Nice work Tim. A few things from the game that made me think of what is ahead. Geelong’s clearance work without their big guns points to further sustained success in the coming years for Geelong. Once the young players understand game plan etc Geelong forwards will get plenty of opportunities in the future.
Secondly, Richmond gives up shots at goal about 40m out – we plebs think pro footballers should kick more than they miss from there, but… And the crumbing goals that Cotchin, Bolton, Mansell, Rioli (should be moved forward in the second half of every quarter!) kicked went begging at the other end without Stengle and Close.
Tiges were lucky to get the Cats with the injuries they had, but hopefully can get some belief and momentum.

3rd team in WA, (let’s ironically call them the Secessionists) but with a second home in Darwin – similar to North & Hawthorn now. Train in WA, but seconds to play in Darwin on the weekends the Secessionists don’t play there.
Tassie dream team starting next year Robert Shaw and Rodney Eade run academy out of Hobart; Brendan Bolton and Chocco Williams in Launceston. Andrew Ireland to head up consortium initially (Brendan Gale not available currently). Peter Gutwein President. Craig Starcevic (easily the most successful AFLW coach) head up the women’s program.

Melbourne were too big, too strong. Petty and Gawn should have scored more from their contested marks inside 50. Van Rooyen’s composure marks him as a clutch player of the future. Having said that, Dusty would normally be expected to kick goals with all 3 of his points. Vlaustin’s worst game. Although Grundy was rag dolling Miller in the ruck, once he was subbed out, Lever took over. It will be interesting to see if Draper & Phillips are more physical against the makeshift Pies rucks earlier today. Melbourne dominated clearance once Grundy bashed the smaller bodies. Interesting season, 13 wins might get a few teams in to finals.

“they traded picks 12, 19 and 31 from last year’s draft, plus their first-round pick at this year’s draft (likely to be a top 10 pick) for 25-year-old Tim Taranto and 26-year-old Jacob Hopper.”Perhaps compare to Cameron trade? Who did not set the world on fire initially.
Then look at 2021 draft: 9,17,28,29,30, all of which are looking likely to be senior players. So not sure the list is too ancient.
Probably don’t have a Daniel Rich laser boot, but Short, Rioli, Vlaustin, Sonsie, etc are good kicks. Balta is a mercurial player, but should stick to kicking it 70m, over the defensive line; and Broad lacks penetration, so plays with in his limitations. Some of the turnovers (early in the game) v Carlton would be coach killers in Under 15 girls footy, so not sure Hardwick training is the fault there.
Even competition – last year’s premiers still to get going (will win majority at Kardinia) – which means Richmond’s competition for finals spots, win 1 less game. 23 rounds this year, so the fat lady is still to get the Listerine out.
Enjoy reading your articles!

Excellent analysis Tim. Thanks.

Apologies – 2017 he did his job.

Murphy bowls very tight – should bowl plenty of overs tomorrow and force the Indians to attack, hopefully taking wickets, at the other end. If India draw, I don’t think they make the WCF; so should be going for it

Last English tour Bancroft faced the most balls of the openers. He has done his time and earned his spot. We need to get through the new ball and bat big to put pressure on the relaxed Bazzball

Elijah Hollands at Suns had an exciting finish to last season.

I was at the Gabba. The Saffa bowlers were quick, but bowled too many 4 balls. The wicket was spicy, but not horrendous – Starc’s innings is an example of playing the ball on its merits. I can’t say that anyone was out due to the wicket misbehaving. The Saffa batsmen will need to attack the poor balls, as apart from Elgar and Bavuma, they are not tight enough in defence – photo above exhibit A

One team handled the wind better than another. Shannon was BOG, but West was super important, continually winning the ball in the packs. Bodey’s quietest game for the year – usually reads the ball so well- also a factor.

Renshaw yes, Handscomb too old to change technique now

Agree re sentiment, but they will pick a team to win at home, especially after the disappointing World Cup.
Need to pick a right hand opener with footwork – Warner, Uz & Harris all shuffle to good balls outside off. Head opening in ODI would indicate he is safe for the Tests.
Hopefully a batsman comes through that can bowl a few offies, so Lyon can eventually be replaced with a leggy.
Our T20 results should not really surprise. Our Test team bat pretty boring unless caught on a green wicket

Do a review. Review finds that the club has clawed its way back from financial and cultural ruin – previous CEO had the job of setting up Moorabbin and moving from Frankston. CEO was tied to the coach. CEO did not move the club to Frankston, but had to repair; including selling games to generate the $. Loose game in torrential rain- miss finals. Blame coach for not being ruthless enough footy-wise. But ask coach to justify HIS position over a period of weeks. I wish the Saints well, but CF Richmond, have sustainable business plan that doesn’t distract footy department – until then support the coach.
Bassat seems to be Vlandys, McGuire type – which is ok, if you get it done. Hopefully he and the board sort out the $ from here on, and Lyon can get on with it. Malthouse and Lyon have similar public images – unlikeable in press conferences, but the top 26 players love them; but Malthouse couldn’t coach the team and put out the fires behind him at Carlton.

