13 minutes ago, Ethan Tremblay said:

I don’t see what others see in Joel Smith when it comes to his skills and ability and he definitely has no potential to be a key forward. 

I am not super confident either but I'd like to see him get a run at it as a forward. Joel's athleticism in an otherwise pretty straightforward group could be a good thing. 

I'm more worried about his body.. Misson bashing aside, this guy struggles to string 5 games of footy together...at any level. 

On 5/28/2019 at 9:41 AM, Lucifer's Hero said:

I've just updated the Contracts thread and posted my thoughts on possible list changes. 

It may be a bit early but given our season is done it is relevant to look at possible changes.

The Contracts thread:

 

My thoughts on list changes that I posted in that thread:

I'm guessing we will lose quite a few Rookies. 

Its hard to see a lot of the primary list players who are OOC this year getting an extension.  My thoughts:

• Baker, Frost, Weideman will get new contracts.
• J. Wagner, Garlett, J. Smith are 'maybe' depending on assessment of depth.
• Stretch, Neal Bullen, Kennedy Harris at real risk of going.  They have been on our list for 4-5 years and not able to cement a regular 22 spot.  Can only keep them for so long.
• Lewis, Maynard gone.
• Jones - not sure.  Will challenge the list management team:  Nostalgia vs value add vs keeping a younger player out of the team/out of position.

We will get some good draft picks this year: a top 10 and a high second round pick so a chance to get some high end talent and skills.  Time to refresh.

Hawthorn retired Michael Tuck as a premiership skipper despite his willingness to play on.  Goodwin's approach with Nathan Jones at years end will tell us something . He's paid to make the tough list decisions.

On 5/28/2019 at 2:51 PM, Lucifer's Hero said:

It may sound ruthless but it is what professional clubs do. 

Exactly the issue.

14 hours ago, leave it to deever said:

No question he deserves it but more due to form from previous seasons as well as loyalty. 

The problem is, will he get picked for many

games and will he be captain ?

Cant see him happy in the 2s.

This is professional sport. Why on earth is the above a reason to get paid/a game.

 

4 hours ago, Redleg said:

Dees will do everything they can to get NJ to 300 and he deserves it.

Correct. 

Short memories around here. Jones could have left just like many before him did to chase a flag (Rivers, Frawley etc etc) but he stuck around with this rubble of a club and he deserves to get to 300 even if it means nursing him for the last 10 or so games. 

To be honest he’s been playing as well as most of our other mids this year anyway and had no pre season. Give him a break!

5 hours ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

Not saying he doesn't deserve to reach 300. 

Not saying he shouldn't get another contract. 

Just saying it shouldn't come with a guarantee of at least 14 games. 

We haven't won a premiership in 55 years.  imv the club owes supporters who have loyally stuck fat for many decades, to do everything in its power to get the next one.  I would expect the club to put its and supporter interests ahead of any individual. 

Lets hope we do both:  Jones to 300 and a tilt at the premiership in 2020!! 

It won't be a guarantee other than " deserve to play and we will play you" , with a bit of lenience on the application of the word deserve.

5 hours ago, Ethan Tremblay said:

I don’t see what others see in Joel Smith when it comes to his skills and ability and he definitely has no potential to be a key forward. 

He kicked 4 in a JLT game and a lot of people are hanging his potential and ability on that...

From someone who was a borderline player he now often gets mentioned in the same breath as some of the walk up starts & as best 22.

I agree with you, he hasn't show anywhere near enough.

I also have doubts as to whether he will.

Trade Preuss. No point keeping him on the list when we don’t play him.