1 hour ago, monoccular said:

They may have, but if so, all too briefly. 😪

What happened to Austin? Flash retired (i assume after a few years where injuries robbed him of his pace). Jurrah had horrible troubles back home. But why did Austin leave prematurely?

7 hours ago, jnrmac said:

Neither Pavlich, Stuart Loewe, Bruest, Stevie Johnson etc etc average 2 goals a game.

Quite a bar you are setting.

Um I averaged 2.5 over 10 seasons!

But then again I was a FREAK!

2 hours ago, Go Ds said:

What happened to Austin? Flash retired (i assume after a few years where injuries robbed him of his pace). Jurrah had horrible troubles back home. But why did Austin leave prematurely?

Austin’s dad was killed in a car accident back home and Austin went home to help with the family.🥲

Austin is still playing footy. Last season with Jabiru Bombers in the NTFL division one competition. Who completed the season undefeated with a drought breaking premiership. Cyril Rioli making a comeback to local football kicked 3 goals for the bombers in the GF.

5 hours ago, layzie said:

Bailey Laurie to rise from the ashes?

5 minutes ago, Random Task said:

A nickname from a nickname!

Special! 😊

1 hour ago, DeeZone said:

Austin’s dad was killed in a car accident back home and Austin went home to help with the family.🥲

And he was so connected to his homeland he couldn't bring himself to come back to Melbourne FC?

7 hours ago, Go Ds said:

It could be fantastic . How often has a team had 3 or more Aboriginals in the forward line?

7 hours ago, Pennant St Dee said:

Carlton had Garlett, Yarran and Betts at one stage.

It wouldn’t surprise me if Freo under Neesham had 3 at some stage

Fox Footy currently has the 2008 GF on.

Hawks forward line has Buddy, Mark Williams, Cyril Rioli playing forward and Chance Bateman rotating through

55 minutes ago, Go Ds said:

And he was so connected to his homeland he couldn't bring himself to come back to Melbourne FC?

Something like that. The family pull was huge from what I remember.

Never heard or thought a bad word about Aussies reasons for leaving. It wasn't ideal but more understandable than controversial.

Xavier Lindsay - was coming on very nicely last year, prior to his injury. He will help fill Bowsers spot and role share with Chandler in Nibblers role. will be solid with some "special" moments.

Andy Moniz Wakefield - An injury free preseason and season is all this young man needs. has the hallmarks of a tight small backman who can quickly shift into offence as per the new model. Looking forward to him working with Disco, XT, XL and Petty.

Latrelle Picket - This young man (20 years old) will electrify with his skill, speed poise and nouse. Really excited to see Latrelle play.

2 hours ago, Left Foot Snap said:

Something like that. The family pull was huge from what I remember.

Never heard or thought a bad word about Aussies reasons for leaving. It wasn't ideal but more understandable than controversial.

I don't want to go over old ground here. But I was never upset that Nibbler and Luke Jackson left. Plenty of times players left for good reasons. Even then I can understand players at times getting better salaries elsewhere. I mean this is their time to make good money - they're probably not going to make it later on in life

9 hours ago, Tarax Club said:

Austin is still playing footy. Last season with Jabiru Bombers in the NTFL division one competition. Who completed the season undefeated with a drought breaking premiership. Cyril Rioli making a comeback to local football kicked 3 goals for the bombers in the GF.

I watched him play for the NT Thunder against Southport in the Northern VFL equivalent when it featured teams like the Brisbane Lions, Suns, Sydney and GWS reserves teams a good 10 years ago. He was lighting it up and was great to see him out there, even though he'd been in a pretty good pasture if you get my drift.

Loved Aussie. Wished that he and Liam Jurrah had have played more games for us. Can't recall the age differences, but how amazing would it have been if they could have combined with a young Kozzie at the end of their careers.

Edited Monday at 21:282 days by Rodney (Balls) Grinter

15 hours ago, layzie said:

Bailey Laurie to rise from the ashes?

I have written him off previously, but this is the year where he has his best and probably last chance to make it with us.

I have a funny feeling he just may do it.

Good luck Bill.

Hoping Kentfield, Jeffo and Howes have breakout years.

With Mihocek added, it will be harder for the first two to both make it this year.

37 minutes ago, Redleg said:

I have written him off previously, but this is the year where he has his best and probably last chance to make it with us.

I have a funny feeling he just may do it.

