Deespicable

6. Gawn - Showed how much Essendon needs a true ruckman. Safely now our No.1. 5. Vince - Plenty of quick kicks and missed a sitter in third but how dominant does he look at the moment, 4. Jones - brilliant second term when we should have cleared out but missed a couple of goals that he'd normally get - albeit not easy ones. 3. Vandenberg - our only small forward who seemed capable of turning his opponent inside out and tackled hard as always. 2. Tom Mac - His kicking let him down but at least he won the footy. One shocking quarter on Daniher doesn't mean you had a shocker. 1. Lumumba - Always helping out and took the game on - something most others didn't seem to want to do. Cross?- Was I at another game or are the early votes for him from TV viewers. It was his worst game this year. However I have him in my top five B&F this year, so I am a huge fan and want him to continue next season.

Just got home from game. Not sure why all the doom and gloom - we may not have walked away with 4 points but for once it was a game that we wasted in a true sense - we actually won the inside 50 count 58-45. Obviously a lack of kicking skills and confidence when going for goals hurt big time and four posters was a factor as well. Our key forwards really struggled and kept getting push under the ball - but part of that gets down to poor kicking from mids - Viney was probably the biggest offender in that department although his intensity was sensational as usual and he made Heppell work for almost everything. Crossy also had a howler - very, very rare from him - don't start saying we should drop him or you are a nuffer. Too often in the first half we lacked the ability to link up and be aware when we had no space or had space to deliver correctly. All our kids had shockers as well - Stretch couldn't get free and when he was, he was ignored, Neal-Bullen couldn't win it and eventually was sent back to defence I think, Hoges needed to impose and kept getting beaten in air and did not seem to have the pace on a lead, Harmesy made Bail and Matt Jones look good as far as small forwards go, Angus seemed unusually timid and probably just gave Cripps the Rising Star award, while JKH only had a quarter and was just average - but that is what happens with kids, hot and cold. Gawn was clearly our best, but then again he was up against a relative dwarf and in the third term our midfielders forgot how to rove to him. Jonesy had a sensational second term, Vince was prolific as usual and Vandenberg made a terrific return - he could yet be one hell of a player. T-Mac started with a couple of left foot clangers, kept presenting and looked good until Daniher got on a roll in the third term. He was then shifted to the forward line - swapped for Howey. He then showed our forwards how you do it with some nice leads and follow ups, but unfortunately messed it up shooting for goal. But the pleasing aspect is that T-Mac will now be tried a bit more up forward and it's an experiment that may allow Fitzy to get another game. I was really pleased that Wattsy, after a quiet first half, really lifted and was a huge factor in the last term - almost got us across the line and looked strong at it (yes I know I'm talking about JW). It certainly wasn't a game where you walk away down in the dumps - just one that got away.

Roosy has given a clear indication of the type of midfielders he wants - big-bodied strong tacklers - plus he has a keen awareness of what is around because his son was in TAC last year. That's why we have changed philosophy from the Prenderghastly days when he thought outside run was the go. I still wonder what would have happened if Sydney had let us take Heeney (big bodied midfielder whom Roosy loved) at pick 2. Petracca or Angus? Thank god he didn't have to choose.

Tubby Taylor and he's made a huge difference in just two seasons - although it helps when you have a coach who directs you on the type of player that is likely to be successful.

