What's more important for us...

[Queanbeyan Demon 6,846]

Def picks . . . 

[Pates 9,660]

Strong finished to the end of the year, setting up momentum for 2020. As long as we do it without pushing players who are carrying niggles, first and foremost preparation for 2020 must be the highest priority.

Where we end up picks wise is where we end up.

[CHF 2,738]

We need to select the best team available from week to week for the rest of the season and play each game with the intent to win.

 

[binman 42,968]

7 minutes ago, Pates said:

Strong finished to the end of the year, setting up momentum for 2020. As long as we do it without pushing players who are carrying niggles, first and foremost preparation for 2020 must be the highest priority.

Where we end up picks wise is where we end up.

Could not agree more. It is critical we finish strongly.

Look at the bombers. Were well out of the finals race at this point last year but steamed home and  had momentum this year. Fans had the 'what could have been feeling;' not jeez we finished near last. Have blown that momentum buy that is another story. 

Who cares about picks? We 'll get a top 10ish pick and that's the key. We don't need bigs and often they are the ones who go high. And don't need contested ball beasts. So we'll be in the mix for a player who meets our needs.

Win and build belief. Get games into Lochhardt and Smith and Hore and other players who may mot have got a shot. Build a winning culture. Win

[Dr. Gonzo 24,216]

On 6/23/2019 at 3:51 PM, jumbo returns said:

Can we still make the 8?

If we go through undefeated we can still sneak in. Toughest games are probably this week and then West Coast in Alice Springs and the Pies at the G.

[John Demonic 5,796]

On 6/23/2019 at 11:45 AM, Diamond_Jim said:

Tom Sparrow | Knee – 6-8 weeks

 

“He’s pulled up really well from surgery and he’ll start running next week, so our aim is definitely to get him back playing before the end of the year.”

When/How the hell did Sparrow get injured?

[RalphiusMaximus 6,053]

I think the mindset needs to change a bit for supporters.  We've kind of been conditioned to look for top picks over the last decade or so.  The club fed us the line back when we drafted Watts, Scully, Trengove et al that we were looking for the best talent from the draft to rebuild.  Roos went in with a definite strategy of getting multiple first round picks over a number of years to build the core of the side.  They've done that now.  What we have now in terms of top-end talent is what we're taking forward.  Like the other top sides there are going to be some trades, top-ups and free agents, but the core is set.  If we're going to get to the top it's through improvement in the players we have and adjustments to the gameplan.  Realistically, we're probably two or three years away from seriously challenging.  Once the core players hit their mid-late 20's though, we'll be a powerhouse. 

[DistrACTION Jackson 8,735]

15 minutes ago, RalphiusMaximus said:

I think the mindset needs to change a bit for supporters.  We've kind of been conditioned to look for top picks over the last decade or so.  The club fed us the line back when we drafted Watts, Scully, Trengove et al that we were looking for the best talent from the draft to rebuild.  Roos went in with a definite strategy of getting multiple first round picks over a number of years to build the core of the side.  They've done that now.  What we have now in terms of top-end talent is what we're taking forward.  Like the other top sides there are going to be some trades, top-ups and free agents, but the core is set.  If we're going to get to the top it's through improvement in the players we have and adjustments to the gameplan.  Realistically, we're probably two or three years away from seriously challenging.  Once the core players hit their mid-late 20's though, we'll be a powerhouse. 

I think with some smart drafting/trading and a full pre-season we should be challenging again next season.

We made a pre-lim with key backs of Oscar and Frost only. May and Lever included is a huge increase in key back talent.

We just need some quick, skilful players in my mind. Weid will be a year older and hopefully TMac will bring his best from Round 1.

[Dr. Gonzo 24,216]

The season will turn on this week's game, it is probably the most critical one to date. Beat the Lions and we are 5-9 with games against Carlton, Saints, WCE and Footscray over the next month. If we can win 3 of those we're 8-10 with 3 big games in a row at the G to follow.

I'm not saying we've got much of a chance but if we can manage to roll Brisbane things could get interesting over the next month.

Edited June 25, 2019 by Dr. Gonzo

[Sir Why You Little 37,036]

2 minutes ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

The season will turn on this week's game, it is probably the most critical one to date. Beat the Lions and we are 5-9 with games against Carlton, Saints, WCE and Footscray over the next month. If we can win 3 of those we're 8-10 with 3 big games in a row at the G to follow.

I'm not saying we've got much of a chance but if we can manage to roll Brisbane things could get interesting over the next month.

Agreed. Beat the Bears up there and we are back to being an outside chance...