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2015: THE YEAR THAT WAS by Whispering Jack For the most part of the past decade, Melbourne has gone through cycles of constant defeat, times of failure, setbacks and an inability to deal with its own demons but there were signs during 2015 that the time is ripe for the club to rise and reclaim a position among the better clubs in the AFL community. Melbourne's progression might have been slow in 2015 but it certainly went in the right direction. However, while the final outcome saw it rise on the ladder of four places to 13th with seven wins against four in 2014 and two in 2013, most supporters would still have come out of the season with an empty feeling about the overall result. There were some great moments but it was the team's wildly erratic form over the year that took the gloss off the highs. The lows were devastating not only because they often were so dreadful but also because they came upon the heels of the highs. In addition, there were the dramatic turnarounds from the good to the very bad within the course of single games. It was a pattern that delivered the fans many moments of frustration, the worst often coming against teams which finished below them on the ladder. Of six games against such sides, Melbourne won only two - the opening game against Gold Coast and a dreary defensive slog against Brisbane. It went down twice to St Kilda with one defeat coming after meekly conceding a goal in the dying moments that could have been saved with better organisation and numbers behind the ball in defence. The other losses against Essendon (who were at their lowest ebb), St Kilda (the return game) and an absolute shocker against wooden spooner Carlton when the team capitulated in the first half were appalling. Five of those six games were played on the MCG and most of them came in the second half of the season. Then there were the times when the Demons started games like a house on fire and not only failed to go on with the task of winning, but ended up conceding by wide margins. They dominated most of the first halves of football against GWS (the earlier game), Adelaide and Port Adelaide and then stopped almost to a walk after seemingly being so much in control. And then there were the horror matches against Hawthorn, the second Bulldogs game and the two against Fremantle to go with the loss at the hands of lowly Carlton. The angst was not confined to concerns about the team's form but also to the level of injuries which have been running on high over the long period during which the club has been conducting its well-documented sets of rebuilds. The toughest break came in the preseason when the club's top draft selection from 2014 Christian Petracca damaged his ACL and joined former captain Jack Trengove (foot) on the sidelines for the entire season. Soon after, the club lost key defender Sam Frost (broken toe) who had been traded from the Giants to cover for the loss of James Frawley and then improver Dean Kent to a hamstring injury. Important players such as Jack Viney, Dom Tyson, Heritier Lumumba and skipper Nathan Jones were all hampered by injuries that limited their output during the season. Of course, there were the standard injuries that affect every team as well but at a young struggling club, the impact is felt more because of the effect on team depth. On the other side of the ledger were the wins which included victories over five teams that finished higher on the ladder, mostly mid ladder sides. One of those wins was against eventual finalist Richmond (by 32 points) when Jesse Hogan underlined his huge potential by blanketing and overpowering All Australian defender Alex Rance. At that stage, the record of two wins and two defeats was a barely acceptable one but you would take it. A bad stretch against three strong teams left the team somewhat battered but they came back with a 39 point win over the Bulldogs and yet a week later blew a six goal lead in the middle of the second term to go down by ten at Treagar Park to a struggling Port Adelaide. It was the story of the team's year. From rags to riches and back to rags again in the blink of an eye. Without doubt, the pinnacle of the season was the win against Geelong at the Cattery without Jesse Hogan in Corey Enright's 300th game, closely followed by the victory over Collingwood when the teams met in Round 18. In both instances, the Demons broke long-running hoodoos which was something they were becoming accustomed to having broken the drought of wins for season openers against Gold Coast and then breaking through for a win at Etihad Stadium in the final round against the GWS Giants after 23 straight losses there. The great challenges remaining are to come up with consecutive wins, to win games in the west and to reward the NT government and the faithful by picking up premiership points in places where the club has sold home matches to enable the books to be balanced. The improvement of the club in terms of wins and ladder position was in a large part due to the continued improvement of the quality of on field personnel being brought into the club. The highlights from a long term perspective were the youngsters introduced to the team with NAB Rising Star award winner, Jesse Hogan, being the stand out and midfielder Angus Brayshaw not that far behind him. When you add the likes of Aaron vandenBerg (a revelation given his initial recruitment as a rookie), Alex Neal-Bullen, Billy Stretch, James Harmes, Oscar McDonald and Mitchell White who all debuted for the club in 2015 and Christian Petracca who will do so (body permitting) early next season, the future looks very promising especially in terms of the quest to lift the club's midfield from third world to top shelf status. The club also recruited some handy mature age recruits from other clubs in Heritier Lumumba and Jeff Garlett along with the lesser known Frost and Ben Newton. Lumumba looked exciting in the pre season but was not the force in defence that was anticipated when recruited, perhaps as a result of injury but Garlett proved to be a value selection kicking forty goals for the year. Newton showed enough to suggest that he can help make the team's midfield more competitive. We didn't really see enough of Frost to draw any conclusions but he does look adaptable and capable of adding to the key position depth when fit. Bernie Vince was outstanding throughout the year and his club champion honours were well deserved. It was no coincidence that the club's worst moments came on the rare occasions when he was down on form. When he was on song he often made the difference winning the football and often succeeding when called upon to blanket some of the game's biggest names. Jack Viney's name crept up high onto the honour board and he could easily have joined father Todd among the list of tough nuts to have won a Bluey - there's a lot more to come from this young man. Tom McDonald was living up to his potential and on his way to All Australian honours until he ran into Travis Cloke in rare form in front of the sticks. He shrugged off a mid season trough and finished the season strongly. Then there was the skipper Nathan Jones. We all knew how good he is but although not as dominant as he has been in recent years and he carried an injury for most of the second half of the season, he continued to feature strongly. Daniel Cross was solid throughout and it was a pity he could not be afforded another contract but he will not be lost entirely as he has a position in 2016 as a senior assistant coach. Two other players at the club whose seasons were affected by injuries and recovery from them could make significant inroads in the quest to improve its midfield stocks with a full season in 2016. It took Max Gawn almost half a season to gain senior selection after recovering from the setback he suffered with the knee injury incurred at the end of 2014. His first game back was a triumph in the game at Simonds Stadium where he dominated in Melbourne's win and he threatens to move into the highest echelon of ruckmen in the competition. Christian Salem lost a large slab of the middle part of the year due to hamstring issues. His immaculate kicking and fearless attitude was a bonus in defence but he might be destined for the midfield where those assets would prove invaluable. There are of course, the newcomers traded and drafted in the post season which was an interesting period for the club. It's said at this time every year but we can only wait in hope that this time the club's recruiters reap the rewards of their labours over the past few seasons. The main hope is in the view that the characteristics displayed by Melbourne this year is common to all emerging clubs and a breakthrough is not far away. The Western Bulldogs won seven matches in 2014 and doubled that number in 2015. While we bandy about expressions such as third world midfield and lack of experience, leadership and maturity to explain the club's on field woes, it's abundantly clear that the problems at Melbourne have largely persisted as a result of its off field weaknesses. The truth is that the club has been in many respects a third world power in AFL circles for far too long. There have been far too many power struggles; too many boards have assumed the reins with good intentions and failed to produce, leaving too many jobs undone. The present set up which sees the club still under a form of patronage from the AFL above seems to be working well but Glenn Bartlett, Peter Jackson and co are expected to ultimately produce results on the field in terms of finals appearances at some time in the near future. As we enter 2016 it remains to be seen whether the stability they have brought to the club can translate into an escalation of the improvement and gains of the past couple of seasons and in that regard much will depend on how the young Demons mature and how smoothly the transition of the coaching role from Paul Roos to Simon Goodwin can be carried out. http://www.youtube.-com/watch?v=N527o-BKIPMc&sns=em

