Well, what a wild old weekend. Round seventeen was. Can you believe it? Round seventeen already? This AFL season, it's a long e but I'll tell you what it is moving quite quickly, and every week from now on in feels like a massive one. Round seventeen some results went the way of teams looking to get their way into the top eight and the top four.

Well, what a wild old weekend. Round seventeen was. Can you believe it? Round seventeen already? This AFL season, it's a long e but I'll tell you what it is moving quite quickly, and every week from now on in feels like a massive one. Round seventeen some results went the way of teams looking to get their way into the top eight and the top four.

The top two teams both went down.

The top two teams both went down.

Sydney and Carlton both got beaten in Round seventeen.

Sydney and Carlton both got beaten in Round seventeen.

So fascinating round of footy.

So fascinating round of footy.

The upcoming rounds even bigger, or get to that at the absolute end of the show. The Bombers, let's start there. They silenced a few doubters. I wasn't necessarily a doubter. I didn't know and still don't know whether they can make a sustained run at maybe a Grand final or a premiership certainly this year. But they certainly did the job when it came to last Friday night and did they did? They end the premiership defense for calling what. I'll get to that in a moment said this week on Melbourne Radio that Collingwood's premiership defense was over. I do stand by that and I'll elaborate on that in a little while.

The upcoming rounds even bigger, or get to that at the absolute end of the show. The Bombers, let's start there. They silenced a few doubters. I wasn't necessarily a doubter. I didn't know and still don't know whether they can make a sustained run at maybe a Grand final or a premiership certainly this year. But they certainly did the job when it came to last Friday night and did they did? They end the premiership defense for calling what. I'll get to that in a moment said this week on Melbourne Radio that Collingwood's premiership defense was over. I do stand by that and I'll elaborate on that in a little while.

The Ruse, they stunned the stinky Sons. Gee.

The Ruse, they stunned the stinky Sons. Gee.

That was a disappointing performance from Gold Coast, particularly in the first five or six minutes of the game. The Ruse had two goals on the board and the Suns had barely touched the footy. They barely had a meaningful possession or a chain of possession in the game. That is a snapshot into the mindset of the Suns. To really get overrun in the first few minutes of the game was incredibly disappointing. And when you lose by four points, you can look back and wonder, had we have been able to hit the ground running from the app salute first bounce, would the result have been different.

That was a disappointing performance from Gold Coast, particularly in the first five or six minutes of the game. The Ruse had two goals on the board and the Suns had barely touched the footy. They barely had a meaningful possession or a chain of possession in the game. That is a snapshot into the mindset of the Suns. To really get overrun in the first few minutes of the game was incredibly disappointing. And when you lose by four points, you can look back and wonder, had we have been able to hit the ground running from the app salute first bounce, would the result have been different.

But in the end, what a disappointing performance from the Suns.

But in the end, what a disappointing performance from the Suns.

That's all I'll speak on. When it comes to the Suns. We can put them to the side. They don't deserve a lot of our time, anyone's time, because we keep asking ourselves the same questions and we keep getting the same answer. They're not for real, particularly when it comes to getting on the road and beating anyone, let alone big teams in big games. Speaking of stunning upsets and performances.

That's all I'll speak on. When it comes to the Suns. We can put them to the side. They don't deserve a lot of our time, anyone's time, because we keep asking ourselves the same questions and we keep getting the same answer. They're not for real, particularly when it comes to getting on the road and beating anyone, let alone big teams in big games. Speaking of stunning upsets and performances.

What about the Sainters.

What about the Sainters.

I've been a big time knocker of the Saints, probably more so the way they've tried to play the game. But on the weekend against the number one, see the big dog, the Sydney Swans, they just wouldn't lie down the Saints. They had a couple of periods in the game where I thought, well, Sydney have built a match winning lead and the Saints will probably roll over and copy four or five gold defeat.

I've been a big time knocker of the Saints, probably more so the way they've tried to play the game. But on the weekend against the number one, see the big dog, the Sydney Swans, they just wouldn't lie down the Saints. They had a couple of periods in the game where I thought, well, Sydney have built a match winning lead and the Saints will probably roll over and copy four or five gold defeat.

But they just would not go away.

But they just would not go away.

And that was a really impressive performance. So I have to score the ball. Put up, you know, good numbers when it comes to the scoreboard. And the Swans all of a sudden have dropped two on the spin, two on the bounce. Are they question marks there? Have they been going too well for too long? Are they starting to stumble into September? I'm not getting too nervous just yet. They've got the cagus this week back at home. If they drop that, the alarm bells start to certainly go off. The lines are charging toward not only the top eight, you need to really investigate the ladder. They are charging toward finishing third probably fourth on the table. They are really in the hunt, and look, I don't think anyone wants to bump into them.

And that was a really impressive performance. So I have to score the ball. Put up, you know, good numbers when it comes to the scoreboard. And the Swans all of a sudden have dropped two on the spin, two on the bounce. Are they question marks there? Have they been going too well for too long? Are they starting to stumble into September? I'm not getting too nervous just yet. They've got the cagus this week back at home. If they drop that, the alarm bells start to certainly go off. The lines are charging toward not only the top eight, you need to really investigate the ladder. They are charging toward finishing third probably fourth on the table. They are really in the hunt, and look, I don't think anyone wants to bump into them.

I said this last week on the show.

I said this last week on the show.

No one really wants to bump into Brisbane that comes September, even if it is an elimination final, a knockout final in Melbourne, or into State on foreign territory. For them, the reason I don't think you'd want to see them is they are going to be an informed team of the competition. They are going to be a team who was peeled off ten of twelve or or eleven of thirteen games on the run in such has been their form since starting the season ierwin three or zero and four, whatever they started their season off.

No one really wants to bump into Brisbane that comes September, even if it is an elimination final, a knockout final in Melbourne, or into State on foreign territory. For them, the reason I don't think you'd want to see them is they are going to be an informed team of the competition. They are going to be a team who was peeled off ten of twelve or or eleven of thirteen games on the run in such has been their form since starting the season ierwin three or zero and four, whatever they started their season off.

