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Showing content with the highest reputation on 04/03/15 in all areas
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Not much to add to my earlier dribble. It was literally a 45 minute stretch of the legs undertaken by everyone. As mentioned, I asked Billy Stretch if he was any chance to get on the park and he said 'it doesn't look like it" and that he'll remain the emergency. I'm sure I'm not the only person disappointed with that but I guess he will play in NAB 2 or 3. Jesse Hogan is a big lad. At the risk of sounding like someone else, I did have a joke with him and asked that he should just go out and kick a bag. He reckons he'll just be trying to get a touch first. He and JKH teamed up for some bullet passing with a few from Hoges missing by quite a bit. Better to do those today than tomorrow. The session was made up of a series of kick to kicks, short, long, leading sideways, backwards etc. A few other players were doing some reaction skills and the Toump was pretty sharp returning the pill back to Goody. I look forward to watching him with interest tomorrow night and hope to add some extra comments on his workrate and positioning out of camera view. It was my first look at Ben Newton in the flesh and fortunately he was right in front of me for the bulk of the session. His kicking is a thing of beauty on both sides of his body and he's a well built fella. Good luck to him for the season ahead. Lots of goal kicking practice by all and sundry, even the trainers were having a ping. Dawes let a few fly from outside 50 that went through post height - he put one over the back of the stand as well (but not from outside 50). He's looking good. Frost as mentioned was kicking at goal for the whole session and seemed to be very deliberate in his actions. I would've thought if he was going to be defending tomorrow then he maybe would've been doing other activities. His timing was terrible when trying to kick long goals. Fair dinkum rain-makers although there were a few that sailed through nicley. Another big lump of a lad. Salem did not have any bandage on his calf and moved freely so that's a relief. Pedo looked sharp, I reckon this is the year he'll pay dividends but considering Gysberts is no longer on an AFL list I guess he already has. Vanda needs to pump some upper body weights and he will be a very imposing mid. Can't wait for tomorrow night even though it's a NAB game. Go Dee's!13 points
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I find people bringing Heroin into Australia far more offensive personally And even more offensive is the Media turning them into political heroes.. Just my opinion....11 points
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9 points
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spare me, party poopers. Let him enjoy the footy how he wants. As long as he isn't offending any kids/women etc. then let him get drunk with his mates and insult the opposition.8 points
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From tomorrow night onwards Salem will become everyones top 5. I've always thought this kid is the best kid I've seen us draft. There are no flaws in his game, I've watched him since juniors and he has a blend of polish and toughness - a rare blend.6 points
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A response like that only confirms your emotional attachments to most players on our list due to the time you spend at training and talking to them. This is a football forum where people, (whether you like it or not) have formed opinions on players based off form during AFL *games*, not training sessions. If you so claim to not having emotional attachments/bias toward players on our list, then why may I ask do you even take the time of day to respond to posts like the one you've responded to which to me clearly looks as if it's offended you?6 points
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Whilst I agree in principle that he's a better player than these other young key forwards, I hope most also keep reasonable expectations on Hogan. The chance that he backs up a 4 goal game with another is low. He might rag doll a veteran opponent a few times, but probability shows that these veteran defenders will embarrass him a few times as well. Tom Hawkins who right now is arguably the best pure power forward (over Cloke, Schulz, Riewoldt, Tippett etc) couldn't have looked more out of his depth for long periods at the beginning of his career. Geelong had good players that took that pressure away and supporters didn't bay for blood because they were winning. There is a fair chance Jesse won't have that luxury. Remain optimistic but don't expect rising star nominations Round 1 and 50 goal seasons while teaching Josh Gibson a lesson. He's a mature teen with not a minute of match experience. I think he could be a once in a decade forward we have on our hands but let's be realistic.6 points
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Smithy is a demon true blue. I see him at all the MFC games and he wrote a beautiful eulogy for Robbie Flower. He has been the MFC delegate to the MCC in the past so this can only be good for the club. It is customary for the MCC president to attend the Ashes so I suspect he will miss a few games mid July. I ran into Smithy in 2013 at Lords as a guest of the other MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) and saw the out going president Paul Sheahan also there.6 points
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6 points
