Macca

Might be a bit early to be judging Tapscott . He's only just turned 21 and has played just 24 games . Some of the posters who have backed Trengove and are urging people to have more patience (which I agree with) seem reasonably happy to lose Luke . I doubt the club feel the same way . Tappy adds a certain toughness to our team which we can ill afford to lose , and he hasn't reached his peak as a footballer yet . He's by no means the only young player to have had a below average season this year (so far) I do agree , however , that it will take more than pick 12 to get Boak . Maybe a more complicated deal will get the job done . It might involve more than just our club and Port or we could end up with extra draft picks (in other trades) which we could use in a deal with Port .

It's never over till it's over . A lot can happen in the next 2 weeks , a crash , an injury , 'Hitting the wall on a grueling climb' . I wouldn't wish any of the first 2 things on Wiggins - that wouldn't be right . But those big climbs are a different story . Wiggins and his team have laid down the gauntlet and do look very strong but ... Cadel ain't gonna give up . He's largely had to do things on his own before so that bit isn't a problem . The next 2 stages will tell a story - some big climbs .

Aw-shucks

That's what the stats say 'dl' . And what do they say about stats ?!

Time trial tonight . Wiggins is away at 12.39am . Evans shortly beforehand . Just a heads up - Rest day tomorrow but the stage's on Wednesday and Thursday have some big big climbs . Stage 9... THE VIEW OF JEAN-FRANCOIS PESCHEUX A clearer picture "How shall I put it? A crucial stage riddled with heritage sites and tourist landmarks. I mention heritage and tourism because it starts from the Royal Salt Works, which date from the time of Louis XV. The stunning pictures will be broadcast in 190 different countries. And I say it is a crucial stage because, after ten days of racing, the time trial will give us a much clearer picture of the state of affairs. The beautiful course is similar to the stage around the Lac de Vassivière a few years ago. We chucked in a climb which will no doubt sap cyclists' legs. We chose this terrain to make it easier for strong riders to prevail."

Hey , no worries BB . It's just that when leaving comments , it's difficult to remember to be precise (so to speak) . I know I'm still learning on these forums Cheers

You've probably interpreted my comment the wrong way BB . My reference to the HFF position was in relation to Sylvia and similarly skilled players . I possibly should have made that a bit clearer . I never compared Col to Stevie J , Murphy , Swan or Chapman and never would . Maybe your expectations of Sylvia is a tad high , especially if you want to compare him to the above 4 players . Just on those 4 though , there is no way they could impact the game like they do at their own clubs , if they were stationed on the HFF at our club in the last 5 and a half years . Our delivery into the forward 50 has been terrible and our total amount of entries is much lower than the best sides . The HFF at our club is your classic definition of 'Starvation corner' (in the last 5 and a half years) . Once again , this is a classic case of judging a player on his draft number . If he went at 15 or 25 he'd be discussed in a way different manner .

Ha ha ! Roger just far too good . He's just an absolute class act . Long may his career continue . Be interesting to see where Andy's career goes to now . He needs a slam and I hope he breaks through sometime soon . I like the idea of a 'Big 4' .

You'd reckon that sooner or later we'll get lucky in the National Draft . I still see it as a bit of a glorified 'Lucky dip' . We know the 'A' grader's are in there but how can you tell for sure when they're only 18 years old ? The good news is that we'll possibly have picks 3 , 4 and Viney . Surely at least one of those becomes an 'A grader , surely ! I don't like talking about the National Draft at this time of the year but facts are facts and reality is starting to set in . I would like to see the club aggressively pursue Boak and try to snare 2 midfielders out of the 'Free agents' (Sewell? Foley?) But .....we need to win some games otherwise we're not a very attractive proposition . Though money does talk !

Yeah , good idea with all those 18yo's 'dl' but what about right now ? I agree with you that we need to bring some real talent to our midfield (and don't forget those free agents) but we need to find a way to win games - now . Some might have given up on the season but I will guarantee you that the Match committee haven't . With a lot of 18yo's , you usually won't see their 'Best' until they reach 20 - 23 yo's . That's if they're any good . People looking at the National Draft as our salvation need to realise that it's probably not going to be an 'Instant' solution .

I challenge anyone to be able to play well consistently when they've largely been stationed on a HFF (in our team) for the last 6 years . Neeld has started to realise that the only way we might be able get the best out of Col is to play him in the middle . Instead of bagging out on players , maybe we should be looking to try and get the best out of players . Constructive criticism or a non-insulting critique is ok and it's always best to offer a realistic solution other than just sounding off . It's important to remember that at the end of 2011 the Club (with Neeld's blessing I'm betting) re-signed Sylvia for 2 years . Perhaps those who question Col's validity might like to realise that they are (indirectly) questioning the coach's judgement .

Got no idea about the 'tinted glasses' bit . Makes no sense . I presented some facts and an opinion . Perhaps if you don't agree with someone's opinion you might like to present evidence to the contrary or even your own opinion . I'm not one to bag out players . That must seem a bit strange to you yeah ? I believe that it's better to try and get the best out of a player . Especially when that player is contracted until the end of 2013 (like Sylvia) . Tell me what part of my post #30 came into the 'Sweeping statement" area ? And if you don't want to debate the subject matter , don't bother .

One set all . We could be in for a long night !

