Three things you have learned Round 17 v Hawthorn.

[josie]

I haven’t watched the replay yet and it might not be evident in the broadcast, but Suckling was burning off opponents all day.

A number of times he wasn’t used but it created space for others and opened up other options. On one occasion (I think after Bruce clunked one near the middle of the ground) he burned forward and went past the defenders and should have got the ball pumped in long Over the top.

He may have been quiet on the stats sheet, but I think he will earn another game Based on how hard he worked.

Evidence why woof is so good. Insights like this. Thx.

[Ozza]

I thought Richards' was ok today Josie. Much harder at the contest and showed genuine desperation at times which was something we were lamenting in his game. What didn't you like today?

Thought so too. Is very good in a ground ball contest.

[comrade]

Thought so too. Is very good in a ground ball contest.

If Suckling plays next week, I wouldn't mind swapping his role with Richards. Richards plays deeper forward and crashes into ground ball contests, while Suckling plays higher and uses his leg to better effect.

[Jam Donuts]

If Suckling plays next week, I wouldn't mind swapping his role with Richards. Richards plays deeper forward and crashes into ground ball contests, while Suckling plays higher and uses his leg to better effect.

This is a great idea, love to see it implemented.

[Twodogs]

How many players let alone rucks have you seen kick goals from 55 this year? I can't think of many, and he nailed it.

Bont was right on the 50 out for the winner v West Coast wasn't he? What I really liked about Tim's was he owned the shot from all that way out. No looking for the sneaky handball or putting it to the top if the square. He knew that he had the distance and nailed it.

[merantau]

I'm not so sure Bruce had a good game
By his standards it was a bit better than some others but he's still a long way off playing a good game

Thanks for pointing that out. I should have qualified it as you did. I so wanted him to nail that set shot.

[ratsmac]

1. Gardner doing Gardner things is starting to be a good thing
2. Every team we play employs the same tactic of pushing huge numbers in our forward line waiting to sling shot out for fast rebound goals. We are defending that tactic way better than earlier in the year.
3. Libba is taking the game seriously. There was a time where I thought he was just going through the motions (not this year) but he has that competitive hunger we know and love well and truly back. 28 disposals 14 contested 9 tackles. That's his bnf year type stats.

[LostDoggy]

1. Ryan Gardiner can be a player for us. Seems to be building in confidence week on week, though I wouldn't want him (or Keath for that matter) trying to chisel too many more short passes out of defensive 50. We have plenty of alternative options to take that kick boys!

2. Ed Richard's contested work is actually quite strong. His attack on the ball was noticeable and has solid technique in controlling the ball in congestion.

3. We can control the pace of the game. Our ability to switch between control and chaos when the situation required it was impressive.

[SonofScray]

1 Josh Bruce will play his best footy in the finals, kick 7.4 in the GF.
2 Doc is the lynchpin
3 We've been playing possum. Clearly.