Roger Mellie

The way we play now, reminds me of playing the Hawks over the years. I remember getting excited in the few games that were relatively close. 'We're a chance here,' I'd think, only to watch the Hawks temporarily shift out of second gear to take the game out of our reach. I hope we smash them!

This is Gawn's go to kick out of the ruck contest. I suspect it's more natural than deliberate.

Frank Zappa

I guess Dunstan is pencilled in to go up a couple of gears. No doubt he will replicate his game versus the Tiges last year. Might have to postpone the bowling, but in the meantime I'll work on my bowling shirt collection.

I don't know. You'll have to ask him

I remember years ago scratching my head, wondering what on earth was remotely funny about 'Jeelong.' I put the question out there and SWYL kindly responded that the genius cheer squad spelt Geelong that way on the banner for a game. Pretty bloody funny

Unless Dunstan can go up at least two gears, he can continue to plod around at Casey. Gus needs to stay in defence for now, so I think it's Sparrow, Harmes and JJ to get extra minutes in the middle. Pickett might have a few more there cameos too. I really cant see TMac going back nor three tall forwards, so I'm expecting one of them or Jackson to be a late out.

We do if one of them needs a fitness test leading into the game

A late withdrawal of one of Weid, TMac, Brown or possibly Jackson isn't beyond the realms of possibility

Agree! Even though Freo really haven't beaten a decent side, I think they're a solid finals contender. The game against the Blues will be telling. They certainly need more punch in the forward line. I can't remember if they bagged a decent forward with thier boon draft picks. One thing I do remember is they got the fitness guy who spent a year here under Burgess. I'm sure that'll serve them very well. I think they might struggle if Darcy is injured for any length of time.

Yep, not a fan of the above. I loved this one (2016): and Nev's 2020 design:

6 Gawn 5 May 4 Oliver 3 Petracca 2 Spargo 1 Viney Stiff: Pickett, Harmes, Fritsch, Rivers etc etc

Yes, Sunday 4:30pm is the least preferred and least supported timeslot. IMO, Saturday comes in second. This should be reflected in the crowd numbers and the lack of tangible marketing/exposure value. I'll watch the game at the annoying time because it's Melbourne or record it. The worst timeslot of all is the 4:30pm Good Friday game. I think it's a great opportunity for North that's straight down the toilet because of the time. What a waste.

I agree with you but find it curious the number of AFL players whom have re-signed in spite of this (and I'm excluding the fringe players)

FWIW, my theory is that Freo's more a bargaining chip for Gus. He's very keen to stay but there'd be a bit of a gap between the two parties. I think the club (list managers) budgeted for more of a role player price than a gun. While we can factor in extra for his leadership and being a highly valued clubman, his 2021 defensive wing role was more solid than spectacular until the GF. Brayshaw's now gone and taken it up another notch with his form in the men's department. I think the club has some shuffling to do to find some more cash while trying to accommodate Oliver and Jackson etc.

Round 11 - Graveyard shift at Marvel v North. To be expected as it's a nothing game in terms of ratings. At least the there's no schlepping to Tassie again. Round 12 - Game of the round - Melb v Freo! Graveyard shift again! Codswallop. AFL can GAGF

Yep, he's not allowed to fly until tomorrow

At the start of the season, the MCC announced that certain games would be ticketed and require pre-booking. They then listed the games. All the games requiring ticketing were the larger games and is a covid thing eg. our first two games. The game v GWS wasn't one of them so I'm not sure why they're taking bookings. Are they just offering bookings for those that want them or has something changed?

6 Petracca 5 Dogga 4 Bowey 3 Oliver 2 Nibbler 1 May Having been a huge critic of Neal Bullen for way too long, I'm happy to help myself to a big slice of humble pie. This lad is a player - runs all day, is trusted to run in the middle, sharp disposal, vision, pressure and an exponent of the underground handball to boot. I salute you!

I didn't get an email and have clocked up 20+ years 🤔

In: Lever Out: Salem TMAC back to the forward line. Brayshaw and/or Jordon in Salem's role. I don't want to see TMac v Weightman again in a hurry

In this situation I would defend any footy journo going around ... even Barrett (I feel dirty saying that) but I'm struggling with Morris. He is the epitome of the self-serving gutter journo. Morris poked the bear and the bear not only snapped but utterly lost it. Right message, totally inappropriate and unhinged delivery by Bevvo. The amusing part was Bevvo's claim that Morris the weasel's motivation was that he barracked for Melbourne. He should know Melbourne will have nothing to do with Morris even if he does unfortunately support the Dees.

I think we need a back-up ruck or two. I assume the rest of the back-up players will come from Casey, if there are no more outsider additions?

I can just see Gil's sales pitch to the clubs now before the vote given he is so against it: - each club will be stripped of funding for x years, any Tassie player can break their contract and go home, each club will give two quality players selected and the Tassie team would get all the prime draft picks for the next 3 years. I'm sure all the clubs will jump on board.

Game thoughts -- smashed in the middle - a waft of arrogance amongst some players - relieved we fought our way back to within a kick - we lack back line depth - a bit rusty and it looked like conditions were a little slippery - a good way to zap Wiedeman's confidence is to play him like that