I'd like to see him play at least 2 games in his preferred position before the years end

If Viney/Steele have any extended period of injury he naturally replaces them

I've been in to bat for Laurie many times over the last couple of years. In my view his form at VFL should have been recognised, particular with our poor performing firsts, but Goody had marked his cards.

Having said that, I can't see him fitting into the backline. He hasn't got the athletic profile or aerial game to play as a small lock down or rebounding defender.

His position is best suited to high-half forward with mid rotations. He'll still have a battle ahead of him getting a game next year I think but a fresh start with a new coach might unlock some confidence. The epitome of a make-or-break year for Laurie.

Edited Tuesday at 06:261 day by Random Task

Im all for Bailey to have a crack in the best 23 in 2026 its make or break for him now.

If he has the ability to read the play ahead it will make things easier for him to adapt.

Positioning as a defender is crucial in effecting the contest.

If he has a mentor to guide him through this positional change it would help him immensely.

I could see him competing for Salem's role across HB as another kicker.

In the court of King Steven post the faded dream of Camelot, the Grail once achieved. Opportunities have now opened up. Old hands like T-Mac, Jack Viney and Captain Max still remain valiant knights of the Demon table.

Amongst the unter menschen are Wild Bill Laurie, Jai ‘Cochise’ Culley, Jed ‘Gomez’ Adams and Andy-AMW. Stable hands to the likes of Duke Windsor, Prince Harvey and ‘The Kolt’.

At the pre-season joust under the perusal of the coach who will emerge to draw Excalibur from the stone? Will it be Wart?

haven't been convinced with this bloke but think its almost 100% mental. I feel like if he can get on a roll; get confidence in his game, he'll be a real find. We need to 2-3 elite half backs to help distribute the ball and setup the ground during transition. He doesn't need to be quick on foot (it helps) as kicking the ball is much quicker so as long as he is quick in making a decision; identifying a target or play and executing with great accuracy will make him look like Gout Gout.

3 hours ago, YesitwasaWin4theAges said:

Im all for Bailey to have a crack in the best 23 in 2026 its make or break for him now.

agreed. It’s not as if we’re going to lose a spot in the finals because of playing him. We’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain

On 10/11/2025 at 21:52, Dee Terminator said:

Laurie is 23 y.o. and was drafted no.22 in the 2020 draft after Bowey at no.21. They were similar types - excellent kicks and described as “the two best decision makers in the (2020) draft”. In 2021 a spot opened up for Bowey at half back and we all know what happened thereafter!

Laurie didn’t have much luck. He missed the first two months of the 2021 AFL season with a broken eye-socket after colliding with Hibberd at training. And then Covid cancelled the 2021 VFL season.

Laurie has since played 12 AFL games, 9 of those as substitute (the death seat for a small forward). He is regularly in the best in the VFL, usually playing as a mid, but there were no spots there at AFL level.

The Club obviously sees some quality in Laurie and has put an unusual amount of time into him for a player with only 12 senior games – 2026 will be his 6^th season - but he has never been tried as a half back, an even more important position in the Steven King era where we want players based on what they “… do with the ball in hand” and players who “… play on instinct”. Laurie

-          Is still a good decision maker and a beautiful kick (based on the track reports I’ve read, but subject to the definitive opinion of Binman)

-          Has high tackle numbers

-          Can run – (he won the pre-season time trial a couple of seasons ago)

I think he is just the sort of player that King might try at half back, at least as a backup option, rather than playing him in positions where there is nothing available for him.

Um try at Casey, surprised he is still on the list! And whilst I'm at it same goes for Johnson, Henderson and Mc Adam!

He's never really exploded onto the scene of you will but to be fair he's never really had a consistent run in the ones. Often used as a sub.

Worth a try.

If he can lock a spot there it could free Bowey for some cameos up fwd or in the middle.

The latter could be a right goal sneak.

But I think despite his lack of opportunities this is a make or break year for Laurie.

Is he killing it at Casey?

Edited Tuesday at 21:401 day by Previously known as LITD.

Can any VFL watchers tell me, has Laurie been consistently beating down the door over a number of years? If he was at West Coast/Richmond, would he be a walk up in their 22 last year?