J.L.

My observation today was that we looked confused; trapped between two opposing playing styles.

Our pre season movement was totally different compared to the first two rounds (we were outplayed for 3/4 last week and should have lost).  The greatest indictment in today's game was that a poor Essendon team controlled the centre corridor, something we trained for and dominated for long periods in the pre season.

I have appreciated everything that Roos has done for us, but his defensive game style is not as relevant or effective as it once was.

Roos still has value but why delay the positive Goodwin game plan? Win, lose or draw, Goodwin will be coach next year and now's the time to Implement and instill his strategy, not the start of 2017. Let's get on with it!

I spoke to an insider recently and came away with two main points:

VB - The club are expecting big things from him this year, he's very highly rated despite a slow start to his pre season. 

Truck - He's a forward. 

I've been pessimistic for the best part of the last decade, but It's hard not to get excited about 2016/17!  It's coming folks! 

Thank god, we've finally purged the BS from the CS era. Tradition is the future. Great call MFC!

Folks, a quick query. Does this mean that training is restricted to the 3k? I had planned the kids to Gosch's for 9:30 training tomorrow. Thanks in advance.

He was actually wearing moulded footy boots.

Just checked the website. They're quoting 4-6 weeks for repairs.

PJ summed it up a few months ago when he said, "The only thing we have to sell is hope". We now have that in bucket loads.

It's been a constant battle to keep my kids on side, and who could blame them? It's hard to take them to games in the knowledge that we can't win, and headtbreaking to watch them running around in their demons jumpers at auskick, knowing they are copping jibes that are impossible to defend.

But enough of the misery. Paul Roos has chosen us above others, the old gaurd have gone and we have a first class CEO and a seriously professional president.

We are unlikely to make the 8 in 2014, and our future is by now means certain, but when it comes to hope I'm brimming with it and more importantly so are my kids. We've been sold many false dawns over the past decade and I was never convinced by any of them, but this time round the sun is streaming through the bedroom window. Bring on the future!

The greatest manifestation of low confidence would be poor skills leading to woeful execution. I'm not sure how many goals we gave away due to turn overs this year, but I would hazard a guess that it would be well over 100. Take these goals out of the equation next year and we will already be miles ahead.

Above all, the playing group have no more excuses. No more blaming the pres, the CEO, no hiding behind the shortcomings of a coach. Nothing short of total commitment, loyalty and determination will be tolerated. No more false dawns, this is the real deal!

'Dare to have nightmares'

Unwelcome! Enough of standing outside the tent and pissing in.

The failures stem from the prendergast years. Last year our recruiting team was depleted, however their late selections of Kent, jones and terlich were first class. The addition of Jason Taylor (Collingwood valued him highly and refused to let him go until the completion of the most recent draft period) gives me plenty of hope. This is one area the club has right.

Just watched the Neeld presser and not sure what all the fuss is about!

No tears, not even close.............he was actually quite matter of fact, and appeared strong.............had the usual face twitches which is unavoidable for him, but nothing like tears or a meltdown.

Neeld, in his matter of fact way, showed alot of character. He's been clear all pre season; we have a long way to go and he won't be trying to sell fairytails. I've been to both games and walked away devestated but their's no way I'm going for another quick fix, it smacks of desperation and weakness. Not after two games.