Lil_red_fire_engine

I would not trade Hogan unless he wanted out but I am not overly concerned if he chose to go compared to prior years. I believe we do play a better brand without him as focal point. I personally don't believe he has much more upside and I am not convinced on him in pressure situations. He is a good player but I don't think he will be the great we once hoped and even still we no longer need a messiah. If I was asked to order players who you would not trade ahead of him I would have Gawn, Oliver, T-Mac, Lever, Brayshaw and Viney ahead without hesitation and would have Harmes and Salem trending upward at a rate of knots. Weid's development in games 15-18 makes this even more interesting. This is not about is Hogan a good player, this is about what makes us a great team. Lets assume Neale gets to the Suns for their first pick. Pick 2 (Sam Walsh) and Ed Langdon would be a reasonable deal and give us the outside speed that we may be shown up to lack. Not my preferred option but if it happened now would be the year you would want him to ask. Now to turn my focus back to what matters and is happening on the field in September.

I suspect we will go no change but I would tempted to bring in more speed with Smith/Hunt or JKH/Kent if he recovers. Would give us more flex as to where we play Fritsch. Tyson and Spargo the most likely if one goes. The thought of Tyson or Jones on a wing against Isaac Smith makes my skin crawl.

We’re built for this September stuff. Who’d have thought that watching finals is better than watching the draft.

I plan on reading this thread from start to finish over breakfast tomorrow. A lot of amusing humble pie I suspect.

6 Weid 5 Harmes 4 Brayshaw 3 Salem 2 Viney 1 TMac

They clearly love him and want him in the side. He is either mended or not and would not have lost km's in the legs. I reckon defensive closing speed has more meaning in finals than general season and he has it in spades. This and the ability to get Fritsch back up the ground.

I suggest the form of Brayshaw and Harmes would have them rethinking any plans from April. In saying that I think we still need another half back runner but I would be keeping my powder dry for Whitfield the following year unless we think he can be extracted this one.

In: Viney, Hannan, Smith Out: Tyson, Kent, JKH Smith back in allows Fritsch to play his more natural wing half forward position however I am unsure the match up. Tyson was just starting to play quality football with a functioning body let alone a healing arm. No need to risk him and rush him back. Hannan will be a difficult finals match up and showed in WA the damage he can do in a finals type atmosphere. At least its fair to say we have options.

Good session. Boys were up and about. Lewis the only unexpected absence. Viney moved well. Tyson based on the ball handling he did separately will be a serious chance still. All seemed to get through unscathed. Great turn out.

For those that state we should drop Spargo because he looks tired. I think it’s because he’s playing footy and runs himself ragged. No chance he doesn’t play.

6.Gawn 5. Harmes 4. Frost 3. Salem 2. Brayshaw 1. Vandenberg

So you're saying if we lose today we may as well not show up in a fortnight? This is more important than last weeks lock in a finals spot in enemy territory to avoid the pressure of having to win in round 23? Cant say I agree on either point but each to their own.

You clearly recall a different Bugg to any that has played league football. Goes hard but limited in everything else.

I thought last week might be tough to beat but anyway. With us a September lock and the Giants to play in Sydney regardless I suspect this may be a freewheeling affair. We have more to gain though with a home final and that hopefully is enough. With Viney to return and possibly Smith and Hunt available by finals you would not want to under perform.

Tyson was good once again today. Spargo for Viney the most likely for finals.

6.Harmes 5.Melksham 4. Salem 3. Brayshaw 2. Jetta 1.Hannan

We just refused to lie down against a team that play a style we really struggle with. Hannan and Melk in particular were vital ins.

More confident today than next week. We are already playing finals. Each of these games would be like 4-5 games experience each for our young guns. If we don't win it confirms we are not ready but have learnt lots and I don't want to be there to make up the numbers. If we do I reckon watch the monkey come off the back and see us play freewheeling Dee's footy in September. Much better team balance this week. Need to stop their rebound from half back, take our chances and we're a serious shake.

How many do other sides have? I would be surprised if you named more than 4 for most including the premier. The problem is one of our isn’t there yet and one of ours is constantly off the park with a foot. I would argue in game Brayshaw can influence more than Gawn. Gawn is usually on or off and not usually the difference between shifting momentum.

Out: Ped, Spargo, Hunt (inj) In: Hibberd, Melksham, Kent

6.Harmes 5. Salem 4. Brayshaw 3. Tyson 2. Oliver 1. Omac

We are mentally weak. Too many players go missing when the game gets tough. Unless Goodwin is kicking it for them can’t see how he’s to blame. Jones last quarter proves there is no excuse why he was weak as [censored] jogging between contests for the first three. Reset next week and hopefully someone stands up and decides to take the game by the scruff of the neck.

We lack any mental strength, composure with ball or want to spread defensively.

The player that has played him best was Hurley who bodied him at the contest then pushed off him at every opportunity. There was no double team or drop off.

I understand the intent and sentiment but we are assuming someone will know the line between when a red card is absolutely correct and when it is not a red card incident. I was watching On The Couch tonight where they said a hit like that will cost a fina one day. My view would be there is more chance an incorrectly awarded red card would. If the AFL cant get it right whether a ball hits a post or not we now want them to absolutely decide whether someone should be sent off. How will they decide it? What needs to be sure? What is the basis? How quickly from the incident must it occur? Do we need to wait to see whether a player passes the concussion before the hit is considered red carded? Is the Cameron one red cardable even though it was in the contest? How can you be sure on intent. I like the idea but too many variables and a governing body that are not great at getting the grey things right. Leave the game alone.