Leaderboard

Was there from about 10 until 11:15, with a wander to go get coffee in the middle. Craft session. So really quick cycling through a range of drills. Some divided by positions, other a mix. Missed (by me): Dom, Nev (saw him leaving), Kent, Brayshaw, Ben Ken? Rehab: ANB, Hannan. At times:Flippers, Mitch King Hibberd was held out after about 11. Couldn't tell if it was his knee or some other issue and didn't see any incident. Inside 50 kicking seemed a focus of a lot of drills that had varying ways to test it. There was a drill where 2 players would gather the ball, spin round and kick to a lead, it's on the clubs instagram. There were midfield stoppage drills that then had the players streaming forward to kick inside 50. And drills where the defenders would get the ball out then the forwards would take over and take the ball the other way. All 4 rucks did a fair bit of work with Stafford, but they weren't competing against each other. The mids did a fair bit of clearance work with umpires present to bounce the ball. Hogan did go in to this drill at various stages although my focus was on the forwards at that time. I'd say they'll put him in there as a way to get him in to the game and to take him from certain opponents. Matched up with even numbers probably 8 a side they practised getting the ball out of deep defence using short kicking and things got a bit ugly. They had an umpire calling marks and play ons and there were a few turnovers. They were really restricted in the space and using only short kicks for the drill. I expect the actual game plan will call for a lot more counter attacking and long kicking, particularly switching. Individual observations: Salem - looked really composed today, used his body well to win a marking contest, ran the ball forward with speed to evade pressure, nailed a goal from 50 on the run. Spencer - not to derail another thread but he did look good, racking up touches and making smart handballs on the spread Oliver - for the brief bit of the clearance work I watched he was wreaking havoc Maynard - another who got a few nice quick handballs off in traffic. I think he has vision Lewis - his kicking inside 50 is where he stands out Watts - his leading and ability to create space inside 50 is a cut above. I want him up the ground to get the ball but he is dangerous deep if he can find room and get delivery McKenna - a really nice ball user inside 50 Pedda and Vanders look fit, JKH looks sharp

A team event? And the whole team was punished? The AFL should hang their heads in shame. And by the way #giveitbackjobe

Weideman is coming along nicely and when he clunked a mark today (against T.Mac) the whole playing list seemed to converge on him in congratulations. By contrast, nobody seemed interested when Watts continually took marks and then roosted them through the sticks (such as we are becoming to take that for granted)! Other impressions today were that Hogan looked in a good place, Hunt hasn't got any slower and Keilty is a big unit.

Last year we got some fantastic reports from the Queensland posters. Looking forward to the different insights

Jab Take notice... cheat

Judging by some of the comments, perhaps some of you might like to explore this further, though it's impossible to draw any solid conclusions from a single test. I live OS, so am a bit out of the loop re how this works in Oz, but usually you would start off with your GP, though that depends on both you and the GP - some are more up to speed than others. The majority of organisations and individuals offering diagnosis are working with kids, so there might be a bit of sorting out of the wheat from the chaff. I'd specifically look for someone: a) specialised in Asperger's and autism, though if you're an adult and there was no speech delay as a kid, we're looking at Asperger's rather than autism (though that's a simplification of the situation, but enough for here), and b) someone specialised in adult diagnosis. Aspergers Victoria look like a decent place to start if you're in Melbourne/Vic. The first meeting with a psychologist or whatever might be nothing more than an exploratory chat to see whether it's worth pursuing or exploring possibilities, so it's perhaps worth at least going that far with it. I'd just say one thing re all this: Adults on the spectrum have grown up with it, and have often learnt to cope by masking the difficulties, especially socially. But that can be much more stressful than what we might be aware of. One of the main causes of death amongst autists is suicide. And the incidence of suicide is highest amongst autistic people who have no cognitive impairment (i.e. invisible autistics like me), where the suicide rate is 9 times the non-autistic population (Swedish study). Tony Attwood has observed that for many adult Asperger's, managing stress and depression is a greater concern than anything to do with autism itself. Not suggesting that's the case of anyone here, but if there's anything in this, speaking from experience, it's worth exploring. If you're autistic, you can never not be (and vice versa). But knowing that you are brings understanding, and with understanding comes the means to live and manage it better. Go Dees.

