Maldonboy38

And THAT is why we need Spargo. Patience and execution. O my, 3 set shot misses.

OK, we re getting going now. They are trying to stifle JVR because he is really presenting a big presence. Come on boys.

Well, I suppose with ANB gone we do need a new fumble expert, just didn't expect it from the entire midfield.

JVR influential. Well done again, Hendo. Have to clean up our on ground play. Constantly 2nd to the ball.

Loved seeing an open free flowing game of footy at the MCG on a sunny Saturday afternoon, but annoyed Essendon were involved. The Crows looked very good through the middle, defense and up forward. But to concede 100 points shows glaring holes in the midfield defensive running. Other top teams will tear that to pieces so it is "watch-this-space" for me about the Crows.

I've been on these 2 adaptations for a while now. Our game has too many grey areas, so the last touch out of bounds rule as you detail it cleans that up (there will always be borderline decisions so the AFL still get their endless click bait and Kane Cornes ranting) And the 16 per team helps achieve 2 things: 1) reduces the constant packs and gives more open, maybe even one-on-one footy. 2) opens up he possibility of a 20 team competition without watering down the talent pool so much. As for today's matches, my only interest is the Crows who have all the pieces in place and simply have to execute this year. Unfortunately, I have to go shopping for a couple of hours with the Minister of Happiness so please pray for me.

I just don't get it. Umpies don't go out to cheat or favour, and despite the angry rhetoric, neither do the AFL direct umpires to "follow an agenda". But how could a game be umpired with such discrepancy? Howling missed free kicks or erroneous ones in a pattern over 3 quarters. I am hoping the umpires are in the VFL next week (sorry VFL) because they are not up to AFL standard.

Agreed, not the greatest in terms of transition, free flowing footy or great goals but very even, competitive and close on the score board. Like you, so tired of the constant packs around the play but that is modern footy.

Good to see Harmes playing well and enjoying footy. It was the right thing to let him look elsewhere but I still miss his energy. Also good to see Maynard copping it.

Neither team defending too well so most of the goals are easy-ish ones from defensive errors or lack of pressure. Interesting game.

Young Davidson for the Doggies looking quick and clean.

Not a great free kick awarded for the start of a game but it was against the Pies so it was a well umpired brilliant interpretation.

Pies on Friday night, Dees 3.20pm Sunday again. Wow, so surprised - NOT. Pies should win well tonight, with the Dogs playing a VFL team, but neither team looks potent and Bevo is cunning so I am hoping for an upset.

Absolutely stoked on the return of Spargs, even if it takes a few weeks for him to get back near his best. Not surprised that Turner comes back, despite his preseason form. The coaches seem to love what he brings and I love the fact he can actually take a mark. Not surprised Langford is dropped. Don't get me wrong, I think he will be a gun, but on preseason and round 1 form, others appear way ahead of him.

I am sort of interested in tonight's result, but both teams are so unappealing I reckon I will just glance at the scores from time to time. And as for listening to commentators gush over Curnow, Cripps, Ginnivan, the Temu-wizard etc.... no thanks.

I, too, am hoping for Spargo and Turner as the ones who come in. Spargo gives us higher quality entries into F50 and I reckon we are a better team with him in it. And Turner is probably our best contested mark next to Petty.

6. Gawn 5. Petty 4. Lever 3. Petracca 2. Viney 1. TMac Sorry to Bowey and Lindsay.

OUT: AJ suspended, Howes too many pressure errors IN: Turner, Langford. Henderson to sub Chandler holds his spot, goes to sub when Kozzie returns.

Yes, he was on Taylor, who is a gun. But on a lot of occasions JVR did all the work, got into position and got 2 free hands to the ball in a marking contest only to be too far beneath the ball, and his hands let the ball go behind him. He is a very good player and could be anything but this default mistake is too common.

Both disappointed and proud. Strange mix of emotions. So much to like about our debutantes. AJ and Henderson didn't really look AFL ready. Jeffo brilliant and poor. Sharp was very good. XL was great. Langford - I have no idea. GWS spreading wide and having runners from behind killed us all day, even more in the final quarter. Green and Green monstered our mids in the last quarter. JVR unfortunately back to the worst version of himself today (ball hitting hands and going behind him), and Fritsch also looks a mile away. Petty, Bowey and Salem - take a bow, wonderful. Our skills still need some polish - I feel we lost it rather than them winning it. I actually feel that there is a lot to like. We matched them or even beat them when contesting on the ground or in the air for most of the day.

How could we be split open like that in the last minute?

JVR running under the ball, and then flat hands. I suppose at least he is providing a contest.

Come on, win a stoppage and release the pressure.

We are not reading their sideways spread. Getting frustrating.

He does s good thigs at times, but looks like a deer in the headlights under pressure, especially in and around packs.