Sydee

Agree GD we constantly slowed the ball down after winning back possession - I'm still wondering why - its either a total lack of confidence or lack of fitness not being able to run and carry. I'm hoping its the latter like this time last year In contrast when Collingwood won possession they ran it through the middle easily making it so much easier for their forwards to have an impact. Hard to be overly critical of our forwards when the mids slow it down and then can't deliver effectively. I really can't see M Brown getting another senior game he is way off the pace imo Your summary of each player is quite accurate but I think harsh on ANB who at least chases hard when not in possession - he has a few mates atm who can't seem to do that Earlier in the season I watched games thinking how well we defended the entire ground - that ability seems to have evaporated entirely - until we find a way to do that again we are going to struggle against decent opposition

We look like a team that likes to eat out a lot at expensive restaurants and get on the p:ss

If our boys are serious we win this game Brisbane, Fremantle and Carlscum all winning makes this even more important Another loss to a team that is not a real contender would be a concern particularly with our relatively tough home stretch

I think everyone knows what it says about Sam - Goodwin said in his presser he has been told he needs to improve (my words significantly) on certain things - my guess is - not being easily pushed off the ball - bringing the ball to ground and stopping his opponent marking - compete with some aggression when not in possession - heaven forbid kick a few goals - run hard to create space and an option for players up the field there may be more I don’t know but whatever it is he’s not close to a recall based on what I’m hearing unless he starts playing with a bit more physicality

There are NO excuses for that hair

Maybe there are quite a few AFL fans that just got used to watching in the comfort of their own homes during COVID lockdowns Not judging them but lets be honest its been a crazy couple of years - its led to thousands of people selling their city homes and moving to regional locations There is no substitute for being there live at games but it might take a bit of time to get back to where it was

I thought I read 21k somewhere - apologies if that's incorrect

Good luck Disco - he has earned a chance - hopefully performs well in what will be a pressure cooker atmosphere

I'm also an advocate of Smith being player forward and I do not agree that time is passed I believe it has to happen through necessity - our tall forwards are either serial non-performers or close to or past their prime JVR is a future prospect for 2nd or 3rd tall - Smith has the weapons to be difficult to stop if trained properly as a forward

We may never know what exactly was said and it probably doesn't really matter but we have heard Max joke after a game previously about May being critical of Joel Smith (it was portrayed as a joke at the time) If true May needs to STFU and just play good footy instead of judging other players - the huge irony of course is that if Smith was fit he would more than likely be taking May's place this week

This week is going to tell us quite a bit about just how good this team is Coming off two disappointing losses, a week a utter stupidity and juvenile behaviour, players missing and out of form I'm waiting for a big response - this week could be season defining - roll over like the Melbourne of old and it might be an ugly second half of a season that only a few weeks ago promised so much The memory still burns of a club and its playing group who were best known as talking a big game and rarely if ever delivering - I really hope we aren't heading back to that place

Actually to be fair he played rounds 1 through 4 this season so it hasn’t been 14 months - he was really poor last week and is very lucky if he holds his spot

It’s been a very long time since we have a big forward that’s a match winner - they are few and far between Fritta on his day is v v good but not a Cameron, Franklin, Lynch type its an area we are weak in and it needs to be addressed - Weid isn’t going to tick that box and I don’t (and never have) think BB is the answer

I suspect you’re correct but Tomlinson is very lucky May and Smith aren’t available - if they were he’d be Casey bound based on last week’s performance

I think he has a future but no way he is ready for QB

Good point but Turner is way ahead of where young JW was if you ask me

Have you watched any Casey games? Turner has actually marked the ball and spoiled as well if not better than Tomlinson imo Is he ready for a QB debut ? - big call and you would need to be sure there is a fair match up for him - but he is closer to being ready than most give him credit for

what about this one

If Petty doesn't get up - almost a lock I'd say

yes but Wallace was a dog

Part of being a “big boy” is setting your own standards - Weid should be telling himself min 1 goal per qtr and do anything to achieve that - I suspect that’s as simple as it needs to be but like our back six have a target of no more than 15 points per qtr conceded

Get BBB about and rotate Max and LJ at FF they can’t do worse bring Daw in to help in ruck

BBB out - Max permanent forward Turner in - for Petty if not fit, or Tommo Daw in - to support Jacko in Ruck

Was hoping Smith was closer - would be extremely handy atm

In discipline out stupidity