This week on the Real Footy podcast, Michael Gleeson, Caroline Wilson discuss the 0-3 Cats, who looked slow and were flattered by the margin in their most recent loss, to Gold Coast.
Should Tom Hawkins, who didn’t have a pre-season, be playing? Which outs are hurting them the most? How big of an impact has Joel Selwood’s departure had on the club? The Cats are reminiscent of Carlton’s premiership team of 1995. Is 2023 their exhale moment? They have plenty of home games to come at GMHBA Stadium – will those be enough to help them to finals this year? Meanwhile, the Suns had a good win, but they are not out of the woods just yet. They are guilty until proven innocent in terms of their performances and Stuart Dew is still a coach under pressure.
Elsewhere, Melbourne overcame an MCG hoodoo against the Swans to record a big win. Are the Swans too Buddy-centric? Is it time they kick the ball to him less? Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt is in a similar boat. And Collingwood appear to have transformed and entered a new era. But they have a problem to solve this weekend due to Darcy Cameron’s injury – who will play in the ruck?
Dissent is a hot topic this week after a crucial free kick was paid against Stephen Coniglio in round three. While stamping out dissent in general is important, the right decision wasn’t made in this instance.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan made a stand in round three after suffering racist abuse in round two, in a proud showing that mirrored Nicky Winmar’s famous moment at Victoria Park. What does the AFL’s response show about the change since Swans legend Adam Goodes was booed and hounded years ago?
Plus, should Brisbane drop Joe Daniher this week? Should Izak Rankine have won the Showdown Medal? And do the Saints have the base to succeed this season?
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