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https://www.womens.afl/news/91625?_ga=2.25225470.218322668.1648418216-1215068611.1647897214 Zanker in significant doubt. Good to see some of the fringe players had a run at Casey on the weekend.

I see this is a 18 game fixture over the 23 weeks of the AFL season again. Really disappointing that we have to have so many byes when there are more teams (21) than games (18). Surely the fixture could stretch to 21 games. https://www.melbournefc.com.au/matches/fixture?Competition=7&CompSeason=47&MatchTimezone=MY_TIME&GameWeeks=1

The additional week off is not ideal, but do we have scope to have a few players run around in the VFL this weekend? Probably the least worst outcome, given that the AFL must have been tempted to play the SF early this week and then the PF on Sunday or Monday to keep the GF date. Hopefully Collingwood go down kicking and screaming against Brisbane and leave some sore bodies behind.

Rioli's action was disgraceful, and he should have copped multiple weeks. AFL should appeal. HS today has an article by Robbo comparing Draper's deliberate strike (fine only) with the Robinson case (suspension). I agree that Draper should have copped a week, and have no idea what Robinson was expected to do in that situation.

Interesting that only 2 of the top 8 on that list have won premierships in the past decade (admittedly 3 for Hawthorn). Shows the need to take your opportunities when they come.

I felt that most of the free kicks against Gawn to English were there (albeit a little soft) - Max didn't have a great game. Some of the other decisions, particularly the Langdon deliberate, the Smith block and the non-HTB in the last quarter, were really poor.

Great news. You would think that Adelaide would like to have a dabble at both Sparrow and Petty in the next few years, so keeping them under contract is important.

In addition to Salem being out, I'd be looking at Bedford and Jordon as possible omissions. I still have no idea what Bedford brings, other than fumbles and dropped chest marks. Obvoiusly much depends on where Rivers, Lever and Hibberd are at - I would much prefer to see McDonald forward and Brayshaw on his wing, although both did the jobs required of them last night. Do the likes of Dunstan, Melksham and Weideman get a Casey game this weekend to push their claims? We need players putting pressure on the incumbents at all times.

Our centre clearance stats would be much be better if Gawn stopped hitting the ball directly to the opposition. Our forward line would have kicked 30 goals last night if we'd been able to win the ball straight out of the middle on a regular basis.

I can't believe Zanker is only 22 - it feels as though she has been around for ages (same for Conti). Good to see Heath getting recognition, she has become a really important player. Hanks should be available as a midfielder, although she is guaranteed selection as a forward.

Terrible performance and pretty difficult to argue that the better team won. Perhaps the trip to Perth didn't help but, with so much at stake, we looked incredibly half hearted, indecisive and overwhelmed. Hopefully they can take the week off to rest up, refocus and bring a much better performance in the preliminary final.

No change unless injuries or illness are an issue.

You should be able to see an image below. https://membership.melbournefc.com.au/membership/aflw-access

Do we really believe that clubs are going to head into round 1 without a practice match? The NFL may have slotted in another game this year, but they still have three practice matches before round 1. More likely the players are looking for ways to recoup the money they lost during COVID.

We've seen Eliza West step up from the VFL side this season and look right at home at AFLW level. Clearly there are four new sides desperate for players before next season, and we will lose players to these sides as well, but is there anyone on the Casey list that looks a likely prospect?

Unquestionably all teams in AFLW rely very heavily on their best 5 - 6 players, so Fremantle being without Bowers and Antonio x 2 had a massive impact on the competitiveness of their group. They are a much better team than that, and will be a very dangerous opponent with a bunch of players back in time for the finals. That said, this was clearly the best we have moved the football in the history of the competition and it was a joy to watch. The ability of smart players like Hanks to handpass to the advantage of a teammate running into space is incredible. The size and width of Optus Stadium suited us, and the lack of wind helped us immensely. Our skills look a million times better playing in good conditions and, as good as our record at Casey Fields is, you wonder whether it is holding us back overall. It has taken nine weeks but we finally have the right forward structure in place. We need to give Harris as much space as possible and try to prevent opposition teams from double and triple teaming her. If they are determined to push numbers back, we need to ensure that the likes of Pearce, Hore and Bannan are in dangerous positions and that we use them where possible. I also like Fitzsimon providing pressure at ground level, even if she doesn't get a lot of touches. Far better than Scott or Parry clogging up the forward 50 and not offering much of anything. If we can avoid injury and illness, the only possible change in coming weeks would be another tall defender to come in against certain teams. Otherwise I think we have our best team settled. One more quality performance against Carlton and we have a genuine chance of finishing on top and reaping the benefits that come from this.

It must be difficult being a Casey listed player these days. You have to have a full time job because football doesn't pay the bills, but then you have to front up for a VFL practice match at midday on a Thursday or travel interstate on a Friday for a poorly fixtured match during the season.

I would hope that in the short term we are making the most of sponsorship and revenue opportunities, but I'm convinced that it takes a full generation to turn a low-mid tier club into a sustained powerhouse. Hawthorn's dominance in the late 80s finally bore fruit in the late 00s when those 80s kids started indoctrinating their kids and buying them membership. You could argue that Richmond's premierships in the early 80s gave them a supporter base to ride out 30 years of mediocrity, but those 80s kids and their kids and grandkids were all primed by 2017. We all know Melbourne has an ageing supporter base. The only way this is going to change is by the Melbourne supporting kids of today converting their friends and ultimately their kids in 20 years time.

Bring back Dee TV.

Our poor percentage is going to cost us if we drop this week's game. It is likely the difference between 2nd and a home PF vs 4th and an away PF to Adelaide. Massive game.

Yep, it's a disgraceful venue in every respect. Tear it down and start again from scratch.

I also would like to see FItzsimon back in the team. No issue with a young player getting dropped back to VFL level to spend more time on the ground, but I think she is best 21 at this point. Either Parry or Scott can come out. I have been impressed by Colvin this year, and would also bring her in depending on the height in the Fremantle forward line. Let's not get ahead of ourselves here - we are finding a way to win games against good sides, but we are still a fair way off the level needed to beat Adelaide.

Remember when people used to go to a sporting event to watch the sporting event? Seems a distant memory now. The problem with splashing around $1b of other people's money here and another $1b there, is that by the time all the parasites and leeches get their cut, you spend a hell of a lot money for very little benefit. Just imagine how much good could be achieved if this much thought and effort was put into kids footy and cricket.

The question is where he rated us last year, given that his article is basically a regurgitation of last year's ladder. Answer = 8th. He also rated our midfield 12th and defence 8th ahead of the 2021 season, so take his opinion with a grain of salt.

Massive game tonight. We probably need to win 2 of next 3 to finish top 4, and possibly all 3 to finish top 2, given our (relatively) poor percentage. Purcell was a great get for the team, and I am looking forward to her debut. I agree that we need to find a way to bring the likes of Bannan, Hore and Zanker into the game, particularly inside forward 50, as they are such tough match ups for most teams.