Sydee

Well, I was there too and didn't think it was particularly warm albeit I do live in Sydney so perhaps I'm used to a warmer climate. What I will say is that after the game I walked across the park outside the ground and the grass felt dry to me so not sure how it gets so slippery inside the stadium and for the most part the swans players seemed very capable to handle the ball like it was dry. We can make all the excuses in the world, but the harsh reality is that last night we were out played by a team that looked much fitter, was prepared to run harder and make space and were far superior when it came to executing basic AFL skills (particularly field kicking) For the record I was convinced at half time we would get our act together and come home with a wet sail. When Bowey got injured, my confidence dropped, when May looked proppy at 3/4 time I thought the writing was on the wall - and it sure was. I'm not writing off this year based on one loss to a team who in my opinion will make the finals but there is plenty of work to do to get to where we hope to be. Some of that is missing critical personnel particularly in our F50 (Petty, Pickett, McAdam and possibly even Fullarton who couldn't offer less than Schache who is simply not an AFL footballer and never will be. Chandler, Laurie and Spargo were all bitterly disappointing but of those 3 at least Chandler offers some leg speed the other two were embarrassingly slow last night - and I have been a big supporter of Spargo before but on last night's effort he should not have been selected mainly due to lack of match fitness. Those criticizing JVR need to remember that our system and delivery into the F50 is shambolic - I would hate to be a forward in our side as the ball is constantly hacked in mostly to the defender's advantage. His output will improve if we can get either Petty or Fullerton there as another legitimate tall target and improve our system of entry/delivery even by a small margin.

I’ll stick to my cheeseboard - not such a fan of the fruitcake Besides there will be enough fruitcakes on my walk to the ground via Surry Hills for one day thx

Sounding like the after game celebration of a certain Matilda’s striker - and this game hasn’t even started 😜

Zero chance

I likened him to Robbie and Ive seen nothing so far to change my mind - will he ever be as good - we can only hope because Robbie was possibly the best footballer I’ve ever seen in red and blue. He does move like the great man but I agree they are massive boots to fill He deserves his spot given his training form and pre season form and add the fact that Hunter is unavailable We have lacked pace imo - he has it Good luck to him let’s all hope he plays a good game and helps us to a great first up victory

I certainly hope not - but then again I wouldn’t want him on Papley either If Wicks plays forward that would be my match up

Cale Morton 10 😂

Hah Grundy 😂 the other two had spent a year at Casey

Really when ?

Just not sure about having 3 debutants in a first round team - seems like a lot of inexperienced players at once

They really seem to be pushing him - assuming he must be close to playing

Thanks I’m keen to hear thoughts on 1. Fullerton v Schache - who looks more likely to get the nod for swans game (assume it’s the Shack) 2. Who are are options for Picketts spot 😒? Brown , McAdam , AMW ? Assume Spargo isn’t fit

Wasn’t offering advice but hope your prediction is correct

Pretty good chance she has at least 2 cats 🐈‍⬛ 🐈 meow

Hot to trot ? Didn’t seem to unsettle experienced opposition last week ? Not saying he won’t make it but I think you’re getting just a little bit ahead of yourself with this one

I’d be tempted to drop him simply to confirm Jason Dunnystool has absolutely NFI what he is talking about

How did you rate Blake Howes game? My sense is he will learn reasonably quickly what his strengths and weaknesses are and adjust his game accordingly at the top level - can he make it at AFL level (I’d say probably yes) In the meantime we may see some goals leak if he stays in the starting 22 Just my opinion be interested in your thoughts

If you are old enough and watch how he handballs left handed the answer should be rather obvious

Is he quick ? Not overly but has worked hard at his fitness and is quicker than last year and seems to have built a tank Is he an elite ball user? Maybe not yet but he is way better at disposal than half of the regulars in our team Is he tough as nails? He is a solid unit and harder than he looks, difficult to tackle and can lay a decent tackle too Is he smart / good decision maker ? Suggest you take another look at the Windsor goal where Laurie delays a handball (left handed btw) and releases Windsor to run into goal - smart footy IMO Is he a lock for the team each week ? Probably not yet but he is closing in on that status IMO so long as he keeps improving. We need to remember that these young guys can take a little bit of time to adjust

So does Choo Choo 🚂

Balls was my favourite in #14

Let’s just pray that young Tom Fullarton or Will Verrall can surprise us all and fill the gap left by space cadet

The worst thing about this preseason for me is our supporters going at each others throats before an official game has even started - absolutely mind boggling If I was coach I’d be plastering the walls with all the doom and gloom commentary and urging our boys to prove the doubters (of which their seem many) wrong If we have a half decent run with injury this year I can’t see why we still can’t make finals - possibly even top 4 and then it’s anyones flag Some people here are clearly too young to remember the bad old days or are simply naive enough to think we can deliver a flag every year in an incredibly tough competition

Agree we should always thank anyone who represents the MFC and wish them well if they leave on good terms - JJ ticks this box The reality is that our list needs more leg speed than less and while JJ was a solid player speed is not his strength With our list having some changes, some by design, other forced upon us now is the time to try and get some more genuine pace and some elite balls users - oh a couple of quality tall KP players would be handy too 😀