Interesting list but I suspect it's not the year for wholesale changes - we have done that already for past two years and this year's draft apparently lacks depth/quality. Pulling apart your list the following seem strange: Trengove - while we all know Roosy considered shipping him to Richmond last season, he has gone on record saying how impressed he is with his attitude. It would be downright nasty to axe him given his injuries. Obviously if his foot shows no sign of healing, then he's a potential retirement. But injury and AFL rotations permitting, he should be a very handy recruit next season. White - So far he's impressed as a first-year rookie and we lack left-foot defenders. He'll get another year to see if he progresses. Grimes - As with Trengove, it would be incredibly nasty to terminate him. I actually still really rate his smarts and think he is well worth keeping. Hunt - He is two more solid VFL games from being kept. Unlike most players he has an asset (pace) which makes normal rules go out the door. The following are questionable Bail or Matt Jones - I suspect unless there is a couple of really worthwhile uncontracted players options available, then we will see at least one of these guys retained. Both work hard, even if their disposal lacks punch. Riley - As with the above two, he may yet be kept - will depend on quality of UP. Fitzy - I thought he should have been delisted last year but provided he has good runners around him and doesn't play tunnelball again, I really am liking him as a back-up tall. The following are on the money Jamar - Gawn's game down at Geelong ended any chance of the Russian being kept for another season. Terlich - Yes he is contracted, but read between the lines of the VFL reports and you will know he's on the outer. McKenzie - A great loyal citizen who works as hard as anyone, but his disposal skills unfortunately have brought about his demise. Hope Casey recruits him. The following may happen Howe - Yes he may want out, but if he does it will only be via a similar like-for-like trade - as per Clark/Lumumba/Varcoe. Have faith in Roosy to get the right return if he does go. The following you missed Pedo/Dawes - When you look at our list profile, we are top heavy in the 27-28 yo bracket and we can't justify both of these blokes, particularly when you have Frost as the first choice of the three. I'm tipping that one will be given a surprise nudge and given Pedo isn't contracted he may be the sacrifice - although he could be redrafted as a rookie if no better back-up tall option emerges. Michie - He dominates VFL as the clever clearance player but at AFL level he's too small and not quite fast enough to have the same impact. We now have too many good midfielders to keep him. Sure we have been lucky that Vince and Nat Jones haven't been injured, but Angus, Vanders and Neal-Bullen are champing at the bit to get a shot in the middle - so that leaves Viv well back in the pecking order. Toump - He still has a tiny bit of currency, so his name will come up - the question will be whether anyone really wants him. I'll tip that he's kept for one more year. As to rookie list - second-year rookies Harmes and King will be upgraded (both subject to dramatic loss of form in final 8 weeks). So out: Jamar, Terlich, McKenzie, Michie, one of Bail/Jones, one of Pedo/Dawes. In: 4 national draft picks plus 2 rookies to replace upgraded Harmes and King. If a strong UP comes up, then either the Bail/M Jones leftover goes, Riley goes or Toump is traded. Howe is a separate deal that may not even eventuate but will not effect above.

That would be fantastic if he does get a call up although hopefully it doesn't mean that Angus or Vanders is now rated unlikely ... we'll know soon.

I loved Wiseblood's assessment of Essendon, except that given they've had a huge loss and hit a new low, there's going to be a call to arms and accountability and we unfortunately will cop plenty of heat early in the game - so whether we can cope with it is questionable and I certainly don't think a loss will stain us more than usual. As to selections, I think Harry O is the only cert and the next player likely to come in is JKH, because he was 23rd last week and our small forwards (apart from Jeffy) were ordinary last week. I suspect if Vanders is 100% OK, then he'll play as well, although given he's missed the past four weeks, it's ideal if he's the sub - minimising any risk. My suspicion is that Grimes will have to return via the twos, not because I don't rate him, but because Roosy has this year shown a reluctance to play him, so why he would rush him back I don't feel is logical. I reckon Roosy is going to be torn between Spencer, Dawes and Howey to drop for balance, but I reckon he'll take the easy option out and omit Spencil. My personal preference is to keep Spencil as it means we have a dominate ruck combo which is crucial to us having midfield clearance control. Dawes, after a good first half last week, had a shocking second half and I am starting to doubt his value - particularly when you see Spencer running as hard to make a tackle. As to who goes out, am I the only one who didn't rate Jimmy T's game? Also to make room for JKH, one of Bail or Matt Jones has to go and I reckon Matt Jones's game for Cats will save him for another week. Side: In: Lumumba, JKH, vandenberg Out: Dawes (my choice, but I realise it will be Spencer), Bail, Toumpas B: Jetta Dunn Garland HB: Lumumba T Mac Cross C: Watts N.Jones Stretch HF: Brayshaw Hogan JKH F: Garlett Howe Spencer R: Gawn Vince Viney Int: Tyson, M.Jones, Neal-Bullen, vandenberg (sub) 23rd man: Fitzy As to match-ups, the key one is obviously Bernie on Heppell. I'd be a bit worried about Goddard this game too after his sub-par game last week and Dom is ideal for him.

Unless Gawny does a knee in the last 10 weeks, then you can now scrap any idea of us going out of our way to lure another ruckman. The issue for us is deciding how many back-ups you have on your list because as was the case last year and is now the case for GWS, a few injuries in the ruck department can pretty much derail your whole season. And Roosy also has to balance the number of pure ruckman - (currently three - Jamar, Spencer and Gawny) with the mobile back-up key position ruck options (Pedo, Fitzy, Frost). I haven't included Kingy on either list because unless you have watched him at development league games, it's a bit hard to comment yet on whether he has the mobility to make it as a forward or as a pure ruckman. But obviously King's past few weeks means that he also now seems certain to get another year to develop. My guess is that Jamar will retire and we will have room to take a project big on the rookie list.

