I thought LOB was clearly the weakest link on the night, as my 15 yo daughter said late in the game "He's been awful tonight" and it was hard to disagree. He just kept finding himself in the situations he likes least, one-on-one contested stuff where physicality/strength was required, and he didn't handle it well. If he's going to play, we need to be able to use his outside running strength and that didn't happen much last night.

He just looked really out of his depth. He got to position and ran hard and mostly went when it was his turn but just fumbled or gave off a really quick handball to no advantage. Which I guess would be fine for a first game/first year player with weapons. But he's not that and I don't know if his 'weapons' are all that much to write home about anyway. At least he was trying but just not at the level.

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The only way for some people to understand is for them to be on the receiving end

Left wing moralists
In self serving denial
They shit me no end

LOB tries his guts out and is an excellent outside player but opposition give him no respect and feel safe to play through his opponent every time if it’s 1:1.

Isn’t it good I have such a great win and still have something to complain about?

Watched the replay. So much to like. What is great is we play as a team. The support for each other is next level good. There is also so much improvement in Charlie McKay Williams and many more. Go Blues

So much salt on the socials this morning. It's delicious!

Great win last night. Finally got the Richmond monkey off our backs. At least 3 times in that game (first quarter, third quarter and Bolton’s goal early in the 4th), it felt like we were heading to our customary 4 goal Rd 1 loss to Richmond but thankfully we flicked the switch late and ragdolled them through the midfield in the 4th. Very happy with the result.

Pros:
Midfield was superb. Cripps, Kennedy, Cerra and Hewett. All great. Big bodies that don’t take a backward step. Absolutely belted them out of the middle in the 4th quarter.
Doc. What a game. The roar and applause for his goal was something I won’t forget soon.
Durdin looks like a break out player to me. Quick, hard at it, solidly built and loves to put pressure on. Has some tricks in front of the goals.
McGovern was great. Reads the ball well. Flew for his marks. Great disposal on both sides coming out of defensive 50.
Saad’s last quarter was huge.
Thought Oscar held his own.
The crowd. Felt fairly pro Carlton for once in this fixture. The noise late when we were steam rolling them was brilliant.
Vossy. Seems to have brought a greater hardness across the group and instilling belief. Positive early signs.

Cons:
Key forwards had next to no impact. 1 goal between H and Charlie.
First and third quarters weren’t great. Very fumbly early.

All in all, a great night at the footy. Finally waking up after a Rd 1 win is a nice feeling.

I thought setters had a good solid game and a very composed first qtr ,,
Fisher ,,, awful !!

Martin has X factor and I have faith he will turn it around , that last qtr including the bomb from outside 50 , not many can do that

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#sayerscouldbetheman!!

This is so true

LOB & Setterfield aren’t exactly Bourke & Clay, but I reckon we’ll persist with them a little longer. Until Walsh is ready, I’m not sure we have any decent alternatives. I think we’re learning that Voss picks players based on position/role so it will be interesting to know who played on the wings in yesterday’s VFL practice match. I suspect it was Newnes & Cottrell. Boyd seems earmarked for defence and, from the little I’ve seen, Carroll looks more inside than outside. Trying Kemp & Charlie as wingers is an interesting idea but I think we’ll have at least one ‘specialist’ wingman.

I actually don’t think Setterfield was terrible last night. He didn’t set the world on fire, but looked better than last year which is a step in the right direction. LOB had some bad moments but also did some good things - having said that, I’m not confident about his long term spot in the team.

Maybe we bring Plowman in for LOB and push Newman or Williamson up onto a wing? Otherwise I can’t see any unforced changes this week.

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It's never as good as it looks and it's never as bad as it seems.

The morning after the night before
How good to finally make a stand and stop Richmond bullying us finally
Great last quarter reminded me of halcyon days

Good team effort and a reward for hard work

Cripps terrific Cerra Hewitt and Kennedy tremendous
Durdin very impressive and lots of upside
Docs inspirational

Two astute pick ups McDonald and Pitto

Not sure what game people were watching but Setters was more than serviceable
Need more from Charlie H
Liked how TDK was jumping over the top of all of them at the centre bounce in the final quarter

Sorry boys but ABNS and Cazz are amongst my favourite posters but disagree with ABNS didn’t think Cerra was slightly disappointing thought he was excellent

6 tackles more than anyone else and disposal ok in my view given still fitting in team structure
Cazz think your a bit harsh on OBrien wasn’t brilliant but ok
Needs a run at it but ultimately it is for others to take his spot
Still luv yas both though
How good is Friday morning downing the Chilli eggs and coffee reading about spiflicate good the Tigers
Go Blues

Should have also said very early but we might even get some balue after all from McGovern

I thought Setterfield was good, especially early. Does a lot of good off the ball team things and is classy. Will get better. If a Cripps or Hewett go down he can go into the middle and play inside.

Good thing is now we will have pressure for spots. Walsh could easily come in and play wing. His workrate would hurt any side. Carroll looks ready to me. Philp another option plus Kemp and I wouldn't forget Dow.

Is an option Motlop come in and Fisher play wing? Motlop looked impressive yesterday

So nice to have options and if we keep playing like we did last night I don't care who plays

Someone played the Blues song over the PA at work.
Boss is mad Richmond

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"One of my favorite philosophical tenets is that people will agree with you only if they already agree with you. You do not change people's minds." - Frank Zappa

Just seems to completely lack the ability to pick up the tempo of the game at this level, always that split second too slow to get it or get rid of it.
Watched him at one point in the first, Tigers kicking in and he was completely flat footed, slow to react twice.
I’d persevere for a few weeks, but he’d want to improve.

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"I had to eat"

Good stuff Frank, I think my expectations of Cerra might have been unreasonable and it coloured my assessment of his game. I can’t argue with his stats and his last quarter was terrific. I need to watch the replay to see if my (mild) disappointment at his first three quarters was even remotely warranted….

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It's never as good as it looks and it's never as bad as it seems.

A comment made to us by someone at the ground that is apparently in the know said it's the first pre season that Russell has been allowed to train the players his way and establish standards. Voss said get them fit as possible and if not fit you don't play. Certainly looked fitter and stronger

No worries ABNS just having a lend of you and Cazz always good to hear your views
Just about to watch the last quarter myself to assess whether I was looking with rose coloured glasses myself

Having said that just watched the third and 3 diabolical frees in the 3rd against Durdin for front on contact and the frees to Marrin and whinging Jack
Having said that got a pretty good go with the umpires in the last

It’s not politic to say but I don’t think that Williamson is very good misses a lot

Both teams were flagging by the end but I thought we looked the fitter side. Tigers could barely move.