The big question I have is how we are going to refresh our Mid after going with essentially the same combinations since 2020. Looking forward to finding the next batch of elite mids for us :)

On 23/01/2026 at 09:40, stinga said:

Even if Mihocek only plays 70% of games he will kick more goals than Petty and Petracca (terribly innaccurate) kicked last year. Pickett will still be a goal scoring midfielder as will Culley and Langford - something we haven't had for years. (even Steele kicks the odd goal). It's the first time I've looked at the side and haven't questioned where more that 10 goals a game are going to come from.

Seems optimistic, we will still largely be reliant on young talls who will fluctuate in form.

But even more than that scores largely come from how good the midfield are and we at least had 1 clear advantage with contested ball dominance over other sides.

Now we might have to play both Viney and Steel at times to even break even at the contest.

We don’t have any idea whether Culley, Langford, Rivers, Windsor etc. can consistency impact at the contest.

14 hours ago, darkhorse72 said:

The big question I have is how we are going to refresh our Mid after going with essentially the same combinations since 2020. Looking forward to finding the next batch of elite mids for us :)

You're almost answering your own query... almost.

Part of the quality to any reply I think.firstly needs to revisit what our midfield was really like. Not the mythical invention... not once was etc... but just how good and effective we were.

I deliberately left out 'efficient'.. this is where a lot of 'data' gets recycled....and for mine its often only represents SISO.

Much is made of the 'loss' of Tracc and Ollie. Tbh in their recent guise and form for us I see no real loss at all. Sure a lot of 'numbers' there... I hate number's. I watch the ball.. and that ball got murdered more times than not. Our ability to bring the ball out effectively and deliver was atrocious .

So back to where you were heading... the new midfield. Expect more from the likes of Windsor, Kozzie.. maybe Bill ( maybe not... interesting one that lad ) . Steele will be there and dare I sat less wasteful than Viney ( though tbh he has improved... [censored] he's had to ) I think well utilise a hybrid swarm . Look to see some bigger players with explosive abilities coming through the guts.

In reality the only time the 'traditional' midfield concept really is used is at centre ball ups... so our real 'midfield ' ability brings in the runner on the respective wings.. and extractors ball users off/on the hf/hb lines.

Im not the least concerned about the 'midfield' .. it'll be how EVERYONE runs and connects. This requires a team of 'lieutenants' out there directing traffic.

I think we have a few.

Interesting year ahead

Go US !! 👍

Edited 6 hours ago6 hr by beelzebub

On 22/01/2026 at 13:05, DubDee said:

The author mentioned playoffs and no one batted an eyelid

thanks AFL, you’ve officially americanised the game we loved

Time-outs and shooting T-Shirts into the crowd are on the agenda midseason.

Times have changed, if people don’t like it they should simply not turn up to games, but we know that won’t happen.

Starting to get interesting from training reports and injuries