Shades of Northey's first year and certainly a sign that we are making inroads. While it's a team game and you need all 22 functioning to be competitive, there are two players who deserve the most praise for turning us around IMO - and I am not talking about Vince and Crossy, even though the recruitment of both last year has given us much-needed onfield maturity. Obviously we have made a habit of mucking up our draft choices but Angus is the Bontempelli of this year's draft and his tackling ferocity, when combined with Jack Viney, has turned us around from being a soft-c..k team to being respected and maybe even a little feared. For the first time since when Brocky was firing in 2006, I'm not worried about our hardness. The other is Gawny, who in the past three weeks has shown us how influential a winning ruckman can be. He didn't tire as much this week and that's because he had a monster back-up in Spencer - I just hope Roosy decides that having two rucks is plausible in terms of rotations and his desire to have run as well. Obviously they won't win every game - there's Sandi and Nic Nat and Goldy to contend with - but if we you want to win clearances, then it helps having a couple of guys who can win the hitouts. Sure we can't match it with the mature men at Hawthorn, Freo or Sydney yet, but everyone else is fair game for our midfield at stoppages. If you look back at our worst games - Freo, Hawthorn and GWS (after quarter-time) - we were smashed at the clearances. If we are going to be a stoppage team like his old bloods, then Roosy has to forget his solo ruckman idea. Going to be very interesting to see who Jesse replaces up in Darwin - the Eagles are one side with two big boys.

As good as Bernie was, I don't think we've seen a more influential game from a Dee ruckman since Jimmy in his prime. And Gawny even hurt a few in the tackles. 6 Gawn 5 Vince 4 Brayshaw 3 Dunn 2 N.Jones 1 Viney Honourable mentions to Matt Jones (best game he's played), Jeffy, Jack Watts and our two SA teens. Unbelievable.

While I'd rather Hoges to Dawes, I'm actually rapt that Spencer will get another go and we are now certain to win the majority of hitouts and with the way Gawn has been palming them, it's going to take Selwood's best work to stop us getting our fair share of clearances. It also means that if Gawny tires, he can be rested up without any issues as while Spencer is ungainly, he certainly is fit. It also means that Blicavs is going to have work extra hard to have an impact and will be relying on Walker to set him up. I'm assuming now that Watts will go to him in the third-man up situations, as I can see Crossy playing on Stevie J now. Geelong are also missing heaps so don't get too pessimistic - it's not a cert that we'll get belted and we've certainly picked our best side for the big ground with quite a bit of run. To me it gets down to whether we are intimidated by venue and history and the trash-talking and umpy pressure that Mackie, Selwood and Stevie J apply. If we can negate their well-deserved arrogance then we can do some damage. Don't forget we still have our core midfield group playing - sure we'd all love to see Kent, Hoges, Vanders, Frosty, Garland playing but ultimately most games are decided by clearance dominance. And with Nat J, Tyson, Vince, Viney plus Riley manning Enright and Crossy on Stevie J, then we have a chance. We just need Toump, Watts and Stretch to provide the run and carry at this ground and you just never know.

Below is what I wrote last year as part of mid-season review and little has changed. We saw the nice side-step in his hand off to Viney on the weekend and it appears he's now getting more time in the middle - ie: Roosy has realised he's cannon-fodder as an outside mid because he lacks explosive pace. But that doesn't mean he won't make it, it just means he won't make it as the player we were drafting in 2011. He may yet be a very handy inside-mid and he possesses a bit of the Brian Wilson-type hips that will help him cope with the tackling pressure. He is a nice kick (not a long one though), so he has some potential inside and saves most of us from complaining about him getting caught when on the wing. The panic issue may also go once he finds himself constantly in the thick of it. He could end up being quite useful, but I'm not so sure whether he will become a smart link player like Glenn Lovett, who also started his career slowly before developing into a very reliable midfielder. The good thing is that he's getting a few games now which means we won't all die wondering about whether he was fatally flawed. Jimmy Toumpas – We all need to get over the fact that Jimmy was taken as an outside mid with speed. He has a good workrate, has a nice sidestep, has great vision and is a deadly accurate kick and every club needs a few characters. But if he is going to make it as a bigtime player, he is going to have to work on his speed and like Trengove needs Matt Shirvington or some other highly-rated sprint coach to come in and help him find the extra yard. Otherwise he’ll have to make it as an inside-mid, which is not beyond him, but is a very hard gig.