So they are a dangerous team. They're not last year's version.

So they are a dangerous team. They're not last year's version.

They're not going I worked their game against Adelaide on radio. They're not going as well as they were last year. So they're not that formidable scary proposition. But certainly they're playing some really good footy. They're a different team. They've got really different personnel and the young guns the Cubs against something I spoke about last week. The Lion Cubs are the ones I think really driving things, particularly when it comes to the energy, the enthusiasm and the life in this team. And Lockie Neil and Josh Dunkley, they were gigantic against the Crows. They had sixty plus kick four between them as well. They were the difference in the contest. And I'll give you a list because everyone loves a list, and this week it's going to be the top five most improved players in the competition. I put this out on Twitter and it went absolutely berserk on x I should say the artist formerly known as Twitter, and people just kept throwing names at me. And one thing that hit me in the face is there should be an award for this. We see it in the American sports and I know some of you will say, well, we don't need to copy the Americans every single time, but I think rewarding those two things stand out to me. And the first, I guess is a little more personal than it should be. But those who make the squad of forty in the All Australia which was forty is now forty four, but don't make the twenty two, they get no recognition, They get no real recognition, they don't receive anything but doing so. But it's a great achievement to be in the best forty four players in the competition and the other one is the most improved player in the competition. You can mount a case the best defender in the game when all of the awards seemingly go to the midfielders. We've got a Coleman medal for the forwards and I'm looking forward to talking about that next week. Coleman Medals and whether they actually mean that much the way the game is played in twenty twenty four. But but do we need to formalize something when it comes to most improved. So I'm looking forward to getting stuck into the top five most improved players in the game, and a little quick chat on Tom Stewart as well. They've figured it out the Cats, of course, Chris Scott was always going to figure out how to continue Tom Stewart's influence on that team and on the games that the Cats play in. But firstly, back to the Pies, and I did say on Sunday crunch Time on SCN that the Pies premiership defense was over.

They're not going I worked their game against Adelaide on radio. They're not going as well as they were last year. So they're not that formidable scary proposition. But certainly they're playing some really good footy. They're a different team. They've got really different personnel and the young guns the Cubs against something I spoke about last week. The Lion Cubs are the ones I think really driving things, particularly when it comes to the energy, the enthusiasm and the life in this team. And Lockie Neil and Josh Dunkley, they were gigantic against the Crows. They had sixty plus kick four between them as well. They were the difference in the contest. And I'll give you a list because everyone loves a list, and this week it's going to be the top five most improved players in the competition. I put this out on Twitter and it went absolutely berserk on x I should say the artist formerly known as Twitter, and people just kept throwing names at me. And one thing that hit me in the face is there should be an award for this. We see it in the American sports and I know some of you will say, well, we don't need to copy the Americans every single time, but I think rewarding those two things stand out to me. And the first, I guess is a little more personal than it should be. But those who make the squad of forty in the All Australia which was forty is now forty four, but don't make the twenty two, they get no recognition, They get no real recognition, they don't receive anything but doing so. But it's a great achievement to be in the best forty four players in the competition and the other one is the most improved player in the competition. You can mount a case the best defender in the game when all of the awards seemingly go to the midfielders. We've got a Coleman medal for the forwards and I'm looking forward to talking about that next week. Coleman Medals and whether they actually mean that much the way the game is played in twenty twenty four. But but do we need to formalize something when it comes to most improved. So I'm looking forward to getting stuck into the top five most improved players in the game, and a little quick chat on Tom Stewart as well. They've figured it out the Cats, of course, Chris Scott was always going to figure out how to continue Tom Stewart's influence on that team and on the games that the Cats play in. But firstly, back to the Pies, and I did say on Sunday crunch Time on SCN that the Pies premiership defense was over.

Now, I didn't say that to try and garner a reaction.

Now, I didn't say that to try and garner a reaction.

Try to avoid those type of comments where possible. I try to be honest, but I try not to say things just to ensure that people get outraged or engage and click. I try and have some thought behind the things I say. And the reason I think Collingwood's premiership defense is likely over now. They may well make a fool of me because they're a resilient football team and they've still got plenty of stars in their team, particularly in the middle part of the ground. But I think Brody Mychek's absence will be such and so impactful that they may even struggle to make the eight. Therefore, their premiership defense is obviously over.

Try to avoid those type of comments where possible. I try to be honest, but I try not to say things just to ensure that people get outraged or engage and click. I try and have some thought behind the things I say. And the reason I think Collingwood's premiership defense is likely over now. They may well make a fool of me because they're a resilient football team and they've still got plenty of stars in their team, particularly in the middle part of the ground. But I think Brody Mychek's absence will be such and so impactful that they may even struggle to make the eight. Therefore, their premiership defense is obviously over.

Dah. But the reason why I think my Check is so important.

Dah. But the reason why I think my Check is so important.

He's one of the harder, harder working forwards in the game. I'm going to get to the hardest working big forward in the in the game a little bit later.

He's one of the harder, harder working forwards in the game. I'm going to get to the hardest working big forward in the in the game a little bit later.

But my Check works his tail.

But my Check works his tail.

