It all depends on the cattle you have that are fit to go. And in 2023, nerves are there but really have no bearing after the ball is bounced. Home ground advantage is bs. You don’t need to ever talk about it, the goal posts dont move.
Piss week player selections, and injured players means you don’t have the right cattle on the park.

The in out in out of side of Johnston has been poorly managed. He’s a performing type, he has the big weapons, likes the limelight, so you want to play him. He is a walk up start. The stupid club are blowing out his candle, but his candle can and will shine. He is in short, an obvious selection.we need to get ability, multi pronged abilities. Johnston has them in spades. And he crumbs too, beautiful to behold.

Instead, you have a limited player, one dimensional McStay, and another player recruited to the club, Lipinski, who it seems the stupid player selection team in their minds, have to play as it justifies the decision to recruit the dud. No no no, this is one reason we lose finals, selection committees playing less than impressive Mr averages. Lipinski hasn’t been involved for the bulk of our good wins in 2023, out injured. Significantly, he simply does not hurt oppositions. He must be dumped. You’d have to think that DeGoey is still a problem. If not we need his fizz to have a chance in the finals.
So yes, drop the duds, bring in X factor Johnston, get Wll HKE to spend time at Centre bounces, and other time to play back and create forward surges. He should have been tried as a mid earlier this year. He used to be tormented by groin injuries. If he is ok mismatched his talent, sureness with hands and feet are immense. it may be that he and Adams play the role of transition from back, and occasionally resting deep to assist Elliot who is carrying injuries it seems as he is never used around the ground.

And if course, Nick D. He is in crutches, and to me this injury will take months and to heal

At the moment we are in trouble in the back line, with Moore missing, Howe experimented largely, and a VFL player with height, run and physicality. He is a largely forgotten player. That player is Nathan Kreuger We are in trouble with both Noble and Quanor clearing tapering, and their lack of height a problem. Kreuger must be played this week, and for the finals to plug the Moore, gap and help the flankers

Aside from that, it’s about time Adams did more. Why hasn’t he kicked more goals. So, what the f are the coaches doing? Not much .

Lipinski doesn’t hurt oppositions, no, and so your focus on his attributes against the already ‘ done’ Geelong outfit is not an accurate summary. If it comes to it, I put the big gun, match winning abilities, and heavy weapons of Johnston far ahead of limp Lipinski. Johnston crumbs too.

Chris Scott might be a late applicant for the Tigers coaching role, because at Catland, the players and the coach have maxed right out. All of this means we need to put the blowtorch to any player at the Pies who needs to be considered unworthy. Lipinski should be on the chopping block, too unworthy, definitely

With Nick out, we need to focus on facilitating our two jet propelled forwards to get more of the ball. We need more of this as some our mid fielders are simply not keeping up enough now and are also getting less possessions than earlier this year, so their young speedster opponents are transitioning more and threatening our defence.
So Bobby H and Beau must fill that void more than they are now. With Moore and Nick not there, and Pendles and Mitchell getting less of the ball and covering less ground, we must do that. Will HE ( love his surety, clean hands and kicking skills) needs to be at centre bounces and around the ground too in spurts to fill the void too, generating tear away propulsions.
So some set play take offs by Beau and Bobby must be invented and trialled to get the ball forwarded more, and rapidly.
The more I think about the Geelong win was, underneath it all, not a great win as I believe the Cats were and are ‘ done’ for 2023. Duncan, Tuohy, etc etc are ‘ done’. The lions, Port and the demons have more runners.
And again, I keep saying Lipinski is not up to it. One or two flashes do nothing. He doesn’t, and he hasn’t, and he won’t “ hurt” oppositions . I want him out asap.
We may need a physical, tall, good mover, like Kreuger to fill the void left by Moore .. too