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I think if your midfield sucks to begin with, then by definition you can't have good depth. I agree that people confuse "lots of nearly good enough players" with "good depth". The likes of Aidan Riley fit squarely in to this category for me. Midfield depth is a 1%er anyway. Of far more importance is having the midfield group in your best 22 be par or better if you want the side to be competitive.6 points
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He was going to be named but the Richmond doctor said no.6 points
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Steven is a great guy and a family friend. As a kid he used to get me into the rooms at the MCG after games to meet the team. He also got my a footy signed by the entire 1994 team. He really loves the Dees and to this day attends every match and keeps in contact with those inside the club. His appointment can only be a good thing for us. Good luck to him with the new position! Go Dees!5 points
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Forgive me for being off topic, but this phrase continues to grate with me. Surely he 'marks the ball when he is at his highest point' is what you and commentators mean when they say this. The ball's highest point is usually very much higher. Of am I missing something?5 points
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Great News. A passionate Demon at the head of the MCC As it should be. Smithy call a boycott on Essendon playing at the MCG on ANZAC Day. The mere thought of it makes me very angry....5 points
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Finally got to training this morning. TDI and others have covered just about everything. As a newbie this season I just have a few observations. In the early sessions they were doing some equivalent of Brittish Bulldog where you had to evade everyone if you had the ball. I was impressed by Frost who is big and full of muscles but gee he was elusive and athletic in that drill. He later dropped a sitter of a high mark in one drill but maybe that is all about concentration. Impressed by Mitchie, he looked very solid in the drills TDI can you confirm what I saw in one drill? The Spencil lead out from the goal square and took a very impressive, soft hands mark, out in front of his body. Then went back and slotted the goal. Hold on that looked totally coordinated! Jamar looks so good, why can't he be not just a good tap ruckman but also a real target if he is up forward? Big man, clean hands, why doesn't he kick 20 plus goals a year? Watched JKH doing goal kicking practice from all angles. Rarely missed a pot shot, if he did the ball usually hit the goal post. Is there space for JKH and Garlett in the same forward line? Jack Watts had his nostrils packed with cotton wool, not a great look but said he had a blood nose, not sure whether he got belted in a drill or not. Hogan just looks good, very sure hands and kick for goal. Fingers crossed. The Prince looked good in all the drills and Salem and Jimmy looked good but this is training after all. We do seem to have several options for most positions but who knows we have to wait for round 1 to gauge where are really at. Also noticed that Dawes took a lot of one grabs today, looked OK.,Maybe due to little pressure?5 points
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Way to keep a lid on it Chunk! http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-03-04/one-of-the-best-ive-seen4 points
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Are you trying to suggest our wooden spoons and awful football for close to that last decade hasn't been down to a laughable list? I'd love to hear what it's really down to then.4 points
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I am completely aware that all footballers make mistakes. That is an irrelevant point. If we had a list full of blokes who gave 100% effort but couldn't execute basic skills on a consistent basis, how far up the ladder do you think we'd go? You are the only poster on this site that responds in a way that is as if someone has abused a family member or something. What does that hint to? People have learnt to accept that your training reports are for the most part a friendly chat to players regularly and a positive spin on training with cameo mentions here and there of who did what well. Why can't you accept that some posters will have opinions about certain players that have been formed from watching them in AFL games over years? If we're serious about our club moving forward and serious about our list management and recruiting, then players who do not perform fundamental skills on a consistent basis and who do not offer enough at AFL level will be moved on. That is a fact. Jordie's contract runs out at the end of this year I believe and unless his kicking, marking and ball handling in general have improved out of sight over the pre-season, the reality is he will be gone. Even blokes who play 'roles' like Nev Jetta has recently consolidated can perform basic skills consistently at AFL level.4 points
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If you can't stick with the club through the bad times, then as far as I'm concerned, you don't deserve to enjoy the good times when they eventually come. If every financial member withdrew their support when things go bad, there would be no good times ahead as there would no longer be a club for you to follow.4 points
