Lil_red_fire_engine

We are selecting with 2026 list and style in mind and balancing being competitive not just playing kids for kids sake. TMac going out allowed Turner to go back and he has blossomed. It will be interesting this week to see with Lever out and Petty available what happens with TMac though.

In: May, Howes Out Lever, Sparrow Rivers to rotate through midfield/half forward with Viney. Lindsay as sub. Petty to get a full game in at Casey.

4 quarter performances 6 Langford 5 Melksham 4 Gawn Cant ignore their impact across the last 3 quarters 3 Petracca 2 Fritsch 1 Salem

We are winning more out of depth of talent than effort. We would want to start this quarter strong as they are playing with better energy than us. Jeffo starting to show some signs. Kolt not so much.

They're playing up at stoppage but not at CBAs. The challenge for me isnt the kids not playing through the middle The issue is Petracca, Oliver and Viney are also there. On a positive note Langford is a jet and Jefferson is showing a bit even though not suited to a second tall role.

I am ready to admit that I do not understand what Goodwin is trying to do to set us up for success in 2026.

Salem refusing to go hard enough for another red time goal. Petracca inability to hit targets. Oliver rolling through the middle like its a park run. Fritsch the same inside 50. McKercher this weeks half back play maker we refuse to pick up. We only look like any go when Pickett is around the ball but we continue to persevere with Oliver, Petracca and Viney on the ball 80% of the time. Losings ok if you try different things but expecting difference with the same rubbish week in week out is frustrating.

How this helps his midfield development is beyond me.

We just need to find a spot for Howes in the AFL team for the rest of the year. He has gone passed this level and now needs AFL continuity. Put Rivers midfield permanently and free McVee to attack off half back and let him take Judds more defensive role. Otherwise move Salem mid/forward or to Casey. Alternately roll him through high half forward where he played as a junior. Mentha, Kentfield and Adams are all very promising and will be in great shape with another preseason. Adams should be given a look in before years end for his development. I would persevere with Verrall for another year but he needs to improve his tank and find ways to add value when not at stoppage. I am worried he is too small to ruck next level. Unfortunately the rest I am afraid are all passed their best or not up to it. Though I would not be against giving Mitch Hardie the last spot on our 2026 list even though he will be 28.

I will feel great comfort when this is official but he seems a level headed kid with no strong state based pull. Then consider the team in your home state who is interested took 5 picks in 2021 without taking you then passed with their final rookie pick whilst you were still on the table. Versus the club that backed you in with the 81st pick and have developed you into 50+ games and on your way to 200+ There would surely be a bit each way of Repay The Faith and Stick it up em

It’s hard to judge Kolt, being his interrupted preseason and he looks like he needs to mature mentally. I dont think we are currently developing him in the best way either. He has not been brought into the side at any point on strong VFL form and then we wonder why he does not perform. I suggest he should be sent back to Casey and played in the midfield to develop his game. He still needs a few full preseasons to know where he stands.

6 May 5 Pickett 4 Melksham 3 Rivers 2 Turner 1 Viney

In Kentfield Windsor Laurie Out Jefferson Sharp Fritsch If Fritsch is not omitted something is seriously wrong.

We should sub Fritsch at the break and send him to Casey for the rest of the season.

What was the difference in the first 12 minutes? Pickett in the middle. What then happened Viney went in. When will we learn. We also started to play too safe and slow out of half back after making a few blues. They just need to keep backing themselves and go again.