Mookie I thought you were doing okay with some of your points regarding the WCE, even though I disagree, until you mentioned Braun. Most commentators in the footy world, including in Melb AND Bris, seemed to agree.
Aker is a t--sser and based his assertion, in his own words, on the fact that Braun out ran him. Braun is/was fitter and faster. Cousins and Gardiner were the big offenders at the Eagles and deserve punishment/rehab but there is nothing in the Braun stuff.
Your claim that the WCE should have won 3/4 flags, in recent times, is ridiculous. I have watched almost all WCE home games since 1987 and believe the WCE over achieved in both 2005 and 06, especially in 05. IMO the Bris and Geelong (07) are eaily superior teams. 2005 and 06 were unexpected bounses (in a sense) because I genuinely believe the best of the WCE is on front of them. They have the youngest list in the AFL and in 06, it was 1st or 2nd youngest. That is overachieving based on a combination over a great midfield, a handball game plan and a great run with injures. As the team gets more exp and stronger they will get better.
Expect a 10 -15% improvement next year minimum.
It seems that Hawthorn now have a greater problem than the WCE. We know who the two players at Hawthorn are and apparently there are 5/6 others. I don't care about it particulary but it is the double standards and cr=p coming out of Melb about the WCE that is hard to take.
The media stuff about the Hawks overshadowed the real issue of substance abuse. The Melb press looked after them. Funny how we didn't hear from big mouth Jeff at the time.