I agree with much of what you say but as someone once said "with free speech comes responsibility". In my opinion that line of responsibility has been passed and the criticism of Jack has gone well past the "constructive criticism" some claim. Here is a link to the "Jack Watts" threads in the past 12 months alone. http://demonland.com/forums/search/?&q=jack%20watts&type=forums_topic&search_in=titles&start_after=year It's nonsensical to claim this is any sort of normal discussion. It's gone so far past "constructive criticism" (although how a supporter on an internet forum can think his critique of a player is "constructive criticism" is beyond me and to suggests posters insights can be more valuable than the myriad of line and development coaches we now have is preposterous). The damage done by social media is well known and accepted. An internet forum is "social media". I contend that what is happening now for Jack is bashing, bullying, tasteless and thoughtless and perhaps even dangerous. Some almost seem to have a vendetta against Jack born out of their disappointment which were in part fuelled by the inept management he received under Schwab, Connolly and Bailey. I'm all for sensible footy forum internet discussion and I think players should be subject to critique but what Watts is now subject to goes well beyond that and is now just an irresponsible use of "free speech". Who hasn't had their say? Who hasn't had an opportunity to offer their opinion? What purpose does it serve to have the same people present the same opinion over and over again. As for banning people I agree you couldn't ban Deeluded for his post but in essence it added nothing, wasn't funny and served no purpose. It just astounds me that people have so little respect for a person that they would post that dribble. Demonland should set a standard and act on the Jack Watts bashing and bullying that goes on here.