He creates spillages in the forward half of the ground, which brings the small guys into the game. It brings Bobby Hill, it brings Lockey Shiltz, it brings Bo McCreary into the game because he's able to compete on balls that would otherwise be marked by the opposition. You only have to go and look at the contest where he injured his peck. Most forwards, particularly most big key forwards, would just happily stand the mark, not even compete on that ball. But he's willing to throw himself into any contest that he can, and that's what makes him so valuable. That's the first part. The other part is the genuine productivity. He's good enough. He's good for basically two goals a game, and players who can kick two goals per game or more are incredibly hard to find. You only see around fifteen players, a dozen to fifteen players every year average two goals per game. He fits into that mold. He was high up last year in the home and medal. He was good for a couple of goals a game and that's hard to replace. And what he also does, being the primary key forward is he allows the next guy to play their natural role. So he allows Krueger, who's only one ninety two one ninety three centimeters, to be the second tall forward. Or he allows Mason Cox to float in and out of the game, take a mark here or there, sometimes not be in the forward line, so he allows others to play their natural role. He allows Jamie Elliott to play as a detached full forward eighty ninety one hundred meters away from the ball. So I think others now have to play roles that they're not comfortable with playing. Do they have to throw Billy Frampton back into the forward line And I know he did a job on Grand Final Day, but he's not really going to threaten you for Pies fans, And this is the thing I keep coming back to go and have a look at what life was like without my check and others. Against the Western Bulldogs a little while ago, I think Oleg Markov was down there as a marking target. They had absolutely nothing to kick too. No disrespect to Markov. I think he's a fantastic player, but he's not going to get the job done for you as a marking forward. Kruege is still trying to find his way. He's been injured more than he's been out there. Ash Johnson's had numerous opportunities to try and solidify a position in the team hasn't been able to do so, and Mason Cox is still some weeks away from resuming, and they've been keener to use their ruckman on and off the bench more so than in the forward line, so they'll be forced to use Cox in the forward line when and if he can get back. So I think my checks loss is massive. And I know you'll say, Daniel McStay off an acl is not far away. He might be back this week, he might be back next week. But to ask him to step straight in as the primary key forward. He's never been a big goal kicker anyway. He's never been better than one point two to one point five goals per game. He likes to get up the ground and hit the logos and be more of a moving forward than a hulking competitor forward inside fifty like my check. So it's a big, big ask to expect Daniel mick Stay to come back in and play the role that my check was playing and play it with the same level of effectiveness. So I O Jeremy House down there. He can play a part. He can be helpful. Darcy Moore is an absolutely left field option to go forward. But I'll tell you what I do stand by my view, no my check, no Callingwood. I don't think they can win the premiership without him. Now let's get to this list a little bit of fun. The top five most improved players in the competition. Some apology straight Away had a couple of hundred replies on Twitter when it came to this topic. Some apology straight Away Jakesaligo of Adelaide.

He creates spillages in the forward half of the ground, which brings the small guys into the game. It brings Bobby Hill, it brings Lockey Shiltz, it brings Bo McCreary into the game because he's able to compete on balls that would otherwise be marked by the opposition. You only have to go and look at the contest where he injured his peck. Most forwards, particularly most big key forwards, would just happily stand the mark, not even compete on that ball. But he's willing to throw himself into any contest that he can, and that's what makes him so valuable. That's the first part. The other part is the genuine productivity. He's good enough. He's good for basically two goals a game, and players who can kick two goals per game or more are incredibly hard to find. You only see around fifteen players, a dozen to fifteen players every year average two goals per game. He fits into that mold. He was high up last year in the home and medal. He was good for a couple of goals a game and that's hard to replace. And what he also does, being the primary key forward is he allows the next guy to play their natural role. So he allows Krueger, who's only one ninety two one ninety three centimeters, to be the second tall forward. Or he allows Mason Cox to float in and out of the game, take a mark here or there, sometimes not be in the forward line, so he allows others to play their natural role. He allows Jamie Elliott to play as a detached full forward eighty ninety one hundred meters away from the ball. So I think others now have to play roles that they're not comfortable with playing. Do they have to throw Billy Frampton back into the forward line And I know he did a job on Grand Final Day, but he's not really going to threaten you for Pies fans, And this is the thing I keep coming back to go and have a look at what life was like without my check and others. Against the Western Bulldogs a little while ago, I think Oleg Markov was down there as a marking target. They had absolutely nothing to kick too. No disrespect to Markov. I think he's a fantastic player, but he's not going to get the job done for you as a marking forward. Kruege is still trying to find his way. He's been injured more than he's been out there. Ash Johnson's had numerous opportunities to try and solidify a position in the team hasn't been able to do so, and Mason Cox is still some weeks away from resuming, and they've been keener to use their ruckman on and off the bench more so than in the forward line, so they'll be forced to use Cox in the forward line when and if he can get back. So I think my checks loss is massive. And I know you'll say, Daniel McStay off an acl is not far away. He might be back this week, he might be back next week. But to ask him to step straight in as the primary key forward. He's never been a big goal kicker anyway. He's never been better than one point two to one point five goals per game. He likes to get up the ground and hit the logos and be more of a moving forward than a hulking competitor forward inside fifty like my check. So it's a big, big ask to expect Daniel mick Stay to come back in and play the role that my check was playing and play it with the same level of effectiveness. So I O Jeremy House down there. He can play a part. He can be helpful. Darcy Moore is an absolutely left field option to go forward. But I'll tell you what I do stand by my view, no my check, no Callingwood. I don't think they can win the premiership without him. Now let's get to this list a little bit of fun. The top five most improved players in the competition. Some apology straight Away had a couple of hundred replies on Twitter when it came to this topic. Some apology straight Away Jakesaligo of Adelaide.

He's an apology.

He's an apology.

He burst onto the scene as a midfield this year, but he's waned.

He burst onto the scene as a midfield this year, but he's waned.

His form has dropped right off.

His form has dropped right off.

He looks like a tired player to me, a tiring young player in his first full season as a midfielder. But he's certainly burst onto the scene. He'll be even better for it next year. He could make this list once again if he can take his game to the next level. Ben Miller is another one Richmond defender who filled in as a ruckman, filled in as a forward at different stages.

He looks like a tired player to me, a tiring young player in his first full season as a midfielder. But he's certainly burst onto the scene. He'll be even better for it next year. He could make this list once again if he can take his game to the next level. Ben Miller is another one Richmond defender who filled in as a ruckman, filled in as a forward at different stages.

He looks good down back.

