fensaddler

Ref has already organised it. Someone has money on him getting sent off.

Some Perth wombat has pulled the plug in disgust. They'd bought the ref and they still ended up behind.

He didn't want to give it. Needed VAR to kick him into sorting it.

This ref is a first class idiot.

And Cola is starting for the oppo.

No Mazzeo in the squad tonight.

Seriously? No chance for me then. Not going to hang around that late after work, and I've got to get back to Lara after the match and be up to deliver a presentation the following morning.

Good piece from Joey Lynch here. https://jdlmedia.news/2023/12/08/vidmar-hoping-hard-truths-and-honest-conversations-in-japan-spur-city-improvements/

Too much aggression from Victory fans for me to want to attend derbies any more. Just don't enjoy the experience like I do other matches.

Just had that confirmed on the TV commentary. Short tram ride or longish walk from the city. Could be feasible for those of us working in town that day.

Is the venue Ikon Park, the oval in Carlton?

Jakolis looks up for this. He may blow hot and cold, but today definitely warmer....

Now you know who he is.

Galloway sick apparently. Natel injured. Mazzeo one of our youngsters, came on last match. TBH if we're struggling let's give the kids a go. Give them some experience.

No way.

Not a chance of making that Zhejiang game then...

Apparently he's finally been sacked at Troyes. https://twitter.com/FrontPgFootball/status/1728847728594010293?t=Q7JbclJamZ3ChCmZTezMrQ&s=19

I wanted to put a backstory on this comment. There was research done years ago which related success in football teams to the number and strength of social connections between the team members. The more the social connections the more united and successful the team. We lost a lot of people at the end of the season. We've maybe lost some key people in the squad, the characters who created the team spirit and sense of unity. We may even have brought in characters who don't work well in the group. At best it will take time for those bonds to develop. It may be as much off the pitch as on it.

"As best we can" are the operative words. Fully recognise our room for manoeuvre is limited. Salvation likely has to come from within...

I admire your optimism...

Suspect we'll need to clear out as best we can in January. But this season is a dead loss already.

Nabbout and Leckie are going to need to make a hell of a difference even for us to make the six. We look like also rans with an ageing, underperforming squad. Bit like Macarthur last season.

Not sure I can see the logic of preferring Talbot to Galloway. I suspect I'm not alone in this view.

I'd be wondering if there's not something wrong with the chemistry of the squad. But we're definitely carrying too many players who aren't performing.

Arslan back despite going off, Good in the squad after only being on the bench last time. Maclaren and Behich on the face of it are fit after their international break.