Return to Glory

This match is like choosing between a [censored] sandwich and a fart in a space suit.

I suspect part of St Kilda's problems aren't coach related but having an abundance of smug twats running the show. Simon Lethlean really did get a free kick in front of goal after screwing up (pun intended) in AFL admin and his recent 'if we keep improving' comments (some interpreted as earnest) were, for mine, the comments of a total vanker keen to show who's boss.

Just of late, Petracca seems to have developed a footy IQ. I've been negative about him for a little while now but there are small signs in regards to getting into the right spot, making smart decisions and not trying to do too much in possession.

I wanna party with you Captain Upbeat.

Not our problem. Got enough of our own.

Just talking to a mate about Margetts. WC must punch the sky when they see their number one ticket holder is umpiring.

The Chemist Cup

Not entirely au fait with Melbourne's broader coaching staff. What I can say (for what it's worth) is that I have wandered over to a number of Casey quarter and three quarter huddles and Rawlings comes across as a very good communicator.

Rubbish. Besides, there's a team in Swaziland that's very, very bad.

There were actually some very good signs today imo. Yes, Spargo and Garlett were dismal but May and Lever did well given time away from the game. And, really, Gawn was the best player on the ground. We are missing another key forward but it's far from hopeless.

I'm beginning to think that Goodwin isn't the right coach going forward. And by going forward I mean right now.

You did see the Neeld period right?

Whatever result, clear that May and Lever will make us a considerably better team.

They had the number 1 pick (based on where they are now) but traded it out for Liam Stocker. Stupidity.

Unless it's for Bentleigh

I needed that.

Why waste a good stick.

You beat me to the punch. That was a truly pathetic performance from Oscar McDonald tonight. I can understand lack of talent but that was as soft as butter throughout.

So I'm watching Sydney v Geelong and what can only be described as a procession of free kicks to Geelong. 9 - 3 at quarter time and at least 5 of them were 50/50 calls. I know we had a thread about umps the other day but ffs, these armchair rides make some games close to unwatchable (I say as i look to watch the second quarter)

Time for the club to be pragmatic and play the kids. Manage those players with injuries to the point of putting them in cotton wool. There are two standout players in this years draft and second last wouldn't be the worst thing for us.

Can't help but think that it's a done deal and he's the next Blues coach.

Predicting Greene will get a close tag and get reported this week. Due for some stupidity.

Lucifer, you've made the mistake (I do the same) of thinking the competition is fair. Honestly, the Ablett decisions suggest to me that it may as well be headed up by Vince McMahon. The AFL has a vested interest in GWS doing well and when you consider what Preuss was rubbed out for, it's a real cause for concern imo.

Deliverance Park is probably the only other ground that comes close in providing blatant partiality.

I've been noting the impressive body of work of Dean Margetts for some time now and I thought he was just terrific last night. With almost cat-like reflexes he saw an opportunity to halt Melbourne's momentum (yes, we weren't helping ourselves) and he did so with bewitching guile. Couldn't blow the whistle fast enough to give WC the advantage. It wasn't just the free kicks paid to West Coke, it was the missed throws and blocks, and, by the end, an absolute failure to show any impartiality whatsoever. He may as well have put on a WC Guernsey and punched the sky when the final siren sounded. Is the AFL so tight arsed that it can't, in a National competition, use an umpire who didn't grow up barracking for the team he's officiating (and by officiating I mean kissing on the dock). Razor Ray may be a [censored] but he's an impartial one. Actually, take that back and leave it at '[censored]'.