He looks good down back.

He's been under fire of course, Richmond have been conceding big scores, but he's done an admirable job back there, So he's an apology. Trent Rivers, maybe this list has come up a little bit too quickly for him. He'll make a late charge. Ever since moving into the midfield permanently. He just looks at home. He looks twenty five plass. He makes good decisions, he's a neat ball user and he looks like he'll be a midfielder permanently moving forward. And then the Essendon duo. I really wanted to fit these two into the list, both of them. I was going to do the old slack trick, the on the fence job and put both in at number five. Have six in a list of five, but Joe Cardwell and Sammy Durham, they have transformed the Essen and midfield. I know it's largely about Zach Merritt and how good he's been, but these two have added the edge. Talk about the Essen and edge. It's Cordwell's grunt around the footy. It's Darham's ability to play on the opposition's best player but also have an impact offensively for his team. So they're all apologies, which again speaks to how many players have improved so much this season and how some have gone from good players to elite players. Some have gone from bit part fringe players. It's very very good players at five. It's the North Melbourne ruckman Tristan Sherry. I know his name was strown at me more than anyone else's when I put this topic out there on X. His name was the one that kept coming up. The ruse fans were allowed, but plenty of did suggest him as well, and his rise has been considerable and quite sudden. He's among the more consistent ball winners for ruckman in the competition. He rates above average or better for tackles, for clearances, for contested possession, and he's managed to kick four goals in his past four games as well, so he's added that element to his game. He's not just about the in and under the tough stuff. He's got the helmet on, he's burrowing in, he's laying tackles. He's an outside chance to pinch the All Australian blazer in the ruck and that is not far fetched. He's behind a couple but if he can continue at this Raid of Knights, if North Melbourne can win a few more games, he'd have to come under some consideration, certainly to make the squad of forty four.

He's been under fire of course, Richmond have been conceding big scores, but he's done an admirable job back there, So he's an apology. Trent Rivers, maybe this list has come up a little bit too quickly for him. He'll make a late charge. Ever since moving into the midfield permanently. He just looks at home. He looks twenty five plass. He makes good decisions, he's a neat ball user and he looks like he'll be a midfielder permanently moving forward. And then the Essendon duo. I really wanted to fit these two into the list, both of them. I was going to do the old slack trick, the on the fence job and put both in at number five. Have six in a list of five, but Joe Cardwell and Sammy Durham, they have transformed the Essen and midfield. I know it's largely about Zach Merritt and how good he's been, but these two have added the edge. Talk about the Essen and edge. It's Cordwell's grunt around the footy. It's Darham's ability to play on the opposition's best player but also have an impact offensively for his team. So they're all apologies, which again speaks to how many players have improved so much this season and how some have gone from good players to elite players. Some have gone from bit part fringe players. It's very very good players at five. It's the North Melbourne ruckman Tristan Sherry. I know his name was strown at me more than anyone else's when I put this topic out there on X. His name was the one that kept coming up. The ruse fans were allowed, but plenty of did suggest him as well, and his rise has been considerable and quite sudden. He's among the more consistent ball winners for ruckman in the competition. He rates above average or better for tackles, for clearances, for contested possession, and he's managed to kick four goals in his past four games as well, so he's added that element to his game. He's not just about the in and under the tough stuff. He's got the helmet on, he's burrowing in, he's laying tackles. He's an outside chance to pinch the All Australian blazer in the ruck and that is not far fetched. He's behind a couple but if he can continue at this Raid of Knights, if North Melbourne can win a few more games, he'd have to come under some consideration, certainly to make the squad of forty four.

So some will say he's too low.

So some will say he's too low.

But Tristan Sherry at number five, at number four, the big Kahuna, Josh Tracy, the big man from Freo. Again, I've got to put my hand up. I've done it as much as I possibly can. I was so wrong about this guy. I didn't see him turning into this type of player. I reckon Physically he's leaned up or he's leaned down. I should say he looks fantastic. He's ripped his thin through his upper body. I reckon he was at least a couple of kilos heavier in the early part of his career, and he's so much better in basically every aspect of the game than I thought he was. He's a good field kick, he's creative, he's incredibly clean below his knees for a big guy. He's good on the lead, he's a great set shot for goal, and he's not that far away from being the number one performed all around key Ford in the competition. He's yet to have a goalless game, so the consistency is there. He's kicked these thirty five goals, which if he can continue on at that rate, he'll kick close enough to fifty for the campaign. So he's looking the goods. He's been able to impact the game in so many different ways. He's physical, he's competitive, he's got great skills and he's been one of the major reasons why Fremantle have jumped up the ladder in twenty twenty four. So Josh Tracy at four. At three, Jake Waterman, the fellow big dog over there in the West. He'd never ever put together a full season of footy really, even when he was an understudy or a wingman to Jack Darling, to Josh Kennedy or to Oscar Allen. As someone just goes bang bang with some materials in the background.

But Tristan Sherry at number five, at number four, the big Kahuna, Josh Tracy, the big man from Freo. Again, I've got to put my hand up. I've done it as much as I possibly can. I was so wrong about this guy. I didn't see him turning into this type of player. I reckon Physically he's leaned up or he's leaned down. I should say he looks fantastic. He's ripped his thin through his upper body. I reckon he was at least a couple of kilos heavier in the early part of his career, and he's so much better in basically every aspect of the game than I thought he was. He's a good field kick, he's creative, he's incredibly clean below his knees for a big guy. He's good on the lead, he's a great set shot for goal, and he's not that far away from being the number one performed all around key Ford in the competition. He's yet to have a goalless game, so the consistency is there. He's kicked these thirty five goals, which if he can continue on at that rate, he'll kick close enough to fifty for the campaign. So he's looking the goods. He's been able to impact the game in so many different ways. He's physical, he's competitive, he's got great skills and he's been one of the major reasons why Fremantle have jumped up the ladder in twenty twenty four. So Josh Tracy at four. At three, Jake Waterman, the fellow big dog over there in the West. He'd never ever put together a full season of footy really, even when he was an understudy or a wingman to Jack Darling, to Josh Kennedy or to Oscar Allen. As someone just goes bang bang with some materials in the background.