Finch should resign now, rather than after a 20 ball 12 against England; and we are out. You have to wonder if the discussion around Warner and captaincy is part of the decision. Maxwell/Wade can captain – surely the culture will be fine for 6 games with basically an established team.
Not as convinced about dropping Cummins – plenty of bowlers get whacked in the last over. If he doesn’t go for 20, figures look ok.

StKilda are not a well structured club – so the coach will need to paper over the cracks, therefore open to criticism of review. One criticism is lack of depth- but they don’t have a second’s team – hybrid with Sandringham.
Moorabbin started a refurb in September 2021. So much of 2022 was interrupted with these works.
Ratten did not recruit Hannebery or Hill. If Lethlean had his hands on these, he is neither a “footy” or “$” man.
Assuming King kicks anything like a league footballer this year (doesn’t miss em 15 metres out in close games), Saints make finals. Employ a mindfulness coach etc.
I would like a trigger in the soft cap that allows for CEO, Footy Manager etc to have some of their wage allocated to subsidise coaches payouts. Bassat can probably reach down the back of the couch to get his share

You walked Martin in for nothing!

Seems that the top clubs list management is much more strategic than the lower clubs. We all thought Geelong were too old, but the young ones they have brought in are easily at the level. Richmond’s draftees from last year look to have similar potential (although I am unsure both Cumberland and Dusty can play in the same forward line, but that’s another issue). Sydney have a strong group of kids coming through, so can get a big fish next year. By comparison, Brisbane have too many big fish and not enough selfless players – much better “list” than Richmond, Sydney etc but harder to make team first when don’t have the youngsters or pressure players coming through.

Some local clubs that were dying are now flourishing due to junior girls and womens teams being introduced – this would not have happened to the same extent without being on TV. These families are likely to produce afl players & supporters.
Put Sheedy in charge of the AFLW – encourage them to focus on skills and attacking, instead of defensive structures brought in from the mens game. The kicking skills don’t yet allow to get over or through. Eg encourage players to go for genuine hangers, instead of just trying to push opponent under the ball. Perhaps the anti congestion rules as per NAB league (last night Suns had TWO sag back. Instruct the umpires to be more decisive – the ball is in scrimmage far too long. (It is more difficult to umpire when there is 10 players from each team around the contest, just can’t see through).
Many of my mates say they won’t watch it – that’s ok. But hard for them to offer genuine solutions (it’s not going away!) to improve the spectacle faster.
PS not a Bombers supporter, but they have to get rid of Sheedy and he is wasted just stirring the pot in the background. Malcolm Blight and Gerard Neesham should assist: attacking coaches that teach skills

Green
Warner
Smith
David
Inglis
Maxwell (c)
Wade
Marsh
Cummins
Starc
Zampa

Couldn’t agree more. We were lamenting the old days of the Sunday Age sports lift out on Sunday. 3aw’s footy coverage is probably the most balanced, even allowing for Robbo & Caro. Unfortunately the ABC is less about the footy, and more about social issues around it. Craig Jennings and Brenton Sanderson’s segments by far the best for actually talking about footy.

Rankine should go to Port and replace Gray. Good on him to go home, if that’s what he wants. That’s footy.
GWS have had success doing the reverse with Ward & Davis – both leaders. Suns recruitment of established players (other than Ablett) Chol, Markov, etc are not really A Grade or leaders. Cochran is good for the Suns re publicity, but the Suns are too nice. Lots of early picks – nurture them and then rejects from other clubs: “we will give you a second chance “
They should chase Bailey Smith, Jordan Ridley, Sam De Koning etc types. Instead they probably get Collier-Dawkins types
Life is not fair – play the recruiting game as hard as others! If Dodaro is moved on, they should get him. They need a ruthless prick!

Stability from the top is where sustained success comes from. Geelong, Sydney, Richmond are examples of strong presidents who can galvanise the factions and stare down the agitation. Essendon is currently chaired by a bloke who was going to walk from the board. His first move is to blow up the footy dept, although the board is still undecided/divided about the path forward.
Sort out the board; CEO has $ flowing, so leave him – get a Balme type figure in a drifting role to keep things calm, then sift through the rest. When I say sift, I mean flick anyone who is consistently part of machinations against any other members of the footy department.

Harsh on Hafey – Pies played in GFs, with average lists; made Sydney humm, again playing plenty of finals.
The difference now is Essendon is a divided club – Board, power brokers etc. They need an experienced CEO that can keep these people away from the footy – just raise the $ Eg Brian Cook

Bad kicking is bad football. Although Saints are building – old players are not their best players(Ryder excepted).

Surely every team tags Neale for the rest of the season. Rayner is exciting to watch. Hopefully he performs in the finals, although the Lions doesn’t look like a flag contender atm.