Deespicable

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.

He's never going to be a superstar but he works hard and I can't remember too many other Demon players who have nailed Stevie J in a tackle like Grimesy did in the first quarter. Just think of him as a Maxwell type skipper - honest and willing to back into packs and with good awareness. He won't become a linebreaking defender because he can't kick long enough but he fits in to the precision kicking game plan under Roosy.

The windy conditions made it tricky for players who went short across goals - Matt Jones and Jimmy T had probably the two best howlers. It also wasn't a great night for our small forwards - Blease didn't get it enough, Byrnes made a couple of major blunders again, Dom Barry only played a bit but one terrible touch for the night isn't going to win him game time this year. Hopefully that means JKH firms in the betting for Rd 1 - even though Roosy doesn't like playing kids early, he may make an exception. The other plus tonight was that Hogan, after an ordinary intraclub last week, had a really good big man lead-up game and even if Dawes is fit for Rd 1, you'd have to think he has wrapped up his spot injury permitting. Our newlook midfield was also a big winner and by that I mean Tyson (BOG), Vince, Cross, Watts and Michie. Together with Jonesy and Trengove that's the midfield rotation for Rd 1 and with Steven out along with Montagna, we may not need to even play Jordie as a tagger. Our defence was a worry all night - the windy conditions meant they couldn't switch with confidence and we really missed the long clearance kicks of Frawley and Strauss to back up Dunn. But overall we were heaps better than we've been for six years and we still have to find room for about six guys.

I agree with your first point - Lynden Dunn has developed into one of our most reliable defenders and his kick is huge weapon. He also has a booming deep man's man voice - the type that makes all the other guys know they are going to be backed up and supported - reminds me of a really reliable Old Collegian defender Stuart Hinchen. He's taken a while to find his spot but I agree with you he's finally arrived and he's totally suited to Roosy's possession style of game. Your other point however is a surprise - Clisby is totally unsuited to Roosy's gameplan because he's a short kick and can't get himself out of trouble once he turns the wrong way as he did on numerous occasions tonight. Have a look at first-half replay and see his [censored]-ups.

A few more observations from today. I think the pre-game drills were again terrific, especially the three-on-three tackling. The drill variety is way up on anything we've had before and seems really well organised. I saw Mitch Clark head off and run a lap of the Tan early which is better than not doing anything - but did anyone spot Jamar - does he still exist? I suspect a lot of Roosy's thinking is revealed in the players given leave of absence from today's game and whilst most were obviously senior players who got leather poising v Richmond - eg: Vince, Cross, Jones, Howey, Grimes, Dunn Frawley - the two who will surprise some Demonlanders were Pedersen and McKenzie. While I'm sure Roosy is managing players to make sure they don't have too many pre-season games, I think you can write all of those guys into the side for Round 1 - barring injuries between now and then - how many of you had Pedo and Jordie in your lineup for Rd1. The only youngster given the morning game off was Jimmy T - which was interesting and also shows Roosy has him high up in his thinking. Like everyone else I thought Viv Michie was BOG today and he was playing with the weaker white side. Fitzy played himself into the side for Alice Springs and assuming they are deemed fit, both Dawes and Gawn will also make the trip. It was great to see Jonesy, watching from the side, give it to Gawny in a nice way when he was outmarked by Max King today. I sense that both Viney and Hogan are going to have to work their way into the senior side and won't be picked for Rd 1 and maybe Kent as well, who again looked pretty good. Salem is no chance IMO. I think Roosy likes making younger guys work for their spots - which is why Jimmy T's omission today was a bit of a surprise, although he has been doing all the hard yards pre-season and is now in top 10 in terms of endurance base. The only other young player who may make the Rd 1 side is JKH, who has the freakish skills that all coaches like - although I reckon he'll be our sub for Rd 1. Roosy also took time out to explain things to Bleasey and there's no doubt he's viewed as a key ingredient in his thinking - lock him in for Rd 1. Of those who lost ground today - I'd reckon Byrnes (one memorable hold of ball when he had an option), Dom Barry (still doesn't seem to know whether to run or hold) and Jetta (did he play, he was that quiet?). Clisby and Nicholson also were less clean and prominent as Strauss and Terlich in the battle for the one or two running defender spots. One final thing - did anyone else notice that when Casey players got the ball they tended to go back and kick long to a contest in the Neeld style, while the Melbourne listers all looked sideways - another example of what a possession-minded gameplan can do? It's a game plan that will see good kicks - and we have a lot of them although you wouldn't have known it last year - come to the fore. Two questions: 1) Who was the ponytailed tallish Casey defender - he was the pick of the Casey boys in my mind? 2) This is my fourth session I've been to now and I'm still yet to spot Jayden Hunt - was he out there today? Finally side for Rd 1 is now starting to take shape (see below) - although with two more practice games against good opposition and with potential injuries, there'll be a few more changes yet. Defenders (7) - Grimes, Frawley, Dunn, Pedo, Strauss, Terlich, Tom Mc or Georgiou Midfielders (8) - N.Jones, Vince, Cross, Tyson, Trengrove, Watts, McKenzie and Michie Rucks (1) - Spencer (Fitzy, Pedo as back up). Forwards (5) - Dawes, Howey, Fitzy, Blease, Toumpas Sub: Bail or JKH Emerg: Kent, Viney, Gawn

