Excellent analysis as always, Ricky. I think your observation regarding the gentle approach from the coaches is spot on. As much as some fans are baying for forced improvement with a stick, it feels a consistent approach from the club this year to foster the players on a slower road

You're absolutely right. Lazy and/or shit takes is just par for the AFL media now. Completely missed is the games v Ess, Bris and Rich were without Curtis in prev AA form, missing due to a push in the back that almost certainly would have been less severe if committed this week. Could be 5-6 wins

Well in the end, the Cats kicked 7.5 to 0.1 in the last and dusted the Dons by 95. If that was North or WC, they'd be far harsher than calling them a team that "had a crack". North has been labelled "disappointing" every second week by talking heads who clearly aren't watching their games

Said similar earlier to friends: The apologists in Dunstall and Lyon were praising Essendon for having a crack. The latter noting Essendon's ability to kick 3 of the last 4 goals in the 3rd qtr in junk time when 50 down, instead of putting the cue in the rack, spoke to their future qualities

Incredible non-decision with Larkey's tackle on Banfield #AFLNorthFreo

☝️This

Not at all. It's certainly never boring, and it looks and sounds amazing. But having a 15min intermission was incredibly civilised, should be more of it! Felt like the entire audience double dipped at bar

The Geelong player with only half a body is an interesting selection by the Cats given the conditions