Got no idea who to tip this week. I think Minnesota might bust balls to get a win even though as macca pointed out it gives us Seattle instead of Washington. Washington and Seattle might bludge this week. I'll take St.Louis because if they lose to San Fran after beating Seattle a certain Rams fan on here might lose his mind. Good luck to you all. Detroit Pittsburgh St.Louis

Yes the Yellow Centers in a Codral would get me nice and high on a friday night many years ago Over the counter.....

Disagree here. I think Boyd has escaped the media and fan scrutiny that Watts has copped and Jack isn't getting more than $1m a season either, or bailed on his club after 1 year. There is another player at GWS, in jumper number 9, who gets about $1.2m a year and has played pretty ordinary footy, who also seems to escape scrutiny after bailing on his club.

32 years! It's people like you pineapple who will send bbo's new venture broke.

I don't know why you keep harping on about this and keep criticising the club! There was nothing to uncover as the ABC article bing181 quotes was in April 2013 and Goodwin was recruited late 2013. The club knew all there was to know. Do you really think the club did not grill him on it! Do you really think they simply ignored the ABC report and other information they gathered. Simply, the club made a rational decision on Goodwin, weighing up the risks and making whatever contingency plans were necessary. We now have smart operators running our club and to pot them is just plain silly... Anyway, the subject of Goodwin's appointment was done to death on this thread about 25 pages ago! BTW, I think you still owe 'binman' answers to his questions.

I am a massive Jack Watts fan. I expect he'll have a good year, he is relatively consistent and is becoming an underrated player. Hopefully Watts can focus on his strengths from here on in, I'd like to see him build upon his agility, class, decision making and execution.

Totally agree. Melksham will prove to be a great pick up. I back Goodwin to get the best out of him. He's a very talented player.

I thought those highlights were great stuff. Makes you realise how many times in crunch situations he kicked important goals. There is still no one better in our side who I would rather have the ball in hand than Jack Watts except maybe ,Bernie Vince and the up and coming Salem.

Bafonic post. Belittle and denigrate or constructive criticism? Contrary to being a supporter or opinionated, paid up and pi$$ed off? Personal characteristics....who cares? I remember the poster( I won't name him) that suggested Jack Grimes should get a game because he's one of our best public speakers. Watts is paid good money to play footy, anything else is secondary. This year is make or break for a number of players on our list, including three highly paid players in Watts/Dawes/Grimes (speculation but possibly 1.2 million a season for the 3 of them). The club has and is continuing to grow, standards are now higher as are the expectations of the supporters. The players that haven't bought into Roos "non negotiables" will be left behind. Having said that criticism of any player warranted or not should be reserved for when the season starts.

