Deespicable

I like where everyone is heading on Tomlinson but I'd be pretty sure that every other club is thinking the same thing - that GWS has Boyd, Patton, Cameron and McCarthy - why do they need Tomlinson. And what would be the trade requirement - we are likely to have pick 2 and 20 - so would 20 be enough to tempt GWS, or would other clubs offer a late first rounder? We also have an even more pressing need for a quality ruckman. While our likely draft pick 2 (I'm confident we've got the Lions covered) should get us a ruck/forward (Wright or Durdin), we may have to also go after one of the West Coast wastees - Lycett or Sinclair - and I imagine we will need to give up pick 20 for either of them. Finally us having pick 20 is somewhat dependent on not needing to use it to claim Billy Stretch - who based on prospectus is late 2nd round at this stage, but who knows where he will sit until after U18 champs. The free agency thing is something we should explore heavily as it is a chance to snaffle someone for no pick and just a stack of cash. Even if Chip stays, and I hope he does, I reckon with Clark agreeing on a 2014 settlement, we should have enough room to tempt Mundy - $700K a year for three would be nice retirement plan for him and let him finish up his career in Vic. But I can't imagine him coming our way unless Freo gets the job done and wins a flag this year.

So based on that we have to wait until our Rd 19 game against Brisbane to see him play! I would have thought any game at the MCG would be a good starting point.

Good point and a similar thing happened to Jack Billings who played in Rd 1 and it didn't seem to hurt him in Rd 5. Salem has now played three VFL games, one VFL practice game, two intraclub matches - he's hardly being rushed. He can play forward or midfield - he is ideal for the sub role this week and I'm just as happy if he starts. There is a big difference to the days that we rushed in Watts and Toumpas. Watts had played only three VFL games and had no more than 15 disposals before being rushed in to play the Pies. Toumpas got in for Rd 1 last year because the coach didn't like the older guys in the team - that's being rushed. You could also make a case that JKH was rushed this year on the back of a super game against Richmond pre-season, although he showed in that one game more potential as a small forward than any of our other little 'uns since the Aaron Davey came on the scene. But don't try and make out Salem's being rushed. It's Rd 6, he's had half a year doing weights and he's almost 19 and he's coming off a BOG. And from every report that I've read about him - he's not a starry-eyed kid, he knows how to tackle and his kicking is better than the majority of the team.

With Tippett and Reid still out and Goodes highly unlikely to be rushed in, although they may make him the sub because of who he is, the Swans forward line is more than likely going to be much the same as last week with Buddy and Roberts-Thomson the main bigs and the resting ruckman (Nankervis may come in for Derickx because they are playing us and will want to blood a youngster in an easy game) the other tall when not benched. That means the decision on whether to play Pedersen is more whether PR wants his flexibility ahead of Jamar's ruckwork. I expect both to be named in squad of 25 with a decision made closer to day, depending on what the Swans decide with Goodes, who I doubt will play midfield first game back. It is interesting to see that the swarm of people bagging Pedo has stopped in recent weeks - perhaps some now appreciate that he is a handy defender with a thumping kick who provides a bit of versatility and that, like many players, he is unable to cope with the demands of a key forward role, which is even harder to master at Melbourne. With Col back he has a battle to keep his spot merely because of match-ups. The Swans, contrary to what other posters are trying to tell us, have a small forward line up at moment because of injury. McGlynn, Parker, Brandon Jack, Cunningham aren't exactly tall so it's only when Pyke or Derickx/Nankervis rest up there that we will need a third big and Dunny often has to switch from midsize to talls anyway, so is ideal for that role. With the Swans so small, I think Strauss is a big chance to play and I hope he gets a go. It's probably why Nev Jetta will also get another chance, but if he continues to sit back and watch like Bennell used to, then it's goodbye Nev. For me the back six this week are: Tom Mc, Garland, Dunn, Grimes, Jetta and Strauss with Terlich and Georgiou given time off and Pedo in only if we don't play two rucks - ie: Spencil and Jamar - or if the selectors decide Col needs another game under his belt.

Strauss has played 24 games, less than Jetta's 42, Bennell's 50-plus and way less than Daniher's project Brent Grgic, who got 80-plus before being delisted. He's 23 and a year younger than Terlich, who has already clocked up 25. Strauss possesses a long line-clearing kick, something that Jetta, Terlich and Bennell don't have - Grgic had one as well but his went 70feet up as well so that forwards were sat on by the time it reached them, I know Strauss gets beaten one-on-one in air a bit but I'd rather see a player who has a bit of a weapon get game. Ultimately he may not make it due to lack of strength, but he's got more chance of doing so as a small running defender than any of the other guys mentioned above. Tell me how many guys at Hawthorn - other than Puopolo and Mitchell - can't kick the ball further than 45m like Jetta and Bennell and Terlich.