Neck tattoos make you 15% tougher - fact.

"Come writers and critics Who prophesize with your pen And keep your eyes wide The chance won't come again And don't speak too soon For the wheel's still in spin And there's no telling who that it's naming For the loser now will be later to win Cause the times they are a-changing" Robert Allen Zimmerman : 1964 <== How prophetic

Got there about 10 am just Dom and Nev had finished their rehab and back off the AAMI stadium. Won't comment on individual drills however Hibbard pulled out about 11am with possible a slightest hamstring (precaution). Simulation was good to watch. Clean quick movement today. 2nd time watching this preseason and it's fairly consistent now the standard and intensity of training which is great.

There's a lot of 'what could have been' when watching those early 90s games. While they're fantastic to watch, there's an element of sadness that it never all came together at the same time.

It's even more complex when he's on second ruck duties. Then he has to tap it down to himself before he can even deliver the ball to himself.

Really love this one: R 20 1991 v North Melbourne Jackovich at his best. 11 goals, including 10 to 3/4 time, bringing his total to 50 for the season, but having kicked 60 in the reserves in the same season......Stynes dominating. Luke Beveridge on the wing with Tingay....what could have been!

I've never really had it 'looked at' per se, but I have for a while suspected I'm on the spectrum. General traits: I impulsively avoid eye contact when talking to people, especially in forced situations (passing each other in a hallway etc) I can't small talk, at all. I consider it lucky if I can sustain any sort of conversation, often. I am usually the first one to cross the line in to inappropriate conversations, unintentionally. I can't read between the lines. If you're not explicit, I probably won't understand what you're saying to me. I can't read body language. I have no idea if the person I am talking to likes me or is at all interested in what I have to say. It takes me a very long time to make friends. It would be unusual for me to consider someone an established friend within the first year of meeting them, though there have been exceptions. I can remember the number plate of every car I've ever owned, and can remember the number plate of every car any member of my family ever owned up until the age of about 15, and a few of my friends early car number plates. I know the current sequence of number plates (letter number number letter letter) in Tasmania and roughly where they're up to (I've seen 'F' number plates, 'G' ones are reserved for Government vehicles, 'H' ones should start appearing on the streets soon...). With the older style number plates (letter letter number number number number) I used to be able to roughly guess when a car was registered based on its number plate. There used to be a car that parked near my house with the number plate next in sequence to mine. I was disappointed the time we parked next to each other in a car park and I didn't have my phone on me to take a photo. Did I mention I notice number plates? I have an elephant-like memory in general, especially when it comes to numbers I am obsessive about doing things right, to the point where I will abandon anything I can't do near enough to perfect for my own satisfaction on early attempts. I scored 36 on the Baron-Cohen test. The questions that reduced my score were nearly all around imagination - I have a very vivid imagination, I *love* reading fiction, I have even dabbled in writing some. I guess that's the whole thing about it being a 'spectrum'.

I had a dream last night. Spencer in the ruck 60% , Gawn at FF (ruck 40%) and Hogan split between midfield (when Spencer rucks)and forward (when Gawn rucks). New ruck rules will help us.

Move over Bonty!

Stopped in very briefly to witness Hogan training with the midfield! looking quite at home collecting the fruits of Gawn's tap work.

A serious case of "do as I say and not as I do". You similarly have the capacity to do what you accuse others of doing. No matter how boring you find the criticism. Your training reports are always appreciated, even if posters at do not agree with your player assessments etc. As for discussion on players in general. Even if critical in nature, we're all allowed to critique and discuss anything and everything we want to in regards to the football club and if a poster doesn't wish to engage in that particular discussion, they don't have to. But if they disagree with what's being said, they have the freedom of doing so. You, however, prefer to completely disregard and disengage with the content of what's being said, and prefer to try and dictate whether or not we should be allowed to say anything at all on the subject. Like some sort of MFC-censorship agency. M8. Keep providing your factual and informative player updates because they're great. Let others debate and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of players like Spencer. And everything will be rosey. PS. How many more posts do I need to clock-up before I'm eligible for 'Mod status'?

I thought I recognised you.