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I went along yesterday from about 10am. For some reason I didn't pay that much attention yesterday but will try and recall some of it..! Like the look of frost. Not because he's looks like Mick Fanning on steroids, but as others have mentioned he's got a serious turn of speed for a big fella. Couple good punches and weaving in the handballs drills, though there was that dropped sitter of a mark, which he was pretty filthy with himself for. JKH ran threw the corridor a few times in match sims. Got caught the odd time time without many options before him, but very quick! Also his goal kicking drew some applause from the crowd. Heaps of video cameras and big bertha lens cameras today. Enjoyed seeing Hunt out and about. There's something about this kid that really intrigues me. Looks quite a bit bigger than last year. I'm really hoping he develops into an Isaac Smith, Brad Hill, Lewis Jetta quality player for us. Tyson looked a level above. I think he was just in the zone - everything was working. Topped it off with one of his trademark bomb goals off a step from outside 50. Gun. Matty Jones is bloody quick. Was a good find and I reckon he'll lift further this year. ANB and Vince turned up half way through and chatted to coaches but didn't train. Howe also joined but didn't appear to train. Hogan is a player, just naturally gifted. Serious mancrush... him and Viney that is! Garlett fired off a few nice low bullets during match sim. Hits targets. O McDonald flicked a ball up off the ground, soccer-style, on the boundary just past the behind post and then kicked it through for a goal. Got a few claps from team mates. Anyway that's about all I can come up with... mind was elsewhere yesterday. At least the games are starting so I won't need to go to training to get my fix anymore!4 points
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Who are these damaging forwards??? Haven't seen them for a few years4 points
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Just announced: http://www.mcc.org.au/News/Media/Media%20Releases/2015/March/MCC%20elects%20new%20president.aspx Melbourne Cricket Club elects new president Mar 04, 2015 Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) is delighted to announce that former Melbourne footballer and experienced lawyer Steven Smith has been elected as the 27th MCC president, succeeding Paul Sheahan when his term expires in April. An MCC member since 1981, Steven has been a member of the MCC Committee since 1998 and a vice-president for the past four years. He is presently chairman of the Club Sub-committee and is also a director of the MCC Foundation and National Sports Museum Ltd. Steven was a key defender with Melbourne Football Club, playing 203 games for the Demons between 1974 and 1985. He was the club’s best and fairest winner in 1981. He was also a director of the club from 1990 to 1992. He is a partner at law firm HWL Ebsworth, with more than 30 years’ experience acting for a wide range of property and commercial clients. Steven is also a board member of the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. During his time on the MCC Committee, the club has rebuilt the Members Reserve, significantly grown its membership base, built and operated the National Sports Museum, taken on management of Yarra Park and, in 2015, will complete a major technology upgrade of the MCG to enhance the visitor experience. Steven also played an important role in the establishment of the Australia Post Avenue of Legends in Yarra Park, which presently displays statues in honour of Shane Warne, Norm Smith, John Coleman, Neil Harvey and Jim Stynes and he is heading up the sub-committee which is looking at how best to deal with the ever-growing waiting list for membership of the club. “I'm extremely proud and excited to be the next president of our great club,” said Steven. “On behalf of our members and the committee, I pay tribute to Paul Sheahan, not only for the outstanding contribution he has made as president over the past four years, but also during his 22 years of service as a committeeman of the club.”3 points
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The Giles incident happened in front of me as a kid. Have detested LM ever since. Is a sign of the times when a thug like that is in demand as a commentator!3 points
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3 points
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I know he was recruited as a defender, but I don't mind the sound of this at all.3 points
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Training today No shows Trengove, Petracca and Fitzy who is crook Viney got a belt in his head/stomach/gonads during match sim and left early Jack Watts confirmed he will play NAB but not this week, same with Jayden Hunt Spoke to Dean Kent, highly amused at the rumours, said he thought he was signed to MFC for 2016 At end of session Goodwin ran some one on one drills with Lumumba against Newton and Brayshaw against Jones, skinny Brayshaw more than held his own, apart from when Jones pushed him slighly in the back and he dived full length forward, much to everybody's amusement Some of the match sim was excellent today, players seemed happy with it, Tommy Mc was going really well, except for one kick from backline straight to Crossy front and centre 45 out, of course he was on the other side One nice bit, White, now fully fit, testing out the cannon of a left leg, took a shot from the edge of the square and put it through the centre of the goal post height Pig trained really well but finished early with Terlich and went and ran laps after he had tickled the ribs of Billy Stretch with one fearsome tackle in the match sim Pics on Twitter Demonpk soon3 points
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I love the fact that the main thrust of the article from Roos' point of view was to play down expectations in an attempt to take some pressure of the kid yet at the end of the article I was already fantasizing about Jesse kicking 4 or 5 in our round 1 win against the Suns and being the first rising star nomination of the year. Now that would get us up and about, not to mention add a few thousand members in the process.3 points