I reckon it will be a long night at selection table. The Watts issue - dropping him is a really big statement and an admission that PR's midfield plan for him hasn't worked. The press will be all over it. One thing that bugs me is why are Melbourne the only side running about 100 rotations, when all the other use their full quota. Watts has speed and is one player who needs to be benched regularly - watching him just jogging around when others attack footy gives me and everyone the sh... but he might have more chance of running hard if he didn't play 88% game time. Sorry I have digressed. Watts stays another week IMO. But I'm sure he will be given a rev up by Roosy this week because it's his old side. The Salem inclusion - this is big because we have rushed kids in before their time in the past. But Christian has now played quite a few games (including intraclub practice matches) and has been building nicely. He was clearly BOG by all reports, so it's hardly rushing someone in. He's in IMO. The ruck issue - the Swans play two ruckmen at moment - Pyke and Derickx, although if Tippett comes back they may dispense with Derick. But either way, Jamar's ability to win taps and the fact that Pedersen is too short as back up means the Russian is IN. Clouding this issue is that if Spencer is injured, then Roos has to decide if the Russian can go for 80 percent game time like Spencer and retain Pedo as swingman. The Terlich issue - his kicking is starting to become a factor and Strauss is back fit and firing. Is the swap down back made now or do we wait another week. The Jetta issue - He was given the defensive spot ahead of Clisby and Strauss and once again, as in just about everyone of his 40 plus AFL games, his lacks of speed means he can't get the ball. Does he get another chance to show us he can't run as fast as his Sydney relation? The Garland recall - This to me is the only easy one - you don't leave a quality experienced defender out. The only issue is whether he goes straight to Buddy or whether Tom Mc does. There's also plenty more to discuss with Jordie and Tyson having off games, but I don't think you get rid of big-bodied midfielders when you are up against the Swans. They stay IMO. Jordie goes to Kennedy, who is back in 2012 form and it's a good match-up for size. The final issue I'll throw out there is who plays on Jetta, given he's back in form. Does Watts go to him (he has the speed) or do we bring in our fastest running player - Blease - to try and match him? Anyway I am sure none of us will get close to what they will do this week. The only thing I am confident of is that Frawley will start forward with Howey and Dawes and we will at least have someone to kick it too again.

One, possibly two, changes for me. Assuming Terlich does not pass his fitness test then Clisby comes in as Strauss has only had the one run and will probably need another VFL game. The only two other players worth discussing as INS for this week are Jamar and Toumpas. Jamar is highly unlikely this week because GC only have the one big ruckman - Nicholls - so I can't see any need to go mega big, especially as the Suns strength is speed in midfield. But on the other hand, Roosy may want to try and exploit their lighter-bodied bigs - although I doubt this. Toumpas must also be a big chance and is a monte to be named in 25 on Thursday night. The fact that he played down back a bit in the VFL is a plus as it adds versatility to our line up and he may well be the sub. The two that would possibly make room would be Evans (last week's sub) or JKH. Anyone who thinks anyone else is going to be left out - unless injured - just wasn't at the game last week. The week after against Sydney, I suspect Roosy will want a more physical side and Jamar will be a big chance and Garland should be right by then.

Well done Sylvia - very good assessment and you were first in with the comments which shows you are not just following everyone else's lead. Today was actually the first time I've thought Jonesy was elite - I know he's courageous and all that and yes he's one two B&Fs, but I've never really felt he was special - just a really hard nut. But today I thought he was a genuine star of the game with his evasion and vision and run a bit Ablettesque - really looking forward to see if he gets Gaz next week. My six is identical with yours, except I felt Cross was on a par with your bottom three - ie: Viney, Bail and Tom Mc.