From the Demons supporters at BF this is probably the best compiled list of Melbourne games available to be viewed on the net, including comments on the contents: https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/the-melbourne-replay-archive.1144478/ This should make the off-season easier to endure....

Hey guys Has anyone over the last few pages thought of reading the thread title? It seems to have been hijacked and become a thread on the MFC website. How about a seperate thread? Any thoughts on who is / should / could be the third tall forward, if indeed such a position actually exists, and when?

How do you know this? I know many in the footy world where shocked when Bernie's best mate Tex Walker was named Crow's skipper ahead of Dangerfield and Sloane. Inside the Adelaide club it was a matter of when and not if Tex got the job. My point is, how would any of us really know who is regarded as a leader by the players at MFC???

You have a few months off from footy and you completely forget what the heck happened the previous season. He won't miss out then.

Should be pinned.

Hopefully Lewis delivering inside 50 will allow Watts to play deeper - they could be a lethal combo

Can't wait to hear how quick Trenners is in a warm climate.

Yep, every year, my work knows that Super Bowl Day I'm not at work.

Why?? I don't have a say who gets picked.

Always knew you were one of us, a friggin genius. I still despise your slant on history. You should stop reading Biggles.

All that is very similar too for me Nasher, my quirk is remembering dates, points in history , years movies were made and who won the premiership (or how the dees went) in any given year. Have always been a creature of habit, like watching the same movies, footy replays , reading same books etc etc Scored 34 on the baron cohen test the other day, got to say doing the test and reading the common traits is an eye opener. Probably have always considered these traits as being due to being more of an introverted and detailed / analytical type . But will look into it a bit more, as I think understanding and being aware of it can only help me and those close to me thanks bing for starting the thread , and thanks also Ethan and Nasher for sharing your insights too, much appreciated

Well we've scored TD's on our opening drive the last 8 games, heres hoping we make it 9 & put the Pats behind the 8 ball

I know it's not as exciting but Gawn's marking when pushing back in defence was every bit as important as him going forward and stretching other defences. I don't want to lose that.

Unless Jones has grown hair, he is the one second from the left. The 3rd from the left has smaller arms than I do so that must be Daisy. So I think from left: Viney, Jones, Daisy and Watts.

Ethan, can I have my footy socks back? Edit:- On second thoughts, you can keep them.

Re: Jake Spencer and Jack Trengove Neither have had a real pre season for years that would have prepared them adequately for match days. That they have shown improved ability following an unbroken pre season to date should be a positive for the club and all supporters. Spencil is a big bodied ruckman who has speed, grunt and endurance and can be competitive at the highest level. How many clubs can boast 2 such ruckmen? How do we know if the FD is not developing a strategy around creating an imbalance on the ground and using Max and Pencil at the same time? How many opposition clubs would be stretched? There is a simplistic notion that modern footy is all about speed and spread. But really it is as much about creating imbalances on the field. Imagine Spencil or Max resting in the forward line and taking away Jesse Hogan's gorilla opponent or alternating off the bench so that there is always a rested ruckman on the ground or dividing the ground in two (back line and centre, forward line) and sharing the load.. Players are here to play roles for the benefit of the team, not impress the critics with their speed and skills. I recall that both played in the great victory at Geelong in 2015. Jack was a champion before his injury and deserves a fair go to prove his value again. This constant obsession with foot speed is becoming tedious. Spread does not rely on speed, it relies on having the footy smarts to be able to read the play and anticipate when to go and where before the opposition. So long as he gets to the right positions and gets there without an opponent, he can walk as far as I care. As for defensive speed, if finds himself on a faster player (which can happen to any player except Hunt) then it is up to the on field or off field leadership to make the necessary adjustment. That is what good coaching is meant to do. There are enough coaches to go around. Give Jake and Jack a chance and don't dismiss their prospects too soon. I hope they surprise.

