Greetings All,
The first domino in the coaching merry-go-round has fallen. After much media conjecture about whether Melbourne could pull the trigger with placeholders for President and CEO, they did the deed. After which that same media pack expressed their sorrow for Simon Goodwin and how poorly he was treated as a premiership coach. The coach himself was gracious in his departure with some poignant comments to be considered. One of those regarding travel to Casey deserves more inspection. While the good people of Casey might have taken exception to the comment, it exposed the biggest issue with the oldest club in the competition.
They are nomads and, despite being the first football tenants of the MCG, the club has been without a home for many a year. In the meantime, all other Victorian clubs have enjoyed the largesse of government funding in building ‘community’ assets and get themselves state of the art facilities. The AFL has pumped money and primed politicians in all other directions to develop the game – as it right fully should. However, it is time they looked after the Demons. While the MCC fills when Melbourne plays, it is a separate entity.
The AFL has helped develop facilities all over the country – it is time now that they help Melbourne find a location they can call home, not just for the players and staff but one where their supporters can also be a part of. The Caulfield Racecourse solution seems a reasonable plan, if not then something in the area which is Demon heartland. The League has put enough pressure on the Tasmanian Government over a stadium, surely they have the funds and connections to help out the Melbourne Football Club.
Day Break (35%) vs The Big Steele (65%)
Enjoying a pre-Grand Final lunch at a North Melbourne pub in 2008, the Under 18 GF was playing on the TV in the background. We watched Steele Sidebottom kick 10 goals in that game to take the Murray Bushrangers to the championship. Clearly a player that may not have had all the physical attributes but plenty of footy smarts. There were 10 players selected ahead of him in the draft. Most of them eked out good careers in the AFL with a couple cut down by injuries, none with the longevity and consistency of Steele. He plays game 350 and still probably moves at the same pace but, still, no-one catches him. He gets to where the ball is, gets it, makes good decisions, and delivers it on a platter to his teammates. He plays it against the Hawks who have lost Will Day for the remainder of the season. Does it mean the end of their chances for 2025? No bigger test than taking on the Pies in a blockbuster. They are persisting with the four big forwards which will be interesting given the returns of Frampton and Howe for Collingwood. This will give the Pies greater flexibility down back and take a bit of pressure off the skipper. The Collingwood form line is concerning, losing three to other finals aspirants in recent weeks but the Hawks are similar. Suspect the return of defensive stocks and celebrating Steele will be enough to get the Pies home.
Ton Watch (99.9%) vs Hard to Watch (0.1%)
Another fixturing failure sees the Cats hosting Essendon at Kardinia Park on Friday night. Can the Bombers stop the Jeremy Cameron onslaught as he chases the magic ton? Fred Fanning might be getting restless.
Lynch Pin (9%) vs Another Steele (91%)
The Saints took Jack Steele from the Giants and he has become a great leader for the club. He plays game 200 this week as they chase a third win in succession. Should do it up against the Tigers who get the services of Tom Lynch back but lose Jonty Faull to a season ending knee injury.
Neale Down (93%) vs Hey Bro’ (7%)
The Lions win over Collingwood came at some cost with Lachie Neale out for the remaining fixtures but should be good for September. They face a good test against the Swans who have found form, none better than that of Brodie Grundy who dominated the Bombers last week. Darcy Fort will present a sterner test. Sydney should also regain Hayward and McLean to stretch the Lions’ defence, at the other end Tom McCartin reaches game 150. Still smarting from the Grand Final Sydney will make this one tough for Brisbane but expect the Lions to get it done.
By George (6%) vs Using your Witts (94%)
Despite the mighty effort from George Hewitt last week, the Blues could not maintain the pressure and folded to the Dockers. He will be up against it again this week in game 200 taking on the Suns trio of Anderson, Rowell and Miller. They will be fed by Jarrod Witts who also plays his 200th. The injury horror grew for the Blues last week with the promising Harry O’Farrell out for most of 2026. Importantly for the Suns they are healthy with the prospect of Dan Rioli to return for the finals. The Suns should be too strong for the Blues this week and Noah Anderson might further his challenge for the Brownlow.
Boaken Up (7%) vs Cool Hand Luke (93%)
What a mighty player Travis Boak has been for Port over a magnificent career announcing his retirement at the end of this season. Stayed with the club despite the overtures from many, especially the Cats to get him back to Torquay. Has a tough one hosting the rampant Dockers who were jumped early by the Blues but got back in control to get a solid victory. Much to do with contribution of Luke Jackson. His work as ruckman is very good, on the ground his hands and skill are next level. Everything he did in the third quarter of the 2021 Grand Final has been on display this year and might get the opportunity again. Port will be feisty at home and Kenny will have a plan, but Freo have got their away game together and should win this.
Greene Washed (99.6%) vs Pass the Xerri (0.4%)
The Giants will welcome back Toby Greene from suspension after their horrendous loss to the Dogs, would have needed three of him to stop that onslaught. That performance makes it hard to view them as a genuine contender. It should be easier in Canberra against the Roos. Xerri’s return will be a great test for Briggs who was soundly beaten last week. While they might not be genuine contenders the Giants should beat North and keep their finals hopes alive.
Mr Ed (8%) vs Speaking English (92%)
Ed Langdon plays game 200 this week, we don’t hear much from Ed but he doesn’t shirk from his opinions. His ‘All Duck no Dinner’ comment about Collingwood added spice to their contests, this week he left little doubt on his opinion on the club’s removal of Simon Goodwin. An opinion somewhat backed up by Jack Viney. We have seen regular bounces in performances from clubs who have sacked their coach, the Demons can’t really bounce off an 83 point win! The Dogs, though, should be wary. Melbourne are generally in good health but without May and Lever will struggle to handle Naughton and Darcy. Tim English added another challenge as he loped forward regularly last week to stretch the Giants, will be an interesting watch to see how Max counters it. It’s the Dogs’ second chance to win on the G this year and suspect they will.
There are no Words (0.2%) vs The Thriller (99.8%)
Coming up with a way to describe West Coast every week has become impossible! The host the Crows who are likely to extend their percentage and Riley Thilthorpe might also get Fred twitching.
Go Blues,
Cheers, Sal
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