Fitzy has an adductor muscle strain (not related to playing tunnelball) and was rated doubtful - need a training report to know if he is a chance. But given he has barely played as a forward this year, it might be better having someone who has. The Cats, because of their injuries will go small, so he's unlikely to have a match up down back. It is also expected to be windy on Sunday - which means that it won't be conditions suited to Fitzy. Spencer has rested forward a bit and did fairly well in the twos last week - plus it also means that when Gawn runs out of gas, we can sub him off and still have a ruckman.

Based on VFL report - Dawesy ended up kicked 1.1. He had 10 possessions and four tackles. Dawesy started slow, but he missed three weeks with a calf injury and it can be tough coming back to VFL level at times. Dawesy relies on that forward-mid connection, particularly playing that key position role. He worked his way into the role, even though he was on limited game time. He finished the game really strongly and took a couple of really good contested marks and kicked a really important goal late. He did what was needed from his point of view - it will be very interesting to see whether Roosy rushes him back, especially since you'd have to think that Gawn won't last the whole game if he's trying to keep up Blicavs - although I think Watts or Cross will probably man him after the ball up. Personally I'd go option A and bring back Spencer, because he's mega fit and if it is close we can always give Gawny the subs vest and use Spencil on ball after the final break. Playing two rucks also gives us the chance to really dominate hitouts and any advantage we need to take. Sadly I'm of the view that Terlich (23rd man last week) will get Grimesy spot and I think Bail deserves his return after two big games and as sub he offers more options as to where he can play than Michie, who really is a central midfielder IMO. I also think people calling for Neal-Bullen's omission after one week are forgetting he played in the graveyard position up forward - you can't compare disposals there with other midfielders. To me the key match-up is getting Riley on Enright - he could end up starting a riot if he lays one of his pitbull tackles on him. I actually think Vince takes Caddy and Jack Viney gets Selwood. Our Jones will be tagged by Guthrie. The big wide wings should suit Stretch and Watts, so if we can get over where we are playing and don't allow Mackie, Stevie J and Selwood to verbally intimidate us, then we can pull off an upset. Out: Grimes, Pedo, Michie In: Spencer, Terlich, Bail. B: Jetta Dunn (Hawkins) Terlich HB: Lumumba (Murdoch) T Mac (Kersten) Cross (Stevie J) C: Watts Vince (Caddy) Stretch HF: Riley (Enright) Spencer Brayshaw F: Garlett Hogan Howe Ru: Gawn Viney (Selwood) Jones (Guthrie) Int: Neal-Bullen, Toumpas, Tyson Sub: Bail

I can't see many changes this week after a close game where we won the ball pretty well but struggled again to turn defence into attack. Unlike many posters I thought Riley's last quarter was huge and given that both he and Neal-Bullen spent a lot of time as high half-forward, where the ball never seems to come swiftly, then you have to give them latitude for not clocking up the possessions of the others - same applies to Jeffy. One of them will probably be manned up by Enright in his 300th and both are tough tacklers so he better not hold on to it for too long - especially against Riley. Obviously Pedo is out and while I'd prefer Fitzy to come in because he offers ruck relief which we may need, I suspect it will be Dawes. I think Michie is probably the most likely out and based on our record of playing the 23rd the next week, I think Terlich might get his chance, although Bail has VFL form on his side. Not sure why people think Stretch should be out - he was not bad for a third gamer and the big/wide Kardinia Park will suit him. My guess is we'll go Terlich and Neal-Bullen will be sub, thereby increasing the likelihood of Enright having to mark Riley. The key match-ups will be Bernie on Selwood and Grimes on Stevie J, while I actually reckon we may pull a swifty and get Jack Watts to pick up Blicavs around the ground and play Gawny as a floater. The Cats' form of late has been good, but I hope our guys realise they are not the once feared side that they were.

I'm not sure after your Tom Mc rant, you are in a position to make sweeping statements.

Agree pretty much with your side - Watts will start on a wing like last year in Rd 1 and Tyson will play in the middle. Garland's injury makes it almost impossible for them not to choose a defender - Grimes - and also means Fitzy is likely to get another game, unless Roosy decides to play a second ruckman like the Saints to cover Gawn's second-half endurance issues. I can't really see how Harmes jumps Stretch in the queue though. Given the priority already given to Matt Jones, I suspect he'll survive again along with Toump. So I'd imagine: Out: Garland, Vanders (both injured) Newton In: Tyson, Neal-Bullen, Grimes But given I thought Grimes was in our best five v Port and had turned the corner, who really knows, unless you are on selection panel. As stated before, if Viney doesn't tag Jack Steven I'd be very disappointed - it's an ideal one for him and leaves Bernie for Armitage. With Garland out, Dunny will now have to get Bruce (probably would have anyway but I'm a bit worried about Bruce's pace on lead) and T.Mc goes to Riewoldt, with Fitzy on Hickey/Longer.

