Maldonboy38

Casey's system shone today, showing we can cut through even the best opposition. Lots of positional things also looking strong with Kentfield and Fullarton. Strange to say it, but I actually think our top end class is what is turning strong performances into wins. Billings, Laurie, Kolt, Sinemma, Spargo.

Just watched the Casey v Hawks VFL game, and I swear the standard was better than the Tigers v North AFL game, which was almost unwatchable.

The last 10 minutes were horrible, totally outplayed by the Hawks who couldn't hit the side of a barn with their goal kicking. Too much handballing just to get rid of pressure, just handballing to a team mate under more pressure. But continual great defense by the back 6, and some class from Spargo, Billings, Kolt and Laurie. Makes for an interesting finals series.

How many times in the last 5 mins did the Crows turn it over? Says a lot about them that they won under those circumstances. They have a top 2 spot assured - Prelim final at least from here I suspect.

I really rate Freo, but they are the kings of disappointment. If they don't make the finals, Longmuir has to go. If some Demonlanders think Goodwin wasted our list, Longmuir is worse. That is a great list that gives flag vibes, and never delivers. And now Collingwood can't drop out.

Bombers received the rough end of the pineapple from the umpires in the last 2 minutes. And I have to take my hat off to Brad Scott and the coaches - those young kids and fill in players are having a red hot go.

As much as I loathe the Bummers, the effort and skill brought by some of their debutantes is showing that they can probably move on from the McGrath, Parish, Cox era players.

I'm not sure how accurate it is to consider him slow to start matches, but I also don't care too much. Generational player whose best is sublime. Does he have weaknesses - yes, but I would take him with his weaknesses above 1000 other players. He has been below his best this season, but even the best players have poorer seasons. I can't wait to see what he produces in 2026. I want him in red and blue for the rest of his career.

ONE - Improve basic skills across the entire squad - handball, kick, contested marking TWO - Improve set shot goal kicking by minimum 20% THREE - Our forward line system including movement, KPF personnel, repeat leading, roving contested marking, the whole lot. FOUR - sort out a new and broader midfield mix.

I think a quote from Monty Python is in order: "Well, that 's the sort of blinkered, Philistine pig-ignorance we've come to expect from you non-creative garbage". Another perfect example of click bait vomit which simply generates superficial rumour-based conversation for the AFL media and journos. You watch Cleary, McClure, Cornes etc... jump on this and build a junk time news story.

For most of the game they have been the better team. Thilthorpe running ragged in the last quarter will probably get the Crows over the line. Amazing effort from the WCE boys.

Eagles young players having a red hot go at the Crows. Great game of footy in term of run and intensity.

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.