That’s a fair critique of Ginnivan. You can’t just look through the Ginnivan and Pies prisms. It’s a comparative thing. He is a not a high calibre replacement. Are they going to play Ginnivan? Yes, is there an x factor too with Ginny?. Yes, will it work .. i dont think so. You are right, Ginnivan is not inclined to, or able to pressure an opposition player coming out of defence, and he is a low possession gatherer.. He is a big risk. We need a mobile tall like Kreuger to somewhat replace the loss of Moore and add momentum. First things first, dump Lipinski. Johnston is ready made but they stuffed his prep by putting him in out in out . I’d play Johnston for McStay .. if McStay fails to mark, he’s a weakness, Johnston has the big weapons and mobility .. thats why I like him a lot ..
And in sum, we beat a tired, slowish Geelong who lost Hawkins and Blicavs. They were limp. Pies did well to turn it around, but Brisbane in particular and Melbourne are in form and they both beat us . We are not as good as we were earlier. Noble looks very jaded to me too. I think he is struggling. I don’t see the Pies beating Brisbane.
blah blah blah

I

Johnston hurts oppositions, is versatile, and loves the big stage, and crumbs too!,, . A spectacular mark, a prodigious kick, and dead eyed dick goal. BTW, who is going to suggest that Lipinski replaces Hoskin Elliot … no way , I trust Will absolutely…much improved but yes would like more possessions.. and to the question who fits a skelter and free running team style better, Lipinski or Johnston and Hoskin ? It’s an absolute no brainer… it ain’t Lipinski by a long shot. The answer is also, to who has has record of achievement when we got to 14 – 2? It wasn’t Lipinski, he was injured, but HE and Johnno got us there and with hardened play and team cohesion . I am appalled that the ex dud of the bulldogs is in the team . The dogs got it right to give him the flick. Since Lipinski got back, the contributions are ordinary.. there ain’t any hurt. HE tackle weeks ago on player Doday of Adelaide was match winning .. brilliant vice too no sling .. he bloody well “ hurt” Adelaide alright .. he won us that match. All this is compelling as it relates to the glue and heart a player bring to the Pies.Lipinski is not worthy of that conversation and spot, no, no
TEZZA KNOWS

We have to, we must drop Lipinski, he’s no good. Johnston must play. He will be a major threat to any team.. he’s a big game player… has an excellent suite of skills..and even a crumber…loves a big stage.. . And I called it before the news .. Mitchell.. I’m unconvinced about him. So is McRae.
I am a little worried that we will try and save a game when in front.. only because we are so used to winning.. they have not done that yet but I did see a little sign, then again it’s not part of their thinking. In tennis, players try to play it safe by getting it back, rather than going for the winner.
The good news is that the Pies are very good at playing and having wonderful fight and belief.

Na …this isn’t a joke to me .. it insincerity

Ok fair enough, sorry. BTW , I said “ eternal” flame, not “ internal” there is a massive difference.

Fair comment, but you’d agree that the Pies have done it so so many times, that’s why isn’t it? BTW , I rate the Lions highly, they have height, mobility, and plenty of options. So the Dees win was outstanding particularly as Lions beat us by 30+ points.
The Lions are the Pies biggest threat and they seem to escape injuries

The flame continues to burn no matter what the stupid responses are

It’s just very hard to get past us (the Pies). The eternal flame just keeps on burning, just like the Olympic flame. The Pies collective spirit makes sure of that.