Thank christ Viney is fine as I reckon he'll have a huge job this Sunday - quelling the in-form Jack Steven. I'd also imagine Bernie will go head-to-head with Armitage. The interesting one is whether Tom Mc dramatic loss of form means he will get Nick Riewoldt again - I suspect he will. All the Saints would have watched us on Monday and with an extra day off, they'll be pumped to beat us. Then there's the fact that it is at Etihad. Not good signs but I still reckon that we can win - provided Riewoldt doesn't dominate.

Are you related to him - if not why would you even bother to mention it, other than trying to bluster others into thinking your not a stupid judge.

Good question at moment. While Gawn's tapping ability and marking makes him look the more likely to develop into a frontliner, you have to wait and see how he goes against one of the top six or seven rucks in the league. If you look back at this season. Jamar barely survived Mummy (rd 2) but met Sandilands in Rd 5 and was dropped the next week. Spencer met Lobbe in Rd 9 and was dropped the next week. Gawn potentially meets Blicavs (Rd 12), Nic Nat (Rd 14), Martin (Rd 16) and Goldstein (Rd 19) before finishing with Sandi and Mummy again. Let's see how he goes against better quality before we make major definitive statements.

For what it's worth (obviously not a lot after Grimesy got axed last week for a game when we were up against a side with three small forwards), I reckon we will make three or four changes. Tyson and Neal-Bullen are certain ins and I'd suspect they will replace Vanders and Newton. I'd also like to see Grimesy back in defence because he is a smart footballer. He replaces Toumpas. The other change is brought about because Gawn tired so badly and we need Spencer's strength after half time, particularly if St Kilda goes with both Longer and Hickey. To do that we will have to drop Fitzy and have Pedo pinch-hit as a defensive tall at times when they go big. Matt Jones can stay the sub until JKH is fit, but happy if Stretch got the gig instead. Tom Mc goes to Riewoldt as always and Dunn will have to take Bruce and Col takes the third tall.

Why? Don't say form, or you are brainless. Let us know how bad his corkie is after that comment.

A few interesting comments already here - you wonder if these early comments were from people watching on TV. Yes Oxley did roam free at the back, but that is the way of all defences and why Dunny and others get a lot of the ball these days. It's a big call to man up all over the field and means you can't play a zone - whcih universally has been acclaimed as the best sort of defence for the past decade - every side from Hawthorn down does it. I was dirty on the non-selection of Grimes, but there were a lot of great match-ups that Roosy got right. When is the last time we've played the Pies and Pendles, Swan and Sidebottom haven't been in their best five for instance? Ultimately we still made too many errors but part of that was because unlike last year, both sides took the game on - at least for the first half. As to players, the following comments: Cross - brilliant game and one of the few who really marked well all day - kept Sidebottom quiet and forced them to move him on to Jones in last quarter to break his tag. Vince - when is the last time Pendles was average and Bernie also clocked up 34 disposals - still bombs long a bit often, but clearly in our best five. Jones - What a game. Back to his best from last year and seemed to enjoy having a ruckman who could palm it down to him. Brayshaw - phenomenal second quarter and whilst it will be great to see him play in the midfield, we need him up forward at moment until Kent comes back. Ignore his low possessions, he had about five score assists. Gawn - His tapwork was at times superb and shows the benefit of having a beanpole at the bounce. He had a great day until midway through third term when he started to tire. Grundy's ground skills became a huge factor from then on and Spencer was missed. You have to wonder why we don't play the two big men. Fitzy - he really attacked the ball hard and is coming along but he's prone to errors and needs to work on his tackling - sorry Fitzy fans but I'd prefer if he went back and fine-tuned a little more in the magoos. Watts - Yes, if you watched the TV you will have noticed that he completely mucked up when he should have dived two-handed for a mark first term. But apart from that, this was a very good Wattsy day and the first time in ages where I say he still could be a player. He was put back in midfield (mainly on the wing) and his attack on ball was massively better than previous games. At one stage he almost looked aggressive. I kid you not. Viney - Copped a really hard knock to leg early, but it was his kicking that misfired badly and lacks penetration. But his aggression, coupled with Riley, was a major factor in us doing well at clearances. I still prefer him as a tagger and I hope he has Jack Steven's name next week. Howey - if he had kept playing the game like his first quarter then not only would we have won, but he'd be the hottest uncontracted player in the country. But he tired again which raises the question, is he fit like last year or just disinterested? Tom Mc - burnt by Cloke early, he has probably blown his certain AA spot now with a couple of farcical attempts to run the ball out. He still might get his AA, but he'll need a few more great games now later in the year. Hoges - His worst game so far as Frosty was quick enough for him and managed to tunnel him out of contest most of the time. His body language when we scored wasn't good either. It's OK Hoges, we realise you won't get the ball all the time. Toump - Look he did keep finding the ball, which shows his endurance is up there, but you would have to be Greek to love the way he plays. Magoos await. Jetta - Got touched up early by Elliott but stuck to his task and did provide a bit of run at times. Not his best game, but he's still the right sort of player down there for us. We just need Salem with him. Garland - Had a tricky time picking up a mix of Pie smalls and did a pretty serviceable job - especially against Swanny. Vanders - a big loss when he went off as his tackling and intensity was huge up until then. Riley - made some very big early plays with his tackling and ferocity. Tired after half time, but well worth keeping in side. We need his intensty, especially if Vanders is out for long. Newton - He did well early with a couple of key tackles but really seemed to tire and his lack of pace, when he's playing on the wing, is a real worry. I'm sorry Newts fans, but he's not quite there yet and will need a big pre-season of running I suspect. Either that or he's been flogged too hard in the past week when he had the game off. Matt Jones - Came on at half time and provided a fair bit of run, but he just does not seem to have the confidence to really damage sides as an outside mid. Pedo - Another really serviceable game and along with Cross, one of our few players who had clean hands all day in the air. Dawesy won't get back while he's in this form.

