PaulRB

Bowery may take Jets place in the team in a year or two, when’s learnt half of what Jetta has forgotten about defending. Jetta may have lost some pace, but his contested defensive work, poise and experience still make him the best option for deep back, and Hunt can be the last back when we’re stretched forward...

Was it Chico’s Poet team that kill the Dons run after they belted us in 2000? if so, all hail Nark Williams!!!

I find the “replacement for Simon” narrative tedious, and are more interested in the issues in our team that Mark was specifically hired to address. He mentioned a couple, kicking being one, he seems a great team bonder, what else? I like to think that the footy brains trust at the MFC have a strategy in motion with the additions of Williams and Yze, and if it all comes together (under Simon Goodwin, our coach), we’ll have a happy year. Cannot wait.

Does anyone know anything about Yze’s midfield plan or philosophy? I figure as an ambitious smart and experienced assistant coach he’ll be wanting to weave some magic on our underperforming midfield group. Watched “The Last Dance.” recently, and was thinking about that almost anonymous assistant coach who developed the “Triangle”, kinda hoping Adem can innovate as well. Bring on the Dockers at the G, and let’s see if we have a new midfield...

True, but four goals while also rucking, with an afl seasoned body... he may be more ready than has been let on... it’s not like he’s had a year out of the game.

Sooooo, comms issues aside, sounds like Gus, Kozzie, Vanders and Daws has good games, are ready and have put their hands up for round 1. I like to hear that Kozzie is spending time in the middle, as his agility and skill can be dynamite in congested spaces. Does Daws come in for Jackson or TMac? Did Hibbard play full 4-quarters with intensity, and is he ready? good signs.

Commentators are over paid and, generally, underperforming. Maybe they should apply some standards to their job instead of rolling out ill conceived bias from yesteryear. On Sunday listening to Gary “pull your head out” Lyon talk about us, he rambled that Kozzie would be back soon from interstate... when in fact Kozzie was already back and played in our Casey team earlier that morning.!! Gary, how about you do your job? Maclure is muckracking with stereotypes for simpletons, essentially because he is one, and it’s easier than looking closer, doing some research or, god forbid, thinking. rant over.

Ease up on the sky is falling. 4 goals down lots of outs

I’m not sure I like the idea of any of those three (Oliver, Viney and Bradshaw) cooling their jets in another part of the ground. Will be interesting which one adapts best to their “second” (non-mid) role on the field.

We should belt Freo, they appear to deficient (going forward and defending rebounds) just where we are strong (defending into aggressive rebounds). with their injuries... as well. Bring on Round 1.

Our back lines are looking strong and so attacking, with Hunt Rivers and Lever across the half back line... I love it. Mid field depth and new talent on display Viney, Brayshaw and Oliver all out but immanent. Vanders is back and playing for his spot, he needs to be on, brutal and effective if he wants to play Round 1. Jones another playing for his next gig... it’s a great across the middle,, and Maxy, Our captain, just signed for another four and looks to be in imposing form... is good. And then we have our forward line... ok. right. should be an interesting game, and I actually don’t mind it if our mids have learnt to better connect. I imagine Maxy will spend bigger chunks up forward if Luke can hold his own in the ruck. Should be a cracking game, and I’m liking what we’ve got once Ben Brown and Weid return. The pieces are all there.

Well done club and Max. A great result, we nail down our Champion ruck and captain in his prime to our club for life, with respect and minimal fuss. Proud Demons fan today, and now to focus on the season at hand. Maxy lifting the cup has such poetic beauty... please.. ??

What is there to argue? Fixture is out. We're playing on the G that Saturday. Oh and the primary assumption of your "argument" is flawed as MFC should be able to get close to 50% of MCG capacity for Rd 1. Aaaannnd putting the nosed of Hawks and Dons fans out of joint... is a bonus.

Hey 58er, again don't disagree, IF older players are cooked, then lets move on and not gift games on reputation. But theres a tendency to characterise form fluctuations of senior players as terminal and never to be regained, rather than simply a phase they're capable of working through. I find the talk of Rossman, Bowrey etc... being in for Round 1 is fanciful and laced with the allure of the new and shiny that denys the reality that the AFL is a football competition for men, not boys, and our fortunes this season will rely on the men standing up while we continue to develop our boys into men. In that context I' more excited about Chandler and Sparrow as likely starts than Bowery and co. Also, as a VDB fan and with a soft spot for a good come back story, i object to the writing him, Jones, Melksham, Hibberd off... and if those players find form and get a game it will be because they've earnt it now, like every player should.

Don't disagree, but both were capable of finals breaking burst just two years ago. Much as a I love the new kids, the season is long, finals hard and old campaigners are worth their salt. Also, forgot Hibberd on that list...

Great result, especially as I’d be looking for the following players to improve our 22 when they return... viney Brayshaw Ben Brown Weid Kozzie Melky VDB All of which can play when injury free and in form.

This. Best two game sequence in last ten years. Hate both teams, and their smarmy fans, was a pleasure to be at, and a pleasure to relive... more please..! ??

Built a reputation on grandstanding and facilitating bullies while dancing along the fine line. Made beating Collingwood that little bit more enjoyable (remember the “red button” Pie commentary on the QB game they then lost- so fun). thanks Eddie, all the best on you next adventure..,

Totally disagree, reducing the penalty makes infringing worth doing... as you’d stymie a fluid 75 m thrust into a relatively under siege open forward line, for the cost of slowing game down, getting numbers back and bottling up the forward line... curoous to see how it plays out, and reckon our team and style could really benefit from it and the return to full length quarters...

so Magpies paying 1.5 million for Treloar to play for Doggies..! fantastic.

Reckon the whole exercise is an example of when to turn the box off and go for walk, come back when the results are in... they'd have us tuning in to the grass growing on the G it they could... Fight the power!!