Maldonboy38

Re Gawn's ruck work in the last quarter, have a 2nd look. On most occasions he tapped to the exact correct place, but our mids were a step behind, and/or the Dog's mids were reading it off his hand. Our setup and system 3-5 metres off contested ball was really poor today, so I reckon our midfield woes rest on the shoulders of the mids, not the ruck.

It's strange to feel disappointed AND proud after a game. Loved the shuffling of players into different positions, loved our heart and intent, loved the wrestle in the last quarter, loved the high moments of great play, HATED our poor poor disposal. The unforced skills errors today were infuriating.

Our good is very good, our steady is good, our poor is very poor.

How bad was the defensive spread from our midfield then? 5 Bulldogs unmarked. Grrrr.

Great strength and goal from Culley, but Langdon's fumble preceding it is rage inducing. And if we don't do something about our stoppage set up, allowing the Bulldogs to run and spread outnumbering us, this could turn nasty. We are doing well on the inside but getting thrashed on the spread. Looking very clean when we think before act going into F50. Max is a freak.

Playing well, Kozzie's kicking is KILLING us. Not sure what is in his head today. Well done Rivers and Roo.

Beneath pre-scheduled (and maybe even undesired) media interviews, and all the opinion and commentary from supporters, opponents, journos and ex-players - there is a simple game of footy to be played. At the G with the Dees wearing navy blue and blood red. For me, the major lack this season has been in the leadership beyond Gawn and Goodwin, so I hope to see Viney, Trac, Salem, Melksham, and even TMac show fierce determination and intent, for the young players to follow. Darcy is a real concern, but otherwise we match up well. Bu there is no way to fully account for what is happening today between the ears of our players. Watching on TV with real full investment AND curiosity today.

Live AND free? How is this happening?

Buckley had 2 major weaknesses at the Pies. He demanded from players a standard of performance and excellence that he produced as a player which was far too high for most players. He struggled with coaching B grade players which is 75% of most lists. Secondly, his player management relationships were poor. Really, really poor. However, he fixed both these things, grew as a coach and got a team into a GF. But I reckon he is Tassie bound.

Due to me wanting Geelong to fall straight of the finals so badly, I actually just heard myself say "go Essendon".!! I feel dirty. Does this mean a 4 week ban here on Demonland?

So glad to see this. It will be interesting to see where they play him, as he was drafted as a Key Position Player who could play defence OR forward. He has been playing well in defence at Casey. His form has been more than solid so I am thrilled to see him debut.

John Tilbrook? Kelvin Templeton? Lucas Cook? Brody Grundy? It is a strange decision but many others are ahead of our poor list choices over the years. In 2025 we have had runs of games put into players without form (Kolt, Spargo etc...) , so I reckon Laurie might have a genuine beef for not being given a run of 5-8 matches in some capacity over the last 5 years.

I picked the Pies until Howe went down, now reckon the Hawks will penetrate the Pies defence too easily. In terms of desire, I hope for a Hawks loss so we can stop hearing about the "Hollywood Hawks". The spewing versus carping comment from Jaded sums up the night really.

No way do we need a rebuild or a clean out. The new coach has a LOT to work with, with a great bunch of 19 - 25 year olds, some experienced players who are elite, and a handful of players who could be traded to freshen things up. I would love someone to hit the ground running. Definite experienced coach considerations - Simpson. Definite new coach considerations - Basset, Enright, Hickmott, Bruce. Nathan Basset appeals to me. He was outstanding at Norwood and found success quickly. However, if he is part of the current messaging he may be a part of what we need to freshen up. I'm a bit conflicted on this. But I do think we need to let go Alan Richardson, Chocco Williams and possibly Troy Chaplin. They have been outstanding servants of our club and its recent success, but I personally believe they are a part of our current lethargy. (This is all pure outsider opinion, I have no real knowledge about any of them). And on another note, will it mean a new Captain? Gawn has been a central part of the Goodwin messaging - do we change this as well?

From the day he was appointed as apprentice under Paul Roos I have been a Goodwin fan, and I remain one now. Calm, focused, loved by the players, and a devoted clubman not just a coach. I waited a b****y long time to see a Premiership and to see him and Max lift that cup was the ultimate feeling of success after decades of failure, near misses or if-onlys. To see him sitting there with Brad Green was a total gut wrench for me, and although I understand the decision, I would have liked him to see this season out. Other Demonlanders might feel relief or hope. For me, I feel only sadness which I hope will pass quickly. Thank-you Simon, and very, very well done.

Lions almost stuffing things up on consecutive occasions, but then recover. LOVING the Pies supporters whinging and moaning.

Interesting game Pies v Lions. Neither team are yet to demonstrate they have a match winner (so far tonight). I feel the game needs someone to take hold of the final quarter and WIN it.

Well we will have to disagree. Ginnivan is a total tool and a real numpty - but the quality of journalism was akin to a 14 yo tiktok influencer trying for a selfie with their crush.

If he was embarrassed to give the finger, was he a loser, is he not answering her stupid questions because he feels guilty etc... The doorstop was between the team bus and the airport terminal. Real low point and appalling that channel 7 let it go to air.

If you want to see how low modern tv journalism has sunk, a channel 7 reporter has tried to doorstop Ginnivan and absolutely embarrassed herself, and he calls her out on it. I'm unsure if you will be able to find it, but is almost humiliating for the poor young woman. I can't stand Ginnivan but he was totally justified to hold his ground and call her out.

I'll go against the flow and vote No. Consistent, strong, intelligent footballer but I think his best has already begun to slip down the wrong end of the bell curve, and he will be 33 next year. If he was 30-31 then yes. But I reckon it is all spin. His management fishing for more $ and they will probably get it. No way do the Pies move him on, with McStay being injury prone and no other big forwards emerging.

Re Cully, he really had to earn his first game. While developing at Casey, at times he would lumber around and be a bit slow to react. A period of steady progression, followed by some strong performances in big wins made his selection today based on form. Looks strong.

I so much want to rave on after such a great win, with lots of players doing so well. Relief combined with satisfaction. But WCE - a shadow of an AFL standard team.

West Coast really are poor. Langford, Culley, Windsor, Howes - our basic young stocks are good

Culley is making me feel vey, very good. Can't wait to see home after the next preseason.