PaulRB

If the Giants had supporters they would be under so much more scrutiny.

Plus percentage bonus...

Really!?! I do not understand why you'd think we're a better team without Maxy playing... is it because we beat North?

Those teams mean the Dons are cooked and will likely finish around 10th... they’re really not that good.

Suns!!!!! Bummer

I was happy to hear that Hunt was delivering the ball well into the F50 (to Brown), as I've always imagined his spot to be high Forward Flank or wing if he can learn to use his pace an deliver to lead up forwards on the burst. Sounds like they are developing him to play that role, and he's coming along.

Wallace is an anushole! The evidence suggests we're developing Sam very well...

One of the best signs from the last couple of games has been our mids at ball ups being in motion when they take the ball, rather than flat footed as they seemed to have been playing previously. This is probably an evolution that comes with growing confidence in teammates, structures and coaching, but its been evident against Crows and Kangas. If we can bring that into games with the top teams (who've managed to stymie our midfield movement and connection) we're a chance to play finals.

I think this is a "problem" (i.e. too many similar mids) for 2018 only, due to the 16 min quarters of this years games. Next year, I assume it goes back to 20 min quarters and our stable of Mids works more seamlessly. Also given the contested nature of the game and our game style in particular, may be that when we have we have fewer young players needing rest time, our mids rotate off the pine, rather than another position on the ground. That said, I think all the mids should have preferred second position on the ground, and it make sense that Viney's second position is up forward (same as Petracca). A side questions is where are Oliver's and Brayshaw's secondary positions..? Also, there appears to be an undue amount of "long term" thinking being derived from our efforts against the two worst teams in the comp, especially re- Viney Vs Brayshaw, which I don't believe to be a large enough and reliable enough dataset to make such long term decisions from. As always, in Goody I trust.

Great analysis and acknowledgement of Goodwin working to shape the game to our advantage.

If our mids can continue to collect the ball at speed as Clarry, and Trac have been doing, it makes Max’s dominance more impactful...

Don’t wanna burst your bubble Ding, but every team’s supporters (or at least a portion of them) think their team can beat every other team... it’s kinda what keeps them coming back each week even when their teams are [censored].

We had a good patch of footy in 2018 when Max was out injured, some good wins and our midfield seemed to lift through that period. Reckon we’ll be on today.

I like this kind of premature put down article, as it’s setting up the Cinderella story narrative for the rest of the year. With our draw and remaining games we should make a charge up the ladder, and the media will get on board if we can. On Mick’s thoughts on MFC he’s gone for click bait, stereotypes and shallow analysis instead of actually doing his homework in team and season, and so is culpable of the same lazy, weak play he’s projecting into to us. Which is ironic, I guess (if it was that interesting). Makes me realise that if the current collection of half-wit ex-footy playing commentators worked half as hard on their media role and analysis as they did their footy careers, we might find their output more interesting, even insightful... meh

Watching these two teams (both above is and yet to be played) is very encouraging. Very encouraging.

Ah those pesky facts... Like the fact that we have 2nd, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th and 17th to go... bodes well if we can get rolling.

I'm for minimal changes. Assuming ANB reported and out, would bring in Pickett for him Gawn and Viney, give them up to 10 min before game to get and feel ready. Must beat teams like North if we're going to keep out season alive. No point holding anything back.

With the sling tackle the AFL want it both ways. on one hand, this season (and last night) a player can be fairly tackled spun 360 degrees without disposing of it and NOT called for holding the ball. But the tackler is now expected to manage the safety of the player they tackle while they contort to either dispose to advantage, look like trying (when they’re not) or simply deal with their momentum. It’s become unrealistic for the tackler. example with the Nibbler sling, tackles him properly through 180’, then Crow player tried to dispose (to kick) throwing his body into the sling and exposing his head to a concussion... yet the tackler is held responsible. In my opinion, if the AFL wants to reduce slings, they should reduce the time a tacked player has before the umpire decides a free or ball up.

I think people need to read the full Lloyd quote “Trade Oliver or Brayshaw... to Essendon”. The fool.

I’m sure the AFL will be collecting a lot of data in the next “compressed” phase of the season. If teams can handle it well then it opens the door to a more than 22 round H&A season in 2021 and beyond... ie more games, more dollars, etc...

Given the teams we’ve beaten recently, this is a big step up in terms of opposition. Hoping we can bring our best for the full four quarters, and get the result. Would set up the next month when our season will be decided. Need 3-4 of next five. Quietly confident we’ll bring our good stuff tonight, and hopeful it’s enough. Should be a cracking match. Go Demons!

Clarko knows it will be at least ten years before the Hawks can rebuild and get back into some kind of contention, and has some hard decisions to make. Loyalty can be a double edged sword. GWS would be insane not to be offering him big $$$ to come and work his magic with their talent... esp as 2020 starts to slip away.

VDB hunts the ball and opposition in a ferocious manner that creates space for our other mids, inside and outside to work in. This also means the opposition when they gain possession are more likely to feel under pressure and either mis kick or kick long to where Max has become very adept at placing himself... happened often against Hawks (and VDB not only mid driving this).

Jackson stays in to Ruck the forward half, which allows Max to sit a kick back, to help build the wall to hold it in our forward half. Tommy can’t do that as easily as Jackson, despite Tom being a better forward. So as some have said it’s between TMac and Weid, or TMac and OMac, or ... I’d not suggest TMac for VDB as it’s that forward (mid) pressure that VDB brings that makes the Max a kick back work so well... be interesting what they decide

If he’d managed to hold on to the bullet from May, and convert, I’d be happy. He’s improved a lot since his first run which is great. Will be a weapon in a year or three when he fills out.