Very Jaded

We will drop games and it won’t be a bad thing. We reset so well after challenges I almost feel that once we drop one we will go to another level. Besides I have no doubt that if ladder position allows, we will ramp up training halfway through the year which will likely see us drop a few games in preparation for finals. It’s just what we did last year. I also wouldn’t put it past us to drop a game against our most likely rival in the lead up to finals. I think we were happy to drop a game to the Dogs in the later part of last season.

Correct. Being dominant is all well and good but unless you win flags it’s pointless. Essendon dominant and won just one flag. Gotta make sure we don’t waste this opportunity.

Hawks winning is better for us because Sydney is a bigger threat. I also want the players to go into next week knowing that we have to really go hard as Hawks are not a walkover.

0% of those things are gonna happen

Smith has to play from behind. He gets so lost in the play if he can’t see his opponent and then run and jump to spoil or mark. He is too much of a liability down back. Reminds me of Frost. The agony and the ecstasy. Would probably be a regular at 17 other clubs. But at Melbourne if you’re not an A grade defender you’re gonna struggle to hold your spot. Hunt did a stellar job on Bolton who is a weapon. Could be important at stopping someone like Charlie Cameron who killed us in the semi final last year. If he can tidy up his ball use he might just stay.

There were whispers pre game he may be a late out. Perhaps under an injury cloud?

Why do you say that? Injury concern?

But that’s what you do when you’re trying to keep the game close so you might get a chance to win. Who have we played so far that had a chance in hell of beating us playing their own game? Dogs maybe, but after last year they were terrified and rightly so.

It’s because teams are [censored] scared of losing so they go into ultra defensive mode, making games a total bore fest. We aren’t challenged so we just put on a clinic for 10 minutes and carry on with the win. GWS are lazy and gave up after halftime so that was fun. I bet that when we play the Saints in 2 weeks it’ll be a totally different game. Good sides will back their system in. We haven’t played a side yet who would have gone into the game backing themselves to win it with their own game. Also who cares how we play in April if we keep winning. Last year we also won by small margins but winning was a novelty so you went back and watched that 25 point win and was like “wow a win”. Now you’re like “I watched us kick 3 goals in 46 seconds once. I’m bored”

No doubt. But to win when you’re playing imperfect footy is very important. Things can’t always go your way.

How good is Harry Petty.

Umpiring was very kind to us, but nothing paid was not there. Trac should have been pinged for holding the ball but so should have Bolton. The only real dodgy one was the umpire calling Balta to play on when he said he was going for goal. Also I shall bottle up the salty Richmond tears and enjoy them for breakfast.

Exactly 12 months ago we won this game by 34 points with 22 scoring shots to Richmond’s 18 and the lid was off. We were over the moon. 12 months on we won by 22, but had 31 scoring shots to 14. My we have gotten spoilt.

I know Trac is Trac, but seriously Oliver is just as good at what he does. His hands are the best in the game.

To Richmond’s credit they pushed us really wide in the forwardline. They really defended heavily the corridor because they didn’t want to get smashed. In the end they didn’t get smashed because we couldn’t kick straight

It is very harsh but when you are premiers it can be harsh if you’re on the edge of the 22.

Oliver Gawn Ed Gus May Bowser

Correct. Smith was not bad but he’s not and never will be Lever. Open to making Dunstan the sub. Bedford didn’t play today so they probably want to get game time into him.

Kicked straight when no one else could. 3 crucial goals

But in all seriousness if we kick better this is a demolition job. It’s good to win under different pressures and scenarios. Onto next week. Clarry is next level.

DELETE THE TAPE

Yep we are 10 goals up except we can’t kick for goal.

Gus gave Jacko a spray for his poor defensive running. He lost Reiwoldt and let him mark uncontested.

Agree. Intensity, intent, all good. We just buggered up 10 easy shots at goal and it blew the wind right out of us when they go inside 50 once and goal immediately. Bad kicking is bad football. It’s honestly inexcusable for top quality players to miss these shots and once the rot starts it’s hard to stop because it becomes mental.

Fritta needs to get on his bike. Vloustin is his opponent and is destroying him and us. Trac also really quiet.