Wise, I guess I see the potential for lots of different types of discussion all focused on our women's team. I can envisage different threads dedicated to the exhibition games, the national competition structure, updates from different state competitions and individual players. In addition I'd love to create a thread that contains a collection of videos that provide people with a real insight into the women's game. I could obviously do this on the main board but feel they deserve a place to be kept together. Mach, I'd make it one of my key jobs to keep the key threads updated and interesting so that the women's game is regularly on the opening page of the site. I think we've already done this McQueen. After each exhibition game, a thread has been created and each year these threads have received more attention and a more positive response. Thanks WJ. I really stumbled into the women's game. As a teacher I enjoyed coaching the boys I taught but up here in QLD I couldn't escape the number of potential competitions that were being created specifically for girls. I've heard quite a few people question the numbers QLD boasts in terms of female participation but the effort they put into the school competitions is amazing and that's why their participation rates are so high. I think we've moved past WA who are quite strong and are now serious competition at U18 level with Victoria. About 14 years ago our school program started with a little 9-a-side team that got absolutely smashed by everyone. In the first minute of our first game, one of my girls dislocated her knee cap and I wasn't sure this whole thing was such as good idea. But we got more and more serious and as a school we became the best in QLD for a few years, even toured Victoria and headed out to Wonthaggi for a game against the then state champions. As much as I enjoyed coaching the boys, they were all club driven and school footy was very much secondary. School footy to the girls became almost club-like. They trained two afternoons a week and did a gym session or two as well. That's when I realised how serious these girls could get. Unlike the boys, the improvement you see is so huge and as a consequence the satisfaction gained as a coach is massive. Oh and they listen! After a few years my best girls finished school and a few of them moved into clubs to play senior footy. After a couple of more years, they convinced me to come and coach them. I spent a couple of years coaching a senior team in the Brisbane/Gold Coast Comp but had to ease out of the scene when my second kid came along. After a year, I realised how much I missed it and got back involved with some younger girls. We started in 15s and we're now in 17s and are pulling together a senior team to play in the second tier of footy up here. The club I'm now at is right near my school and we'll have teams in 11s, 13s, 15s, 17s and seniors. I'm hopeful that when my kids are a little older I might coach as senior level again with the kids I started off with 4 years ago. There is a genuine pathway for the girls now. In addition they can play representative school footy with state carnivals at U12 and U15 level. And outside of school they have an U14 and U17 state championship. Whilst the standard of the exhibition games has been solid, the next generation of players are a cut above the current seniors. We're now seeing Auskick kids floating into club competitions and entering senior level with a real background in the game. Once the national comp gets underway, it may have a few teething problems but the elite talent from Netball, Soccer and Cricket will start flooding our way. The AFL will seriously support the comp and I wouldn't be surprised if the best few players in each team will be making over $100,000 a year. When young girls see that potential and have the pathway in place to support their progress, the standard in 8 - 10 years should be quite impressive. A lot of people have been impressed with the exploits of Tayla Harris. Unlike most of the other girls involved in the exhibition games (especially from QLD) who've come to the sport late in their youth or even in their twenties, Tayla has had a traditional football journey comparable to most boys. I can only imagine how good the quality of competition will be when the bulk of the players have a decade of footy behind them like Tayla. I wrote an article at the conclusion of my last year of senior coaching that shares a fair bit of info on Tayla and her exploits prior to playing in the exhibition games and taking 'that mark'. http://www.foxsportspulse.com/team_info.cgi?client=1-109-82635-158132-10295392&sID=247343&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=20586526 Cheers, Ross

Watts is clearly capable of so much as the highlight reel below demonstrates. He's also out of contract at the end of 2016, meaning it will be interesting to see whether the club considers Watts as a priotrity to resign based on the glimpses he's shown throughout his career. Personally, I have my fingers-crossed for Watts to produce a good season for us in 2016. I feel that he legitimately loves the club despite all of the criticism he's received since he debuted.

I'd ban you for this negative crapp and the continual abuse and bullying of Watts. And it's nothing personal against you. It just fascinates and disappoints me that MFC supporters can't get behind him and feel the need to continually belittle and denigrate him. It's mean spirited and totally contrary to being a supporter. Reality is probably that he's neither as bad as many make out or as good as some suggest. But he's got personal characteristics that leave many here for dead and he diserves so much better than what this forum regularly dishes up. Fact is he is on our list. He will get a game if the coaches think he deserves one. He may flourish in a better team or he may lose his place. I don't know what will happen but I hope he succeeds. but what I do know is this site should have the balls to put an end to the continual abuse and bullying of this player. Everybody's had their say, let's see what happens.

My New Year's Resolution is to stop bashing Watts. The scrutiny on him = the rest of the team put together. Hope he has a great season. Happy New Year!

I spoke to him today at training and he said he had a scan this morning - everything fine.But he only trained for a short time.

Like all VFL clubs, the Casey Scorpions are on a recruiting drive although obviously it will not be as intensive as some of the stand-alone clubs because the Scorps will benefit from the influx of the young talent drafted in by the Demons. The Scorpions have lost veteran skipper Evan Panozza (Southport), vice-captain Mitch Gent (Noble Park) and Nathan Page (Tooradin) but have re-signed Jack Hutchins and Tim Smith. The new signings to date have not been high profile but there are certainly some interesting names:- Yarran Jaffer-Williams from Wodonga Raiders is mentioned in this thread where new poster "outsider" has an excellent post about the 20 year old midfielder: "Yarran Jaffer-Williams is a young indigenous prospect looking to spark his AFL aspirations back to life. He was a member of the QBE Sydney Swans academy and also represented the NSW/ACT Rams state side. He played primarily for the Sydney Swans Reserves and Sydney University. Jaffer-Williams was a highly regarded Swans academy prospect under the tutelage of now Demons mentor Paul Roos ...” The club has signed two 18 year old Dandenong Stingrays TAC Cup graduates Mitchell Cox and small defender, Lachlan Batten - Batten shaken but not stirred. Another TAC Cup graduate to sign is 181cm Eastern Ranges midfielder Aaron Cotte who was among his side's best in the grand final loss to the Oakleigh Chargers. He was also runner-up in the team's 2014 Best & Fairest to Luke Hannon who is also at Casey in a team which included Christian Petracca and Sam Weideman. Midfielder Aloysio Ferreira from Gippsland Power has also signed with the club. Other signings include:- Frank Anderson (Whitefriars); Tom Baker (Rosebud) who booted 60 goals from 17 matches and featured in a flag this year; Liam Beacom (Upwey Tecoma and ex-Eastern Ranges); Dylan Gordon (Warburton-Millgrove), a key defender and Victorian U19 representative this year; Oscar McInerney (Montrose) 21, 203cm - a promising ruckman. Another interesting acquisition at the Casey Scorpions is Murray Bushrangers TAC Cup coach Darren Ogier who will be an assistant under Justin Plapp. Ogier spent six years at the Bushies and this year coached draftees Clayton Oliver and Mitch King, having previously also coached rookie Max King.