A few more things on today. 1) We were really lucky that Mitch Robinson was a late withdrawal - as a result we looked physically stronger than them all day. 2) Sorry JKH lovers - I thought he was a little boy lost out there among the men for much of the game - obviously his super goal in third term showed his goalsmarts, but he's still just a kid with potential at this stage and I'd send him back to the magoos until his body builds a bit more. 3) The decision to keep Jones on Murphy proved very wise. There's always a game within a game at this level and the battle of the two skippers really summed it up and Jonesy won on points clearly. Now the big decision is whether to put the two baldheads on each other next week - ie: Ablett. 4) Well done to Spencil. Every time Warnock did something he seemed quick to comeback and match it. They even traded shocking disposal at times, but whilst Warnock won the taps, Spencil did more around the ground - his tackle on Yarran should stop anyone bagging him for the next five weeks at least. 5) Dom was tagged by Carrazzo - probably for the first time in his career. It's been a tough week for Dom given the media's interest in our draft choices, but from what I've seen of Dom so far, he's a super footballer that is smart and in everything. And he's only 20. 6) Sorry to others, but I had Grimes in my best three at half time. I thought his second quarter was superb and I just sensed we'd win the minute Jonesy and him took control - when you are skipper everyone looks to you to set the example and they did so in a big way in that second term and kept doing it. 7) How good was Chipper! And i reckon Gold Coast are going to have their hands full next week. I imagine Rory Thompson will get him, but he missed much of a pre-season, so good luck keeping up with Chip on a lead.

I just got back from super day - even caught Harry Kewell's last game. I am not a huge Bail fan but he was very good today and his strength is his running ability and the reason he's in the side is that when he gets it, he runs quicker than what Trengove and Toumpas do and breaks lines. It is also why he occasionally looks buggered - but that's after a 100m sprint from defence. You may also want to note he laid 10 tackles today - so as soon as he got over his hard run, he was back in there doing the hard thing. Basically if he keeps providing the number of contests he did today, then he's in our best 10 players - even if he does spray it on occasions.

If you were at the game it would be hard not to be critical of his intensity - something the big screen does not pick up. The thing with Jack W is he is the closest thing we have to a superstar - he has pace, vision and really clean hands and he's also smart in one-on-one contests. He can break lines easier than any other player we have - just look at his game against St Kilda. But until he runs hard at most contests and tackles with meaning, he's just never going to avoid criticism. He is the closest thing we have to a superstar, but I doubt he will ever get there. If only he realised how dangerous he is when he has the ball and made every effort to get it.

Given the Blues have gone quite small and it's probably going to be wet, it is likely he will only have to last until three quarter-time and then be subbed out for either JKH or Kent. Have a look at how many last quarter possessions Fitzy has had in three weeks if you are still thinking it is a bad move!

Rapt with the Blues omissions, although you still have to balance our chances against Carlton being fired up even more than normal because of bad loss and the likelihood of a wet MCG causing our switch style, possession game problems. A few people think that wet weather give us a better chance because it reduces the quality of the game, but with our style this season, if it is wet, we have to switch to a long down-the-line game, which as was the case with Terlich's costly pass to Fitzy last week, can take a bit of adjustment. The Blues, by contrast, already play a bang it down the line game - Malthouse style - which is wet weather footy anyway. But the outs have, at least on paper, given us a real show in my opinion. Waite is always dangerous and would have given Tom Mc problems - assuming Frawley starts up forward again. Tom Bell is known as baby Kouta and while he's a bit of a spazo at times, he's a really big body that would have been hard to budge. Garlett is always dangerous for us and now means we only really have to worry about Yarran's explosiveness, although Lucas is pretty quick too. To those of you who are worried about only one ruck in Spencer, it's very different to last week because the Blues back-ups - Rowe and Casboult - aren't massive. That means Pedo, who will almost certainly line up on one of them, should be able to make a contest when Warnock and Spencil go off for a rest. A few people have questioned whether Jordie should tag Murphy. My view is really strong that it should be Robbo. Robbo has been BOG the last two times we've played them and delights in hammering us to back up his smart-ar.. words. He is also their litmus test - when he plays well the Blues generally play well. Yes I understand he's nowhere near the class of Murphy or Gibbs or Thomas or Simpson, but Robbo is the man we need to stop most of all - winning the psycho battle is often what it is all about and if Jordie lays a few of his crunching tackles on him, then I know I'll be uplifted watching them and I reckon so will every player on our team.

