost certainly think he's a protected species, but agree there isn't anything in it. No case to answer, fine at most.