Sydee

This is so unfortunate for Smith - he simply can't seem to stay on the track - forever getting injuries Think I'd prefer Hunt if he is fit and ready

One of the best days I've had at the footy The sound of the crowd and spirit that team played sent shivers up your spine Something very special about MFC and finals footy at the MCG

We can certainly win this game but cross the line with anything less than 100% from the first to last bounce and our season will be over There is not much between these teams and our record in games where we start favorite is embarrassing - time for that to all change This team has the best chance to win a premiership in 50+ years - it is not easy to get to this position and far easier to let the opportunity slip by I'm hoping that every player understands this fact and the coaching group have them 100% focused

Didn't think we could trade another first round pick ?

Anyone who watching the Gus and Gawny podcasts knows Gus is a very important part of the culture we continue to build Remove elements of that at your peril Personally rather have Gus playing for us than Cerra - not sure what the fuss is about him tbh

I watched about half the Geelong v GWS semi last night and could not believe the number of blatant throws that were not called In fact this season overall the blatant throws seem to have become common in almost every game I've watched The AFL seem hell bent on making the game as fast as humanly possible and minimize stoppages - I do wonder if the umpires are actually turning a blind eye to some of these throws because last night there were a series of absolute howlers that were so obvious - play on nothing to see here !

Glad you think that's all great - our team has outperformed most peoples expectations - they deserve credit for that But we will never be the force we aspire to be whilst we remain satisfied with anything less than a premiership Do you think Geelong will be satisfied if they don't win a flag this year - my bet is NO

Should anyone be "satisfied" with anything less than a premiership - Hell NO If we do not win this this year we can still acknowledge improvement in both the list and the way the team has played But satisfied - we should never be satisfied unless we win a flag

I agree - I too like Smith and think he certainly has potential to be best 22 but atm he is probably more of a poor mans Jake Leaver but being asked to play a different role To keep someone like a Cameron quiet you simply have to wear them like a glove and while a couple of Cameron's goals were probably not directly Joel's doing he generally gave him too much space If you look at his goals 1- absolute fluke handball and happened to be standing in right spot at right time 2- Poor disposal error from Rivers gifts Cameron possession and Smith caught out of position 3- Salem seemed to be marking him at that time 4- Turned Smith inside out - we have seen plenty of defenders suffer that fate 5- Holding free - was there but looked like Cameron held Smiths arm to milk the free first Depending on match ups and Hunts fitness you would probably have to reward Hunt as he has been good throughout the season and his run and carry can be very effective particularly when matched with Langdon. Our MC has got some tough decisions ahead of them but so far they seem to have got selection right for the vast majority of games

So in effect the AFL is happy for some players to pay their way out of a suspension - hope they haven't stooped that low Personally I find it very difficult to see much consistency with the Tribunal but with this incident I can't see how he doesn't get weeks - lined him up and basically walked straight into him with a shoulder - no damage done but allow that and its a very dangerous precedent they are setting

Re Smith I think its important to remember just how few games he has actually played Sure some of that might be a function of poor form but I suspect the majority is because of injury He is inexperienced and therefore a risk atm, does he have some really good qualities - yes (height, speed, marking, decent disposal). There have been plenty on here baying for blood when Jacko has a couple of quiet games, Fritta the same My sense is the coaching staff believe he is best 22 if he can stay fit and on the park but will take some time to settle just like Harry Petty has - the big question is do we let him settle into a role now given where things are at with finals - some difficult selection decisions await Bowey is another who I rate very highly but will be under some pressure if Hunt is ready to go

Enormous talent and seems likely a great clubman really hope both he a Rivers are with us for a very long time - both are a large part of the reason we are on the rise

This team continues to grow in stature - the fact we had 9 players who had never experienced a final and so many relative youngsters who all performed is just awesome We seem to have a great coaching team who have the support of the players and each other - this is so critical For the first time in a very very long time it feels like we support a team that is fully invested in the success of the MFC as much as some of us I am so impressed by Christian Petracca and his post match interviews you can sense his emotion every time when asked about the long suffering Dees supporters - he gets it and he is just as passionate about bringing home the big prize He and Clarry are such an amazing duo with a strong support cast - this team can go all the way and achieve what some of us thought impossible

I wonder what the commentary would be if it was Jack Viney or Steven May - I suspect there would be plenty in the media crying out for suspension Not sure why Toby is given the leeway he is but some players just appear to be protected from their own stupidity

I think that's a pretty good summary - from what I've seen he has good balance and awareness, and can dispose efficiently when he gets it - overall I think he looks a good prospect for wing or HBF

Yes you are right I have picture working - any idea what # Woey is ?

think the game is actually tomorrow (Sunday) AFL updates timetable for the NAB AFL U19 Championships

Reading between the lines I'm guessing you are no fan of the Cats - don't really say I blame you Chris Scott is a bit hard to warm to

Not sure if the same umpire but the one they didn't pay against Sellwood was just as bad - he had one single intention - putting the ball out of play - remarkable he got away with it particularly given the circumstances

Well done Luke - thoroughly deserved and nice to have this award under your belt - now for the 4 consecutive premiership medallions with the Dees 😀

Irrespective of how bad some of those results were never like to see our "supporters" verbally abuse players leaving the ground Dismal days on so many levels hopefully we don't see them again This current team has so much more ability and are supported by a very capable coaching group all of whom seem to me at least to know what they want and how to get there Yes we can dare to dream I will be overwhelmingly happy for the players if they can win the flag but also a little sad that me and so many more long suffering supporters will not be there to share it with them

2 - can't remember much of the game strangely :)

Didn't look too much in it from my perspective - clumsy but hardly much else Saw Clarry get a chop to the neck a few weeks back, had to come off and struggling to breath - play on ! Cox apparently injured and all of of a sudden Daw has committed an act worthy of suspension - don't see it myself

All players would have greater scope if they could kick better, run faster, jump higher , etc some players have all the attributes but have no idea how to actually get the ball (I will resist naming them) Anyway he did get out marked once with a ball coming in pretty quick - I’d say there’s a good chance any of our other back six would have not spoiled that I think you may be underestimating just how good Jake is - it’s clear to me he’s one of those special players that’s had a footy in his hands since a baby and everything he’s done so far has been to get the absolute best from himself on the footy field I’m happy to admit I doubted his recruitment initially but after seeing a small sample at Casey and now his two senior games he is a very handy player and should be for many years to come I also had doubts on Bailey Laurie so I hope he proves me wrong too when he gets a clear run with injuries