The funniest thing of the morning was when Jesse Hogan inadvertently whacked into Paul Roos who was trying to show him correct body positioning in a pre-training drill and Roosy went down like a spud - at first I thought he got him in cods but length of time Roosy was on ground or keeled over suggested in the ribs. Hogan was very apologetic at time. Was there a link to the fact that he was selected in the the clearly inferior Blue team and just wanted to make a point to the old fella? Doubtful, but there's no doubt Roosy will remember him come selection this week. What was impressive is that the guys trained for nearly 80 minutes before the scratch match got underway - all up they got a very long session. Viney and Dawes did the early drills but did not play while Wattsy had gastro. Tappy did sprints away from main group. A few notes on game: The white side had virtually Roosy's entire top midfield and were really only not allowed five players who you would think would be in the ones next Friday - Howe, Spencer, Hogan, T-Mac and Dunn. The two surprise players who got a crack at defence in the so-callled ones were Georgiou, who played on Hogan, and Nicho, who played on Kent most of the time. Georgiou actually did OK and linked up well with Chipper and Grimes. Nicho, for those of you who love to bag him on this medium, had a very ordinary morning - a shocking entry into the forward line and caught badly by Kent on a couple of occasions. Given I'm not a Nicho basher and liked his game on Griffo last year, I had him pencilled in as being our tag man for Jack Steven in Rd 1, but it's fair to say he blew it badly. I now think Bail or Jordie will get the tagger role in Rd 1 - but that's still a long way off with three games to play before then. Two key things that I don't think have been mentioned yet. 1) Blease got a nice intercept in second term and was about to run on to the ball and have a big chance of scoring when Roosy stepped in and gave the ball to the defensive side - think it was Salem. Why he chose to pick on Bleasey is interesting, especially given this thread always bags him for selfishness and lack of fitness. But it would appear Roosy also picks on Bleasey too. I would suggest he's trying to make him really earn his spot the hard way. Certainly Blease and Kent were the only two livewire presences on the blue side today and the only ones other than five who I have mentioned already, who would be likely to make the cut for the Richmond game. 2) Roosy wanted Howey to get more ball so sent him to FF, swapping with Grimesy early in third term. Quite obviously Howey will be starting as a key forward on Friday. Significantly he did not allow Hogan any such luxury of a switch late in the game - maybe he was still reeling form the bump to the ribs! I could go on about game and people have already gone on about Salem's first term today. While I doubt it will change Roosy's plans for bringing Salem into the seniors in a hurry, it may have given Roosy at least cause to think that a debut about Rd 5, rather than Rd 15, may be appropriate if shows his skills at Casey early. But based on what I saw, our likely 24 (I think that's right number for NAB challenge) is as follows: Midfielders: N.Jones, Cross, Vince, Tyson, Watts, Bail, Toumpas Defenders: Frawley, T-Mac, Grimes, Dunn, Georgiou, Terlich (who just pips Strauss and Clisby) Tall Forwards: Howe, Hogan, Pederson Small forwards: Kent, Blease and hopefully JKH Rucks: Spencil and Gawn Assuming fit add Trenners, Fitzy and Viney (he will be into Roosy this week I'm sure). But I suspect three extras will be Michie, Strauss and M.Jones. Definitely out injured: Garland, Dawes, Clark.

