Maldonboy38

I just hope we are a heap better than either of those two tonight. Tigers loss rather than Blues win.

Tigers should be well in front, but the Blues are horrid. Surely neither of these 2 see finals in 2026. Both Cripps and Lynch had opportunities to lead through example and both failed.

Definite lack of class all over the ground. A very B grade game with no real appeal, and few big exciting moments. If the Tigers stop making horrible decisions forward of centre, and clean up their ball use, the game becomes much more even. The Blues look good in transition but their forward play is dull.

Tigers losing it through abysmal ball use.

The lad can seriously play, but his disposals don't hurt at all. He is going to have to develop some impact.

This is the best the Blues can play. I can see the Tigers winning from here.

This game is showing you need more than pressure. There has to be class on the outside to deliver good quality when pressing forward. Both the Saints and the Blues look like their A game is pressure, pressure, pressure but have neither a plan B or enough class.

Agree re Pendlebury. Amazing player. I reckon he is better than Peter Moore, Buckley or Peter Daicos. Nick Daicos might overtake him before the end of his career. Dangerfield is no slouch and much better than Pendlebury overhead, but is n Pendlebury's shadow a bit.

People trying to put NMW in the same class as Nick Daicos are delusional. He is a very good footballer who has had 1 great season, but the commentator drooling is already tiresome. And the first big stupid outlandish statement by a commentator is now a matter of public record "Darcy Cameron is the best ruckman in the AFL for dropping back and defensive contested marking". Yeah right, Max says hello.

I am unsure if any team did any defence training over the preseason. The free play and goals kicked so far this weekend is insane.

His 2-way running today was outstanding and his in-and-under work was classic Clarry. I still admire his footy, remain disappointed he left, but know he had to go. I don't reckon he was BOG today, but definitely in the top 5 on the ground. The hardest thing in footy is to actually get it and he remains brilliant at it. As the year progresses my interest in him will fade a bit but just like Hogan, Harmes etc.. there will always be an interest.

Trac is playing at his absolute peak again. Absolute gun. Well done him, but very difficult to watch now. And all of a sudden he can kick (or is that a reflection on the lack of pressure from the Cats?) Getting a bit lippy too.

Unless the Blues have another large-bodied forward to come in, they are in for some serious pain this year. Their forward line looks so meek, and lacks serious talent. Their midfield is also being shown up. The SCG is the one ground in the league where you can stifle a run-on of goals, but the defensive works of the mids is putrid. The Swans are waltzing through the middle and half forward.

And now 3 goals in 2 minutes of play. Someone better check if Stephen Dank wasn't sharing lollies in both rooms during the break.

This game is justifying 2 opinions I have formed: The SCG is a grave for decent footy. The modern game at its worst is a horrible spectacle Add to that the ball handling skills on display, this is an embarrassment.

Really tough game to read. We are a great unknown with only 2 practice matches against woeful opposition to measure ourselves against. And I really don't rate St Kilda this year, nor do I understand the hype that is surrounds them. Add to that, we probably have 8 players who have shown enough to get picked for the interchange bench. I reckon both Dees and Saints will be fighting each other for positions 9-12.

I still think letting him go was a bad move. Pace, courage, great team man, and improved every year he played. Was reliable and effective for the last few years of his career. I saw him at training in his first preseason. He was lightning quick, skinny as a flag pole, and his ball drop made Frost's look elite. 172 games - very well done.

Game plan, pace, forward system and kicking - noticeable change and improvement. Apart from that, North & Tigers gave us no real challenge so it is difficult to assess how strong we are. Sharp, Laurie, Kolt, Howes, LaTrelle probably all fighting for a role on the interchange bench. Culley and Mihochek untried. Kenterfield and Jeffo injured. Petty rusty. CJ wayward. Lots of midfield players to choose from. Forward system looks totally overhauled.

Real pressure on for midfield and utility spots. Round 1 team nowhere near settled.

I think I understand what you're saying... we are putting the ball to a space near the next player to run into. How bl**dy refreshing is this. How many times did I see someone give the ball to Nathan Jones in his career so he had to stop moving and stand still to receive it?? I don't know what this season holds, but thank you Steven King for this one change alone.

Windsor - wow.

Salem Rivers Windsor and Laurie very very good through the middle.

I think Tholstrup is finally beginning to show his stuff, including awareness and decision making. And JVR is very impressive this preseason.

Lots of quick play, low kicks, multiple handball chains and forward movement. Langford, Laurie and CJ doing some nice stuff (CJ kicking is a genuine weakness though). Loving Fritsch's work. But is feels like the match v North - Tigers have been appalling.

Seriously, this kid was really showing something...