Jaded No More

You're right, but at least he's acknowledging that he has to take ownership of his own career. Finally it looks like something has clicked in his head. You can tell absolutely that mentally he was really feeling it, and rightly or wrongly the pressure of being #1 pick hasn't helped him at all. Craig has obviously done wonders for him in giving him some much needed confidence, which is great, and he has obviously taken a big step forward. Like he said, he just likes to prove to himself that he can play football, and once he feels like he can play, it will naturally filter to how the rest of his teammates and the supporters feel about him and his on field efforts. We've all had our doubts, you more than most, but I'm feeling a lot more confident now than I was 3 weeks ago. But then again, I can say that about the entire club.

I'm a big Gawn fan, but his ruckwork needs a LOT of work. Given his height, he does not get his hands on it enough in the ball ups, and realistically we are still better in the middle with Jamar. But, he has already shown more than many ruckman have at his age, and with practically no experience. Could be one of the better rucks going around in a few years time.

Two things I'm enjoying under Craig: 1. We have more than one tactic when it comes to bringing the ball out of the backline, and are doing it a lot better 2. He makes intelligent moves. He kept changing the midfield set up, even throwing Kent in there. It's good to see someone in the coach being proactive. I am not a fan of Watts down back, but it made sense to try to stop the bleed, and then send him back to the forward line. Previously they'd have left him there all game long for no reason.

Fantastic interview. I feel for Watts, always have. The pressure on him has been unfair since day 1, but he is growing up and his confidence is rising. There is no doubt that he is a different player under Craig, and that any good personable coach will make him become the player he can be. There is nothing I want more than to see someone like Watts prove the doubers wrong, and slowly but surely he's starting to do that.

Say what you like, but in the three weeks since he's been turfed out, I have enjoyed footy more than I have in two years. I'm sure many of the players feel the same. We would have lost by 80+ under Neeld and he'd come out and praise the effort. He had good intentions but no idea.

I've said it so many times and I will say it again. Get us two good mids and a good coach and we will improve rapidly. Everything outside the centre square is good to very good (most defences would concede 150+ scores every week with that much ball coming in!). We just need to start breaking even in the middle. Luckily, mids are easier to come by than KPPs. Edit: Sydney's midfield is unbelivable. Each and every one of them is a superstar. So. Much. Jealously.

Sucks for Frawley that he got injured. He was in the box seat to take out the votes. Towelled up Kirt "cap cheater" Tippett.

Absolutely appalling. If this happened to Collingwood or Carlton, the AFL would be hearing all about it. Sadly we aren't in a position to say anything, which makes it that much worse. The biggest joke is they tried to even it out with that soft free to Fitzy when the game was over. Too little too late.

Gallant effort in the face of horrible umpiring, a midfield domination and Chip going down. One of the more impressive showings of the year.

Oh and can someone man the [censored] up on McVeigh? He is taking the [censored] out there!

We never will, but we should send a stern please explain to the AFL regarding the umpiring today. Absolutely [censored] disgraceful. How can they be allowed to make so many mistakes? Pathetic. Also please for the love of god no more Byrnes. He is useless. Edit: Fitzy is fantastic, and Watts has had the most remarkable transformation since Neeld was sacked.

It's gonna get ugly. Midfield. Is. Putrid.

Bottom line is, our midfield is giving us nothing today. I won't pick on Jones, but he isn't giving us much today. We can't get near it between the arcs. Lucky they can't kick straight or it would be a massive blow out. I'm happy that we haven't given up like we would have under Neeld, but a team can't win or even be mildly competitive when their midfield won't give them first use of the footy. Ever. We have the worst midfield in the comp and the worst I've seen in my time supporting the club. It's unworkable.

Sylvia looks sick. He nearly threw up as the huddle was breaking up. No good.

Umpiring in this match are a serious joke. It's blatant cheating. Good quarter but our midfield is just god awful. Have we won a clearance yet?

I will never understand why Nicholson is in this team. His kicking is a joke.

The joy it brings me watching Carlton lose, is secondary only to the joy I feel when Melbourne wins.

I'd be his friend *nothing dirty- he's a baby!

Should say mine not ours. I believe in Peter Jackson. Relax, he's got this.

Reminds me of my CEO who is also a [censored] that uses big words to justify cutting bonuses, pay rises and promotions. At least Schwab genuinely loved the club and spent the cash on desks, and not paying off lawsuits.

This has quite literally made my rubbish day less crap. Well done Jesse!

I want a premiership coach not because it guarantees us a flag, but because a premiership coach will put us on the right track culturally.

Demonland- keeping [censored] journalists employed since 2006.

I guess it depends if you think Watts is actually a tall forward. He is much better on the lead and off the ground than he is above his head. If anything, I'd love to play him as a half foward and have him push up. For one, you want him delivering the ball inside 50, plus he can pick it up off the deck closer to goal. Neither he nor Howe are true tall forwards. My ideal set up would be Clark CHF (he could do the ruck up forward, but I'm worried his body can't handle centre square rucking), Hogan FF, and Dawes and Watts on each flank. Which does leave 1 spot for Howe to rotate in and out of and alternate with a mid (perhaps Blease or Tapscott if they get their sh*t together), plus 1 true small forward/crumber which we need to draft or trade for. Like Davey in his younger years. Of course if Clark isn't able to do some ruck relief, than we are too tall because you have to go into a game with 2 proper ruckman, which is a problem. So in an ideal world, you'd want a Max Gawn as 1st ruck and Clark as relief. We know Clark can ruck really well, and I'd be all over that option if his foot wasn't stuffed. I suppose time will tell, and a lot does hinge on his recovery going forward.

I'm waiting for the day Roos says just plain no. Until such day, he is as much of a chance as any other candidate. Come out and say "it's not going to happen, I will not coach Melbourne next year" and I'll move on. Until such time, I am holding onto the dream like a fat kid holds onto his ice cream.