I reckon Grimesy is only two more good games away from some major retractions from people who have bagged him for the past two years. Both he and Trengove were given the captaincy way before they should have, but they got it then because they had great work ethic and team principles. Unfortunately it forced them to try and do too much and they found themselves in the horrors. Grimesy is not a long kick, nor is he mega quick, but he is courageous and reliable and smart on the field with his positioning. Like everyone he will make the odd error and get pinned and get marked on, but at least you know that for the majority of the time he is doing the right thing and is making formation correctly. Trengove's situation is tougher, not just because of his injury, but also because of the 120 rotation rule, which means his strength - endurance - is not a strength and his lack of blistering pace - becomes a liability. But those who saw him in the first three seasons know he has the work ethic to succeed, tackles incredibly well and is also smart. If the interchange rule drops to 80 - he will be a really big factor for us again - provided his foot mends correctly this time. As to trade value, no one will take Toump, Dawes or Watts - except as insurance at the rookie draft or as a bottom order swap of positions. But Howey will have some currency and is likely to be worth a second round pick IMO.

Yes, it's almost that time of year again where we review our list and dream about making big trades, even though we can't give up much for them, and then when we realise that the other clubs don't rate most of our players as valuable commodities, we hope that we can get incredibly lucky in the draft. The good news at least is that we now have Jason Taylor and with Roos guiding him, they seem incredibly aware of what sort of players have a better chance of making it. Based on your list above, I think both Fitzy and Hunt are in the wait and see bracket. Fitzy is learning a new craft - tall defender and whilst I suspect his lack of core strength and lack of tackling ability as a backman will eventually mean you have rightfully placed him, it's a little unfair to judge him on four VFL games and two AFL games as a defender. Hunt also needs to be given all year before assessing - he has line-breaking pace, but whether he can win enough ball to warrant his retention, that is the issue. Let's see how he goes once he is back in VFL side (not development team). Cross is still incredibly valuable and has a good presence at training - it would be criminal to force him out sooner than necessary like Junior Mc. Toumpas needs to be assessed as well - the good thing is that he's playing AFL and we are all watching and ... at times cringeing. Pedo needs to be on a one-year deal, given his age. Riley is unlikely, as his disposal doesn't quite cut it, but he's so hard at it that he deserves a decent go in the back half of the season. Every year someone here says you can't break contracts and every year it happens and on most occasions is necessary - imagine if Evans and Barry hadn't gone! The three most likely and like the others, still in the process of review, are Terlich, Michie and Matt Jones. I'm also actually tipping that Wattsy retires and goes off and enjoys life, without the pressures and expectations. If Dawesy's calf keeps playing up, it may also be a case of early retirement for him as well.