Is this Round 1 more important than any other in living memory?

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Yes.

We’ll know by 1/4 time

Makes it exciting though doesn't it?

This is when we see what we've got and how close (or far away) we are.

[GVGjr]

I have belief in this team and a lot of things are pointing towards us having a good season, but I won?t get that feeling of trepidation out of my stomach until we beat Melbourne. Once we get that monkey off our back it is absolutely clear skies.

The team must not go into the game with trepidation, we?ve seen time and time again how much the behaviour and energy of the coach is mirrored by the playing group. This year Beveridge looks calm and refreshed, let?s hope the players are the same.

Melbourne are a strong side who performed poorly in Round Zero and is very likely to bounce back but I really like our chances to get the season off to a good start against an often difficult opponent.
I agree that Beveridge looks calm, focused and ready to face the challenges of the season.

[SonofScray]

Makes it exciting though doesn't it?

This is when we see what we've got and how close (or far away) we are.

I’m pumped. We are going to win the flag.

[SonofScray]

Melbourne are a strong side who performed poorly in Round Zero and is very likely to bounce back but I really like our chances to get the season off to a good start against an often difficult opponent.
I agree that Beveridge looks calm, focused and ready to face the challenges of the season.

He absolutely does.

[Jeanette54]

I think it was Patton that talked about getting there fastest with the mostest. (Napoleon had a more poetic way of saying the same thing, but things always sound more poetic when spoken in French). Last night's GWS game was the perfect example of that.

Collingwood (except for junk time) were swamped at the contest by the orange tsunami. That continual pressure of numbers brought about Collingwood's demise. And a host of unexpected errors from the magpies.

Playing that game takes an enormous physical toll on both sides, not the least on the side providing that pressure. If this is the way to win this season, then Bevo's players will definitely need to be the fittest, and most determined that they have ever been.

[MrMahatma]

Playing that game takes an enormous physical toll on both sides, not the least on the side providing that pressure. If this is the way to win this season, then Bevo's players will definitely need to be the fittest, and most determined that they have ever been.

Determination was never mentioned.
“Fittest, strongest, and most ready” is the quote. And yep, they’ll need to be.

[GVGjr]

He absolutely does.

I remember reading a lot of positive comments from WOOF members when Fantasia arrived as he was able to take a lot of non purely Football related distractions off Eade. Ultimately that didn't work out in the longer term but there was an initial bump in allowing the coach to narrow his focus. Losing Maple and not replacing him until now with Egan just added to the disjointed 2023 season and as we have said many times on here that with good recruiting, new coaches and a great training venue there are no excuses for us in 2024.

[bornadog]

I remember reading a lot of positive comments from WOOF members when Fantasia arrived as he was able to take a lot of non purely Football related distractions off Eade. Ultimately that didn't work out in the longer term but there was an initial bump in allowing the coach to narrow his focus. Losing Maple and not replacing him until now with Egan just added to the disjointed 2023 season and as we have said many times on here that with good recruiting, new coaches and a great training venue there are no excuses for us in 2024.

There is one excuse - not good enough. Not that I believe that, but once we start the real games, we will find out.

[jeemak]

There is one excuse - not good enough. Not that I believe that, but once we start the real games, we will find out.

This is the bit that worries me. Depth may still be a concern, hopefully urgency, commitment and fitness across the group helps lift the output across the board. If it can't then we'll be middling again.

[MrMahatma]

Would you rather our list, or GWS list? Just for this season.

[Mofra]

Would you rather our list, or GWS list? Just for this season.

Ours. The thought of cheering for Toby Greene just puts me off

[jeemak]

Ours. The thought of cheering for Toby Greene just puts me off

You need to drink the reformist Kool-Aid and get on board the Toby Train mate. He's wonderful.

[bornadog]

You need to drink the reformist Kool-Aid and get on board the Toby Train mate. He's wonderful.

Cannot take to him, full stop

[Mofra]

You need to drink the reformist Kool-Aid and get on board the Toby Train mate. He's wonderful.

Enjoi ur ban

[angelopetraglia]

Forecast for next Sunday is 25c, sunny and light winds. Going to be a cracking day at the MCG. Bring it on.