Little Richard

Hey Layzie, have to admit I only just stumbled upon this thread and wish I'd found it sooner. I'd consider myself as a bit of an expert on anxiety and panic attacks, thanks to a lot of first-hand experience about 10 years ago. I am inclined to be quite an anxious person so the odd panic attack has cropped up since I had a bit of a breakdown back then, but I feel like I've become quite good at dealing with them. It took a long time to kind of condition myself to have this response but essentially my approach is firstly to know it's a panic attack and not a stroke or heart attack or some other medical catastrophe (as used to be my first thought). Once I've established that I kind of just let it hit me, and keep up the attitude of what's the worst it can do, been here many times before and I'm totally fine, it will pass. Sometimes I spiral a bit and lose grasp of that thought process but find my way back to it with steady breathing. Also weirdly playing Immigrant Song by Led Zeppelin helps me jump into that 'just let it hit you' mindset. Anyway this is a bit of a stream of consciousness but feel free to reach out if you'd like to talk more about it mate, hope you're doing better with the panic attacks these days!

We cannot trade Oliver. In form, he's close to the best player our club has ever had. Right now the club needs to do whatever it takes to help him through this period, and his trade currency would literally be at its lowest ever anyway.

Love your work mate, nice reminder re Garlett - he was a revelation. Vanders brought some attributes we were seriously lacking, such a pity he struggled so much with injury.

Where was Grundy supposed to be playing while he waited for Max to go down with an injury though? Clearly playing the two of them together was not working (we should never have brought him in regardless IMO).

He's a quality player no doubt but I'd put Larkey ahead of him. Either one would be a welcome addition!

Picking up either Allen or Waterman would be an awesome result but I'm with @Storm Boy - we need to focus on finding our next generation midfielders.

Maybe I'm just basking in the post-win optimism, but I'm starting to think we have the makings of an exceptional forward line. JVR, Fritsch, and Pickett are all proven performers. Chandler is cementing his spot and even though it's very early days, I think Turner may become an excellent third-tall option. We just need another genuine key forward, which may eventually be Jefferson... or someone we bring in, like Waterman.

I thought Gawn being subbed was just precautionary?

Chandler is solid, plays a great second fiddle to Pickett in the small forward pecking order. Don't think we need to change anything there.

He's such a key piece of the puzzle. I'm hoping that a fit Spargo can fill that role when he's back and Milkshake hangs up the boots, as he also has unreal vision and poise going inside 50.

Not watching live but looks like AMW is getting a fair bit of the ball, how is his disposal so far?

I think we'll see him and Hore back in the side sooner rather than later.

We're gonna win this, Petty to kick 7.

The kids are getting treated so poorly at selection. How can any of these young guys begin to build confidence without any kind of faith from the coaching staff and a decent run at it. Pathetic.

I am of the belief that no player is bigger than the club and therefore, if the right trade comes along you should take it for the betterment of the organisation. However, to absolutely contradict myself, there are also players who are and should be an exception to that rule and Gawn is one of them. Petracca is probably our only other one at this point. For both of them it goes well beyond what they deliver on-field.

This just shows how damn good he is at his best. He's having a shocking year by his own lofty standards, yet if it was anyone else they'd be a decent midfielder. It also exposes how much we relied on him producing exceptional performances week in, week out.

It's harsh on Tomlinson but probably what will happen - would prefer to see them drop Petty (let him sort himself out at Casey for a few weeks) and throw McDonald forward, keep Tommo down back with May and Lever.

We can't drop Fritsch, he's been down but without him our forward line is absolutely horrific.

He's such a tough one, has some really great attributes (which have faded admittedly); a great set of hands in the air, can roost the ball and is pretty physical. But he can't seem to find his rhythm. I had really high hopes for him as a midfielder but these days I'm agreeing with you. Half back might work well.

Fine, don't disagree with that. But now they've set a precedent they need to stick to it... but of course, they won't.

I'd give him a crack sooner rather than later. Surely Petty doesn't have many chances left, unless they decide to put him back and put McDonald up forward.

Bring in Jeffo

He is though?

Great to see him back in form.

Can't wait to see him in action! How's his form been at Casey? Haven't been following too closely