Did we use Sunday as a guide

[Killa]

May is not tall for a key defender

But he is over 100kg so can command space

King had height, but May had size and experience

Plus May had support - including from the umpires when pushing King out of the contest and allowing an uncontested mark by a teammate

King kicked a couple

Interesting was that of our few goals, Marshall kicked 2 and Ryder 1 - and to me there is a story there so they basically remain on the ground (also taking pressure off King)

Membrey should have kicked 2

Missing from our goal scorers were our small forwards (noting Windhager when he came on kicked 1)

Melbourne had an excitement machine kicking 3 sparking them to a match winning lead early

We just did not have the necessary spark at ground level - also against Port Adelaide

Melbourne had a very experienced spine with the likes of May, Lever and Brown (all recruited from elsewhere)

We can improve, also with personnel

Battle is a positive, as are Howard and Wilkie

Gawn drifting forward took our ruckmen from where we wanted them - as attacking options

We don’t have a Carlisle to take Gawn going forward - so a 200cm defender

Adams in time?

[SunnyErnie]

We did not use Sunday as a guide. Our main coach has too much of an ego to do that. It's his way or the highway come hell or high water. You can take that to the bank, bookmark it while betting the house on it!!!

[axcellence]

We can use Sunday as a tipping guide if you like.

[Otiman]

Not on purpose, but if we don't use it as the biggest learning experience of the year we are fools.

[Yorkeys]

Unfortunately I doubt a number of key learnings can be addressed this season.

We will continue to rely on Max who will be given a hard time week in week out because we lack another big body in the forward line. In too many key games we will not be able to kick a winning score.

Our mids and half forwards have too much difficulty connecting with the half forwards.

NWM kicking is great and he will get more and more possessions over time, however right now he is quality not quantity. A large youth will emerge from the VFL, and while our mids can accumulate, tackle and they are tough as they seem to lack the collective polish and ability to find space to deliver well - and maybe our forwards do not know how to run complimentary patterns. Need another booming kick in fwd line as well, please.

Ah, next year.

And by the way, re a comment somewhere above: Ratts seems to me to be the least ego centric coach ever. If there is a campaign to insult him try something credible: like too empathetic, patient and lacks the hipster style of an obvious genius like a James Brayshaw or a Basil Zempilas. But ego bashing, so lame.