Don't know if serious...? You know we have a completely new team right? I saw quite a bit of the women's VFL last year (a lot of one particular team which will probably be obvious) so can give a semi-educated opinion on our and other teams' recruiting. I was disappointed overall with our draft haul, predominantly with our lack of a proven key forward which I think will prove to be our downfall during the season. Daisy is obviously a great get. Hickey was a bit of a reach as a marquee player but getting Paxman as a priority makes up for that. Overall our drafting was VERY young/inexperienced. A good proportion of our team seems to be just out of youth girls or new to footy in the past couple of years so much like GWS or GCS' first few seasons I expect that we will struggle early despite good top end senior players but should be a force in a couple of years. We were unlucky to be the last Victorian team to pick as Lambert, Stevens and Jakobbsen are all guns. O'Dea was a solid pick but Berry was too early IMO. She has great skills and potential but hasn't really proven herself yet (played forward pocket in the VFL last year). Our players that I can see that are primarily key forwards are Jess Anderson and Jasmine Grierson who both played their first year of senior football last year. Cranston has played up forward a lot but is a bit short. Lauren Pearce and Maddie Boyd are ruck/forwards. We do have options but they are not close to the Vescio/Hope/Brennan level. Our midfield and defence look ok. I expect that the bulldogs will clearly be the top Vic team. Their midfield with Blackburn, Kearney (clearly the next best mids (after Daisy) along with Bri Davey), Lambert, Hannah Scott and Brooke Lochland should dominate. Plus O'Connor and Spark who are top rucks. And Brennan up forward. Carlton have done well getting a top forward and mid as their marquee players, like the bulldogs. They lack top line midfielders behind Davey but Hosking, Exon and Pound are quality. They have a great forward line with Vescio, Jakobsson, Ayre and Arnell. Collingwood looks good all over the ground except for a weak midfield. Their backline should be particularly strong with Stevens, Chiocci and Penny Cula-Reid and obviously they have Hope up forward, along with Cameron. You only need to look at the league B&F and team of the year to see that we will struggle this year. SWISSE VFL WOMEN’S BEST AND FAIREST LEADERBOARD Daisy Pearce (Darebin) 33 --> Melb Brianna Davey (St Kilda) 29 --> Carl Ellie Blackburn (Melbourne Uni) 23 --> WB Katie Brennan (Darebin) 22 --> WB Steph Chiocci (Diamond Creek) 22 --> Coll Bree White (VU Western Spurs) 20 --> Coll Emma Kearney (Melbourne Uni) 20 --> WB Bianca Jakobsson (Cranbourne) 17 --> Carl Jaimee Lambert (Eastern Devils) 15 --> WB Sarah Perkins (Eastern Devils) 15 --> Adel B: Kim Ebb (WB) Nic Stevens (Coll) Nic Hildebrand (Bris) HB: Hannah Scott (WB) Hickey (Melb) Paxman (Melb) C: Pearce (Melb) Davey (Carl) Kearney (WB) HF: Vescio (Carl) Brennan (WB) Jakobsson (Carl) FF: Arnell (Carl) Hope (Coll) Perkins (Adel) FOll: Downie (Carl), Blackburn (WB), Lambert (WB) Inter: Gillespie-Jones (Carl), Ashmore (Bris), Boyd (Melb), Attard (Carl), Chiocci (coll), White (Coll) But on the plus side, hopefully the drafting next year will be in reverse order as it is for the AFL and we will be able to pick up Izzy Huntington. She did her ACL in the youth girls game before the last women's exhibition game so we won't see much of her this year but she will be a weapon and probably the best player in the league very soon. She was not eligible for to play VFL last year but played only 4 games in the Premier division (next one down from VFL) and was BOG in all of them and also took out the team's B&F playing only those 4 games! She's tall, fast, beautiful kick and strong mark and seems always have so much time, a bit like Pendlebury. And is a big Dees fan! So there's my preview...

"Matt Jones was supposedly best 22 during training last year and ended up being delisted. That's just another example of reading too much into training. He looked great in January, yet ended up being the same player in June." Wiseblood - Matt Jones played the better part of half a season before injury wrecked his season. My point being that blokes who burn it up pre-season are certainly in contention for the opening rounds. In the early days, post injury, Max also looked to be lumbering around. I was convinced in those early games that he couldn't jump! I think it is possible for a player who has had several interrupted pre-seasons to take a huge step forward when he has a clear go at it. I'm not saying that Spencer is a walk up start, but we don't have to look any further back than Max at the first Maroochydore Camp to be excited by Spencer's current track form.

