Roger Mellie

I think we should all get a grip. We have Weid most likely as the No. 1 ruck for a whole week before Max gets back. We're playing Adelaide, we have a gun midfield that will adapt and shark. If Weid plays like he did last week, against an inferior side (compared to Brisbane), he will do more than OK. BBB has done a lot of back up ruck work for North over the years and can come in if the sky falls in (which it wont). Not that excited by M Brown or Thommo coming in but hopefully they'll do their job. Don't forget everyone, we've got an ace up our sleeve with Harmsie to the ruck!

Me too! Fabulous news!

I watched bits of Will Hayes first two games. The thing that stood out was how absolutely gassed he was at the start of the third quarter in one game. I get that it's his first taste of the big league but sheesh, he's got to have been in the system for 5 years or so. He couldn't get to ruck contests and I would expect him to be fitter after that long in the system. So, while I'm not writing him off yet given the step up between AFL and SANFL, but at this stage, I'd want to see more, and, at the very least, a tank. Flynn from GWS is the one I really like the look of as a genuine ruck and handy forward.

Poor Max!

I saw two games of his last year and thought he was a absolute gun in the making. I still think that but agree, he hasn't showed much this year. Hard to break into that midfield though and I'm not sure he can play anywhere else.

On the subject of the big heads, what's with the Gawn one? It looks like he's had his eyes gauged out. It's creepy looking. Can someone in the cheer squad give Max back his eyes? Thanks

He really doesn't strike me as someone holding out for cash.

I know where you're coming from! I'm half an hour from Geelong and that's too close.

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/849106/members-update-and-board-election "We did not need to borrow from the AFL and remained one of only six clubs to be “unassisted”, consistent with our goal of becoming a fully financially independent club"

Just a heads up there Jim - we don't rely on the AFL for financial support anymore

Enjoyed the podcast, thanks.

He's missed at least one with illness and while I think he's been pretty good in the VFL, his tank is still a worry IMO

It's an opportunity for Dogga to experience life as the No. 1 ruck. I hope he relishes it and signs on the dotted!

I thought our first half was looking really promising. Our intent and pressure was there and we were forcing errors. BBB and Spargo at the very least looked to be finding some form. I thought Bowey improved too. As far as changes go, I'd like to see high pressure, two way runners come in rather than change for the sake of it. That's why I'd like to see Bedford in, purely for his pressure, speed and endurance. I don't think his kicking will ever set the world on fire, but I think he comes in to maintain the rage. While Dunstan had a great game for Casey, I don't think his two way running is quite there, so I don't see a spot for him. For all Sparrow's poor form at the moment, he'll continue to apply good pressure and run so I'm happy for him to stay and just play his role. Similar for ANB but I'm not overly excited player by either at the moment. Throw in Harmes and something might have to give as all three are out of form. It's hard to see Brisbane try to isolate Hunt in the forward line with all their talls, so he could come back in, even as sub. Rivers has played well for Casey as well. Indifferent about Weid for M Brown but Mitch is really not offering anything either and at least Weid has slotted a few this year. I'm a little indifferent too - I just want pressure applied and two way running. Team: Petty May. Hibberd Salem Lever Brayshaw Langdon Viney Jordon Kossie Weid ANB Spargo BBB Fritsch Gawn 🤞Oliver Petracca Bedford, Jackson, Harmes, Hunt/Rivers/Sparrow Sub: Hunt/Rivers/Sparrow

In the match report, Gawn is listed as having a foot injury. Fingers crossed he's ok

The one and only!

Give it a rest. You must have clocked up 300 posts just chiming in to pot Wiedeman. I get you're not the most positive poster but jeez it's tedious.

Enjoyed the game. Great contest and can see both teams as contenders - Freo now and Hawthorn when they get a bit more consistency. Not too many weaknesses in Freo's list although that forward line will crumble. Fair dinkum, Michael Walters looks for a free with every touch of the pill!

Thanks Bailey!

I think it's neither. It's the media trying to force an issue as they always do. If they can put enough pressure on to force an AFL intervention, then the story continues or gets bigger - that's all they want! If nothing comes of it, the story will fade and they will move on to their next victim.

This ⬆️ What a tool! 6 Gawn 5 Viney 4 Jordon 3 Petty 2 Brayshaw 1 Fritsch

How do you do a poll 'Stone? I tried to do one a couple of weeks ago and couldn't find the 'poll' option or any such thing. Cheers, Roger the Dense

I wondered if it was just me, but I only ever read the articles of interest on the AFL website. I could think of nothing worse than listening to or watching endless podcasts/videos of AFL journos.

One of the umpires is No. 26 (Fleer or Freer or something). While I generally don't get as upset these days by umpires, IIRC, that guy has prompted me to throw bricks through the TV screen in the past. Other than that, Bedford is stiff. If Rivers needs a rest, I wouldn't be surprised to see him as sub rather than running around in the two's. Bedford needs a bit of continuity.