The good news is that we are back at the MCG and playing a team that is also 0-3. The Blues also have their share of injuries with Kreuzer and Judd out. Brocky is unlikely to get back in to torment us this week, but bruise-free Robbo will be keen to again make us look insipid. There's sure to be plenty of discussion among selectors this week. Do we rush in Jamar to replace Fitzy, whose form as back up ruckman/forward has been lamentable? Or does Fitzy get another crack in the hope that dry conditions will suit him better? Who starts as tall forwards this week? Howey got his confidence back last week by getting easier kicks in defence, but he's one of the few natural forwards we have. Pedo surely made his case as a defender and Tom Mc did a better job against Cameron, so there's probably no need for Frawley to play back again this week because the Blues aren't huge up forward - Waite, Henderson and I expect Casboult to replace Rowe - would seem the right match-ups for Tom Mc, Georgiou and Pedo. Could Pedo play on Casboult (or Rowe) and then back-up Spencer in ruck given the Blues have only Warnock as main ruckman? The Blues do have plenty of quick lively forwards - Garlett, Menzel, Yarran, Ellard - so we will need pace down back. But has Terlich lost it with Roosy, or will Roosy want him to play to give him a chance to make amends? Our two best in the VFL - aside from Jetta - were Clisby and McKenzie. Do they get in or was Trengove's demotion just a deliberate one week thing to fire him up a bit? Given we lost the tackle count by about 40, surely McKenzie gets the nod to supply grunt. Maybe he could tag Robbo and make him earn every bruise-free kick? Can we afford to play three small forwards - Byrnes, Kent and JKH - surely one has to go? Did Evans and Kent do enough on promotion or do they get another game to show their stuff? Ultimately I can't see Roosy making many changes and he's limited in options when it comes to bigs. But for me, I just can't see how we can continue to play Fitzy, and Byrnes did not set the world on fire before being subbed out. I also hope that we give JFK a go as a starter and use Kent as the sub. Out: Fitzy, Byrnes and maybe Terlich (if Roos wants to make point). In: McKenzie, Clisby and maybe Jamar (if deemed fit enough to play 60 per cent game time. Obviously like everyone I'd prefer Dawes or Hogan, but that ain't going to happen this week).

You must have deliberately chosen the three people who didn't like Pedersen's game then!

Given that there were no magoos this week, you'd have to think Blease, Evans and Kent are still in pole position to get a game, if there are any changes. The only other two I can see being considered are Gawn, if his hamstring soreness was just minor and Garland, if his fitness is good enough to be rushed back in. I can't see Dawes, Hogan or Jack Viney being rushed back - even though it's tempting. Garland is a different kettle of fish because he's a mature player and a proven topliner. Fitzy is the only clear out - I know we all hoped he was improving but he went back a long, long way today. I suspect Michie will be under the pump this week - he started really well but just couldn't get it after quarter-time. That could free up a spot for Evans. Blease or Kent hopefully will get a chance but until Byrnes stuffs up completely, I'm not sure there's a spot for him.

6 N.Jones (lacked a bit of pace when trying to chase down Masten on one occasion, but once again a typical courageous non-stop effort and stemmed the tide of Eagle clearances after quarter-time). 5 D Cross (Much more involved down the corridor than last week and seemed to enjoy tackling Priddis) 4 J Frawley (Chris Langford had seven kicked on him in a GF and was still among the Hawks best. Chipper was far more prominent than last week. He took the game on and Kennedy is a gun). 3 D Tyson (It's a worry that he's only 20 yet he's so much smoother than all our young guys). 2 L Dunn (Quieter when he went forward but reliable again and he's better than Wheatley in his prime) 1 J Grimes (stuck to his guns on LeCras and kept him quiet and he sticks tackles unlike a few others. A couple of bad handling errors but he wasn't the only one).

If anyone did go and watch, can we get a report on Garland's involvement. I just have a hunch that given our precarious state of play with bigs, that he could be rushed back in if Tom Mac and Fitzy are ruled out.

There are always going to be a few mistakes but the vast majority of guys shown the exit door have been proven to be correct based on their lack of game time at other clubs. A few off the top of my head are: Good decisions to discard: Travis (we got a first rounder for a guy who was past his prime), Cam Bruce, Jordan Gysberts, Stefan Martin, Morton, Brent Grgic (admittedly we didn't even get a set of steak knives back for him), Chris Johnson, Matthew Warnock (only plays when they have injuries), Chris Heffernan, Bryan Wilson (except for games against us, did nothing at Saints), Sean Charles, Les Bamblett, Bad decisons: Jolly, Scott Thompson (club argues they had no choice at time and a first round pick in exchange was only option, Nathan Bassett (by far our worst in terms of what we got back in return), James McDonald (proved he was still handy two years after his omission), Ross Brewer (played in a few losing GF sides), Pikey (agree he was trouble at Dees), Trent Ormond-Allen (I think he almost ended up playing in a Crows flag?), Rivers (another lost because of Neeld), Jeff Farmer, Stan Alves, Greg Wells, Earl Spaulding, Crackers Keenan (these last four all played in flags). Neutral: Moloney (this was a personality thing with Neeld - everyone knew he could play and we did get a second round pick from memory as part of our UP offer), Brock McLean (his form last season picked up, although he's hardly been a world beater at Blues and we did get a latish first-rounder).

the first side to go in with three ruckman (add Lycett) plus two tall forwards Apologies for error in saying Lycett - I meant Sinclair - both big lugs - hard to believe how they have stockpiled so many. Just read that Bennell has taken on David Wirrpunda's No.44 top because he obviously thinks he plays like him - laugh!

