But Garland didn't show anything close to what Newton has produced this year, so it just doesn't make sense that Garland was more mentally ready. But if what you just said about Newton's psyche can be so easily damaged by a poor performance in his first AFL game then he will never be ready, regardless of how many games he plays for Sandringham, I just completely disagree with that assessment.

Newton had not produced much at all to that point of the season. Its cool that we disagree its all part of a good debate.

There would be nothing worse than him getting elevated and not getting a touch.

What would be even worse is if Newton puts in consistent performances at Sandy, but does not get rewarded while other players who don't perform as well get selected ahead of him.

This one of the better threads on Newton that I have read either here or on other boards.

I have not seen newton play as yet, (I am based overseas) so in all honesty I cannot comment one way or the other regarding his ability, mind-set or any other aspect of his game.

What I can comment on is the last few years and and the way we have developed young players.

I think this is one aspect of the club has been a success story.

Rather than hold players back for no good reason the football coaches seem to have introduced the young players into the team at the right time.

Jones has come in and looks like a permanent fixture. Last year Bartram's selection in round 1 surprised everyone and he stayed there the whole season. Bate and Dunn have been developed and used intelligently.

Further back over ND's years a similar thing has happened.

McLean and Sylvia came in and have developed well. (even given Colin's OP)

Rivers and Davey were alos used well.

My point is, after all the experience that the club has had with development of young players, after getting it right so many times, why would we not think they have it right with Newton. He was taken in the draft with Bate and Dunn. all three were the youngest taken in that draft and Newton was the youngest of the three.

With the introduction and development of young players I will support the coaching panel.

Like your passion Dappa. But at times you are too hot and cold!

Like Juice, apparently...

On the contrary though, I've always WANTED Juice to play... but I don't back my own judgement as well as that of the footy department.

The best way for him to be promoted is with Neitz in the side and told that he will be played for 2-3 weeks regardless of performance. This should be with solid game time and not with limited ground time. This is probably the best way for him to be introduced.

That's pretty sound.

But I will say this BRFE... In the end, if he's a confidence player like you say, there is never going to be a perfect time to play him. He's always going to be under some threat that he's not going to have a good game first up. That said, I would have been very worried for him if he came in on a day Bate, Neitz, Robbo, Sylvia etc etc were all out. Imagine if he had to share the square with Jamar! So yes, in short... I follow your point, and I like it.

With the introduction and development of young players I will support the coaching panel.

I've loved how Bate, Dunn, Jones and Bartram have been introduced... I feel the same way. If they had made blunder after blunder with the timing of their debuts, I'd be more nervous and probably much more scathing. But they've got the runs on the board in this regard, so I'm willing to put aside my challenge to the board... for now.