I've been to a few training sessions this year and I've been really pleased with the continual development of Vince, Jones and AVB. They've really grown into their roles and offer great voice and leadership. The group as a whole are more vocal and self assured then I've seen in recent years. They just keep ticking off all the boxes and have a real look of determination in them. I think we will see a much improved Vince, Jones and AVB this year.

Suprised the Whoreks have named him Captain. I would have thought just having him on the park would be enough...

Great outcome. Now we can get back to hating him.

Generically, I agree with you, Thrice and Wiseblood on the issue of Co-Captains. I didn't even consider it as a possibility until I read some suggestion on another thread that McCartney had apparently floated the idea as a possibility. Relevantly, I have absolute respect for Jones - I love the bloke and his commitment to this club. My view here is not intended to be a slight on him or his Captaincy - he deserves the position and I think that he should, and obviously will, be maintained in the gig. That said, we have super unusual circumstances here. It is extremely rare that a senior and super well credentialled leader from a highly successful club with potentially more success in front of it, and with that player genuinely having gas left in the tank for at least another three years, seeks out a developing (and let's face it, criminally unsuccessful club over the past 10 years) and says 'I want to join you guys, help you with your development and share in the success over the next few years that we will achieve'. It seems clear that Lewis has joined the club for legitimate reasons. It also seems clear that he commands the respect and ear of the entire player group, including Jones. I however want to see him empowered. For the very reasons each of you are concerned about the Co-Captaincy piece, ironically I think it's a good idea. What I would not like to see is for Lewis not talk to the group at the huddle at 3/4 time in a tight final even though: - he should because he has stacks of experience in such a situation but doesn't want to be seen to be usurping Jones' authority as Captain; and - Jones himself would probably want Lewis to talk to the group but doesn't want to appear to the player group as an impotent Captain in the circumstances. Having Lewis as a Co-Captain negates this. Think about it. We are developing club with aspirations to play finals, and not just one of them. Our leaders including Jones have little to no experience in this zone. Lewis has it in spades. And I want him, and others like Jones, to feel that they have unrestricted access to that knowledge and experience. I suspect Jones would actually be slightly relieved with such an appointment. It's no slight on him, just recognition that we have a new Centurion in the group who needs to be properly empowered for the benefit of everyone. One cannot under-estimate the importance of Lewis to our future success in the coming years. Let's just embrace it.

If Gawn was in the leadership group last year and had an AA year and from my view appears to be driving harder this year its a no brainer. Watts should just continue to focus on playing good footy. Vince should focus on regaining form and removing the brain fades that cost him the odd report. Lewis in is a given on what he brings and what has already been observed and mentioned over preseason. Jones, Viney and T-Mac re-select themselves.

Gawn was in the leadership group last year and is a leader of this group. He made it last year after half a season of good footy. He'll make it this year after adding an All Aus. Whilst I agree about Watts only playing 1 good year of footy I'll say he's also been a leader of the playing group in many ways for a while now. He's king of the kids - both in terms of fans and in terms of being popular with the younger players. If there's belief that he's turned the corner for good with his footy then I could understand him being picked in the leadership group. It might even help him go to another level. I don't think it's the same as Melbourne of old, I actually think it's a little alternative and a bit like Adelaide picking Tex Walker as captain when Sloane was available.

Watts has had single year of consistent AFL-standard football. Why on earth would he be given a golden ticket into the group on the back of that? That's 'Melbourne of old' nonsense. He just needs to concentrate on backing up the year he just had and improve again. Gawn is in the same boat. Back it up next year. How many past players have rotated through the 'leadership group' only to show anything but leadership? I'd like it to be a small but tight group of Jones, Lewis, Vince (he needs to take control of games next year given his age and games experience), T-Mac, Jetta and Viney. And yeh Saty, I'm completely aware that none of our opinions 'matter' so save yourself the post.

