I agree on the timeframe, but I have to confess I was surprised at the "flick of a switch" manner in which his improvement occurred. I remember a comment from one of the coaches (Plapp, perhaps?) that they were pretty worried about his early season form.

He was immense against Geelong and hasn't looked back. It's been great to see.

Confidence is an amazing thing...

Max Gawn aka 'Mr Invincible!!

Gawn was introduced by Roos as 'Mr Invincible' on Friday as he announced his extension after telling a journalist earlier this season he had felt "invincible" during a contest against Geelong.

Mr Invincible...has a nice ring to it!!

Been a good few weeks, all considered.

We ended Collingwood's season, Trengove is running again at last, and Gawn has written a 3-year-long signature.

In our hearts, we all know the contract was written in all caps. It is the only suitable way.

'tis a thing of beauty

Never in doubt.

Sigh...

*unzips*

Expected yes but really happy to have him banked......cue the deposits and tissue comments.

His marking has me a little shocked and excited, really clunking them. I'm guessing the whisperer's been at work "try two hands for marking mate"

Delighted as one of Max's sponsors that he's shown great loyalty and extended for three years.

I'm happy to reciprocate by extending my sponsorship for the same period.

Great news. He is only 23. He feels like he has been around for a very long time. But its great to see him play good footy at the moment. I must admit I didnt think he was that good at contested marks like he has been the past few weeks. He has been amazing.

Gawn: I've seen some dark times here but I can see an upwards trend... There's a long way to go but I can definitely see an upwards trend. Its nice to see some loyalty and a player can see a good future ahead.

Its also nice to see the number 11 worn again and with pride this time.

Edited August 14, 201510 yr by dees189227

Good to see some re-sign instead of resign for once.

Always saw something in Gawn, he played the occasional good game here and there. Fantastic to see him pushing himself and taking the game on. Good job Max.

Have met him a few times and is a ripping bloke.

Hopefully he comtinues to improve and leads us to our first finals appearance in a long time.

Tear it apart Maxy.

With today's signing being a type of symbolic 'changing of the guard' I bring a little comparison to Mark Jamar's career... ('big blokes take time'):

Picked up in the 2001 rookie draft

Managed 20 games in his first 4 years at Melbourne

Became a regular after that, but was famous for laughably poor statistics

Did not make the top 10 of the BnF for his first 8 years, before:

2010 - All-Australian, 3rd in the BnF

in 2011, he finished 7th, has not featured since

Career average disposals 8.2 (!)

I'm not making this post to carp on the Russian - it just occurs to me that he took a VERY long time to come on, he racked up 8 years and probably 70 games of very low quality before doing anything. Even in his prime as a tap ruckman, his work around the ground left much to be desired. Myself and many others pined for his delisting until we were finally proven wrong with his breakout year. Unfortunately, that flame only burned for 2 years and fizzled out again.

Maxy, by comparison:

Taken at ND pick 34 in 2009

again, just 26 unremarkable games in his first 4 years, although hampered by injury

I would argue he has broken out already in year 6 - compared to Jamar's year 9

My point is simply that he looks to be way ahead of Jamar at their respective stages - hopefully that translates into a player who can be a step higher and go for yers longer than the service the Russian gave us. A toast to the changing of the guard'.

This is his 6th year on the list. And he may be AA in his 7th season, but until he does that, Jamar has him covered.

This is his 6th year on the list. And he may be AA in his 7th season, but until he does that, Jamar has him covered.

ah yes correction noted and edited. That's still 3 years earlier than Jamar did anything.

if he plays more than 2 great seasons he'll be better

pretty sure he will

ps do you reckon he will go 8 years without a top10 BnF finish? I don't, I reckon he will sneak in year 6, this year.. currently 6th on DLand POTY

Edited August 14, 201510 yr by Curry & Beer

Been a good few weeks, all considered.

We ended Collingwood's season, Trengove is running again at last, and Gawn has written a 3-year-long signature.

In our hearts, we all know the contract was written in all caps. It is the only suitable way.

Speaking of which , it was a little disappointing to see the Pies lose tonight

Not that I'm the poorer for it but

Slightly left field, but in the press conference for Max's signing today, has Roosy had some nip tuck with his eyelids?

Max is a true demon.

ah yes correction noted and edited. That's still 3 years earlier than Jamar did anything.

if he plays more than 2 great seasons he'll be better

pretty sure he will

ps do you reckon he will go 8 years without a top10 BnF finish? I don't, I reckon he will sneak in year 6, this year.. currently 6th on DLand POTY

Oh, I do think he is a good player. I just don't see the need to prop him up at the expense of Jamar. He may not have won a AA before 2010, but he did 'something' previous to that. He managed to back up a great ruckman in White and impressed enough to get us to pick him over Darren Jolly.

Gawn might regress, he might do another knee (touch wood), he might be entering an era of smaller ruckmen dominating.

But he is lucky enough that he is coming into some form when the competition at ruck at this club is the lowest it has been since...I can't even remember. Pre-Stynes?

He has played 9 games this year and got a three year deal out of his form and the fact that we have no better options at the club or on the horizon.

Love your work DA, keep punching mate.

Happy with Krygios ?

Oh, I do think he is a good player. I just don't see the need to prop him up at the expense of Jamar. He may not have won a AA before 2010, but he did 'something' previous to that. He managed to back up a great ruckman in White and impressed enough to get us to pick him over Darren Jolly.

Gawn might regress, he might do another knee (touch wood), he might be entering an era of smaller ruckmen dominating.

But he is lucky enough that he is coming into some form when the competition at ruck at this club is the lowest it has been since...I can't even remember. Pre-Stynes?

He has played 9 games this year and got a three year deal out of his form and the fact that we have no better options at the club or on the horizon.

You obviously just love Jamar. F me if I know why, 14 years at the club and 2 top10 finishes in the BnF. Not a good return mate.

Love your work DA, keep punching mate.

Happy with Krygios ?

G'day Smithy, good to see you posting, how are you old fella?

I am one of the happy ones with Krygios, I don't mind a bit of lip, as you may know, and the kid can play.

He might not have Marat's loveable temper, but I don't mind some attitude on the court.

The Talking Beard puts pen to paper...

??? hunch ???

Confidence is an amazing thing...

effort & desperation, are even more amazing things, than c