spirit of norm smith

Question 1 J.Smith - forward or back ??? Was impressive last game v Swans for his pressure and competitive nature as a forward. Got to the contest. Fritsch, JVR, Melksham, Smith and two smalls rotating. But he may play back as we have May and Lever to cover Mihocek, Mcstay, Cameron and potentially Howe. Smith likely with Rivers as well. Question 2. I assume Hibberd gets Elliott. Who gets Hill? Assume it’s Mcvee. Question 3. Will Kozzzy finally hold onto those absolute screamers? I like him competing on the deck and not necessarily in the air. Need to see X factor tonight… hopefully Kozzzy can light it up!! He should play forward and occasionally into the middle. But like him inside 50 and kicking goals.

Agree. Dangerous as a goalkicking small-medium forward. Good mark. Loves a goal. It’s a Yes if the right terms and trade deal works.

Agree can’t believe on Hore was recognized. Again others are under appreciated by media around our games. Banno, Heath and perhaps Harris could have been recognized.

Dees win by 42 points. Beat a team tipped as a challenger. Kicked the last 9 goals of the game unanswered. But only Kate Hore was good enough to be in the team of the week. Despite the premiership win, many Dees players imv are underrated still. At our competitors peril !!!

Sorry for the late entry …will try to get in earlier next week 6- Hore. What a player !! Love Kate. Forward or Midfield. Our captain led the way 5- Bannan. So exciting !! Love the pace and goal celebration 4- Heath. Bottle her energy and smarts. Small but mighty player. Hungry for goals. 3- Harris. Love our TAYLA. Great marks. Great kick. 2- Hanks. Just loves getting the footy. Her pressure and smart ball use again on show. 1- Paxy. Yes the new Paxy had so much poise and smarts around the ground. Apologies to Zanker and Macklin Special mention. Georgia Campbell GC. Happy birthday. Good goal. She has a big future. Sign her up now for 5 year deal imv.

Agree. I think BBB is done. His knee is not enabling him to move and he’s better to retire now imv. He achieved the premiership dream and we thank him for his GF 👏👏.

Hoping for fine weather on Thursday night. Dees need reasonable dry track imv.

Not surprises here … must get 2-3 rookies with elite kicking skills… we have the midfield bulls … need for elite distribution to reward winning the contested footy !! WEAKNESS: Melbourne's weakness is its kicking, recording a kicking efficiency of just 63.9 per cent (ranked No.17). The 2021 premier's kick rating of -3.5 per cent for kicks going into the forward 50 ranks last.

I’m still thinking Grundy should play in the final v Pies. Cox and Cameron WILL play a physical brand to wear Gawn down. Grundy is not a key forward but I’m not sure we have other options. Perhaps Tmcd? I’m not sure.

Wow this is generous!!! Means 1- Casey has a key forward for 2024 and 2- BBB is almost guaranteed to retire due to ongoing knee injury

Grundy for Sinn is a fair swap. They have no draft picks currency after JHF deal last year.

From today … Jefferson. Yes the first year for Jefferson was all about development. Have to give him a few years of physical growth to see if he’s able to make it. He showed signs at times imv but it’s still a 50/50 call. Adams. Like his defensive spoils and will be better for a full preseason in the gym. Not clear that he’s going to be the successor to May but let’s give him extra time. Rookies. Verrell. Looks good. Injury set him back this year. Definitely could be a ruck/forward future option but again it’s 2025 and beyond for him imv. AMW is a likely Yes. Still raw but like his tackling and goal smarts. Like to see him and Kozzzy in the same team next year. A good summer might see him in contention for a senior game in the first half of next year. Farris-White. Raw. A long way off.

Strange that MFC kept aside 8 emergencies put aside for next week … Hibbo Schache Grundy Tomlinson Brown (assume fit) JJ. Spargo Woey jnr All eligible but none played. I think the Thursday night match schedule makes it hard for Casey and Collingwood VFL this weekend.

If you leave 7 players out who are eligible and AFL listed… then this is the result. Casey got stitched up again by MFC

Perplexed … I’m amazed !!! I’m stunned !!!

I’m thinking he is on minimum wage and is Cat B. No pressure. He’s a long way away imv.

Tomlinson Hibbo Schache Grundy Spargo Woey JJ Tmcd … that’s 8 eligible that are held out. Retired for the season. Harmesy must be really on the outer !!!

White flag here. Bulldogs by 6+ goals

Cripps off in 2022 Weitering off in 2023 it’s just wrong !!

Agree. Huge talent out of last years draft. Super draft in my view !!!

Operation Harley Reid. Come October … its on !!!

Happy Birthday Jake He needs some cheer today after the outcome of his scans

Unfortunately come finals time, a healthy list can make a difference. Heading into the finals … Michael Hibberd - concussion. Test. Ben Brown - Knee. Test ❌Jake Melksham. Knee. Season ❌Harrison Petty - Foot. Season ❌Luke Dunstan - Knee. Season ❌Blake Howes - Hand. Season ❌Oliver Sestan - Elbow. Season

Devastating. He’d be gutted. Melksham is a genuinely nice guy. Fought his way back into the team and is a vital goalscorer.

Definitely play Tommo for this game