Swings and roundabouts. We won like 4 games in a row then absolutely belted the Lions composite-team @ The G last year. We were due a spanking. Luckily it's only a nothing practice match, but plenty of Carlscum nufties have gone from ignoring/flat out criticizing the AFLW to riding the coat tails of a nothing win and acting like they've won the premiership. Hope both our teams embarrass them at Casey in Feb. Have been following the women's comp from overseas as much as I can and its impossible to forsee what teams are decent and predict possible premiers. While Darebin was essentially split up and sent to different teams, we have a very good skeleton structure in that these players have won premierships together at the Falcons: - Our skipper Daisy Pearce is by far the best women's footballer in the league, by far. Class. - Mel Hickey is widely considered to be the best CHB in the country and has built herself into an absolute machine since last exhibition match. Not as tall as your Tayla Harris' etc but she's quality. - Karen Paxman is highly rated as an endurance machine who makes good decisions and doesn't stop running. - Elise O'Dea is a somewhat hard at it inside mid who can kick the odd goal or two. - Lauren Pearce (unrelated to Daisy) is our 184cm ruck/forward. She's only young but she's also only 2cm shorter than the Filth's ruck (who's reported to "tower over" every other player in the league), plus she booted a nice major in the Lion's game. To put it into perspective, Lauren was a basketballer her whole life and had only been playing footy for a year but already cemented herself as no 1 ruck at Darebin. No mean feat when you consider the talent at the Falcs. We didn't have Lauren play on Saturday in the praccy which is one of many factors as to why we got smacked, but one reason why we shouldn't lose hope. We chose brilliant young talent in Deanna Berry - a young, hard at it half-forward who can take a brilliant mark (see below) and is a tough and class player. She was outstanding in Vic Metro game and I'm surprised not to hear how she went on Saturday. We have plenty of other young talent with great leadership skills such as HB Katherine Smith (took a great hanger in practice match apparently) Lily Mithen, Maddy Boyd, etc. Seems a lot of other teams invested in older, aggressive bigger bodied women who will likely pay dividends in the short term but are susceptible to burn out and injury. As someone else posted, Melbourne was reported as being more polished and hitting more targets, but who knows what happened in that last quarter. I'm hoping the review is done smartly and effective as from reports of the game it seemed we struggled abysmally in f50 entries and scoring, but apparently we dominated in the 2nd Q with forward pressure and kept it locked in. Our FF Richelle 'Rocky' Cranston was described as being a 'Human Wrecking Ball', so let's hope we can get an attacking game plan in place so Rocky and Alyssa Misfud (FF) can get on the end of a few and kick some goals. Still confident we'll win the first premiership. If we don't, we'll certainly win a whole bunch in the next couple of years.

Whilst I choose to have very little interest in this competition, what genius at Gil's AFLHQ dreamed up that absurd name for the competiton? AWFL? AWFUL?

Sure do. Went to high school with him. Pretty much gave up playing after watching him.

Let me tell you something Stewart my present job is working for ABC ME channel 3. But the kids don't watch TV. They watch online through the website. Nearly one million kids are registered on the ABC ME Website. Kids do use websites and social media. Mand we need lots of kids to sign up as members. We have lost generations of them to other clubs. Now if we have information on there that is 2 years out of date, kids will just laugh and go elsewhere. Now please go away Stewart...

