Rather than wade through the gloomy forebodings of the apocalyptic winter of our discontent, which is this Season’s Annus horribilis.

It’s an opportune moment to to scratch an itch and announce the Wade Derksen Cup. Casey Fields bright and early this Saturday morning.

With the return of star alumni including Bayley Fritsch and JVR meeting this year’s boom recruit Aiden Johnson still finding his feet. Plus what could’ve should’ve or would’ve been… THE DERK has finally arrived at Casey Fields.

With the AFL forward line being replaced with the VFL forward line. The selection Merry-Go-Round is now in full swing. Should be fun for all with a carnival atmosphere. (More to come).

With the extended run of warm weather the Slitherers won’t in hibernation yet. Tread carefully these are venomous times. So due care is recommended and bring a snake bit kit.

Edited April 17, 20251 yr by Tarax Club
PF edit

I can’t believe I’m at this point again but I’m now settled on Petty as a permanent forward line player. He gives us good shape and hits the packs well.

I seriously think our ball movement and his limited pre season had a profound impact on him last year and his ability to play the position well.

JVR will be better with him there as Petty knows how to play the position well enough.

Surround him with Kozzy, Chin, Kolt as our small HFs. Fritta / Sparrow / Trac / Viney.

I’d send Turner back but he very may well be our Tmac v2 ala swingman.

Question on who is back up ruck. JVR or Petty?

3 minutes ago, GS_1905 said:

I can’t believe I’m at this point again but I’m now settled on Petty as a permanent forward line player. He gives us good shape and hits the packs well.

I seriously think our ball movement and his limited pre season had a profound impact on him last year and his ability to play the position well.

JVR will be better with him there as Petty knows how to play the position well enough.

Surround him with Kozzy, Chin, Kolt as our small HFs. Fritta / Sparrow / Trac / Viney.

I’d send Turner back but he very may well be our Tmac v2 ala swingman.

Question on who is back up ruck. JVR or Petty?

JVR to second ruck.

Turner can play alongside May and TMac when the opposition plays tall.

Agree wholeheartedly on Petty. Was really good again last night.

21 hours ago, GS_1905 said:

I can’t believe I’m at this point again but I’m now settled on Petty as a permanent forward line player. He gives us good shape and hits the packs well.

I seriously think our ball movement and his limited pre season had a profound impact on him last year and his ability to play the position well.

JVR will be better with him there as Petty knows how to play the position well enough.

Good insight has the tools with his height, marking and kicking ability plus most importantly competitive mongrel. People seem to forget he had a fairly serious foot injury towards the end of the '23 campaign.

21 hours ago, Adam The God said:

Agree wholeheartedly on Petty. Was really good again last night.

Certainly not disgraced, announced his return, emphatically, to the forward line against the Dockers last week.

Edited April 26, 2025Apr 26 by Tarax Club
man or machine? edit

JVR and Petty playing forward is probably going to be our best combo. Jefferson and Fullarton not up to AFL standard, delist year's end. Fritsch is a major concern as he no longer going to be our leading G.K and doesn't takle, almost has become irrelevant. Perhaps we could trade him to Essendon for one of their first round picks ( not pick number one). Like to pick up Georgy from Port A.

Bayley Fritsch is not a lost cause. It is unreasonable to deify a player and then proceed to crucify him when he proves to be a mere mortal. Take away a coat of varnish and his performance would match the output of Tom Lynch.

And if you look very carefully there is some virtue in Tom Fullerton’s performance. Didn’t have a great night, but managed to do some of the team stuff. Must be daunting to get out Max Gawn’s shadow with limited opportunities.

Edited April 27, 2025Apr 27 by Tarax Club