M_9

He certainly wasn't good for the 'Goodwin system'. Twelve games in 5 seasons are testimony to that. As I've said ad nauseum, Laurie has no point of difference. No size, average skills, doesn't kick goals, not a strong tackler. Contrast him to Tom Matthews, who, from all reports, looks to have far more upside than Laurie.

If Fritta is out, and Luker isn't in, I guess it's Laurie or Heath?

I saw in another thread that at least one poster wanted Salemi dropped. Whilst I don't agree with that move, you do wonder if King has asked him to speed up his play. Salem tendency to kill the momentum appears at odds with our new game plan.

I've seen a copy of the invitation sent to the players. Loungewear or smart casual. No jeans. No address given. RSVP not required.

I think Ghosty got the latest at today's session on all but Melky. Straight from the horse's mouth (apologies to J.Longmire).

So the boys will be kicking the E̶a̶s̶t̶e̶r̶ ̶e̶g̶g̶s̶ dew off the ground.

A possible line-up please @WERRIDEE .

Agree. He strikes me as a 'confidence player' who'd benefit little, probably nothing, by playing at Casey.

Agree (re Heath playing and Max resting fwd). Mac Andrew too often plays off his man. Need to keep him accountable, as has been mentioned.

Amen to that.

I agree - I don't believe Scott is a decent coach. No game plan tonight that I could discern. I do believe that their list management, and in particular Didoro's choices, has been a major factor in their stagnation.

Bottom 2 - Toigs and Dons? I wouldn't go the early crow. We could be facing Dons in Adelaide with us being 1-3, and off the back of a mauling by the Suns. We've got ZERO depth.

Bay M33 (Ponsford end). Enter via Gate 1 (I think).

Sean Murphy, father of ex-Pie Nathan, told me some time ago that Nathan and James were paying in the order of $20k per year in premiums. Like James, Zurich have been relentless in digging into Nathan's past including speaking with his U13's coach.

There may be a sprinkling of Dees at the London Tavern in Richmond.

I reckon Tholstrup used this tactic more than once last Sunday.

The history of VFA on TV is fully covered in Shannon Gill's podcasts (available on Spotify). https://open.spotify.com/episode/4U70KqhHx4TYsXsUph8qrm?si=uUOaBYp1QP-cVVdBBOtCWQ&t=1438&ct=1348&pi=qJhBMvitTAiF

Most of you would have seen that 7.8 of our score emanated from our back half. I'm sure that's been mentioned by others. It reminded me of what Daniel Hoyne (Champion Data) reported some 18 months ago, saying how important it was to have attacking half-backs that could deliver the ball accurately. The Pies had just signed Dan Houston, the best half-back at the time. Salem, Disco, even Tholstrup started chains that led to goals. Not sure what my point is, just sayin'. I wouldn't add TMac. I'd bank on Petty, Disco and Howes doing the job, albeit undersized. And another thing: I'm not sure I'd include the Moose. I listened to the ABC commentary of the Freo-Cats game. They basically said the game has gone past Darcy. He's not mobile enough for today's game.

He did (6.0). Then 2.0 in the last round (v Roos). And that was the start of the failed 2-year experiment. 9.15 in 20 games (2024) and 20.10 in 19 games (2025). That's an average of 3 goals everyy 4 games. There was the odd game where he moved to the backline during that 2 year stint. Round 2 in 2024 he took 8 marks v the Hawks. Five weeks later he played half-forward, (v the Cats), took 9 marks, booted 1.1 and polled 3 Brownlow votes. The bloke's a backman.

Jai was recruited mid-season 2022 (pick 1) and played a toal of 8 gaames before rupturing his ACL in May 2023. He averaged 13 disposals in each of those games (all losses). Jai returned a year later (round 13 2024), playing 3 games (all losses), averaging 9 disposals. It appears the Eagles 'had seen enough'. Twelve games in 3 seasons tested their patience I guess.

The 3AW commentary mentioned, about 10 mins into the third quarter, that Nas had 2 disposals (that quarter) and had moved to the backline chasing kicks. I reckon Kolt would have learnt a lot playing on a player some claim to be the best in the AFL.

As my mate said about Toumpas - no point if difference. Not tall, not quick, not skillful (a la Sam Mitchell), not tough (a la Viney), doesn't kick goals. Very good VFL player - and we've had our fair share of them.

Jai definitely. Kolt, maybe. No Sharp or Laurie in my team.

I can't see us selecting a player who didn't play a (senior) practice match.

When is our squad named? Starting lineup confirmed 6pm Sat?