Pedersen to start Weed by the end

Here are my thoughts on the sides. I've watched most of the exhibition games, so I have a reasonable idea of the top end talent at least. I can't claim to be any sort of expert on the leagues though, so there are probably some players I'm criminally underrating. Still, it was a fun excuse to have a look through the lists and see what's been happening. I can't agree with that. Sabrina would need to improve her mobility a hell of a lot to really be a problem and from what I've seen they have a habit of plugging holes with Tayla rather than letting her settle in one position. She can't do it all on her own. Also, Check out the Collingwood Forwards. Adelaide have made a great move in snaring Chelsea Randall as their first marquee signing. She's an absolute gun and should be Captain for their side. I have no idea how Fremantle let her go to SA, but well done to the Crows for pulling it off. They also have Abby Holmes up forward to provide a quality target. They have a good mix of youth and experience, some quality athletes from other sports and serious goal-scoring power. I rate them pretty highly. Brisbane may have a case for most attractive side in the league, but I think they'll be shown up badly for the first few seasons. Tayla Harris could well be the best player in the league in five years, but she's not there yet. I have a suspicion that Frederick-Traud may struggle with the pace of the game as well. I don't think there is enough midfield talent there to make them a real threat this season. Carlton have gone with bookends for their marquee players. Vescio played for the Bulldogs in their exhibition side, and has good pace and skills. I'd consider her ore of a HFF or FP than a KPF. At the other end is Bree Davey, the former keeper for the Matildas (If we're being honest, she held the spot by default because Williams and Dumont were both injured and Barbieri had retired, but she still represented Australia). Davey isn't the best athlete, but she's always been blessed with lightning quick hands which translate well. They have some quite decent mids as well, with the Hosking Twins among several to have played in the exhibition games. Collingwood have a deadly forward line led by The Great Moana Hope. Quite frankly I'm tempted to put them on top of the ladder just for her sake. She is an awesome player and a goal-scoring machine. Backing her up is Jess Cameron, formerly of the Demons and the Australian Wicket Keeper and opening Bat prior to that. You may remember her kicking five for up earlier this year. Looking at the rest of their list though, I see Helen Roden who just isn't that great, Hutchins I seem to recall being soundly beaten in several exhibition games and Cula-Reid played a few games but wasn't noteworthy. Their second marquee signing was a 19 year old ruck prospect. Given their fairly average mids I hope she's good at getting them first use. Fremantle have a great coach who has had years in a professional environment to refine her craft (Not at all bitter about that). Player-wise I don't really rate their marquee signings that highly, but they grabbed Ebony Antonio as a priority selection and she can do some real damage as a rebounding HBF. They've pulled heavily from the WA leagues, as expected, but I don't see them winning it just yet. GWS have already lost one marquee player to an ACL. Their other Marquee is Emma Swanson who represented Melbourne this year in the exhibition games and as such is clearly an excellent choice. They have cast the net far and wide, pulling in professional basketball and soccer players as well as quite a few West Australians. I'm not really sure what to make of the side though. I don't see any standout names from the exhibition sides in there. The players they do have weren't noteworthy. Either they have pulled some amazing talent from the far corners of our non-square nation, or they might just be a disaster. Melbourne quite naturally signed Daisy Pearce the moment marquee players were available. She has been the face of Women's Football since we drafted her at no.1 in the first ever Women's Draft and represented the MFC with distinction. More importantly, she's the best player in the country. There's no doubt that she'll be our Captain. Mel Hickey was more of a surprise. A 30+ CHB when we basically had our pick of the best talent in the country? I'll be honest and admit that I would have preferred Ellie Blackburn to complement Pearce. Still, there is method to their madness. Hickey is one of the few players in the league who can go with the likes of Mo Hope, Abby Holmes or either of Brisbane's Marquees. She will be the rock holding our defence together. We have held on to several of our players from the exhibition games, but not the best of them. Look for some new faces taking spots from them. I have concerns about our ability to score with the loss of Tayla Harris, Sabrina Frederick-Traub and Jess Cameron. We have held on to Lauren Pearce though, so our ruck is looking quite decent. The Bulldogs saw their chance and snapped up Ellie Blackburn as a Marquee Signing along with Katie Brennan. Blackburn will go head to head with Daisy Pearce in round two trying to prove that she should be considered the top mid in the game. That battle will be worth the price of admission on it's own. I'll say again I wish we'd held to to her instead of Hickey. It would have given us the best midfield in the league to build our side around. Brennan is a good forward, although not in the same league as Hope or Harris, and she can move into the midfield and absolutely dominate with her size and power. They've held on to a good group of players from their exhibition sides as well. I think the gameplan they beat us with in the last exhibition game is what we can expect in the upcoming season. Lots of pace and outside movement. Ladder: Bulldogs - They have most bases covered. Strong Midfield and decent forward line. I think their gameplan suits the new rules too. Adelaide - Like the Doggies, I think they have a really well-rounded side. They don't have the best on any given line, but they have quality all over. Collingwood - Can't go past that forward line. We know that midfields are essential, but they have so much scoring power available to them. Melbourne - We have good experience in the middle and back, but I think we'll struggle to score. Should be some advantage in having the off-field structures set up and running well. Fremantle - They have a great coach but the list isn't the best. Carlton - I'm not buying what they're selling. No real star power or A-grade talent. GWS - I have no idea if this is accurate. Their side is a mystery to me. They have recruited from some pretty weak areas, but are they still weak in the women's game? Brisbane - Maybe in a few years. Maybe I'm wrong. Who knows?