Good luck Bill.

As you know I was hot on him this time last year but whilst he dominated at Casey he did not get a fair look in by the old regime compared to some others.
I hope he realises his best bet with his skillset is to duplicate the Miers style role at half forward. He now has a reset with a coach that has seen it up close and is on record of wanting to play smaller ahead of the ball and more attacking and instinctive in general.
Agree 2026 is his best chance to earn and maintain a best 23 spot.

On 03/01/2026 at 15:48, picket fence said:

I have almost finalised my best 23 and only then will I reveal my bolters/ break outs

As picket's announcement appears imminent.

My breakout-players;

3 Luker Kentfield

Considering he never has had a pre-season. Luker is now entering his third season with the club. After some tantalising glimpses at Casey last season, despite his earlier serious illness. The 'buzz' is now palpable, internally he is highly regarded. A debut season with some serious intent.

2 Andy Moniz-Wakefield

After a promising debut in '24, was cruelled in '25. This bloke must be straining at the leash. With an opportune back flank/pocket position vacancy. A seasoned body is now ready to fill the void.

1 Ricky Mentha Junior

Admittedly a long shot, this young fella's got some x-factor about him. If he can add a 'tank', improve his strength, plus gain some consistency about his game. His development could curve exponentially for a surprise debut.

Edited yesterday at 02:571 day by Tarax Club
#13 Cochise to go on the warpath

8 hours ago, Redleg said:

Hoping Kentfield, Jeffo and Howes have breakout years.

With Mihocek added, it will be harder for the first two to both make it this year.

If Kentfield and Jefferson have breakout years that will be a massive step in the right direction

On 05/01/2026 at 13:11, spalding said:

Quoting from an inside source who I really want to have a breakout year this year, he thinks that JVR and Culley will have great years based on their improvement this pre-season.

Yeah keen as on Culley. Been a stand out in match sim. Just looks super confident

10 hours ago, Tarax Club said:

As picket's announcement appears imminent.

My breakout-players;

3 Luker Kentfield

Considering he never has had a pre-season. Luker is now entering his third season with the club. After some tantalising glimpses at Casey last season, despite his earlier serious illness. The 'buzz' is now palpable, internally he is highly regarded. A debut season with some serious intent.

2 Andy Moniz-Wakefield

After a promising debut in '24, was cruelled in '25. This bloke must be straining at the leash. With an opportune back flank/pocket position vacancy. A seasoned body is now ready to fill the void.

1 Ricky Mentha Junior

Admittedly a long shot, this young fella's got some x-factor about him. If he can add a 'tank', improve his strength, plus gain some consistency about his game. His development could curve exponentially for a surprise debut.

Why is Miss Piggy wrecking liquorice sticks? 😂

10 hours ago, Go Ds said:

Why is Miss Piggy wrecking liquorice sticks? 😂

Because she's not sure she should eat them:

Can Pigs Eat Licorice? The Truth About This Sweet Treat - lulusbank.com

I'm hoping every single player has a breakout year.

Go Dees

17 hours ago, Pennant St Dee said:
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If Kentfield and Jefferson have breakout years that will be a massive step in the right direction

Have more faith in Kentfield than Jefferson, but with a new coach and better development, one never knows. My main worry is Jefferson's thirst for the contest.

3 minutes ago, demon3165 said:

17 hours ago, Pennant St Dee said:



If Kentfield and Jefferson have breakout years that will be a massive step in the right direction

Have more faith in Kentfield than Jefferson, but with a new coach and better development, one never knows. My main worry is Jefferson's thirst for the contest.

Yes I have concerns re his desire to compete, he has plenty of tools and shows some good signs. It’s not quite there yet, may never come but just not quite prepared to put a line through him yet.

I have plenty of faith in Luker and know he won’t die wondering

On 05/01/2026 at 13:11, spalding said:

Quoting from an inside source who I really want to have a breakout year this year, he thinks that JVR and Culley will have great years based on their improvement this pre-season.

Interesting on JVR. I've agreed with one two others on here that he has a very hard ceiling and wasn't far off it fairly early in his career. Hope I'm completely wrong.

Definitely agree on Culley.

38 minutes ago, demon3165 said:

If Kentfield and Jefferson have breakout years that will be a massive step in the right direction

I share your sentiments but I guess to be more precise Luker needs a break in year before he can have a breakout.