The heart beats true

I’m watching the replay. When they kicked 3 goals Hamish Mclachlan had the nerve to yell ‘bang, bang, bang’. Yuck. Let’s not tarnish the greatest moment in sports history. Also, is BT on the payroll at Collingwood? Did he realise 2 teams were playing? I feel sorry for people who can’t get to the G.

I assume by flawed people are talking about the possibility that maybe all his hair wasn’t natural?

Ok, everyone stop now. I’m starting to really like Brayden Maynard and it’s making me feel uncomfortable.

Did he? I didn’t know that!

Really? That surprises me. He strikes me as a Gunston or Luke Bruest type player when the Hawks were up and about. Finished off the good work with such skill that you couldn’t really dislike him. Maybe it’s the hair.

Maynard has a good relationship with Melbourne players. His brother played for us. Also, he played for Vic Metro with Tracc and Gus in 2014. Those boys go way back.

The Sicily incident is very similar to JVR’s report against Gold Coast. It has nothing to do with what actually happened, and everything to do with how serious the incident appeared to be on TV.

That’s interesting. I would have thought the club and AFL had 6 months to make alternative arrangements. They clearly couldn’t be bothered. I hope Essendon supporters create hell for the AFL about it. We are just conditioned to go there so don’t think anything of it, but it’s garbage that a potential extra 60,000 people can’t see 2 games of football.

I just assumed from Tracc’s pointing that he was mimicking a famous moment in American history…

I’m not arguing about playing in Geelong. Im arguing that this year, when the crowd capacity is halved, it makes absolutely no sense. 30,000 Geelong members are locked out too. It’s not just about us.

The other long term trend for Geelong is to get their money making games out of the way at the G early, and then have as many games down there leading into finals as they can. No home games left at the G now, all down there. It’s the same every year. The Essendon one is going to be fascinating. Huge fan base. They’ll be furious that they won’t be able to go in round 18. They’d get 70,000 in Melbourne.

The coaches votes, and McRae’s post game conference, tell you the story of the game. We should have won by 5 goals. You wouldn’t know it watching any media about the game though. I’m ok with it. I say load the pressure of expectation onto them.

The current capacity for the ground is 21,000. They would get 55,000 plus if they played at the G, or 45,000 plus at Docklands. Its a disgrace. This game should never have been scheduled there this year. The media should be asking why the AFL is locking out 30,000 people?

The missed Viney free kick was horrible, but his presence of mind to stay in the game and clear the ball forward was so inspiring. Sometimes he does things that just make you realise his will power is extraordinary.

No, but your bingo card analogy seems age appropriate.

How insane is it that Geelong have 75,000 members, Melbourne have 65,000, and they'll play at a stadium in front of 21,000 people next week? How the AFL signed off on this is ridiculous. It's bad for the sport. All this garbage about growing the game and you have at least 30,000 people who can't get in to see 2 top 8 sides play each other. I hope someone points it out to the media. It's an absolute own goal by the AFL. Move it to Marvel if you want, but move it. I struggle to think of another game where they are wilfully locking out so many people - Geelong fans included.

It was fun. Well done all!

Look it’s nice to get the win but if we play like that against Collingwood on Kings Birthday they’ll kill us.

I am. Carb loading. Have been since 1997.

Anywhere I can find out the rundown for today? Like what time the sliding stuff is on?

I don’t think todays game makes any difference. The season is all about reasonably collecting as many wins as you can, while managing the fitness of your best 26 players. We already know our game style and are tinkering with it over the season to learn what we can. Thats what Geelong did last year. That’s the blue print for teams with top end talent. Then it all starts again in September, and it’s much easier if you’re fit and healthy. I always remember when they were the bottom side and beat us on the SCG in 2021. I thought we were pretenders. Turned out ok in the end. It’s just a game. The big stuff is months away.

Voss can’t coach. He changed their structure significantly from last week, and they are just wide open down the middle tonight. Any side looks good running through the middle with no pressure. It’s embarrassing.

Half the team is still on the Teague train.

Stringer is the AFL’s Nelson Muntz.