19 hours ago, old dee said:

I have been a friend of the late Frank Adams since the early 70's. In a conversation 10 years ago he told me that first year draftees get more in their first year than he got for his entire  career. The game back in the sixties was not much above amateur. The only real money he  made out of footy was when he joined Channel 7. Times have sure changed. In lots of ways not for the better.

Hence many of the old timers who were at the peak of their careers went to the country because it was more lucrative eg Fred Fanning.

7 minutes ago, chook fowler said:

Hence many of the old timers who were at the peak of their careers went to the country because it was more lucrative eg Fred Fanning.

Spot on chook, he also told me he got more running a place in a profession foot race meeting than he got for a Saturday footy game. Don Williams left Melbourne and played in Gippsland for two years ( Sale I think ) because the money was better. He then returned for the 64 flag.

Edited February 7, 20205 yr by old dee

On 2/4/2020 at 3:21 PM, DeeSpencer said:

Agree with your point that we can’t be relying on him, although of course we shouldn’t be relying on anyone to make a significant impact outside our top players.

As for what position he should play - I think all players should train for their best position and develop their strengths. There’s 45+ spots on the list to field a team, get each player to do what they do well first. What does Smith do best - move incredibly well with good size, where’s that best utilized - the backline.

As for team balance: Frost is out down back, Fritsch is in forward and Petty is forward. -1 back, +2 forward. 

I was a Petty down back fan but he lacks speed and doesn’t seem a natural contesting for position, where as his marking and finding front position are strong traits. On the theory of developing players at what they do best it makes sense to try that marking/presenting ability as a forward, even with a packed depth chart.

Petty is still better down back than 'chicken wings' - at all costs.  This season will be one of deep reflection as to whom is responsible for allowing Frosty to get the deserved cash at Hawthorn. 

Edited February 7, 20205 yr by Deemania since 56

2 hours ago, old dee said:

Spot on chook, he also told me he got more running a place in a profession foot race meeting than he got for a Saturday footy game. Don Williams left Melbourne and played in Gippsland for two years ( Sale I think ) because the money was better. He then returned for the 64 flag.

DWilliams did play for Sale. Great place for footballers in the 50s, as well. Only problem was the Filth colours they wore. 

On 2/3/2020 at 12:05 PM, Deemania since 56 said:

As a clearing backman, his leap was very useful - equally with his mobility and 'eyes-up' ball transmission. I still reckon that he is a forward and one with enormous potential - who might well interact in a forward-combo with Fritta to create all sorts of havoc with opposition defensive efforts. We need multiple ball receivers with sticky hands; that way, we can score more times. The loss of Frost in the backline will really hurt us (someone's little brother will get a game again now) if Smith is to be relocated to the backline. 

Ex players like watching this particular game we have very closely. It is often touted about the intelligence and cohesion that a back line exhibits, a la Richmond.

In my opinion these three along with our other main backline players could and should form a very formidable combination. 

We could have a great year in our backline alone..........

Not worth a new thread but for your information I swung past Gosch’s paddock this morning on my training run and found a small squad working with Daniel Cross and another trainer. It might not have been rehab but perhaps a voluntary extra session, no MFC training colours on at all. Cross was running repeat 100 m sprints with TMac and Melk while Brown and J Smith were doing longer, slower repeat runs of 200 plus. Bedford was doing agility stuff between cones on his own. TMac, Melk and Bedford then did some 30m kicking to the other player on the lead and practiced some high marking, all pretty laid back from what I saw but they could have going for an hour before I arrived about 9.40. They were finishing up when I left just before 10. I thought the main squad would be doing something today, maybe up at Casey? 

3 hours ago, old dee said:

Spot on chook, he also told me he got more running a place in a profession foot race meeting than he got for a Saturday footy game. Don Williams left Melbourne and played in Gippsland for two years ( Sale I think ) because the money was better. He then returned for the 64 flag.

Don Williams was a beautiful player to watch - fast, agile and a wonderful drop kick - a real line breaker.

2 hours ago, Deemania since 56 said:

Petty is still better down back than 'chicken wings' - at all costs.  This season will be one of deep reflection as to whom is responsible for allowing Frosty to get the deserved cash at Hawthorn. 

Or not

What will be interesting is how many games Frost actually plays in the firsts if he doesn't follow team rules and the coaches directions. I can see Clarko giving him an earful and it being quiet painful for Frost.

Edited February 7, 20205 yr by dworship

10 hours ago, Deemania since 56 said:

Petty is still better down back than 'chicken wings' - at all costs.  This season will be one of deep reflection as to whom is responsible for allowing Frosty to get the deserved cash at Hawthorn. 

Talk  about overrated, I think Frost's speed has overshadowed his many faults, hopefully a full season out of lever and may, and the season will be about Frost who.

8 hours ago, don't make me angry said:

Talk  about overrated, I think Frost's speed has overshadowed his many faults, hopefully a full season out of lever and may, and the season will be about Frost who.

One would seriously be happy if this was correct (May and Lever with a full season). There are the usual and some newbie supports for the backline, as well. Many of us here on DL will still miss the 'excitement machine' with the red hair, freckles and ears worthy of some appreciation. It is ponderous just how far Frosty might have continued to improve - and it is sad that Whoreform have the right to display such progression. 

I’m looking forward to the return to Gosch’s Paddock and the resumption of regular training reports (tomorrow?) 

5 hours ago, Mister Ed said:

I’m looking forward to the return to Gosch’s Paddock and the resumption of regular training reports (tomorrow?) 

Monday, it is.

I’m currently in Byron Bay for my wedding anniversary. It’s raining cats and dogs. Biblical proportions.

Being an old fashioned romantic, I’m drinking single malt and reading Demonland.

I just read this entire thread.

We’re going to win the flag in 2020. I’m convinced of this.

Thanks for the reports.

 

On 2/8/2020 at 4:47 PM, Ron Burgundy said:

I’m currently in Byron Bay for my wedding anniversary. It’s raining cats and dogs. Biblical proportions.

Being an old fashioned romantic, I’m drinking single malt and reading Demonland.

I just read this entire thread.

We’re going to win the flag in 2020. I’m convinced of this.

Thanks for the reports.

 

Hmm amazing what a few single malts will do your powers of rational thought RB.

Stay classy as always, Ron!