I always find it funny when I opt to review a game that is not considered a “marquee” matchup.
Some of my own team ask me why I would bother, or what possessed me to review that particular game.
You see, when I organise the schedule for the writers, I get the pick of the bunch – it’s the benefit of being the guy who puts things together, and whilst I am sure that there are some who screw their face up when they see my name next to a game such as GWS versus Richmond from the Barossa Valley.
But there is always a method to the madness, and in lieu of giving a rundown in the opening, I will run that method by you and see what you think.
Every game has storylines. Every team has players that are central to their present and their future. By watching every team, and diving deeper into each and every one of them, it provides a deeper understanding of not only where they’re at, and what they aspire to in 2026, but where they’re headed, as well.
This is particularly so when it comes to Richmond, as they’re obviously building for a few years from now, but it also applies to GWS, who at the moment, are in that place where they could contend this season, but also have to safeguard the integrity of their list with severely compromised drafts on the horizon. By covering these teams, as much as some may dismiss them currently, it allows me to have a better understanding of what they have at their disposal. I seriously think there are too many “experts” who simply don’t focus on smaller market, or rebuilding teams, and phone in their analysis.
I am also beholden to the people who fork out six bucks a month to read my stuff – to ignore certain teams just because they’re not having a great season (currently) would be borderline neglect of what I promise.
And before I jump in, I talk to you guys – I respond to messages and comments. I have to know what I am talking about when it comes to your teams, or you’d work me out in an instant. You people ARE the experts on your team – I just try to know enough about every team to add a little to your enjoyment of footy.
So, to those who asked me why I chose – and it was my choice – to cover a game pitting a struggling Giants team against a rebuilding Tigers, I hope that explains it.
With that, time to get stuck into the Talking Points from the GWS win over Richmond on Sunday afternoon.
The remainder of this article is for our members. They support me, and I provide for them. It’s a good deal.
Oh… a Mongrel paywall… the worst of all paywalls. We’re all in on the 2026 AFL season. Player articles, stats, awards, game coverage. Dump the mainstream lip service and dive into articles like this – you will never look back. If you don’t want to, that’s fine. I consider it your loss as we get into the grind of the season, and you’re stuck with the stuff that’s frustrated you for years.