Pedo looks fit and tried to keep up with the midfield running group the other day at training. He couldn't of course, but neither could Dunny, and nor should they be expected to match that group which included Jonesy, Toumpas, Vince, Trengove and Cross who will all start Rd 1 injury permitted. The group was led by Tom Mc, who continues to set high endurance fitness standards and makes Pedo and Dunny look slow by comparison. Roosy went for smallish defenders at Sydney which is why you would think Tom Mc, Col and Frawley will again be our three pillars for our opponents three bigs. But Pedo is going to be a very handy back-up if they get injured and I envisage him playing a bit as there are no other options, especially given Hoges won't be able to pinch hit down back because both Dawes and Clark are so injury prone that he will be needed up forward. I know everyone was highly critical of him last year because he was given a pretty cushy three-year deal and failed dismally early as a forward, but as a defender he is a bit of a Jamie Duursma - a useful back-up role player and unlike Duursma he has a weapon with his thumping kick.

All club's would like to have three gun tall forwards - on paper we do as well if Clark and Dawes were ever fit and we have Hogan and Watts. I suspect they know Scully's knees and poor disposal makes him a bust, so drafting a similar small running left-footer in Kelly makes sense. The only mistake I would think was taking McCarthy, but maybe they see him as potentially a good tall defender - which they still lack.

Given we have already picked up five experienced inside mids it would hard for Salem to walk straight into side and Roos used wasn't one to rush players in up in Sydney, so I doubt he'll be thinking Salem for quite a while. However based on the clips we've all been watching, there's a touch of Adem Yze about him, which means his disposal skills could land him a game fairly early on in season and I actually see him as a half back or half forward in his infancy. Can the guy who keeps putting our five big forwards in the one line up please get a grip on how the game is played these days and alter his line up accordingly or stop posting his rubbish.

i just hope we don't go for another inside mid - unless they've got explosive pace. We have taken four tallish inside mids (five if you include Cross who was outside mid late last year) and now we have to work on finding a genuine run-and-carry defender in Jarrod Harbrow/Heath Shaw mould and a genuine pacy winger/small forward in Stephen Hill/Steven Motlop mould. So it's either Scharenberg (defensive run once his feet are right) or Billings or Freeman (pacey forward/mids) for me. Our obsession with inside mids has also left our list deficient in back-up tall defenders, but hopefully Frawley, Garland and Tom Mc don't get injured or else the Demonland threads will go ballistic next year about Pedo and Dunny.

He obviously fits our outside-run requirement now that we have inside depth. But I suspect all the media-hype will now make Pies (at six) or Brisbane take him at No.7. The big worry now is that Bontempelli may go to St Kilda at No.3 which means the Pies and Lions will have to choose between Scharenberg, Billings and Freeman. Hopefully a late-run of McCarthy hype will see the Lions take him.

Great update - can you please attend each session and provide similar report! Much appreciated. Anyone know if Kent and Tappy have niggling injuries?

I thought I'd join the masses with the Rd 1 guesswork. 3 tall defenders: Frawley, Garland and McDonald (having delisted Sellar, Macdonald and Davis we are light on for defensive talls. Pedersen is back up and may play Rd 1 if Saints go big. The other option is sending Hogan back). 4 medium defenders: Terlich, Grimes, Clisby, Strauss (not sure what Roos plans to do with Blease, but we are short of creative run, so he could end up there). 1 ruck: Jamar (start with him and then if he can't get involved around ground again, then it's time for Gawn or Spencer). 7 midfielders: Vince, N.Jones, Tyson, Toumpas, Viney, Cross and one tagger in McKenzie. 6 forwards: Watts (high lead-up), Clark (back-up ruck), Dawes, Trengove, Kent, Barry Sub: Howe (I'd actually like to see him play down back, but that ain't going to happen). Emerg: Hogan, who will play, as I can't imagine all our talls to be fit for Rd 1. Hard to imagine all our midfielders being healthy, so Michie will most likely get a chance early. Whoever we take with pick 9 should start in magoos like Vlastuin and work his way into side as season goes on. I don't think Roosy would rush him like Neeld did with Jimmy T.

You can now add Sheahan, Couch, Magner and Williams to that year's slections that didn't make it - and we can't even blame Prendergast for that disaster. The only good thing is that no-one got much out of the lower end of that year's draft - Lachie Neale at 58 being one of the few that got through.

