Jaded No More

Completely agreed. We have a very competitive team, our younger players are desperate to succeed, and guys like Jones surely know their chances of winning premierships are diminishing with each passing year. However this will be the first year in a decade where we will be the hunted, rather than the hunters. Teams will be out to get us, they will put significant time into planning their matches against us. Suddenly we will be one of "the teams to beat". With that comes a lot of pressure, a lot more expectations, and harder matches. If our boys can handle this pressure, then there is nothing to stop us from going all the way (injuries aside!). Last year the pressure was to make finals. We nearly failed under that pressure. However when finals came around, nobody expected much from us and we delivered. This year the expectations will be that we make a Grand Final, if not win one. That is a lot of pressure. We know how hard it is for teams to continuously stay successful. It's going to be a fascinating season I reckon!

Horrible news for Tom, wonderful news for Hawks haters (me included) On a serious note, nothing worse than catastrophic pre season injuries. Wishing him a speedy recovery. At least they still have Scully ?

Perhaps Melksham’s wife is in labor? I believe she is due very soon. Anyone got any concrete info about Gus? Why the rehab?

If you’re a local member you need to collect it on game day. You’ll see on the back of the card there’s usually a little S symbol which the staff at the tents will use to mark off once you’ve collected it. I think they’re available for collection for about 5 of the first rounds.

If you knew how expensive weddings are, you too wouldn’t invite an entire footy club! The more I try planning mine the more I want to elope. He probably only invited his bestest footy mates or the guys who’s partners are closest to his wife.

Speaking of our forwardline, I’m seeing TMac shoe-less on Instagram at Jack Viney’s wedding and someone in the background is yelling “it’s the damn toe”... Do not panic. Or do.

Thanks!

Congrats Maxy! Seems you and my partner had the same idea. If you wanna do a joint wedding, I promise we can schedule it outside the footy season.

Happy new year to everyone and happy premiership 2019 to all!

Mental health issues are so prevalent in young people these days (in people of all ages really). It is one of our biggest epidemics in terms of health and well being in Australia. Why we don't spend more money and time helping and educating people, as a society, is beyond me. There is still a stigma attached to having depression or anxiety, especially amongst men, and until we remove this stigma, people will continue to suffer in silence.

Exceptional player and exceptional human being. We are lucky to have him!

Last year was crap, now it's just been upgraded to a steaming pile of crap.

So.... like half of our best 22....

When is Lever heading off to the US for rehab?

When was the last time we had a home game versus Carlton?

I am sure Richmond, West Coast and Collingwood fans aren't thrilled about playing us twice either... think about that!

Agree with this. Commercially it is an amazing draw. But I only care about winning flags, and this is one hard draw. However realistically I think our tough end to the season this year, is what drove us to succeed in finals. No point having a soft draw and making it on the back of that alone... hello Geelong!

Geelong in Geelong again. Losing QB as a home game. Get stuffed. I hope Pert does better than this going forward.

I don't get the angst. It is one round. We get to play at home, against a team we can absolutely beat, to kick start the year with a win. It's great for membership, it's great for the team. If all our members turn up, we will make money. Absolutely no issues with this game whatsoever.

Shocking news. I can’t quite comprehend it. He’s my age. Way too young! My thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP Colin.

Our list feels 'complete' now I can't wait for the next 3-4 years!

Forwards win matches. Defenders win grand finals.

I can’t begin to understand losing a parent and having cancer. Maybe if I went through those things at 22 I would have a very different perspective on life. But I don’t want footballers at our club who are so readily willing to give up success. Hogan clearly is not motivated by premierships. So Freo are a perfect fit.

NO MORE GEELONG GAMES IN GEELONG. Why are we the only Victorian team that is made to play there? Joke! West Coast in Melbourne for a change would be nice. Essendon home game at the G for once.

Love him. Can’t wait to have him in the side next year. Could not be more optimistic for 2019.