I do work out of my shed.

I do work out of my shed.

Jake Waterman has having a massive season, a massive season.

Jake Waterman has having a massive season, a massive season.

He's undersized for a.

He's undersized for a.

Full forward, but well for a key forward, I should say, but he's playing as a stay at home full forward. He's a hard working guy, so you know he used to be able to get up and down the ground and hit the wings. Now I reckon he's doing all of his work inside forward fifty.

Full forward, but well for a key forward, I should say, but he's playing as a stay at home full forward. He's a hard working guy, so you know he used to be able to get up and down the ground and hit the wings. Now I reckon he's doing all of his work inside forward fifty.

He stays on the move.

He stays on the move.

His previous best return in terms of goals was eighteen and that was from twenty games, so less than the goal of game. He's going to go close to fifty this season. He hasn't had a lot of help inside that forward fifty. Oscar Allen's only return to the team in the past couple of weeks. So Jake Waterman at three, number two, Big TDK Tom Decony perhaps some of his improvement was in the latter part of last year, particularly in the finals, but ever since taking over from Mark Pittnet, he has exploded to be the number one big dog for Carlton. His possession win raid has exploded. He's been north of twenty across the past month and a half. His clearances, his contested possession rate, his tackles have all gone through the roof. He did bump into a big dog on the weekend, Kieren Briggs, who I thought got the points and was massive in that game. But certainly Tom decoe form has exploded and he speaking of Tristan Sherry perhaps stealing the All Australian ruckman position. Tom n Coning is in the mix as well and number one, and I know I'll have to probably explain this because he's been in All Australian in the past, but he was an All Australian half forward flanker. In my opinion, he was somewhat he was almost a tease as a player. He's an All Australian lock He's a contender to win the brown Low Medal, whether he's allowed to or not because he's up for some tribune or some mro issue. As I sit down on a Monday afternoon, it's Isaac Keeney. I think he's the most improved player in the game. He's a lock for all Australian. He's been the best midfielder in the competition, in the best performed team in the competition. His numbers are through the roof. He's been north of twenty in almost every game. He's been one point six to one point seven goals per game for a midfielder. He has been absolutely epic across twenty twenty four. Does his form start to tapeer? Because I do firmly believe in the difficulty that players have going into their first full season as a midfielder. You've seen Jake Sligo really drop off with some fatigue. You're just banging in the bodies eighty ninety times a game at stoppage. Does Heeney, who's more mature physically, He's got more legs under him and more conditioning under him than Sligo does. But does he start to just fatigue in the latter part of the season. But for now he's the most improved player in the game. So five is Tristan Sherry. Four Josh Tracy three, Jake Waterman two, Tom Deconing and number one Isaac Heeney. Fair or foul? Do you agree? Do you disagreed to miss anyone? I did miss a few because there are so many. Make sure you leave a comment in the comments section and give me your views, all right, A quick A few quick ones to round us out to ruck or not to ruck? That's the question. Geelong and Hawthorne on the weekend. So Geelong effectively went in without a I guess a recognized number one big man, Sam Deacony and Mark Blitzavs shared duties and maybe in a month or two we'll be saying Sam to Coning is a genuine ruckman.

His previous best return in terms of goals was eighteen and that was from twenty games, so less than the goal of game. He's going to go close to fifty this season. He hasn't had a lot of help inside that forward fifty. Oscar Allen's only return to the team in the past couple of weeks. So Jake Waterman at three, number two, Big TDK Tom Decony perhaps some of his improvement was in the latter part of last year, particularly in the finals, but ever since taking over from Mark Pittnet, he has exploded to be the number one big dog for Carlton. His possession win raid has exploded. He's been north of twenty across the past month and a half. His clearances, his contested possession rate, his tackles have all gone through the roof. He did bump into a big dog on the weekend, Kieren Briggs, who I thought got the points and was massive in that game. But certainly Tom decoe form has exploded and he speaking of Tristan Sherry perhaps stealing the All Australian ruckman position. Tom n Coning is in the mix as well and number one, and I know I'll have to probably explain this because he's been in All Australian in the past, but he was an All Australian half forward flanker. In my opinion, he was somewhat he was almost a tease as a player. He's an All Australian lock He's a contender to win the brown Low Medal, whether he's allowed to or not because he's up for some tribune or some mro issue. As I sit down on a Monday afternoon, it's Isaac Keeney. I think he's the most improved player in the game. He's a lock for all Australian. He's been the best midfielder in the competition, in the best performed team in the competition. His numbers are through the roof. He's been north of twenty in almost every game. He's been one point six to one point seven goals per game for a midfielder. He has been absolutely epic across twenty twenty four. Does his form start to tapeer? Because I do firmly believe in the difficulty that players have going into their first full season as a midfielder. You've seen Jake Sligo really drop off with some fatigue. You're just banging in the bodies eighty ninety times a game at stoppage. Does Heeney, who's more mature physically, He's got more legs under him and more conditioning under him than Sligo does. But does he start to just fatigue in the latter part of the season. But for now he's the most improved player in the game. So five is Tristan Sherry. Four Josh Tracy three, Jake Waterman two, Tom Deconing and number one Isaac Heeney. Fair or foul? Do you agree? Do you disagreed to miss anyone? I did miss a few because there are so many. Make sure you leave a comment in the comments section and give me your views, all right, A quick A few quick ones to round us out to ruck or not to ruck? That's the question. Geelong and Hawthorne on the weekend. So Geelong effectively went in without a I guess a recognized number one big man, Sam Deacony and Mark Blitzavs shared duties and maybe in a month or two we'll be saying Sam to Coning is a genuine ruckman.