There's always a tangible answer if you look hard enough 'Moonshadow' Mine is 'Free Agency' . For others it might be the National Draft . Free Agency is a brand new thing for our sport . And the good thing is that it's going to happen every year . It gives clubs without much talent (and lots of Salary cap room) a chance to bring in 'Instant' quality experienced players and not have to give anything up to get these players (except a fair wad of cash as an inducement) The key is getting the right type of player or players . And ....we can front load contracts in order to re-visit the free agency table every year . The 'Restricted' free agents are the ones we should target IMO , because you can get (in theory) at least 4/5 years of service from these players . Quite a few of the free agents that are available this year are 'A' grader's . That's what we need . In theory , we could bring in 4 to 6 very good experienced players by the end of 2013 . I expect our club to be fairly big players come free agency time . In a lot of ways we have to be . Just watch the enthusiasm amongst our supporters increase if we snag a couple of experienced midfielders . Plus maybe Boak in a trade . And back on thread topic - both are major issues - can't split 'em .

Well , you do have some support Doc

Jean-Francois' view sums up this stage quite well . Stage 8 ... THE VIEW OF JEAN-FRANCOIS PESCHEUX A terrific launch pad "In my opinion, this could very well end up being the key stage of the Tour! The course is just 157 km long, but it has been designed to promote attacks and comebacks. If a favourite loses three minutes on the previous day's final climb, he will get the chance to make amends on this stage. There is a succession of six climbs, including the Col de la Croix a mere 16 km from the finish. This 3.7 km climb with an average gradient of 9.2% is a terrific launch pad! In short, this course is reminiscent of the one in Les Rousses, where Sylvain Chavanel stole the show two years ago. Back then, Andy Schleck regretted not having scouted the stage beforehand. This time he cannot say no-one has warned him."

Sylvia is a 'Burst' player (or has been used as a burst player) . These types often don't feature in B&F awards . It's my belief that the way we've used him in the past (HFF with the occasional run in the midfield) simply hasn't worked and probably never will . If he had of been plonked in the middle (and left there) we might have got the best out of him . However , it's not too late and let's face it , our midfield is screaming out for a talented player who knows how to win a contested ball . Sylvia averaged 9.5 contested possessions last year and totaled 180 for the season (2nd only to Moloney 271 / 12.3 ) .

Our fitness levels are improving - player/coaching staff area Our defensive skills are getting better - player/coaching staff area . We are no longer described as 'Bruise free' - player and coaching staff area Our contested possession rate has improved - player and coaching staff area Our uncontested possession rate is getting better (after a terrible 1st 8 rounds) - player and coaching staff area Our skills are deplorable - player/coaching staff issue Our style of play is awful , indecisive , ugly - player/coaching staff issue We have only one legitimate win this season (and that might be it) - player/coaching staff issue . Our Senior players have been well below standard this season - player/coaching staff issue . Nearly half our list are playing well below their standard - player/coaching staff issue Our list isn't up to it - any number of people are to blame , but not most of the current coaching staff .

Well done to Serena , Agnieszka was brave and won the 2nd set and hopefully she'll be back to fight another day . That's 5 Wimbledon singles titles each to the Williams Sisters . A mighty effort .

And then there's that saying "Diamonds are a girl's best friend" . Or is that bs now ?

That was an enthralling finish . The winner , Chris Froome , from the Sky team won the stage but the real drama was watching Evans and Wiggins . Sky having 3 riders in the first 5 must be a little bit of a concern for Cadel and his BMC team . 'Spose we're used to seeing Evans battle on his own . Gee he's a little fighter .

Is a coach immune from discussion in his 1st year or until after his 2nd year ? I reckon some think that this is an actual rule . But who made up that rule ? So 'Maybe' here's the unofficial rule... "You can praise the Coach when we win , but you shouldn't criticize him if we lose." There seems very little balance IMO . Maybe it's a human trait that you don't say anything questionable about the 'Leader' . In certain Countries with certain types of 'Governments' this 'Questioning' would be a rather dangerous thing to do ! I wouldn't last long . It's always healthy to have 2 groups with opposing views on any subject matter (Of course , there's all the others who are somewhere in the middle) . And as long as these views don't resort to insults I don't see the problem . I'm constantly amazed how some think it's ok to insult or demean a player , yet won't hear of any sort of criticism of the Coach . Makes no sense to me and never has . As an aside , the call for Ratten's sacking is astonishing . To me , he's a very good coach who for some reason , has a head that many want to kick . And I had that view before Carlton's win on Friday night . He was coaching for his football life and he came through with a big win against the Pies . Sometimes pressure brings out the best in people . And sometimes you need to put pressure on someone to see what a person is made of . I said it on another thread , and I'll say it again . Losing has become acceptable because of the lure of the 'Prized' draft picks . Unfortunately , when it comes to winning games , not all Melbourne supporters are on the same page . That's not good . Maybe the people who detest losing , and who are also not all that interested in these 'Prized' draft picks , look a bit further than just the player personnel .

I was probably referring more to 'Hardnut' than me . I should have made that clearer . He's copped it a bit unfairly in the past (not necessarily tonight) . All for speaking his mind in a non insulting or demeaning way . I'm a big boy . Not much bothers me except the right to free speech .

Mate , I don't mind being taken to task at all . In fact , I wouldn't post if that were the case . I tend to only post to challenge conventional thinking . So , I nearly always will get challenged and that's fine with me . But .....it can be exhausting work so I bide my time between those challenging posts ! Most of the time , my posts tend to be 'Different' . And don't worry , I'm well aware of that and am usually well armed . I'm always prepared to be educated though and don't mind being wrong .

You know what happens 'Hardnut' ? People like you and I who 'Dare' to question the Coach in any shape or form end up being shouted down . The people who take us to task end up winning because we're way less prone to say anything in the future . Meanwhile , it's perfectly fine for our players to cop untold amounts of abuse , insults and demeaning comments on (in some cases) a daily basis . Don't you know a 'General' comment when you see one ? I believe that those who don't hold such extreme views , tend to get lost and those with the extreme views tend to be the ones 'Left over' that argue to the end . As an example , the ones who might take on 'tonatopia's views are more likely to be the ones with a lot of faith . But that's just my opinion , it's not a statement of fact .