This is the first I've heard of it, but on the back page of the Geelong Advertiser today Neil Balme has said:

"There's a new rule next year where after Round 11 one rookie will be able to play senior footy, without having to put a player on the long-term injury list."

Sorry, haven't got a link for you, but this was in regards to Shane Mumford, the Cats rookie-listed player who was promoted last year, but who they don't want to permanently promote for this coming year.

Anyway, I think it has a lot of relevance when talking about how many draft picks we'll end up using, National or Pre Season.

It also means, if one of Wonaemirri or Valenti is permanently promoted, then the other is a fair chance to do the same come Round 11.

And there is also the chance NEITHER will be so we can use all of our picks, with a mind to promoting due to needs at that stage due to injuries, form, etc.

To be honest, I would prefer if we keep them both on the rookie list just for now. Cruel to the kids, but we need as many decent young players as possible and getting one at pick 67 of the National Draft is, in my eyes, a much better chance than an extra rookie. I'd rather we roll the dice with that pick. I don't think one of those players will make THAT MUCH difference to the performance of the team, that demand to be promoted.

Of course on the flip side it may stunt their development, but who knows? oh.. so many variables, i'm getting a headache..

Here's the link..

http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/articl.../23655_gfc.html

I actually like this rule. Gives those clubs who are rebuilding/tanking a free ticket to tinker with the roster.

To be honest, I would prefer if we keep them both on the rookie list just for now.

Valenti should be kept on the rookie list but Aussie must be promoted. He showed enough between rounds 3 and 14 to suggest that he can cut it at this level. Aussie's formed tapered off later in the year due to fatigue and not having Davey in the side.

Davey and Aussie could create a dangerous duo next year, with one bloke being the goal sneak and the other weaving his magic in the midfield - and then rotating. This worked a treat in the Freo, Brisbane and Hawthorn games earlier in the year.

I don't like the idea of not being able to play the rookie-listed Aussie in round 1 next year, because we've recruited a player in the 60's that won't play next year. Better to rookie list that player instead.

Bottom line is I believe Aussie (who is in our best 22) would be more valuable than a speculative 5th or 6th round draft selection who will not play next year.

Valenti should be kept on the rookie list but Aussie must be promoted. He showed enough between rounds 3 and 14 to suggest that he can cut it at this level. Aussie's formed tapered off later in the year due to fatigue and not having Davey in the side.

Davey and Aussie could create a dangerous duo next year, with one bloke being the goal sneak and the other weaving his magic in the midfield - and then rotating. This worked a treat in the Freo, Brisbane and Hawthorn games earlier in the year.

I don't like the idea of not being able to play the rookie-listed Aussie in round 1 next year, because we've recruited a player in the 60's that won't play next year. Better to rookie list that player instead.

Bottom line is I believe Aussie (who is in our best 22) would be more valuable than a speculative 5th or 6th round draft selection who will not play next year.

Pick 51 is our 5th pick this draft. That's 3 picks after Hawthorn's third round selection. In a draft that's supposed to run as deep as this one we MUST use that pick. Pick 1 in the PSD is also a pick we should use imo. The national draft is a high pressure situation with time restrictions. It's good to be able to sit down after the dust settles and see who got passed by, especially if you've got first crack at what's left. If there's still someone left at 67 that we're keen on,we could use that intstead of our psd pick, but we need 6 picks minimum.

If we can't get rid of Nafe or the AFL won't let us replace him because his salary must be counted next season, we must either delist Bell or Dunn or leave Aussie and Wonna on the rookie list. We'd be crazy to go no deeper than what's almost a third round pick in a deep draft

If we can't get rid of Nafe or the AFL won't let us replace him because his salary must be counted next season, we must either delist Bell or Dunn or leave Aussie and Wonna on the rookie list. We'd be crazy to go no deeper than what's almost a third round pick in a deep draft

But like "Nafe", Bell and Dunn are also contracted players aren't they? If that's the case, delisting either of them to get an extra choice even in a deep draft doesn't seem right either. It might just be best if the FD think the draft is deep to keep Aussie and Shane as rookies for at least another half season (or less if we have any long term injuries) to maximise our results in the drafts.

But like "Nafe", Bell and Dunn are also contracted players aren't they? If that's the case, delisting either of them to get an extra choice even in a deep draft doesn't seem right either. It might just be best if the FD think the draft is deep to keep Aussie and Shane as rookies for at least another half season (or less if we have any long term injuries) to maximise our results in the drafts.

This is the option I think is best... but to be honest, Aussie really has earnt that spot on the senior list.

It'd be a bit of a slap in the face to not promote him.

Tough decision this one.

I thought Bell, Dunn and Moloney were yet to sign on for next year WJ, could be wrong. I didn't throw beamer in the mix cos he's one of my faves

Yze, Neitz, White, Holland, Bode, Weetra.

=

ND 1, 17, 19, 35, 51.

PSD 1.

Carroll goes? Wonaeamirri gets promoted.

Carroll doesn't go? Wonaeamirri stays on rookie list, but gets promoted in round 1 to replace Carroll who gets placed on the 'long-term boofhead' list.

And guys... pick 67? Don't wet yourself with excitement.

For what it's worth, all teams get two extra rookie list spots this draft, and we've cut two veterans which means two more rookie list spots appear, and if Wonaeamirri is promoted then add one more.

Five rookie list spots really should handle any late speculative picks we want - remember that in reality rookie pick 1 will only be about 10-20 spots behind ND 67.

(2007 draft - 75 (-6 passes) picks, plus 8 pre-season picks) = 77

(2006 draft - 89 (-9) picks, plus 9 PSD) = 89

(2005 draft - 76 (-9) picks, plus 10 PSD) = 77

Carroll must go.

Aussie must be promoted (rising star nominee, 2nd in the goal kicking).

Valenti shouldn't be promoted especially with this new rule introduced.