And the Hawks had Lloyd Meek, so Lloyd Meek was solid.

And the Hawks had Lloyd Meek, so Lloyd Meek was solid.

Thirteen disposals, four clearances and had forty seven hitouts, so he dominated the hitouts.

Thirteen disposals, four clearances and had forty seven hitouts, so he dominated the hitouts.

But the Cats were able to.

But the Cats were able to.

Get the job done, you know, in terms of their two guys who played in the ruck but around the ground, Da Cone had twenty disposals, six tackles, four clearances, fifteen hitouts and a couple of sausage rolls, whilst Mark Blitzevs kicked a goal as well. He had sixteen touches. He laid four tackles and had three clearances. So if you have a look at the numbers, Meets had thirteen touches, the Geelong Rucks have had thirty six between them. The hitouts were heavily in favor of the Hawks. He had four clearances. The Cats boys combined for seven and they kicked three goals between them versus Meets zero. So interesting sort of set of circumstances, interesting philosophy differences. I know the Cats are doing it in part because they have to, but it's just interesting to see how you can perhaps get away without playing a big number one ruckman and still get the job done. Speaking of ruckman and speaking of to Coonings, and I mentioned him in the top five most improved players, least Tom Daconing.

Get the job done, you know, in terms of their two guys who played in the ruck but around the ground, Da Cone had twenty disposals, six tackles, four clearances, fifteen hitouts and a couple of sausage rolls, whilst Mark Blitzevs kicked a goal as well. He had sixteen touches. He laid four tackles and had three clearances. So if you have a look at the numbers, Meets had thirteen touches, the Geelong Rucks have had thirty six between them. The hitouts were heavily in favor of the Hawks. He had four clearances. The Cats boys combined for seven and they kicked three goals between them versus Meets zero. So interesting sort of set of circumstances, interesting philosophy differences. I know the Cats are doing it in part because they have to, but it's just interesting to see how you can perhaps get away without playing a big number one ruckman and still get the job done. Speaking of ruckman and speaking of to Coonings, and I mentioned him in the top five most improved players, least Tom Daconing.

He was like that.

He was like that.

He was like that big boy who'd been dominating the schoolyard. Well he ran into a bigger bully on the weekend. Kieran Briggs was mammoth. And I know Deaconing still had a big game, he had twenty four disposals and he was still a good player for his team, but Kieran Briggs was so impactful in that game you really needed to watch the game to understand how much impact Briggs had in the contest. He had twenty two touches of his own, laid nine tackles, was dominant in the hitouts, had forty hitouts. He had eight score involvements, so he was impactful in terms of chains of possession that led to scores, and he had ten clearances of his own. He was so big in that game, he'd be close enough to Bog in that contest. One guy who might be vying for best on ground on as in that game was a former d in, a former docer. I think he's the hardest working ke forward in the game, Jesse Hogan. He's now a giant in every sense of the word, not only because of the team he.

He was like that big boy who'd been dominating the schoolyard. Well he ran into a bigger bully on the weekend. Kieran Briggs was mammoth. And I know Deaconing still had a big game, he had twenty four disposals and he was still a good player for his team, but Kieran Briggs was so impactful in that game you really needed to watch the game to understand how much impact Briggs had in the contest. He had twenty two touches of his own, laid nine tackles, was dominant in the hitouts, had forty hitouts. He had eight score involvements, so he was impactful in terms of chains of possession that led to scores, and he had ten clearances of his own. He was so big in that game, he'd be close enough to Bog in that contest. One guy who might be vying for best on ground on as in that game was a former d in, a former docer. I think he's the hardest working ke forward in the game, Jesse Hogan. He's now a giant in every sense of the word, not only because of the team he.

Plays for, but the way he plays the game. He was huge.

Plays for, but the way he plays the game. He was huge.

I know Charlie Kurno's chasing history, chasing his third straight.

I know Charlie Kurno's chasing history, chasing his third straight.

Common medal, but Hogan, I.

Common medal, but Hogan, I.

Think is the number one performed key forward in the game, certainly over the past six or eight weeks. He works his tail off plays to win. He fights tooth and nail to always be in front. He con tests relentlessly in the air, fifteen disposals nine marks, laid five tackles and kicked five goals against the Blues. I know Jacob Weidering was hobbled considerably in that game, but that's got nothing to do with Hogan. He just played the game as he saw foot, he saw fit. He's number three in the competition for goals, so he's third on the Coleman table. He's number one in the game for marks inside fifty and number three in the game for contested marks on the season, and he does work alongside a couple of young key forwards who are really trying to forge a career. Jake Riccardi's a little more established, but Aaron Cadman certainly is a long way from being a finished product. So he's been working very very well, considering a couple of his other wing men are still trying to find their way in Hogan's career turnaround. We know he's always been incredibly talented, he burst onto the scene with but it's been so admirable to watch him, you know, fight his way back, work his way back to prominence, and I love to watch him play. One man who can help Hogan and can help the Giants, and I know their performance excuse me against the Blues was huge, was epic after being down eight goals to two. I think it was at court a time. They kicked fourteen of the next sixteen. But Toby Green, he can give the Giants so much more. He's just not quite where he needs to be. He's not quite at the levels of last season. He was the Australian captain last year and I dug up a couple of stats. I had to look at his numbers from last year versus this year. So Toby Green, he's got twenty less goals than this time last year. But last season he played twenty one or twenty one games that he played in he had two plus goals where he kicked two plus goals twenty one times, and seventeen games last year he had fifteen plus disposals and two plus goals in the game, so seventeen times he had fifteen or more and kick two or more in the game. This season he's only had five games with fifteen plus and two plus and in eight of his fifteen games this year he's either kicked one or zero goals. The upside in him is just gigantic. If he can get going, if he can get back to his best in the latter part of the season. The Giants can make another run, certainly based on what we saw in quarters two, three and four against the Blues. So I think have been the informed team of the past six or seven weeks. If he can get going, absolutely look out this week on these seven AFL socials. I posed a question to you one I've answered for myself. But is Essendon skipper Zach Merritt the best kicking midfielder in the game. I say yes. I think he's got every kick in the book. He can hit the short kicks, he can hit the intermediate kicks. He's fantastic kicking to a leading forward, and he's run and carry and long kicking. Can eat up the meters game for his team. And he's one of those mids who looks to kick. He looks to run and he looks to kick. I think he's the best kicking mid in the game. Go and check it out, Go check the video out on the seven AFL socials and let me know.