The Pies must now must place their attention to examining players closely to determine their abilities and shortfalls.
In order, first, Lipinski is not good enough by a significant margin. He isn’t a fast mover, he doesn’t impact, he doesn’t tackle enough, doesn’t get the ball enough, and is falling short in most aspects. He must be omitted.
Second, Mitchell. He looks weary, he is not lasting, he is a concern. He is probably not in my side. Presents as a risk in finals.
Third. McStay, yes, he marks the ball, but in a helter skelter team, he is the stay at home player with limited abilities.. he is largely one dimensional and backmen do and will run off him. There ain’t a lot of energy there with McStay. That’s a concern too. He may fit in as sub. The CFC sadly won’t look at this
These are the players to replace them.
1. Hoskin Elliott, quick, exceptionally clean, very balanced, you don’t see Will falling over. I trust him absolutely. His tackling skills are elite, he is mature, a very dangerous and underrated player. His run down and tackle some weeks ago of Adelaide defender, player Doday, was elite.. ball.. goal . He must return when he recovers.
2. Ash Johnston, a big time match player, spectacular, prodigious kick, even a crumber, a free runner and dead eyed dick goal kicker.
His free running in the corridor, or down the flanks encapsulates that same confidence of his team mates. He’s adopted the Pie style overnight.
If I have to pick between Johnston and McStay, the decision is a cinch. It’s Johnston. It doesn’t get much better than the to see suite of skills Johnston can call on. I have already described them. He likes to perform in the big matches.. and he will, I have no doubt. I don’t see any of the versatility or energy Johnston provides in comparison to McStay.
Oh and Johnston can handle a stint anywhere really. He is deep into the pie culture… already. So It was a very poor decision to leave him out against Port. McRae can do no wrong, or can he? I assert he got this won badly wrong, so no in looking through McRae’s rose coloured glasses I don’t see all the wonder … no. I challenge the poor decisions.
3. Markov possibly or Frampton or untried mid Finlay McRae rookie who could be played now with finals approaching but lacks a mature body, so unlikely at present. Ginnivan also could be an in but we would have to trial ( or consider) him in the next 2 matches to see what he can do. I think the range of abilities he has, is narrow.

‘Watch’ meaning I cringe when I see these shocking sling tackles, so don’t try to worm away .. you are diverting your focus away from your noddy land analysis of sling tackles. That’s the point

Aside from Grundy being very ungainly, and a poor ball handler, I have seen him at a throw in, 25 metres from the opposition goals, punch the ball 15 to 20 metres towards the opposition goals.. I mean it is dumb and unforgivable. So much more to say about Grundy that isn’t good

What? I watch a lot .. some media goose talked about the sling tackle and the umpire stopping them etc. did you get the ideas from some of these witless, shoot- from- the – hip fools. Their brains are scrambled.

You said penalise the tackle before the sling. I said that is nonsense .. it is .. as if umpires can do that in split second footy.. it is as if you are saying, umpires have a slo mo brain to work all his out. I said it is noddy land nonsense .. the issue is health and safety NOW. We have to get rid of it.
So what the hell don’t you get ?
You resort calling me out for my English. Everyone I know has no problem with it. I also gave an explanation re risk assessment.
I also said I can’t watch the tv screen because all incidents are sickening .. I didn’t do that a few years ago. Someone also said you are passing the responsible to the umpire, and that it is ridiculous to do that. It is , they are dead right .. the tackler is the one creating all this. Why the hell dont you focus on that and the danger. So yehh all of the rot about the umpire doing something to stop the problem is utter nonsense

“ penalise “ the tackle before the sling” is garbage . There is a lot happening very very very quickly. The umpire is not some AI guru. .If I’m turning my head away from say the TV because all this frightens me to, ( and I am) watch it, and I never did that sort of thing before all this, there is a massive workplace health and safety risk/issue that must be “eliminated” ( using risk assessment terminology). The fairy lands solution you offer is just the wrong way to go. It is truly noddy land stuff.

That’s nonsense, this all happens in a millisecond.. it’s sickening and still condoned .. we didn’t have this workplace injury a few years ago. Sling tacking per se is a horror , must be outlawed, and clubs given till next season an ultimatum that order off will be enforced for 30 mins , an eight week and a 12 week or whatever after that.
At present, If you undertook a risk assessment, the analysis would be “ very high” for likelihood, and consequence “ severe” , “very severe”, or “ catastrophic”. Further, we now know that any impact on the brain, particularly if it occurs regularly, can have massive consequences down the track.. so the people who use some sort criteria to justify what an umpire should do in a milli second before the player is hit to the ground, and thinks an umpire can do that, is in noddy land. They have no idea

