watchtheeyes

I think we're all guilty of marking Petracca harder than just about anyone else on our list because of the alleged talent, but there are plenty of players I would drop before him this week. As the game wore on I definitely found myself disappointed with his output, but there were times throughout where I felt a bit sorry for him. He was playing one out, often against two defenders (because TMac dropped back) on a number of occasions. Plus the ball was just being bombed in to him, in the wet. I also don't think that's his position. He's being compared to De Goey & Martin, and I can see why. But he's not as explosive across the ground as those two. He is however seriously powerful in congestion, and rarely goes to ground these days. He belongs in the guts. He was given the hardest task all day, and it was too much. He was set up to fail. There's no way I drop him. ANB on the other hand... I almost had to buy a new TV because of him. Also thought Fritsch had some very very ordinary moments. Out: ANB, Fritsch, Sparrow, May In: Stretch, Petty, Wagner, (no idea)

Haven't read the first 7 pages so forgive me if repeating.. Did I just read someone call Petracca fat boy? Really? The kid is in unbelievable nick! Does he cover the ground well? No, but fat implies something else entirely which I just don't agree with. We all wish he got the ball more, clearly, but when he was around the ball he was consistently dangerous. Staggered people are calling for him to be dropped. There were a thousand worse players than him... No idea what they see in Hore. ANB is ANB and I struggle with him. Jones was just bloody awful and if keeps that up then his days are numbered. Frost and Omac were very ordinary, can't wait for May and Lever to come in. Viney clearly underdone, shouldn't have been out there. Overall I think it's pretty obvious by the results over the weekend that the shorter pre-season has a real impact, and it is wholly unsurprising we were caught out. Let's not overreact too soon..

An outrageous steal!!! His ankle must be all kinds of buggered, otherwise this is ridiculous!

Would feel better about that.. but would Freo be prepared to pay Brayshaw plus first round? Steep!

Will be absolutely filthy if all we get back for him is Steven May! Don't get me wrong, May is a good player.. but he doesn't hold a candle to Hogan's potential in my view... In addition to the fact May is 3 years older!

Really? Ridiculous.

I actually reckon he will play more of a traditional full forward, leading out of the goal square, using his strong marking ability. Hogan to play the Watts role further up the ground. Realistically they could both play each role at various times though, particularly given both have a good tank.

And I'm going to agree with someone who posted here earlier. Hogan is a competitive animal who wants nothing more than to kick a bag on Grand Final day on a winning team. He'll look around him and see Petracca, Brayshaw, Oliver, Weideman, Harmes, Viney, Jones, Kent, Garlett and a whole host of others and see the opportunity. I don't think he'll sign a 10 year deal, but a 4 - 5 year deal where he gives himself the opportunity to go home for the back end of his career is extremely likely. The most likely scenario in my opinion. And for those who say his old man is crook and that trumps all... I've seen no verifiable report of that. I've also heard that his family want him to stay in Melbourne. So, really, people will believe what they want to believe.

Orrr... this week was penciled in at the beginning of the season as an opportunity to send Jessie home as we were playing a Saturday afternoon game and a late Sunday afternoon the following week. Some of the hand wringing on this forum is a site to behold.

" The equation is simple. Take another step forward and Hogan, and others for that matter, want to remain at the club. Regress, and a football club, no matter which, leaves itself vulnerable." Spot on. http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/jesse-hogan-contract-why-young-key-forward-shouldnt-sign-a-new-contract-with-melbourne/news-story/3d98eee926ab09fb2cdca6f337dad062

Wise and C & B, nothing that Saty said was wrong, controversial, inflammatory, opinionated or anything other than solid contribution. Youve both gone out of your way to create an argument. Sort yourselves out, it's garbage and doesn't add to the conversation.

Physicality is beside the point I was trying to make. Also wasn't alluding to Jack in U18's. A Francis wants to be that Goddard type. Swings between the arcs, can play that third tall defender who takes marks and sets up play or go forward and take a grab by exploiting a mismatch as the third tall. I can remember us all talking about Jack in exactly the same way. So I think my comment of "seems that Aaron Francis would be what Jack Watts promised to be once", is accurate. Anyway, like we both said, not the foil for Jesse. Therefore I would pass.

Also seems that Aaron Francis would be what Jack Watts promised to be once, not sure if he is the foil for Jesse.

Just watched the footage of Darcy at home on the farm and it seems clear to me that the perfect role model would be Bernie. I was unsure on this kid because of his size, but country kids are hard, honest workers and tough as nails.

I hadn't! Those highlights were really solid weren't they! Excellent hands below his kness, good vision, good decision maker, nice kick. I was already keen, but those highlights sold me.

That just looked like classic Thomas theatrics to me, I'm glad Melksham gave it to him.

You're allowed your opinion mate, but I'm getting increasingly frustrated with the: "This club is broken" (for speculated interest in a single player?? please) "Goodwin is a bad move" (absolutely no evidence of this whatsoever) "Don't arrive at the game until half time" "We're never getting any better" etc etc etc I know you weren't responsible for those last couple of posts, but your post was bang in line with the rest of the doomsday tripe peddled on here on a daily basis.

Bombers notoriously difficult to deal with

Pathetic.

Man, I love silly season. I can see the value in Hartlett, played a lot across half back this year and is a pretty good kick. Responsible for quite a few of Port's attacking forays. Salem and Hartlett at HBF... sounds alright to me.

Holy smokes Kali.. remind me never to get on the wrong side of you! That's a deadset bloodbath!

Delist and re-rookie?