M_9

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?

Gawn has rucked all his career. He'd be full bottle on most of his opponents ie the way they approach centre ball-ups. It's the knee on knee where the serious injuries occur. Gawn would know how to minimise the risk. Jai has never rucked (discount training match sims). Why take the risk? Run Moose off the bench. Or TMac (don't like that). Culley if not Moose, just not centre ball ups.

I dunno. Having an inexperienced ruckman (Culley), who's missed a season with an ACL, jumping head first into an opponent, is fraught with danger IMO. That type of contact is far different from flying for a pack mark.

Just watching our coach being interviewed by Garry. Ch 504. Apologies if it's a replay

Agree. Langdon on NWM for mine. A proven tagger (yeah, OK, one game). Sharp's game is centred on getting free of his man - not tagging.

Agree. I don't want a bloke who missed more than a season with a ruptured ACL jumping at centre contests. TMac can't jump. Max needs to rest. JvR needs to play as a full-time KPF. Either Heath plays (5th on the bench) or maybe Gawn plays a la Stanley. When Blicavs plays Stanley doesn't leave the square.

IMO the new centre 'bounce' ruck rule will rule TMac out of this contest. He can't jump. Conversely, Jai has a great leap.

An update .... anyone? In particular Jai, Checker, and AMW. Doesn't appear to be any word from the club. An intra-club this weekend? Apology if mentioned elsewhere.

I'm not sure about that, at least as far as our home games go. I have access to level two but prefer to stand in M9 (bay 13). If the weather is fine I'll sit towards to back on level one. No reserve seat. Viewing is pretty good. About 60% Dees. Not possible against away teams (security) but you usually can access level one by entering via lower 'tunnel'. BTW for away games where we are restricted to access at the Ponsford end, you can access the Olympic or Shane Warner stands via a tunnel that runs behind the Nembers' area. Access the tunnel via top level of Ponsford. Not pessimism - realism.

I'm not sure about that, at least as far as our home games go. I have access to level two but prefer to stand in M9 (bay 13). If the weather is fine I'll sit towards to back on level one. No reserve seat. Viewing is pretty good. About 60% Dees. Not possible against away teams (security) but you usually can access level one by entering via lower 'tunnel'. BTW for away games where we are restricted to access at the Ponsford end, you can access the Olympic or Shane Warner stands via a tunnel that runs behind the Nembers' area. Access the tunnel via top level of Ponsford.

Speaking of the former, LC walked into my local club last week looking for a game. Last I saw him was playing in the VFL pre-match to the 186 debacle. His main opponent that day was Fev. (his teammate!).

Photos of Goody ... oh, wait.

Round 0 not so farcical if the Pies can take out a few Sainters (within the rules of course). No NWM and TdK for round one might shorten our odds.

A blaring omission. I would take him first pick. One of my favourite non-Demon. Comes across as a nice bloke too.

PF - I was told last week, in no uncertain terms, and by numerous DL'ers including WJ, that there is no LTI. Only an Inactive list; a player placed on this list is out for the year. A club cannot place a player on the Inactive list unless the player is in agreement. I very much doubt that Viney would agree to being out for the year. McAdam or May retire? TC or other? Maybe.

We can't claim him 'at this time' as we don't have a spare spot on our list. And we may never have [in 2026].

Well I was wrong here Sam. I wasn't aware that (as I understand) the LTI has gone. Clubs have a primary list, a cat A rookie list, and a cat B rookie list. I've NFI what options( (if any) we have with Bowey and Viney. BTW back to Italy in June. Can't wait.

Ok, I admit I was ignorant of the fact that the LTI list no longer exists. The following 'rule' did exist: "Rookie salaries are not included in the TPP unless they are paid more than the base rate., However, if a club promotes a rookie to the primary list, then that player's salary is included in the TPP". Does that still apply?