homsar

Yeah we should have never selected Jim Stynes and should never allow talented kids to change their minds on their sporting focus.

Yes - but that is still a reflection of what his perceived worth is now. Not what was initially paid for him.

Fair enough - we all have different opinions on players. But I maintain the pick they went at initially should have no bearing. That is what he cost us, which has nothing to do with his worth or what others may be willing to spend to get him. If Jackson is a better player (or better potential, or whatever) than Naughton, then that is all that any other club would care about.

Why does their pick they initially went at matter?

I would do that deal in a heartbeat. Naughton is a gun and draws a lot of attention from (multiple) defenders and can take an almighty hanger. And he is still young. He can be the main guy whilst we slowly introduce even younger guys like JVR. Allows JVR/Fritter to be 3rd/4th tall next year. Surely this rumour is nowhere near the truth though...

Who cares. Anyone with half a brain knows we would have beaten anyone that day. Geelong were below their best, very obviously. We won and won the flag - who gives a [censored] what some journo says.

To add to this, the performance against Richmond was an amazing show of mental strength. We were so much better than them but kicked so inaccurately. But we just did not give up and kept to the task all game. The difference between that side, and the one that ran out of gas later in the year, is stark.

I choose to remember last year’s flag very fondly and will probably watch the replay for the 100th time after this season is done. It hurt to go out in straight sets, but the team tried. We were just off this year. I’m glad we have Max leading us out to go again next year. What a champion.

The single biggest mistake imo was not introducing some new players to the team. Especially after a premiership, you need to inject some hunger. People need to fear their spot in the team. You only need to be 5% down in intensity and you get beaten by a team like Sydney, Collingwood, etc. who play like maniacs. We were like maniacs last year. So, so hard to keep that up forever. We will be back.

I see what you’re saying. But I think you’re writing Tomlinson off too soon. It’s his first year back from an ACL.

Melksham just can’t kick any more. Used to be his main weapon. He’s gotta go. If Trac gets up for the game he can take his spot up forward and then put Dunston or Bedford in. Nibbler has been pretty crap this year but they won’t drop him now.

I understand the calls for Bowey over Salem. But imo Salem’s contest work is elite, and well ahead of Bowey, and that is what will see him in over Bowey. But gosh we need to find a spot for Bowey some time soon… he’s far too good to rot away in the twos.

Everyone saying out JJ in Salem and “reshuffle the magnets”… didn’t JJ play as sub last game?

Brisbane are our [censored].

We're not losing to Brisbane.

He could mark?

Great post

There are some issues. But let’s be honest. This run from Collingwood is something for the record books. Every risk they took paid off. 3 goals from questionable free kicks. Kicking incredibly accurately. No one beats a team as good as them, with that much going right for them. It’s a game of inches sometimes, and their high risk, high reward style paid off against our low risk style. I think our game is more sustainable long term but let’s see. I think we play them again week one of finals. Or maybe Sydney. I would love to play them again next week… I reckon the players feel the same way. A lot can happen in the next 6-7 weeks. We are a bee’s dick away from our ideal form. We are one of 4 teams that can win it imo.

If JVR can take a contested mark, and has some grit, I’d say he should continue to be developed as a forward. We have defence covered, but no one who can take a contested mark up forward. Similarly, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Joel smith play in round 23 if he can have one more solid hit out before then. We desperately need some more marking prowess forward of the ball in the finals imo. Going to be too much of an as for TcDonald, surely.

Thanks for this. What did he say about the Fritsch incidents in particular? BTW… $225 is a bargain!!

Surely we can find the money for the guy. We can pay him a bit less than he’d get elsewhere, but how much is it worth getting to play the sport you love with your mates? And surely money won’t ever be an issue for the man. There’d be no problem finding him a media gig of some sort.

All of his language in that interview makes it sound like he is gone to me. What a disappointment.

I’m reliably informed they were still at the dry cleaners from last week.

I thought Salem showed some good signs.

I won’t be in the woodwork. I wish we were playing better too, I just wish the supporter base would enjoy things a bit more. We are reigning premiers, just won a game, are equal second on the ladder. We have been [censored] my whole life until now. I say enjoy the wins whilst they last.