Think is the number one performed key forward in the game, certainly over the past six or eight weeks. He works his tail off plays to win. He fights tooth and nail to always be in front. He con tests relentlessly in the air, fifteen disposals nine marks, laid five tackles and kicked five goals against the Blues. I know Jacob Weidering was hobbled considerably in that game, but that's got nothing to do with Hogan. He just played the game as he saw foot, he saw fit. He's number three in the competition for goals, so he's third on the Coleman table. He's number one in the game for marks inside fifty and number three in the game for contested marks on the season, and he does work alongside a couple of young key forwards who are really trying to forge a career. Jake Riccardi's a little more established, but Aaron Cadman certainly is a long way from being a finished product. So he's been working very very well, considering a couple of his other wing men are still trying to find their way in Hogan's career turnaround. We know he's always been incredibly talented, he burst onto the scene with but it's been so admirable to watch him, you know, fight his way back, work his way back to prominence, and I love to watch him play. One man who can help Hogan and can help the Giants, and I know their performance excuse me against the Blues was huge, was epic after being down eight goals to two. I think it was at court a time. They kicked fourteen of the next sixteen. But Toby Green, he can give the Giants so much more. He's just not quite where he needs to be. He's not quite at the levels of last season. He was the Australian captain last year and I dug up a couple of stats. I had to look at his numbers from last year versus this year. So Toby Green, he's got twenty less goals than this time last year. But last season he played twenty one or twenty one games that he played in he had two plus goals where he kicked two plus goals twenty one times, and seventeen games last year he had fifteen plus disposals and two plus goals in the game, so seventeen times he had fifteen or more and kick two or more in the game. This season he's only had five games with fifteen plus and two plus and in eight of his fifteen games this year he's either kicked one or zero goals. The upside in him is just gigantic. If he can get going, if he can get back to his best in the latter part of the season. The Giants can make another run, certainly based on what we saw in quarters two, three and four against the Blues. So I think have been the informed team of the past six or seven weeks. If he can get going, absolutely look out this week on these seven AFL socials. I posed a question to you one I've answered for myself. But is Essendon skipper Zach Merritt the best kicking midfielder in the game. I say yes. I think he's got every kick in the book. He can hit the short kicks, he can hit the intermediate kicks. He's fantastic kicking to a leading forward, and he's run and carry and long kicking. Can eat up the meters game for his team. And he's one of those mids who looks to kick. He looks to run and he looks to kick. I think he's the best kicking mid in the game. Go and check it out, Go check the video out on the seven AFL socials and let me know.

And finally the Cats figured it out.

And finally the Cats figured it out.

Chris Scott was always going to figure out what to do with Tom Stewart. He's five times All Australian defender. He'd been almost tagged into submission at different stages.

Chris Scott was always going to figure out what to do with Tom Stewart. He's five times All Australian defender. He'd been almost tagged into submission at different stages.

The Cats had conceded so much so.

The Cats had conceded so much so.

That he was playing as a far forward not that long ago against the Blues when Alex Chincotta sat on him. But they figured it out and Scott was always going to do so because he loves these types of challenges. He loves to outthink everyone else. He loves to come up with roles and responsibilities for his best players. And he did so, and he did it without really giving up the skill set that's made Stuart so good.

That he was playing as a far forward not that long ago against the Blues when Alex Chincotta sat on him. But they figured it out and Scott was always going to do so because he loves these types of challenges. He loves to outthink everyone else. He loves to come up with roles and responsibilities for his best players. And he did so, and he did it without really giving up the skill set that's made Stuart so good.

He's defensive prowess.

He's defensive prowess.

So Stuart went to almost seventy five percent, almost three quarters of Geelong center bounces against Hawthorne. And he played initially as a midfielder, but he always set up as the midfielder on the defensive side of the stoppage for the Cats, So he was always defensive side of the stoppage for his team. And what would happen when the ball would leave the area was one of a couple of things.

So Stuart went to almost seventy five percent, almost three quarters of Geelong center bounces against Hawthorne. And he played initially as a midfielder, but he always set up as the midfielder on the defensive side of the stoppage for the Cats, So he was always defensive side of the stoppage for his team. And what would happen when the ball would leave the area was one of a couple of things.

So when the.

So when the.

Cats won the ball, he wouldn't chase the ball forward, he wouldn't go forward and try and impact the next contest. He would basically hover and then make position as if he was a plus one defender waiting for the ball to come back. If it were to come back in his area, if the ball was in dispute, or if the ball was won by the Hawks, he was high tailing it. He was hauling ass to get back and be that extra defender, that guy who was going to be the plus one defender for his team. And the way or the giveaway I think for opposition teams and the.

Cats won the ball, he wouldn't chase the ball forward, he wouldn't go forward and try and impact the next contest. He would basically hover and then make position as if he was a plus one defender waiting for the ball to come back. If it were to come back in his area, if the ball was in dispute, or if the ball was won by the Hawks, he was high tailing it. He was hauling ass to get back and be that extra defender, that guy who was going to be the plus one defender for his team. And the way or the giveaway I think for opposition teams and the.

Giveaway for us.

Giveaway for us.

He still had a really high number, I think, almost double digits when it came to inter set possessions. Midfielders don't really have those types of numbers, so he's certainly still he's starting as a midfielder and his first phase of play is as a midfielder, but he's still playing as a defender. I think teams will catch up, and I think teams will still be able to tag Stuart, But all of a sudden, you don't need a defensi forward. You need someone who's comfortable at stoppage because Stewart can hunt the ball if he needs to.