OK, now that trading is almost done our club gurus have to decide on final delistings. So far 8 have gone - Davey, Davis, Gillies, Macdonald, Rodan, Sellar, Sylvia, Tynan plus Couch (rookie). We have already picked up five - Tyson, Vince, Michie, Cross and Hogan. Magner has to come on list as upgrade (unless he's delisted) and Clisby could be retained on rookie list or upgraded. I can't imagine us not utilising three picks in draft, so that means at least one and possible two still need to be shown door next week. Can I have your thoughts on likely two: Almost all are already contracted, so it would appear we will need to cut someone who has a year to run on current deal.

Agree pretty much with order, although my spies tell me Dogs would take Billings as they have Gia for only one more year. I'm told Freeman and Kim Kardashian's little brother are our two targets - either way the last thing we now need is another extractor/quarter-back type - we now have Nat Jones, Viney, Tyson, Michie, Vince and Trengove and Magner (if he's kept) to do that role. What we now need is pace (read Freeman) and defensive run/skill (read Kolodjashnij).

DB is a man of great integrity for a journo, but that does not mean he gets things right when he expresses an opinion - he's human after all. Here's the things that has been missed in the "Dees give up Pick 2 scenario". 1) The Dees recruiting staff have cocked up high picks in recent times so doubtless would have been [censored] scared about this year. 2) The most likely pick 2, before Kelly was mooted this week, was Aish and he has struggled when tagged at championships and SANFL Finals. The draft talent is not considered deep this year but there is a range of opinions on who is best from picks 2-12 and almost all are midfielders. In keeping pick No.9 we still get a midfileder who may be as good as pick No.2.

Thanks for video link - did anyone else spot his major flaw - bounces ball with wrong hand! I think he'd be great, although he's a run and carry rather than a tough nut, but he is a lovely left footer and wen don't have any of them and Hawthorn has about 15. If he lives with Scully then he would take a bit of convincing by Roos to get him, but maybe Tom has taught him that money is everything adn if we offer him $500K a year he might bite. As for draft pick, I think you will find Dees will be happy to give up pick 2 and 20 for him, provided they can get pick No.9 back off Giants.

Our club is at the Crossroads I believe!

While I was initially very anti-Cross because we are in a development stage and he will be 31 next season, I talked to my man at Doggies and he reckons Cross is still among the fittest three blokes at Whitten Oval and would not be delisted except that they have an abundance of young mids and still have to fit Coons, Murphy and Gia into side. His form over final six weeks after recall from VFL was exceptional and he towelled up Jimmy T in final game. He has been playing as an outside mid for them during that time though and despite being renowned for being a handball merchant, he did provide good link-up. Basically I think he will more than likely replace Matt Jones from our mids rotation, although given a few injuries, they could both get a game. His selection will most likely be as a delisted free agent - so there's no trade or draft pick involved, but it does take away a pick at draft and leaves us with just five live picks (Hogan and Magner take up two spots) assuming Clisby is not upgraded until after next season. While the experts are saying this year's draft pool is exceptionally thin, I still think we will have to delist two more players yet.

Yep my spies are even telling me that after last week's game he is most likely a 10-15 pick, which would end our chances. But the Phantom doesn't have him in their top 20, so he may be available at pick 19 for us.

Have you been going to any games this year? Have you noticed how the game has become almost all about contested football and how defensive pressure now extends to the forward line? Have a look at the Hawks and Cats this week and see how many small forwards they have whose job it is to apply pressure and be at the fall of the ball along with leading up and being a big part of their zone defences? Then if you really think plonking six bigs up on the forward line can work, then come up with a strategy of making sure the ball never ever spills to the ground.

I actually think Prendo was OK at choosing big guys - eg: Howe and McDonald came in same draft as his Cook shocker. But quite obviously he had no idea when it came to assessing midfield potential and I'm not talking Scully and Trengove because they were the standout juniors that year and everybody would have taken them 1 and 2. But Gysberts was never a good kick and that stood out as a junior and he was tall and lightish through the core, which went against the trend towards strong-bodied smaller tackling types. The quality he overlooked that year was astounding. Tapscott at 18 was another of his gems. He did the same with Morton (4) - another tall, no core strength midfielder who was sliding down the order having been originally touted as pick 2 with Cotchin that year. When you look at what was around there were so many other better options.