Little Richard

Thanks mate. You mean Smith is a definite inclusion?

Extended bench?

My biggest fear around this game is our potential inability to contain their quick, small forward line. My second biggest fear is our defenders trying to clear the ball with these little guys harassing and pressuring them... our delivery out of the back 50 is shaky on a good day. Hibberd will be a very handy inclusion for this reason.

I agree with your first sentence but to be honest, that entire thing isn't something that would surprise me if it were on Demonland in the past.

I just assumed it was part of the comedy festival.

They knew they were getting a project player when they picked Weed. I really like what I see from him - most of the time he competes in the air and brings the ball to ground. He positions fairly well at the front of the contest too but isn't strong or confident enough to pull in the mark. His intensity can wane a bit too, but that's part and parcel for a young player trying to build a tank and learn the pace of the game. There are good signs, but it'll just take time for the lad to mature and build his body.

I recall that there's not much sense in trying to debate a point with you RR, but Watts did take two good contested marks on Saturday as our number one forward. There's a future for him in the attacking fifty. I'll leave it at that.

To me, Goodwin is remarkably composed and clear cut in his answers and explanations. He is very mature for a senior coach with 4 games of experience under his belt. Whilst there are some aspects of the gameplay (particularly defensively) that need improving, there's no need for any kind of worry yet. We did just win the first two games of the season for the first time in ages. Your comments on Watts are drivel. His output so far has been sensational, particularly when the blowtorch was on him after Max went down.

Wasn't that the case all year last year? Pretty sure we would have dropped a lot of the games where we were favourites. Going in as the underdog suits me fine.

I'm positive our list managers would be thinking along the same lines. Definitely not worth it.

Need this ferocity back. Still my favourite tackle.

A lot of Richmond supporters on BigFooty are saying the same thing. Like us, their confidence has been pulverised through years of mediocrity. Tough to tell the quality of the opposition at the beginning of the season anyway.

We need to win at least 4 of those if we're going to have a chance. I think we will.

This a huge moment for 'the new era' MFC. Either we wilt, continue the terrible fadeouts and inability to finish, and lose to Richmond. Or we make a massive statement to the competition by putting together our first 4 quarter effort for the year and beat them by 5 goals. Over to you Goody and players.

Against most other sides I'd feel that we're a tall short, but bringing in McDonald against Richmond will make it even harder for us to contain their small forwards, all of which have genuine pace. That being their structure, bombing it into their forward line isn't the way they deliver the ball. They've been good at hitting up the small targets or kicking it into space for them to run onto. IN: Hogan, Hibberd (if he pulls up well) OUT: Weideman, Melksham

Bit harsh on Harmes PF, I thought he played pretty well on Saturday. He stuffed up with that final shot as there were options if he lowered his eyes, but it shouldn't have got to that point. He competed hard all day and his efforts in the air are always impressive for a smaller forward. Don't think he should be dropped.

Never thought we'd be overrated.

And two of the Freo players at the back of the pack, exactly where the ball was going to land. Pathetic set up.

Fairly good assessment, but can't agree with Kent, McDonald or Spencer. Kent played a hand in many of our scoring chains and put his body on the line time and time again. Thought he was very good. I'm not normally a McDonald basher but today's game was horrendous. He made so many stupid errors that I walked out of the G wondering if he has two brain cells to rub together. Couldn't believe some of the stuff he did. Spence got slaughtered in the hit outs but was good around the ground.

He has been underwhelming in pretty much all of those aspects of the game, except for tackling. He's averaging over 6 a game, which is very good. Maybe Goodwin and co are using him in a more defensive role. Needs to lift his game though for sure.

Our ruck stocks would be in serious trouble if that happened.

As long as Frost is 100% percent fit.

He 'parted ways' with Essendon in 2014. Think he plays in the WAFL now.

Weideman is far more exposed without Hogan in the side. Pedo should come in this week so that Weideman can have a couple of weeks plying his trade as the number one target up forward for Casey.