He still had a really high number, I think, almost double digits when it came to inter set possessions. Midfielders don't really have those types of numbers, so he's certainly still he's starting as a midfielder and his first phase of play is as a midfielder, but he's still playing as a defender. I think teams will catch up, and I think teams will still be able to tag Stuart, But all of a sudden, you don't need a defensi forward. You need someone who's comfortable at stoppage because Stewart can hunt the ball if he needs to.

He's a physical guy.

He's a physical guy.

He's got great speed, he's tough, he's great over a ground ball, so he can still impact around the footy, but you need someone who can go with him at stoppage and someone who can then get back and be with him when he gets behind the footy.

He's got great speed, he's tough, he's great over a ground ball, so he can still impact around the footy, but you need someone who can go with him at stoppage and someone who can then get back and be with him when he gets behind the footy.

So it's going to be interesting to see if teams can figure it out.

So it's going to be interesting to see if teams can figure it out.

The Cats and the Pies go at it on Friday Night, so to be fascinating to see how colling would try and tackle that situation. Speaking of round eighteen, it's on the horizon, it's not that far away.

The Cats and the Pies go at it on Friday Night, so to be fascinating to see how colling would try and tackle that situation. Speaking of round eighteen, it's on the horizon, it's not that far away.

And I'll tell you what, She's going to be an absolute beauty you reckon.

And I'll tell you what, She's going to be an absolute beauty you reckon.

Round seventeen was good Channel seven Friday Night forty can't wait. The g will be almost packed Collingwood and Geelong.

Round seventeen was good Channel seven Friday Night forty can't wait. The g will be almost packed Collingwood and Geelong.

That's going to be a massive game.

That's going to be a massive game.

Pies almost must win and Geelong if they can win that top four is back on the agenda for them. Hawthorne and Freo down in Tazzi at Lonceston. That's going to be a fascinating game. That's for the purists, that's for those who really love their footy. The Hawks need to win if they're going to sneak in to the top eight, and Freo are chasing not only top four for them, but they're probably chasing an unlikely spot in the top two. They might be able to finish second if a few things go their way.

Pies almost must win and Geelong if they can win that top four is back on the agenda for them. Hawthorne and Freo down in Tazzi at Lonceston. That's going to be a fascinating game. That's for the purists, that's for those who really love their footy. The Hawks need to win if they're going to sneak in to the top eight, and Freo are chasing not only top four for them, but they're probably chasing an unlikely spot in the top two. They might be able to finish second if a few things go their way.

They'll have to win this game if they're to do so.

They'll have to win this game if they're to do so.

They're two and eleven overall at York Park down there at Lonceston, so they'll have to upend some of their history. But history means very little to this group. Not many of those have played in those eleven losses. But that's another great game the Dogs and the Blues at Marvel Stadium under the lead, that's going to be huge for both The Doctor Putrid last week Carlton as impressive a first quarter as you could hope to see and then completely steamrolled after that.

They're two and eleven overall at York Park down there at Lonceston, so they'll have to upend some of their history. But history means very little to this group. Not many of those have played in those eleven losses. But that's another great game the Dogs and the Blues at Marvel Stadium under the lead, that's going to be huge for both The Doctor Putrid last week Carlton as impressive a first quarter as you could hope to see and then completely steamrolled after that.

Can Charlie Kurno turn it on?

Can Charlie Kurno turn it on?

The Dogs have got some personnel issues down back, and when you've got some tall defenders injured or under a cloud, you don't want to be bumping into Charlie Kerno, particularly at Marvel Stadium, as well as Harry McKay coming off a bag of five.

The Dogs have got some personnel issues down back, and when you've got some tall defenders injured or under a cloud, you don't want to be bumping into Charlie Kerno, particularly at Marvel Stadium, as well as Harry McKay coming off a bag of five.

The D's minus Max Gorn.

The D's minus Max Gorn.

That news has come out that Max Gorn's got an injury to his foot that's a little more serious than first thought. They play the Bombers, so we're trying to solidify their spot in the top four, and then Gold Coast and Power. I'm covering this game on radio for AFL Nation. It's big for both. If Pork can pinch this, then all of a sudden, the top four might even be open for them, and Gold Coast they've just got to try and restore some respect amongst themselves. I know we'll all say, well, you run at home, well done, that's what you always do, but you never win on the road. But I'll tell you what, dropping this game certainly puts their final spot in jeopardy. So that's a big game on Sunday, the early game on the Goal Coast the Suns and the Power. So Round seventeen was gigantic. Round eighteen is going to be next level. All the games mean so much at this stage of the season.

That news has come out that Max Gorn's got an injury to his foot that's a little more serious than first thought. They play the Bombers, so we're trying to solidify their spot in the top four, and then Gold Coast and Power. I'm covering this game on radio for AFL Nation. It's big for both. If Pork can pinch this, then all of a sudden, the top four might even be open for them, and Gold Coast they've just got to try and restore some respect amongst themselves. I know we'll all say, well, you run at home, well done, that's what you always do, but you never win on the road. But I'll tell you what, dropping this game certainly puts their final spot in jeopardy. So that's a big game on Sunday, the early game on the Goal Coast the Suns and the Power. So Round seventeen was gigantic. Round eighteen is going to be next level. All the games mean so much at this stage of the season.

Thanks for watching.

Thanks for watching.

Plenty of you have been watching, been loving the comments, been trying to get back to all of them on YouTube. Thanks for listening along. If you're listening by the podcast, keep it happening, keep it rolling, and I'll latch out to you again next week.

Plenty of you have been watching, been loving the comments, been trying to get back to all of them on YouTube. Thanks for listening along. If you're listening by the podcast, keep it happening, keep it rolling, and I'll latch out to you again next week.