nutbean

All four you mentioned moved for lots more money pure and simple ( there is some talk that Judd also wanted out due to return home and away from a club with some disturbing cultural problems at the time). I dont see it as selling out anymore. Professional players maximising financially a limited career lifespan. As for us, the fans who willing dip into our pockets to watch and support our clubs - we love the few remaining players that put club loyalty over extra dollars.

it probably is rough - but the "bleed red and blue" cliche is highly overused. ( used in relation to Viney) We laud Jones and his commitment - the same commitment that saw his last contract negotiations stall somewhat as Essendon put in a huge play for him. I am always bemused by the "he aint going anywhere" statements because the reality is now that the greatest majority of AFL footballers will consider offers from other clubs for varying reasons. I have now taken the stance that a player will either re-sign or he won't. I don't lose a minutes sleep over it anymore and after Scully i don't hold an opinion on any player at our club staying or going. The only fact I cling onto is that if a Hogan wants to go to the Eagles or Freo, it will cost them plenty as they have to trade with us. Unless you are a free agent you cannot get to the club of your choice without our co-operation. The only way a non free agent player can walk for nothing is if he prepared to be drafted by a cellar dweller.

I am one of those - but I didnt vote for the joke that is this current government.

I see a contradiction - you said there is a consistent message - yet you then say it is unfortunate that he singled out Georgiou. Therein lies the problem - can you imagine the same words coming out Roos mouth ? Even Allison who is a lot more in your face - doesnt speak like that. I just think back to Roos response to the media when he took Watts and Howe aside at 3/4 time and gave them what could only be described as a spray - remember what Roos said - that is professionally handling a situation.

Correct - no problem with giving a clear message but it is how the message is delivered. Even though Allison's assessments are also highly critical - his delivery and Welsh's delivery are polar opposites.

A combination of both - sweeettttt !

I can't anticipate anything. Being badly burned the last few years resigns me to believing I will witness a thumping. Watching the great defensive efforts this years make me think we can strangle this mob. In short - if we continue the form we have shown over the past 4-5 weeks we will be in this game for a long time.

The other fallacy in the stat is it doesn't give the underlying reason for the inaccuracy. You mentioned an important one which is the constant pressure meaning little easy kicks at goal. The other thing I have noticed is we are not "giving up the corridor" as much this year meaning that a lot of shots are being taken by the opposition from angles of 45% or worse.

My problem is that they get some right ( in the Ablett case) and some so horribly wrong ( in the Dawes and initially in the Viney case). I certainly believe the higher the profile of the club/player the more the MRP look for an "out".

He should have gotten off - but then so should have Dawes.

It is unfortunate ( or fortunate ) - that after each game we have won this year the opposition coaches whilst giving us some credit, haven't been exactly flattering of their own sides. I haven't heard a losing coach say " geez we played well and gave our all but they were just better than us". There has been plenty of "unacceptable" and " thats not how we play". The teams we have played and won against ( and even just lost against) have had lots of players down - I give a lot of credit to our boys for not letting the opposition play to the best of their abilities. I am also realistic enough to know that there has been some complacency going into the games by the opposition. I am counting on Port not taking us seriously enough and us putting our best foot forward. I am hoping to hear Hinkley at the presser after the game say - "we didn't come ready to play and they did".

Whilst it is not THE reason don't underplay the importance of the social club especially in the 70's, 80's and early 90's. Whilst others were prospering from the "home ground" and social club, we were homeless and soulless

Wow Brett. Tell us what you really think ! No sugar coating there.

The only argument that could be made is over impact. Not sure how the Richmond medical read. To me it looked innocuous and worthy of low impact.

So pick and chose the games we can win ? Tell that to the players. That's the attitude.

No he hasn't. When fit he was like that at Collingwood too.

A bit of love for the big bloke. He can mark and good below his knees for someone 700 feet tall. I like that he thinks quickly and makes good decisions ( although he doesn't trust his own goal kicking). He needs a little more muscle as he gets pushed a around a bit. The big trick is to keep him fit and injury free. Good impact for someone with limited preseason

I actually think he tried a lot. Launching himself at every marking contest and being pretty successful.

I care. We are an infinitely better team with him on the field.

On the subject... Have you not noticed the defensive structures. It is very apparent. How many shots did they miss from an angle of 45 degrees or better. One of Roos biggest win is teaching the boys not to give up the corridor - pushed wide all day. They got two goals from lucky frees. Got gifted forward possession ending up in goals by poor umpiring. We hit the post twice. Not lucky - we deserved to win. Lucky by 3 goals ? Please ....

That puts you right up there with Damian Barrett.

I don't think we were lucky today. We deserved to win. I would suggest some of our players didn't have a great day but here's the thing.... In the past we had a whole lot of players who were poor...actually liabilities. Today Salem was quiet as was bail but neither were poor or a negative to the team just little impact. I don't think anyone here is saying finals ... Just enjoying the win.. That's my say.

Buddy's kicks also do that last minute fade.

Actually we didn't have any "poor" players today so it probably says a lot about the quality of your analysis.

Not sure why you bother. Writing toumpas off after a bit over season, McDonald just 21, jones in his second season, Terlich in his second full season. Amazing.....