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Used to work with Stepehen at HWLE a couple of years ago. Super smart guy and an excellent lawyer. Will be good for the club as he is still passionate about the Dees.3 points
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I just cant see 12 mnths ... It doesnt reconcile with any of the published guidelines to penalties etc. But arguably we're talking what WADA would give, so what the Tribunal choose can of course vary. All the whiles with such I think that its nearly always been brushed aside that we're discussing a multiple breach not an isolated occurrence . Penalties are quite severe for a once off let alone that which the club/players perpetrated . I cant see how WADA will consider 12 mnths nearly sufficient for such a systemic affair. This is a test case , a precedent setter and not just for AFL , nor Australia but for world sport. What will be the message to all of the team based comps worldwide if these players get not much more than a smack on the bum !!. AFL might give 12 mnths...WADA will get that doubled ( at least ) ... just my thoughts of course.3 points
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A thought Ive been toying with and it really only goes to the penalty and not guilt. The AFL are reknown for playing its own peculiar game. Im just wondering if the AFL wont try and box clever and the tribunal comes down with a guilty verdict and then only issues a 12 mnth ban that together with allowances of time back to SCN issuance ends up being effectively just the rest of the season and a bit of the off. Now most of us here will know that will trigger an appeal by WADA. I couldnt see the players objecting to that , especially after all the evidence had been laid bare, sure theyd be at least 'not so dumb enough" to poke the bear twice. In doing so the players are banned, for starters and the AFL can look like the benevolent sheriff to the power boys in the game, all the whiles knowing full well WADA will trump in and extend it eventually...but its out of the AFL hands then... they can walk away ( run more like it ) The AFL plays both sides against the middle...hes guys...we did our very best....a Year !!! Hey WADA..well if you must do what you must ......3 points
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Nonsense that four wins is acceptable for any of us. Don't try to make yourself noble by refusing to cop it. What is not acceptable for me is being a fair weather (read soft $&*@) supporter. Backing the club is the one non-negotiable we have. When it's a players turn to go we expect him to go. For the likes of us that means dipping our hand in our pocket whenever we have the capacity to do so. Consider yourself called out.3 points
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SOMEWHAT??????? Wasnt that how it all started Demetriou with an informal off the record chat with Bombers You know get your house in order, the shits about to hit the fan The silly buggers turned on the fan>3 points
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JKH is my smokey to have a really big breakout year, he is learning everything he can of Jeff Garlett (the good stuff), yes there is space for both, or one on the bench, imagine having Garlett and you get tired and he is replaced by JKH, a small defenders nightmare3 points
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3 points
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Wandered passed at about 10 for an hour. Focus today was all about attacking spread from a stoppage and moving the ball quickly forward. Which made me very happy! The switch kicking across half back (not under much pressure) was very good. The last kick in to the forward line needed a bit more improvement but not terrible. And it wasn't really a full drill so some quick kicks in were spoiled but hopefully come match day they are cleaned up by crumbers. I'd rather the ball in quickly and forwards given a chance than too much stuffing around. Watts trained strongly for probably the first time I've seen this summer. Bit of a reminder he's got pace and skill and not to discount him. Keen to see him in NAB 2 or 3 now. Brayshaw probably had his best session as well. Very clean by foot and kept getting to the right areas. Bail was solid. JKH impressed me with his run, but did probably bight of a bit more than he could chew running in to trouble a bit. Roos and co encouraging players to run when in open space though. Toumpy had some impressive patches, nice to see him running with the ball, that's the key to his game being successful. Dom Tyson found plenty of it as usual in any drill that involves spreading. At one stage he didn't have the perfect option from a forward so just loaded up a left foot bomb from 50+ which impressed the crowd. Sam Frost trained a lot with the forwards. Might have been just to get the numbers for the drills, at least I hope so. Not that I don't rate him forward, just we need key defensive depth. More towards the start of the session it looked a fair bit like players who were very keen to get on a plane and get ready for a game. But they switched on as it went. White has a suckling (or other strange) style kicking action but wow he kicks it low and firm. Waddles a bit. A little fumbly still as well. But if we can make an adequate defender out of him and he can find the footy in games then he can really use it. I'm glad TDI got the news on Viney, was worried it might be a quad or groin. A whack in the nuts should be ok!3 points
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3 points
