PaulRB

Win next two, we’re in finals with momentum. Win next four, we’re top 4 and positioned to have a real crack at the premiership. I don’t underestimate the form we’re in, as we’re just a whisker under what we’d need to take it all. Question is will form, injuries and the humour of the gods allow us to get on a roll..?

AvB for some reason has always hit me as a player who will be essential to us lifting the cup. There’s no logic to it, it’s just a gut feeling. On his day, he hunts and hurts the opposition and pops up for key goals in a congested forward line. Built for the intensity and agro of finals. Hope he has a huge 8 weeks of footy.

I think to try to inspire the boys and show solidarity all us supporters should give up booze till they win a flag... or not.

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2018-08-01/melksham-to-miss-gold-coast-clash

This week it’s up to the boys at Casey to provide the pressure on our main team to continue to perform against the Suns. If Vanders, Hunt, Kent, Weid and co have big names, then there will be some in the firsts playing to keep their spots. Which is good. With Viney and Hibberd now unlikely till September, spots in the first team are at a premium, and for some, holding their spot will require the best footy of their careers to date. So Suns will be crushed.

The last two weeks have been “finals like”, intense high stakes games in the opposition’s ground. We lost one, learnt and won the next. Now have a two weeks of games we should win to ensure we’re in the finals (13 wins + %). Then the final two rounds will again be finals like with us and our opposition looking to cement a top four spot. Couldnt ask for a better preparation, and if we end the season in the top 4, we’re a legitimate chance. But as we all know, first, beat the Suns... ?

It’s all about how they respond next week. Our time to hurt the Cats will come.

Underdogs, love it...

Have a good feeling about the next month. Last years failure has served us well % wise and the boys will be sharp and hungry to cement the spot ASAP. Reckon we’ll end up meeting a resurgent GWS last round and again in the first elimination... so it won’t be easy unless we can step up a gear or two over the run in.

If Jack’s out for an extended period ie 4+ weeks, it opens the door for Aaron to crash his way back into the midfield, and Salem to get another extended run. Love Vandenbergs appetite for the game as the intensity lifts, he’s my wildcard for the run into and finals. ..

Yep great to see Vandenberg prowling and bullicking, will be a fine addition in a couple of weeks.

In terms of keeping the current group together under the cap (and adding Gaff), what’s the value of a Premiership medallion or two to a player? Financially post-career? Emotionally?

Exactly, was looking to see if there was a "time in possession" stat that would shed some light.

Also, 9 of possible 12 Quarters won, equal top (i think). Plus we've won all our last quarters thus far. There's a bit to be happy about in the numbers thus far, knowing we can improve a lot.

Maybe Salem's role change into an in-side midfielder was done in anticipation of the possibility of JV's absence..?

Collingwood beat us last round because our midfielders were beaten and the Pies mids had time and space to deliver to their forwards. Talking about defence without covering the role of our midfield in our defence, is missing over half the picture. The best defence in the AFL will get beaten if the opposion mids are allowed to run riot.

With GWS about to bloom into a full blown dynasty team, adding Sloan would improve our chances of matching them, with the addition of a top 3 midfielder in his prime. Having watched us lose two GFs in my life to superpower teams, we need to throw everything at improving this team to ensure we get the silverware this time. Do it!

Sydney GWS Richmond Melbourne Adelaide Geelong Port Adelaide Essendon Western Bulldogs West Coast Hawthorn Fremantle St Kilda Carlton Brisbane Collingwood Gold Coast North Melbourne

Any player who gives us a moment like this, is immortally loved... Ps Bayley should be a ripper too...

Probably needs to bulk up a little ... Mitch Hannan the poor man's Gary Ablett Snr. https://youtu.be/aykwUMaWAc4

One of the things I like about Hannam is that he accelerates into contact and uses his body to impact the opposition. For some reason his movement, snaps and leap reminds me of Gary Ablett Snr... which can only be good.

Position: 3rd (16 wins) All Aust: Oliver, Petracca, Gawn, Jetta, Lever. Improvers: OMac, TMac, Harmes Sliders: - Kent Darkhorse and Norm Smith Medalist: Hogan (7 goal in GF thriller, Dees by 3 points)

Don't swallow the delusional drivel that drools from Windy Hill. put money on us finishing higher than the Dons this year. That you assess those three new players as "best 22" only highlights how poor their list actually is, especially in close around the ball with Jobe leaving. As PK once said ..."they're all tip and no iceberg!".

Tulip mark II

Who's this Jack Watts fellow then?