Lucifers Hero

I suspect Tomlinson is out because they don't think his knee is ready for a full on 120 minutes of football. As it is, he has made an amazing comeback from an ACL in 8 months whereas it is usually 10-12 months. Edit: @Roost it farhas correctly posted it is 10 months since he did his ACL. Suspect they don't want to take any chances with it.

I get that. But not sure why they didn't show the box up to Bontepelli's goal in the third when they were19 points up. What they did show of Beveridge was generally motivational stuff. Whereas with Goodwin we got a bit of insight into tactics. He used codes like 'contest line, ready'! X line, ready (I didn't catch his words), its full defence time (or something like that). I can guess what he meant but I can imagine that in the player's minds each translated to particular structures and roles. Could have just been the editing but I was struck by the difference in coaching styles.

What a difference coaching from the bench rather from inside the box. Feedback, praise and instructions were immediate. Naturally, most of the focus was on the winning coach but Beveridge didn't feature at all in part 3 (after the address) and in part 4 only for a few seconds when he decided it was over. Would have liked to have heard what was happening in the bulldogs box in the second half.

So when can we post comments 🤔

Goodwin mentioned Lever and Kozzie will play (phew). There must have been some doubt for the reporter to ask the question.

Haven't seen a program, per se but someone (on AFL 360 or OTC) said flag unfurling @ 6.35. Goodwin (AFL 360) said players not on field. Then game proceedings as usual for a start time of 7.10 pm.

On AFL 360 Goodwin said the players won't be on the ground when the flag is unfurled as it doesn't fit into pre-game prep timelines. Is that typical? As he said it is for the fans so I'm happy.

Good to see Jesse confront and deal with his inner demons: how-speaking-up-helped-giants-star-clear-his-head Will always have a soft spot for him. Hope he has a good year and builds his confidence. 'Sliding doors' has prevented him playing finals when his team has, so hope he gets that chance with GWS.

Thanks for the info. As long as our 'Generals' (May, Salem and Lever) are fully fit (they all missed one practice game) I'm pretty confident our back line won't miss a beat. Bowey is still in. Tomlinson is a strong addition and Smith/Hunt can be the role players. I just hope we don't put Gus down back like against the Carlton game.

Bowey?

Agreed. He dropped his head a few times when he tried to chase during our late 3 qtr blitz. What is being reported of the Bulldogs looks like a flat team. Not sure if they are foxing and will come out like a tornado or are not physically or mentally ready. They have a few key players out injured, some underdone, Hunter's form, Smith troubles with police in Queensland. Not an ideal off-season. They will build into the season but tomorrow night will be telling.

Listening to Gus and Gawny, Jack is in for a very big year. Unlike the last 4-5 years, his foot is in great shape, he has barely missed a training session and has become an elite runner. Scary!

Viney's demeanor is quite different to Libba's. Jack sounds and looks confident Libba much less so. Not sure if that is Libba's usual media demeanor or video editing. If the teams play like those leaders present my confidence of a win has gone up.

When asked about going to Freo he said: "No, probably not". Max followed up with: "Freo, a chance..." It was just a bit of banter so I don't read too much into it.

Viney: "Apparently there is going to be the biggest fireworks display going on at half-time as well, so it will be pretty spectacular.” That should be fun to witness from close range.

I've also tipped Fritsch for the Coleman mainly because we are a high scoring team so he and B. Brown will get a lot of opportunities. Also opp teams don't know how to defend Bailey, I discounted McKay because Charlie will be back and will take some opportunities from him and Carlton have said they aim to get more goals from midfielders, which suggests a change of game plan to not bomb it long to their talls. Naughton has a good chance as Bulldogs are a high scoring team, especially vs low sides and he doesn't have much competition until Bruce returns. Couldn't bring myself to tip a Geelong player.

They seem to not know that we give each opponent the honour of a 'What They Are Saying at...' thread. As an aside, it seems Melbourne Victory have adopted 'Freed from Desire': From January 2022, 'Freed from Desire' was chosen via a fan poll as the post-match victory song of Melbourne Victory FC; the song will be played over AAMI Park's loudspeakers after every Melbourne Victory home win. Wikipedia Time for Bulldog players to let the angst go. Its been a football song in Europe for some years. I bet those teams aren't gnashing teeth that the Bulldogs adopted it for the finals. For all we (or they) know our players could be following the European football teams rather than the Bulldogs... ...Are Melbourne Victory playing Wednesday night? It would be quite funny if they won, turned their loudspeakers up really loud and 'Freed From Desire' could be heard at the G🙃

I don't have an issue with Bevo giving that message to the club nor the message he gave players which I quoted in my first post. For the 3rd time: I was comparing approaches by the two coaches. Complex and ambiguous vs KIS. I'm out on this topic.

It was at their season launch, I haven't looked for the video but the launch discussion is here: how-we-want-to-be-seen-bulldogs-backing-the-bevolution The quote I posted a few posts back was verbatim from that article. To me it sounded like it would be their their theme.

1) So they can worry about their silly song instead? 2) His team are mostly kids who are into music, fun etc, not philosophy students. Not sure I've heard of coaches filling player minds with achievements of a host of well known 'leaders', simultaneously. The mantra most heard from coaches and players is "Keep It Simple'! But if it works for them, great. I just couldn't help notice the difference in coaching approaches.

Great info, thanks.. Are they just for the Bulldogs game or for all our home games (blockbusters excluded).

Messaging from the two coaches is interesting. Beveridge: has invoked Marxist heroes Che Guevara and Rosa Luxemburg, as well as Mahatma Gandhi and Indigenous humanitarian Shirley Coleen Smith, to help the club become a consistent force. Talk about being ambiguous... Goodwin: I don't know his motivational theme this year. But last year it was a simple: 'This is Me' which he and Gawn lived and breathed setting the example for the team. The team played with purpose and clarity of roles, system etc. If Goodwin chooses a new theme this year I would think it would be just as simple and relatable. As an aside, the AFL has adopted the theme 'This is Us' for 2022. They aren't using the soundtrack from The Greatest Showman like Goodwin did in their promos but to me it looks like a leaf out of Goodwin's book.

iirc you wanted a ticket rather than an 'upgrade, to be on the safe side. Maybe my comms weren't very clear..🤔 Hopefully, the above post can give you peace of mind and save you a few dollars for future very popular games.

Very unlikely to be sold out. GA members can sit in any unreserved area (which is likely to be in the upper seats). (Edit: for the GA unreserved areas not in the rafters see @FearTheBeard's post a few down from this one). GA members can upgrade and get a reserved seat via ticketek for a small fee $11 to $21 depending on area. This can be done via Ticketek website or the mfc app. Tip 1: Ticketek will ask for a membership barcode number(s) which can be found in the 'Ticket Details' section of your mfc app. Tip 2: Ticketek has a time limit before shutting you out so have all the info ready before starting.

And all the young/middle aged people who haven't read the instructions 🙂