rjay

Agree, I think Macca will be having a quiet word in his ear. Oliver tends to fire up a bit when challenged so I think we should see a good game from him on Friday...

Their defence is caught out by quick ball movement and quick players. They are either slow in leg speed or head speed (Rowan when playing back)...I definitely wouldn't be going in tall. EFC and the Tiges showed them up early but both fell for the trap and let Sydney dictate the tempo of the game after half time. Hannan and Garlett are going to be very important for us this week, I hope they come up. Although not a fan of Kent, he has some attributes that would also come in handy.

It would only be exciting if their votes counted. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you view it we have another 9 games to go where the scoreboard will be the ultimate judge. Followed by some finals with a bit of luck.

Garlett is very important this week or we bring in another quick. The Swans defence is slow, if we move it in quickly at the G they won't be able to defend. They ended up getting EFC on the smaller SCG when EFC fell into their game, same with the Tiges the week before. Don't let them get set...

Went up a notch in my estimation when he apologised about the Garland mistake on Saturday. Others wouldn't... ...but other than that a pretty average caller.

Channelling 'GNF'...

6 day breaks and a ballistic game style will take their toll.

...and somehow all 4 of them missed the 50mtr penalty to Hurley. I mean you could see it on the Tele...the umpire kept blowing his whistle as play went on. What the hell were they watching???? Truth be they were so wrapped up in their own BS to worry about minor things like what was actually happening.

Lake, Frawley or whoever....I think the point is not about begrudging anyone. Surely the reward is so much better if you've worked your way through and succeeded. The bond between Hodge, Mitchell and Lewis would be much stronger than with those that have come on board and whilst they add to the mix they're not the foundation of the success. The man in the mirror would look more kindly on someone like Jones if he gets the ultimate success and even if he doesn't it won't be for lack of trying.

No problem with the depth but there is a quality issue at this point in time. OMac looks to be growing in the role but the last couple of weeks we haven't come up against strong KPF's. Disposal & decision making is an issue for our 3 KPD's.

Yep, quads can be very tricky...missed a finals series because of one back in the day. I was being optimistic with 2 - 3.

Forget the champion data stats. My eyes told me we could have done with Gawn against Collingwood, particularly in the first half...

You've answered your own question...he can play forward, Martin can't/couldn't.

Let's put it this way... My opinion of the current system is I hope we finish 5th this year.

Also think it was JJ Melkshem tagged, not Bont. More likely someone will keep an eye on Mitchell than Priddis and I think Melk probably will go with Gaff this week.

This might not be a popular view but we shouldn't get too excited about our KPD stocks just yet. I think they are moving along nicely but using our last 2 opponents as a measuring stick is folly. Neither have an established KPF.

If Jones has a quad strain, as reported then he will miss this week. Quads are pretty tricky & they won't risk it, he could miss 2 - 3. Watts had a limp after the game, he would also be doubtful particularly with a long flight ahead. The way he was walking didn't look like just a bit of tightness. ...so, I guess I'm not as sure that both will play.

I'm concerned King has been talking us up as a premiership threat the last few days. Don't generally rate his view...but hope he is on the money this time.

...and I'll say it again..

Nichols without doubt the worst umpire in the game... Happy we don't have him tomorrow.

Not really, he's one week back from injury and his form was scratchy at best last week. He hasn't deserved a call up, if he has a good game this week then he will be looked at for next week. Just because he plays ruck it doesn't make him an automatic call up when Max is out... Having said that, we definitely need to strengthen our ruck stocks next year, whether with Spencer or not.

As a thinker...I think 'martin' is pretty close to the mark on this. 'TGR', I don't think you have thought this through at all. You've only looked at things on a surface level...player you see as past his prime, 3 year contract. It's in the media's interest to ramp up a story, write off a champion, think they have all the answers. Their stories run on daily and weekly cycles. Thank goodness our FD don't run this way, they knew what they were getting. Yes, we signed Lewis to a 3 year deal but as Martin says it was good business. You've got to get past the 3 years, it's not the point here. My thoughts are that we were looking to get one good season to really help develop a young list and anything past that is a bonus. I would love to see Lewis have those games he did with the Hawks, usually when Hodge and Mitchell were out or struggling, where he picked up the slack, took the team on his back and led them to victory. Maybe those games are past him now or maybe he steps up this week.

Yet to be seen 'McQueen'... I doubt either will play unless there is an injury.

We came off the bye on Monday so I don't think it will be a factor this week. The next 2 will be a bit tougher though...particularly flying to Perth and back.

Like Adelaide were???