No, funny haha. Unintended consequences.

WTF??? Literally WTF was that?

That rings a bell. Funny how there used to be quite a few pharmacy at the front, residence at the back, type places in Prahran, Malvern and Balaclava, that used to hold ripper parties, walk in off the road if you wanted to....

You're thick as well as funny, Stu.

None of the above. It was reviewed, it was discussed, and the club (obviously) came to a different conclusion to you.

Pats jets rams dear god why am I tipping the Rams... CFH, you may just be right if we lose I'll be on the next plane to the USA. steelers was my other choice, but I didn't want to have the same as JV7. good luck guys.

I'm not really talking about "the" media, I'm more talking about "social media". He gets caned.

No. I've already seen it.

There are some on Demonland, who fail to understand the beauty and tranquility of this thread, let alone the sage advice given and knowedge gained by being a reader of it. To that end, I have decided to appease the masses and throw in a football reference in my posts on here, whenever I remember to. Also, being the New Year I have vowed to personally improve as a human being and to that end, I am now adding honey to my banana smoothies and I know that MANY PLAYERS IN THE AFL, also enjoy banana smoothies. (Note the footy reference).

Do you want somebody to post a 13,800 minute warts and all video so that we can be more objective and give equal time to the glass half empty supporters (or do you secretly yearn for 9 minutes of negativity)?

It seems that some supporters actually forget what they watch when they go to the footy or sit in front of the box and need reminding by watching a 9 minute "highlights" video. This said video samples 460 quarters of football. The "highlights" are preciously few from those 13,800 minutes of actual playing time.

Nice memory refresher of the year that was, thanks Jack. I was at that first GWS game in Canberra and my view of the team remained clouded by it. My optimism for 2016 is limited because while our improvement may steadily continue all clubs are pressing for success. Whether we can break clear of the mediocre pack remains to be seen. I think finals are beyond us this year unless the ducks line up with great good fortune but we will improve.

If Jack Watts didnt play a single game this season, hardly anyone in the football world would say "Poor Melbourne are without JW this week". Thats the sad reality. When he gets dropped for form or injury i dont care one bit as i know that we wont be any worse off as a team for his absence. I hate the fact i can say this without any guilt whatsoever as he has the best weighted kick in the game as far as im concerned. I cant name a single player who can drop a ball into space and make a leading forward run to that spot at full tilt to get the mark like Jack can................ That one skill does not make up for his absolute inability to impact a contest. I gave up forever when he was pantsed 1:1 by Jamie Bennell. Until that time i hoped, week after week, that the penny would drop. Sublime skills but soft, physically weak, and scared of the contest. Will be traded when his contract is up unless he discovers courage. Nobody with footy I.Q. should care. Welcome to the new, Hard MFC.

Only if he doesn't learn from them. We all make poor decisions at one time or another.

Did you read the article? It said that Hexalarin had been cleared by ASADA for coaches. Whats the problem?

I pretty much just lurk here but I just wanted to say that I heavily disagree with this sentiment (and JW is probably my favourite player too). Fact is, this is an internet forum where people have their own opinions and everything and it's inevitable that some of this creeps into postings - every player cops it, albeit some much more than most. Banning someone for having negative opinions of a player is bad because it reduces the amount of independent thought posted on this site. Yeah people could be definitely be nicer with their comments, but you know, everyone's entitled to free speech and you're entitled to disapprove if you disagree with their comments. But banning someone for being harsh towards a player is a bit much to me. I also don't think his post was really abuse; I read it just as being tired of the continual expectations of Jack. But yeah, maybe I read it wrongly!