The Eagles are even taller than you say - the first side to go in with three ruckman (add Lycett) plus two tall forwards - so agree with you that Pedo knockers are going to have to wait until Garland, Hogan and Dawes are fit before they can get rid of him. I can't see too many changes after Rd 1, especially given we won the Inside 50 count for the first time since GWS Rd 3 last year. I suspect our two big problems from the game will see the only two changes, unless injury forces more. The lack of a key forward/back-up ruck means Gawn is a monte to come in. The lack of pace - apart from Watts and M.Jones - means Blease is also a cert. Yes I know he makes errors and is selfish, but he's a linebreaker and can be effective on the counter with his speed. Gawn and Blease were after all the two best in the VFL according to Demonland reports. I'd like to see Jack Viney back and Kent, but I doubt they will be rushed in for fitness reasons and because it is Rd 2 - there's a long way to go yet and the guys who played and missed shots on goal deserve another crack at it - unless you are trying to show no loyalty. Nicho and Evans were the emergencies and they are the only others that I can see likely to get a crack at it. Nicho's run and speed (yes, I know he is a turnover man) means he could get the nod to play on LeCras, but that would mean getting rid of another player and that's unlikely unless there's more injuries than predicted. The two outs are tricky - except for those Demonlanders who now have Pedo and Byrnes as their whipping boys. JKH was last man in and is an obvious swap for Blease. I'm sure Blease will start, so I suspect Bail will be the sub. The other out will either be Fitzy or Tom Mc due to injury. If they are both out we have a bigger problem than normal. Ultimately, whoever we name this week, we are most likely to be in for a world of pain against a side that is red-hot at moment. But I think with our Roosy gameplan we can at least be competitive and hold them up a bit. But Dom and Jonesy are going to have to do well to win clearances this week against Priddis and Selwood, especially since they will have good service from their giants. We will also know where Michie is at after this game because he is there to win hardballs and if he can't get the pill, then I'm afraid he's heading back to the magoos. The only good news I have is that Jamie Bennell is playing - he had a fantastic last quarter yesterday when the game was all over - so that means the Eagles are playing one man down. I reckon Byrnes and Blease will be praying he lines up on them.

Is that a definite squad of 22 or are you just assuming this - I thought it was 22 and two subs for pre-season - hence squad of 27 which includes three emergencies? I'm probably wrong but if I am, then there's quite a few omissions from squad yet and if it's 22, then it will be really hard for Viney to get game, unless Jimmy T is rested because of knock.

At this time of year it is always interesting to see the omissions and there are four out from last week - King and Barry were obvious, but Nicho and Clisby both had major game time last week and there was a lot of man-love on Demonland site for Clisby after his game. Could he have got a slight knock, or are the superior kicking skills of Strauss being rated ahead of his chip kick. Great to see Viney back - hopefully he'll get a chance, although with 27 names, I imagine three more will not get a game yet. Byrnes survived at this stage but with JFK likely to be given a shot and Blease also in line-up, it's hard to see all three small forwards (four with Jimmy T) getting a game.

Pretty much agree with you master, although I suspect Roosy is reluctant to push kids in early and JKH will need to provide a big spark against Hawks next week to win a spot on field. I suspect he will be the sub first up - even though I'd prefer him to play. Viney and Kent seem to be out of favour at moment - I suspect partly because they had interrupted pre-seasons and partly because they are both still teenagers, but I hope Roosy doesn't take too long to realise they both have a spot in his best 21. Hopefully they will get a game against Hawks and have a chance to press their claims ahead of Byrnes, Bail and others. I reckon Matt Jones blew it last night and is now going to need to have to shine at VFL level to get another crack - unless some of our top six mids get injured that is. I wouldn't rule out Pedo just yet because he has had big pre-season and can play at both ends and ruck, but he'll have to play against Hawthorn to get in and they may not want to rush his hammy.

Dunn is finally looking like a player and you want to move him! His long-kicking is a key part of Roosy's gameplan from defence - Tom Mc, Grimesy, Clisby, Nicho and Terlich all have their virtues but none of them are linebreakers. That's why we missed Frawley and Strauss last night who can both kick long on the run and clear the press. Georgiou is still a chance to play however until Garland gets back as you have to remember we have a seven-man rotation in defence these days. IMO the seven for Rd 1 are: Tom Mc (who will play on Riewoldt), Frawley, Dunn, Grimes, Terlich, Georgiou or Pederson, and one of Nicho, Clisby or Strauss with my preference for the latter one if fit.