To me, I just wouldn’t take on a coach who has previously coached for a number of years.
They bring baggage and who wants to deal with that. There are many in that category. Malthouse to Carlton for his semi retirement, a coach who also didn’t cope with his departure from Collingwood. Ross Lyon, a coach that had to have it his way if he applied for the Carlton, a coach that didn’t recover from the pain of not winning the 2010 flag, a coach that in my view carried baggage and is not today one that that bounces around, rather, he is a morbid type and if I was a player I would not like that type of coach.
Then you have Clarkson, whose behaviours and stances on issues with his ex club the hawks, leaving aside other legal issues, just leave you in doubt whether he is suitable at all to coach any club. Again, a lot of baggage there. Contrast those with Sam Mitchell a young coach with no baggage but who cops a lot of baggage he does not deserve. He has handled all of this in a calm way, giving people around, including the players who already have great respect for Mitchell. In sum, Mitchell is going places. Add to that McRae and now Brad Scott. the latter having a torrid time at a lowly North Melbourne
North chose a coach with baggage based on reputation, not based on merit and a sense of getting a spirited young or mature coach.
I heard Adam Cooney on TV assert like ne firmly, you don’t appoint a coach based on reputation.
And finally, is Hardwick a good choice for the Suns? I don’t think so, He won premierships and that’s what he wants. He won’t get a flag there for many years, and will he settle?
Hardwick is a former player of Port and I think he was born in SA too. Thats where he will go where he might win a flag. But, really, he should have stayed put for stability. The list is pretty good. But is Hardwick able to stop adding baggage. No, I doubt it.
The message to clubs is. For heavens sake, forget “reputation “, look for a character who commands respect and doesn’t carry baggage. Membership grows with a coach who wins a lot. It doesn’t grow from a former reputation. Boards of clubs are poor decision makers. Just look.at their tarnished reputations in dealing with Dew, Rattan, Rutland and others.

7 years.. na.. forget it

John Greening was a superstar whose career was cut short in the late sixties/ early seventies when he was king hit a long way behind the play by a St Kilda player at Moorabbin. He suffered massive brain damage and loss of motor skills. It was an appalling act.
In that year he, at perhaps 21 or 22, he had polled 11 Brownlow votes as I recall after only 5 games. So he would have won the Brownlow, but for the king hit. That was the conversation at the time.He did not play any games after that for at 2 or 3 seasons, and only a few soon after that. However he was never anywhere near his former brilliance because of the brain damage.
He had consummate skills on both side of the body, could run like the wind, was supremely balanced, and unlike Daicos, was a spectacular mark, who could leap on the shoulders of opponents.
Greening would have walked into any side, including teams of today. He was also a profiling ball getter, and could roost the ball 55 metres +. He was in short, an astonish talent.
Greening story is a terrible tragedy, but he, and his abilities will never be forgotten.
He is a player to be included in the very best that have ever played the game.
I understand John is still alive, living in Tasmania, where he was born

I follow the Pies but here’s a bit of my pessimism.
Elliot, Stephenson underdone, Reid underdone too, injury prone, and he’s a bit like Ablett, tired and battleweary from so many campaigns that go back to 2010. This means second efforts are not there, and pressuring opposition forwards is weak. Pendles and Sidebottom go back to 2010 too. Hoskin Elliot’s form is on the downside, but he can hurt oppositions badly.
I’m concerned that we didn’t score in the last quarter of the qualifying final against Geelong, a team that, overall, lacks run.
Against that Shaw is battleweary too and goes back to the 2010 GF. Mumford is a risk.
I also would not have played Reid, nor John Noble; he is far from ready, and lacks physicality.
Darcy Moore is an asset but not close checking, and I contend his DNA from Dad says he naturally should play forward. I’d definitely play him forward at the commencement of the game.
Mihocek must play well, and needs to be much more fierce.
GWS youth and endurance is their best asset, so expect them to run all day as a strategy.
Buckley has grown immeasurably as a coach, and has instilled genuine belief in his players. He has called on history to rally the troops to play that Never Say Die brand of footy. Buckley had had so many disappointments as a player, with no premiership, ditto as a coach.
The Pies have class but they are genuine warriors and very very hard to get past.
Pies by 13 points

He wasn’t because as I said in another post, the Tribunal didn’t and doesn’t have a member with a firm hand, a clear head or a person with good judgement. If they were pro Pies they would have outed Greene the first time, so its not a pro Pies bias, it’s complete incompetence or genuine interference by the AFL at the highest level who will do whatever is required to promote GWS.

another anti Pies person, you can pick it