48 Year Now

Most footy players know that when they take a good strong mark they went at it 100 per cent. Other times you go at less than 100 per cent and rarely mark it. I imagine at AFL level it’s even more so to ho at each mark like it will be your last.

By chance the players were on my flight home last night. They looked a relaxed and happy lot. Quietly chatting. I was at the back so last to leave except for Riv and Clayton who were still chatting mid section of the plane. I exchanged a simple, great game guys and got a nice, thanks a lot from Clayton and smile from Riv. I have grown up boys and I know 27 is not young any more but Clayton seemed a nice easy going kid who has had to deal with fame and fortune. Now that seems easy compared to people struggling with poverty or disability but it must not be easy for some. My guess is with good advice he does not complicate his life further and stays with his mate Riv and others close to him.

Nice thoughts but hugs doesn’t help with clinical depression. Drs references to professional help is what gives those suffering a chance. Imagine it’s a beautiful sunny day with clear blue sky and you dont notice it imagine you hear your favourite song playing and it doesn’t move you. imagine you are with your best friend but it gives no joy or enthusiasm Imagine your problems, real or imagined are weighing you down so much that self harm- suicide seems like a positive step in a sea of negativity.

I’d put May forward long before dropping him.

It’s certainly true of the champions . Hudson, Plugger, Wade and Cowboy Neale and our own Biffo when he forward would scare the daylights out of modern players one out.

If you think you are depressed please get professional help. Your mates may be well intentioned but unless they have experienced depression they will have no idea of how to treat it. Also you don’t have to tell everyone. Keep it to close family and even closer friends. As to Clayton, I think if he still wants to move on we should get the best deal we can. Life is too short and as a club and fans we will quickly move on and always hold a soft spot for a champion player.

And a big bust or two. Diamond Jim, Templeton when he got big.

Im confident this week. Our young guys are bringing their own enthusiasm and recharging the group. Like to see Campbell come in and free up Max to make them panic down back.

Best leading full forward - Peter McKenna.

thanks for the training reports . I love reading them and my mind goes back to Herald Sun training reports that just said. Melbourne X person 3 weeks Y person 6 weeks And that’s all footy starved supporters got.

I’m co I’m coming around to the idea of JVR rucking now. The early criticism was he was a special forward talent we didn’t want getting hurt.

Bailey Smith exposed today. Runs fast going forward, a bit slower when defending, perfected a way of appearing to smother or chase.

Agree but as well keep searching for the elusive 200 centimetre mobile support

Agree 100 per cent. I am not an academic but I’d get the best mathematical bloke we can find . Task him with the precise formula based on Keep Max in game for another 3 years Max game time total Game time as a percentage between rucking, on the pine and in goalsquare.

Some guys get to AFL just on talent or height with potential. And some who have those attributes just don’t have the passion or desire. Meanwhile it pays better than an ordinary job. I think Tom fits somewhere in that category. Was worth a shot but others should be in front of him now. AJ might just have the passion to keep improving.

Three ahead of him now all with different attributes. Johnson Van Rooyen and Campbell. I not into criticizing Fullerton but back to Casey.

Excellent observation.

Looking at our Casey side got me reminiscing. The first was when I first saw Sean Wight play in the VFL reserves at the MCG. I noticed him in the third quarter but it was his last quarter that got me excited. He must have taken 10 brilliant marks across half back, only a very slight exaggeration. The other was at the G as well, on the Southern stand wing. He was beating a respected opponent at boundary throw ins and holding marks and linking up around the ground. On both occasions I couldn’t believe our luck of what was to come and that’s how it played out .

May is far from done..been carrying an injury.

I see what you mean but JVR is undersized to be a big forwad in the modern game.

Missing your point.

Agree on both. Trial JVR in backline but he’s got a few in line before him. Fritta needs to put a block of 4 games at Casey. Min 10 goals and defensive pressure.

Anyone remember the great duo Lou and Jack arguing about the ruck position. Lou saying it’s easy , Jack saying it wasn’t. Max is best I’ve ever seen. That said if you compete and level the contest you have done a good job. That’s exactly what Fullarton did today. Gave Max a few breathers and look at the outcome.

Yes, agree. Spargo , Melk and Sparrow need to lift though