Pleasing...

[skeptic]

We’re at the break and there’s a lot to like. I think most will agree that we’ve exceeded expectations with 8 wins though I still feel that Collingwood loss stings quite badly. An extra 4 points for us strengthens our top 4 cause and really weakens the pool of clubs trying to sneak into the 8 from outside.

Amongst the major positives...

Sinclair - gone from good player to elite and maintained it. Pbly the leader for the B&F at this point. We needed at least one or 2 to take the next step and he has in spades.

Ross - I’ve loved this season more than either year he won the B&F. To me his consistent performance, ability to hurt the opposition, toughness and the gear he’s shown he can go up when it matters... simply sensational. Improved out of sight and IMO proof that at least some of the criticism was deserved. When he was getting 15-20 touches a game and having no influence but just doing “roles”... this is what we wanted

King - might not have picked up from where he finished 2021, but seems to have at least established himself as a player at this level, kicking goals every week... the odd bag or great moment and has demonstrated an ability to tear games apart in short patches of time.

NWM - most were hoping for a few games in the second half of the year. Has come in, stayed in and has class. Starting to show a little daring in his game taking the players on and backing himself. How good was it to see him hit the after burners on today. Looks to be the player we all know we needed.

Windy - Mongrel. Love him. Looked a player from the moment he walked in and is looking very promising

Battle - I’m scared of him. Looks at home in the backline and has got that mongrel about him which I like. Big marks, big hits and spreads.

Fitness and injuries. We started the year with Ryder, Billings, Jones and Clarke on the list and Paton on the way back. They’re all back which is great. Marshall has stayed on the park despite being touch and go and McKenzie has been hurt a few times and played through. Higgins has had a few bumps but nothing to major touch wood and will be back.

On Higgins... a touch inconsistent as small forwards tend to be but has been damaging at times too. Looks on the verge of being something special.

Ratten - I’m more cautious then most but the conversation is about how well he’s done and should we extend (which I guess we will) rather than should he be chopped. My only hope is that he keeps pushing, challenging and taking risks as opposed going down the familiar cautious path with some strategies that he seems to like that obviously don’t work e.g. lots of small forwards.

All in all... very happy so far.

[skeptic]

Let me just add as well...

Am living that Long is getting the recognition that he deserves. Kid still needs to get more ball and will go up a gear if he can get close to 20 touches a games pushing through the middle and tee’ing up the forwards... but regardless, his mongrel and attack on the contest is just a pleasure to watch.
He also works really really hard... one of the few players who I’m always genuinely surprised hasn’t won more ball when I check the stats as he’s always around the contest.

[Otiman]

Love your commentary on Ross. He was on the outer last year (from a fans perspective at least) but has really stepped up this year, knows his role, strengths and limitations and plays to them. A huge win for us this year.

[B.M]

Completely wrong about Ross

[saynta]

Completely wrong about Ross

Yep, but are you really surprised?

Equal BOG today along with Sincs too.

[The Fireman]

Chuffed

[Sainter_Dad]

Completely wrong about Ross

Yep, but are you really surprised?

Equal BOG today along with Sincs too.

Love your enthusiasm

[skeptic]

What part was wrong about Ross?

Blows my mind that neither of you think he’s playing better than last year

In the corresponding game v North he got 14 touches

[The Fireman]

What part was wrong about Ross?

Blows my mind that neither of you think he’s playing better than last year

his disposal ? he has improved massively

[saynta]

What part was wrong about Ross?

Blows my mind that neither of you think he’s playing better than last year

his disposal ?

His disposal is certainly better. He is playing a different role this year.

Players who don't work on improving will eventually go backwards and out the door.

[Scollop]

What part was wrong about Ross?

Blows my mind that neither of you think he’s playing better than last year

In the corresponding game v North he got 14 touches

I think B.M. takes offence that you don’t laud Sebby’s B&F years

“I’ve loved this season more than either year he won the B&F.”

[skeptic]

What part was wrong about Ross?

Blows my mind that neither of you think he’s playing better than last year

In the corresponding game v North he got 14 touches

I think B.M. takes offence that you don’t laud Sebby’s B&F years

“I’ve loved this season more than either year he won the B&F.”

Sure.

Don’t know that I don’t laud them… he deserved the trophy but he’s doing way more spectacular things at the moment

Personally, I reckon this has been close to the best season he’s ever played… at least to date.
Been close to BOG in most games or at least amongst the best. Definitely his most damaging

I don’t accept this new role. Seems to me that he’s contributing both offensively and defensively at the moment.

[Ghost Like]

A great start / first half of the year. But there will still be some who will bring up Port (Cairns) but fail to mention the unexpected wins - let's call them bed wetters for the sake of an argument.

If we fail to make finals from this position then we simply do not deserve to. This year is a big improvement in terms of game plan, injuries, fitness and how other clubs perceive us. We are on the money signing all the people we can who have got us to this position.

You know it makes sense.

[skeptic]

A great start / first half of the year. But there will still be some who will bring up Port (Cairns) but fail to mention the unexpected wins - let's call them bed wetters for the sake of an argument.

If we fail to make finals from this position then we simply do not deserve to. This year is a big improvement in terms of game plan, injuries, fitness and how other clubs perceive us. We are on the money signing all the people we can who have got us to this position.

You know it makes sense.

Don’t know why but the Port game really didn’t bother me that much. We lost it (just) because we failed to execute in miserable conditions despite mostly being on top
Sucks but it happens sometimes.

The Collingwood game where we picked an ill considered team and came out playing the dreaded stop/start football, executed poorly and needed close to the best quarter any debutant has ever played to drag us back in…
Well that bothered me way more.

Melbourne at least was a straight outplay but I walked away from that feeling they were far from unbeatable. Hopefully their cracks start to come out

Much of a muchness though I guess

[Vortex]

Great OP skeptic.

And It would seem everything our recruiters touch turns to gold and add to that the significant improvement in so many players.

It's been a while since I have enjoyed a season as much as this one.

[saynta]

Seb certainly kicked his best ever goal yesterday.

[Scollop]

Seb certainly kicked his best ever goal yesterday.

Had a very good game, but I don’t think his goal going to feature in the nominations for goal of the week…(but I could be wrong)

He wasn’t even aiming for goal. It just bounced end on end and rolled through for an accidental goal

[skeptic]

Seb certainly kicked his best ever goal yesterday.

Had a very good game, but I don’t think his goal going to feature in the nominations for goal of the week…(but I could be wrong)

He wasn’t even aiming for goal. It just bounced end on end and rolled through for an accidental goal

Bingo.

He actually bombed it forward and if you watch, Long was open and it went over all of them.

What was more impressive then the goal per’se was his feint in and then applying the after burners.

[saynta]

Seb certainly kicked his best ever goal yesterday.

Had a very good game, but I don’t think his goal going to feature in the nominations for goal of the week…(but I could be wrong)

He wasn’t even aiming for goal. It just bounced end on end and rolled through for an accidental goal

I didn't say it was the goal of the century FFS. I said it was Seb's best ever goal. He started from the centre square.

I don't actually give a rats if it was unintentional.

[Scollop]

I don't actually give a rats if it was unintentional.

And neither do the team at afl.com