Young Blood

Harry McKay a late out makes the game a bit more interesting. But even more interesting the fact this 'illness' could be due to concussion symptoms perhaps?

I think we have decent pace across the field. Its in the middle where we have often had issues but with the inclusions of Rivers, Kozzy, Windser, and hopefully more this off season I'm hoping this wont be as much of an issue next year.

Had some good morning chats around the office this morning with Sydney, Geeling and Carlton supporters. All watched the game and all agreed that none of their teams would have beaten Freo the way they played yesterday. They were simply elite in every facet of the game. The way they covered the ground was just scary. Haven't seen any team this year execute the high press while covering the corridor like that as well as they did yesterday. The run and spread was just incredible. I do think we could have done a better job with our positioning in the middle, especially around ruck contests to make it more 50/50 balls to win. Far too often Darcy just palmed down to an uncontested mid who was able to get the ball out to runners far too easily and quickly. They executed a game plan perfectly with elite skill execution, running and pace. Hats off. Move on

So many assumptions. We recruited a younger up-and-coming ruckman who they believed would be a good backup for Max while developing at VFL level along with Verrell. Turns out neither is ready yet for AFL level. [censored] happens...

Butters just re-signed for 2 more years in December last year. The short contract suggests he's not set on Port but won't be going anywhere until contract is over. By that stage Viney might be on the decline so I would hope we might be in the mix. Can you imagine? Butters, Trac, Rivers, Clayton, Kozzy with Windsor and McVee spending more time in midfield. Makes me dizzy just thinking about it.

The media are always going to generate a story from something. In this instance its based on some sort of facts: - Clayton's clearly had a down year by his lofty standards due to a multiple of reasons we're all aware of - Clubs will certainly be enquiring to see if there is a 'buy low' opportunity where they can trade for him for less of his value pre 2023 - Kane (while being a total bobble head) is correct in that teams will be scared of his salary without the assurance he's going to get back to the player he was. But also that Melbourne might be enticed to get that salary (or at least a high fraction) off their books to open up more flexibility. That all being said as others have noted I don't think he's going anywhere. The main reason being that he's turning 27 this weekend and still has his prime in front of him if he wants it with a club that is right behind him, backing him in. The club simply won't gamble with him like that if they truly believe he can get back to his best. There's been enough this year to show even if not fully fit for a full season, that he's still important and effective. With a full preseason, I think he can get back to being a top 10 midfielder.

If Riv keeps progressing this way I could even see Trac 50/50 mid/fwd split which would be incredible. He's our most dangerous fwd and more time there with midfield depth added is huge.

Ths might have already been mentioned and I haven't gone back through the thread. Would it not have been tactically smart to have Max Gawn down as 'test' for this week and keeping the extent of the injury hush hush? Just to cause a bit of havoc with Essendon's game planning. They probably have to release injury info once official scans come in probably. But just a thought.

😂 So true! I do really care about the guys wellbeing

I worry about Petty's little foot if he's going to do ruck work. Precious boy

Dreading the Carlton carry on tonight. By far the whingiest supporters in the comp. No doubt every time we touch the ball will be holding, any time we lay a finger on them will be high or without the ball. I want to crush them!

After watching it back for the 38th time. My new favourite thing is how little carry on there was from Fritta. Probably had some right to go bananas like most of us but seemed cool and collected as did the rest of the team. They knew they still had work to do and they did exactly that.

The media will replay the goal all week. Internally at the team reviews this spoil will be the one replayed over and over. Match winning stuff from Petty. If that mark sticks they are out with another Geelong player running through the corridor. Petty wasn't in the best position but read the play and worked to get to that spot to spoil. HUGE

Hunter playing is interesting. I dare say it won't be a full game.

6. Oliver 5. May 4. Langdon 3. Gawn 2. Kozzy 1. Petty