Well well Biff - I have been renewed. A new man, an upright citizen ready to selflessly contribute to the greater good of society.My first New Year's Reso is to shed some kilograms. However, due to some previous misunderstandings, I am persona non grata at all nearby gymnasia. So I have dusted off the treadly and purchased some new spandex. I have already attracted some envious glances around the village. I do cut a rather dashing figure if I do say so myself. I have also decided to look for a new vocation in life. During my recent treatments, I met some quite delightful psychoanalysts,psychologists in general and a myriad of counsellors. So Uncle Bitter is planning to reinvent himself as a relationship or marriage counsellor. I have had quite a bit to do with other peoples' marriages over the years so I am quite confident that I can make an impact. Doing good is my new motto!

Pats Steelers Jets

Greats news ! The MFC remains undefeated in 2016.

At games, I see Jack lead a hell of a lot and either not get the pass or have it kicked high and long rather than out in front. What I can't tell is whether this is because his teammates aren't looking for/seeing him or if he's not timing his leads properly. In a few games I've re-watched in the off-season I've heard commentators say a few times that he takes off just a few seconds too early so he's running through space a moment before they are ready to pass to him. If this is the case, then a minor adjustment to his play could reap massive rewards. I suspect that the reality is a mix of several factors. As above, he sometimes leads too early. He needs to fix that. Likewise, our mids have historically been terrible at hitting a leading target, most often going too high and either forcing them to stop and wait for the defender to crash into them or going right over them and straight into the defender's hands. I have often suspected that awareness of this lack in kicking skill has lead to a reluctance to take that kick and instead they hold up and look for a safer option or a good contest on the boundary. Hopefully the addition of more skilled young players will lead to more willingness to take the attacking option in the future.

who knows, so many variables Tyson at best is A grade, but will he find consistency Trengove could be an A grader if he can make it back Petracca could have a Hogan like impact.. could Oliver could have a Wines like impact.. the real key will be if Gawn can play a full season at the level he showed last year, if he can, he can push All Australian and make life alot easier for our mids, funny how mids suddenly become rated much higher when your ruck gets his hands on the ball a bit more.

What we have right now is a highly combative midfield that is lacking in weapons. We have a whole bunch of players who will win contested ball and tackle. Most of them are pretty reliable with the ball as well which is nice. What we lack are really good ball users and significant pace. There's also a bit of a question mark over the hands of a few, as in their ability to grab the ball on the first attempt. I think that a lot of faith has been shown in a few young fringe players to develop into first team regulars to help fill these voids. Guys like Mitch White, Stretch and Hunt need to come on and give us those outside weapons to complement the rock hard core. If we see that, then we're going to be much better than 15th ranked in the league.

He won't be a spud for us though. I'm predicting a bloody good season for him.

The current banner is done for 2016 and will not be added to.

Good idea in theory, but to me the women's team is still part of the Melbourne Football Club. This part of the forum is here to discuss the club, not just the team, and they are a big part of it. They don't need their own forum as we can still have plenty of discussion here and include them in that.

Correct, the other thing he is doing is creating space and often draws an opponent. Nothing worse than when at the footy, watts has lead to open space is looked to be used, poor kick by a team mate resulting in a turn over and then some bozo in the crowd "that's your man watts". Pet hate

I reckon leave it as it is then during the season, add 1 extra player every 5 weeks dependent on form and merit

Nowhere have I said he was perfect, or the best president we had or anything like that, I just think it's really poor that some posters are having a massive crack at a guy who put millions into our club, save it from merger, lead it with integrity, increased our profile and was in charge of the place when we made our 2nd Grand Final in 50 years. Not giving him sole credit, not saying he didn't have faults, but some of the "logic" in this thread is crazy. Apparently everything bad was solely his fault, and everything good was solely everyone else. Crazy.

I reckon that if Frost is good enough as a lockdown defender we should throw him to FB and Dunn to CHF/FF. We would then look something like this: Jetta-Frost-Garland Salem-Tmac-Melksham Vince-Viney-Stretch Kent-Hogan-Petracca Garlett-Dunn-Kennedy Gawn-Tyson-N.Jones Int: Brayshaw, Watts, vandenBerg, Neal-Bullen

PJ should really be up there first. Every bit as important as Roos. Arguably moreso. Jackson, Roos, Goodwin, Jones, Vince, Viney, McDonald, Hogan, Brayshaw Leadership, backbone and future.