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I took some notes today: I think Newton will be our find of 2015, he looks a very good well rounded player and his training and attitude are very solid. Chris Dawes to me looks to be moving a lot better, i think he will play up the ground a fair bit this season and he, Watts, Hogan and resting ruckman should pose headaches. Toumpas to me is back to the level where i saw him in the SANFL, looks to be moving really well. great to see alot of guys lowering their eyes and delivering into the forward 50 now, not too many blokes just bombing away which is great, plenty of targets hit in match sim. Brendan Mcartney again doing a great job, this week telling Watts to use his body more, he is a big boy and shouldn't be getting pushed off the line by many blokes, needs to impose himself, got stuck into Jeff for being a bit lazy with his forward pressure at one point, this picked up right away after that. The overall spread of the team from stoppages is noticeably better imo, i think our ball movement has improved a lot3 points
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Not sure if this article has been posted or linked to yet: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/jesse-hogan-ready-and-here-to-stay-in-2015-20150303-13txrd.html2 points
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After news that Viney won't be playing (and comments from 'Al'), i have restructured my starting line-up (from the 28 No. remaining in the squad) as follows: FB: Jetta Frost Dunn HB: Grimes McDonald Salem C: Lumumba N. Jones Toumpas HF: Kent Hogan JKH FF: Gawn Dawes Garlett Foll: Jamar Tyson Cross Int: Garland, Pedersen, VandenBerg, Newton, Michie, Bail S: Matt Jones, Stretch Emer: McKenzie, Spencer I still would rather see all the new guys in the squad being given a run. (with McKenzie & Spencer as emergencies)2 points
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Again. From :- http://www.asada.gov.au/rules_and_violations/8_rule_violations.html 2. Use or attempted use by an athlete of a prohibited substance or prohibited method. In addition to testing athletes, ASADA also has the power to investigate the possible use of prohibited substances, drugs, medications or methods in conjunction with the Australian Federal Police and Customs and Border Protection. An athlete does not have to have succeeded in using a prohibited substance or method – if there is sufficient evidence that the athlete has attempted to use a prohibited substance or method, they can be sanctioned. It is the athlete’s responsibility to ensure that no prohibited substance, drug or medication enters his or her body. Not knowing that you have taken something is not an excuse. Please read the 8 doping rule violations. Please look up the meaning of attempted. Then get back to me.2 points
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You think that I find it acceptable to only win 4 games based on the fact that I support the club financially? I don't find it 'acceptable,' I don't even find your dismissiveness of the 30k people who keep this club going through the toughest times 'acceptable.' You want to wait to sign up? Fine. But don't patronise those that 'save you a seat' by hanging around to pay to see all the recent nonsense.2 points
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Whether they understood it was banned or not is irrelevant. Some of the discussion in the last few pages (not directed at anyone in particular ...) turns on a kind of "legalese". But this case isn't either a civil or criminal case, and a number of assumptions being put forward here are just not applicable. The WADA code and its juridic framework is fairly clear. Regardless of anything else, if ASADA can place TB4 at Essendon, and Essendon can't show that it was disposed of and not used, then the players concerned are in trouble - exacerbated by them having signed consent forms for "Thymosin".2 points
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2 points
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Because there is nothing worse than having not one but two attacking player with good skills who can create opportunities for others or kick goals themselves?2 points
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it's a very simple algorithm really: consistent competitiveness + winning games= members2 points
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Interesting, looks like we might be beginning to have a problem of where to fit players in. JKH anyone? Wonder where this leaves him. I guess rotating between forward line and midfield maybe off the bench. Personally I really hope Howe ends up back in the forward line as long as he sorts his kicking out. We seem to be developing a bunch of beautifully skilled half backs but having a forward who can mark them from anywhere is invaluable and seems to me will end up being a better utilisation of Howe's unique abilities. But if that happens who moves out. Maybe Watts to a wing like was supposed to happen last year, being that quarter back link man using his height to float across half back and half forward to become anything from a 2nd to 4th option target but then rebounding back into the middle ahla Goodsey. Where does this line up leave Pedersen and Fitzpatrick? Nice to have these problems for once.2 points
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No doubt I am simple minded but I am over this shite and speculation. It is BORING!!!! Please!!! Let there be an end to it!!2 points
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Cant forget or forgive McKenzies past indiscretions - Not in my best 30 sorry2 points
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2 points
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Just renewed my 16 month old - supposedly Carlton supporting - nephew. My argument is, until he can consciously refuse, he is ours.2 points
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