Rd 18 vs Fremantle Dockers @ Optus Stadium

[MattW]

A special shout out to Dylan Stephens’ last two minutes.

One - that play after the Freo clearance after their goal. He was so calm on a big moment.

Two - the ball bobbling around on our half forward line, he surged in at it, punched it forward, then made his way on to the chain of handballs and slotted the goal so sweetly.

That stuff defines a player.

Yep. The repel forward on that second play was particularly notable. He's playing a little harder at the contest.

I like that they’ve stuck with him. His highest rated game ever, per AFL Player Ratings.

[Hotpotato]

Well your Dad (on his Birthday) most definitely played a part in the Mongrel win Mel .

[dejavoodoo44]

Since Will and Ollie now have their own love child, Horse figured he should get a new one.

Pick 39! You gotta be kiddin'. I don't think anyone can ever say anything bad about KB's drafting again.

Such are the vagaries of drafting. I can't really recall what the knock on him was at the time? Tries hard, but not that skilful? Highlight reel not pretty enough?

And I also still chuckle at Errol not being bid on till pick 32. Thought he was brilliant tonight. A couple of clutch goals and some perfect touches.

Another draft bargain, although it's taken a while, is Amartey. He's starting to have a big influence with important goals, deft touches and the sort of pack crashing that gives the smalls a chance.

[stevoswan]

We have had 3 great wins last 4 weeks , Saints , Dogs , Freo , no coincidence . We have settled on the team and we are onto a winner . If we make a run deep into september it will be with this team . Only thing missing is Gus . He is the missing piece

In the beginning, there was 'The Chad'.....then low and behold there was.....'The Gus'.

Love it TB.

[MattW]

Off the footy for a moment, it's the first time in a long time that I haven't sworn at the commentators. A decent job I thought (although it's a fairly low bar)

Yes. The Fox coverage generally focuses on the game, and Dunstall does nothing but that. Agree - good call.

[Velour&Ruffles]

We have had 3 great wins last 4 weeks , Saints , Dogs , Freo , no coincidence . We have settled on the team and we are onto a winner . If we make a run deep into september it will be with this team . Only thing missing is Gus . He is the missing piece

I agree with this bit. We have a nice balance at the moment. Working well. If we can maintain this lineup we will do well, but there's every chance injury won't allow that.

[dejavoodoo44]

Yep, won every contest he was in.

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Brilliant. The backline is looking as good as it has for a long time.

Yes, Hayward was excellent. And Florent, Fox and Lloyd showed that if the opposition keeps Blakey quiet, we can still get plenty of run out of defence. And Paddy was huge.

[MattW]

I thought a couple of cheap shots from Fremantle's Clark, suggested that our Clarke was doing something right.

I thought Clarke was pretty good - the 22nd player, but a good contributor.

[TheBloods]

In the beginning, there was 'The Chad'.....then low and behold there was.....'The Gus'.

Love it TB.

No chance

[Ludwig]

In the beginning, there was 'The Chad'.....then low and behold there was.....'The Gus'.

Love it TB.

Plenty of love all around for The Wombat.

[Velour&Ruffles]

Such are the vagaries of drafting. I can't really recall what the knock on him was at the time? Tries hard, but not that skilful? Highlight reel not pretty enough?

And I also still chuckle at Errol not being bid on till pick 32. Thought he was brilliant tonight. A couple of clutch goals and some perfect touches.

Another draft bargain, although it's taken a while, is Amartey. He's starting to have a big influence with important goals, deft touches and the sort of pack crashing that gives the smalls a chance.

This. Gulden's skills are sublime. This is one of the steals of the century - right up there with Goodes, O'Keefe and (I hope to confirm soon, but don't want to get ahead of myself) Chad. Kudos to Liz for picking him as a gun three years out. I never doubt her opinions but his performances only reinforce what an astute observer she is.

[MattW]

Such are the vagaries of drafting. I can't really recall what the knock on him was at the time? Tries hard, but not that skilful? Highlight reel not pretty enough?

And I also still chuckle at Errol not being bid on till pick 32. Thought he was brilliant tonight. A couple of clutch goals and some perfect touches.

Another draft bargain, although it's taken a while, is Amartey. He's starting to have a big influence with important goals, deft touches and the sort of pack crashing that gives the smalls a chance.

Errol is a bloody cracker. One of out top 6 most important players. Smart, hard, incredibly classy, tenacious. Unlucky to pick up just two votes.

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Yes, Hayward was excellent. And Florent, Fox and Lloyd showed that if the opposition keeps Blakey quiet, we can still get plenty of run out of defence. And Paddy was huge.

Tom too.

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@@@@ that was fun.

[Mel_C]

Best on Ground show has long interview with Tom Hawkins and discussion of of Geelong. Segment on North winning and temporary coach. In between a short mention of our win, and Warner mentioned in comparison to Daicos for Brownlow votes. WTF. Our win has a massive impact on shaping the top four and rated barely a mention.

I agree. What makes it worse is that our game was a Foxtel game and yet there was no review.

[Mel_C]

Well your Dad (on his Birthday) most definitely played a part in the Mongrel win Mel .

I'd like to think so ????

[Agent 86]

Totally agree. Dylan has often looked a little like the 3rd wheel in a relationship. He has just lacked confidence to back himself but those last few plays were really strong. I loved his celebration showing that little bit of swagger that he has lacked. I also noticed that Horse gave him just a fraction more love when the team came through the rooms (not as much as the Chad though)

Haha. Chad def the new coach’s pet. Hayward playing well tho’. That goal was superb. As for Dylan, game time will reap rewards - covers a lot of ground & keeps trying, let’s hope he can keep improving and become a mainstay.