M_9

Agree with most of the above. Not sure who our 'speed forwards' are - Chandler, AMW, Kosi (went ok), Disco ...? Your last sentence covers exactly what I've been on about ad nauseum. IMO AJ is in the starting 22 even if he rotates with Max off the bench. If Roo rucks it's only in the forward 50.

I liked AJ's performance - albeit brief. Campbell was very good and, IMO, beat Xerri, but he's at his fourth club, and the same age as Max (33). AJ is 9 years his junior. He may be 8cm shorter but has a good leap. A couple of his clearances were very good - his first touch and his ruck grab and handball mid-air. If JvR is not part of the ruck rotation he could, potentially, add a goal a game to his tally.

Nice start by AJ.

A number of other teams have a key forward playing in the ruck - Jackson, TDK, English etc - all have teammates with size when they're playing forward. Sean Darcy, Treacy, Curnow, McKay, Sam Darcy,Naughton are all big blokes. JvR is the key forward we've been crying out for since Neita retired. He needs to gain experience playing as a forward, not rucking (and being knocked about by an opponent 10cm taller and 20kg heavier) or resting on the bench. We have 'big' forwards in Turner and maybe Jefferson, but JvR is our best big forward at present. He's never going to be a ruckman, and, heaven forbid, should Max get injured, JvR won't be playing forward. He'll be rucking and resting on the bench.

So despite the fact that we have likes of Fullerton, Campbell, Johnson, and Verrall as back-up ruckmen no one has confidence in them to do the job at this stage of their career? Are we going to wait for a run of break out games at Casey by one of the aforementioned before selecting them, all the while impeding JvR’s development as a key forward? IMO the FD needs to take a punt sooner rather than later (than round 2).

G'day Dimma.

I do not want JvR rucking. Hence AJ, Campbell, Fullerton,Verrall, Sestan .... anyone to be in the 23.

AFL rule 26 covers moving a player from the Primary list to the LTI list. It's far from straightforward. I reckon there'd be no issue with McAdam. However, I'd doubt the panel would approve the move of LK. Just my opinion/interpretation.

Werridee says he'll see you at dawn tomorrow. Come armed.

Nah, it's the short par 5, water on the right.

I don't suppose Kolt's 10-12 weeks out counts as a LTI? (cue Boy George). I suspect the injury needs to occur during the season proper? And what constitutes 'long term'?

King's 'why is it always George?' a reference to George Wardlaw's injury (ie nothing to do with us?).

You'd think he'd be given substantial game time against North and Free.

Nah. I taught 'em maths. And how to lie about their height.

I taught both Pat Dangerfield and Travis Boak as 17 year olds. Both 2-3cm taller now.

I'm curious: how do you get from Seattle to Gosch's on a Myki?

Yeah, well I don’t know about all of youse, but I don’t need any help to look silly.

Only one remaining - one retired.

Enjoyed a meal named after your horse in Italy a coupla months back. Maybe have a fiver each way.

Bert Newton got 'Boy' and 'Roy' mixed up also (for those old enough to remember). One minute mark:

I'll be keen to hear from track watchers in regard to the difference between our previous forward coaches (Stafford et al) and our new forward coaches (Chaplin et al). Blind Freddy could see that for the past x years there appeared to be little or no 'system'. And for goodness sake can we see JvR played as a full time forward.

Well, we all know his role for the first three matches. Unfortunately it's not new.

Fair analysis IMO. No excuses given that we'll start the season with a full and fit list unlike this year.

Not sure. We have McVee, Bowey, Salem, AMW and possibly Brown. His kicking lacks depth and I'd rank those five above Bailey.

When you're Bailey's size you need a point of difference - clever/good user, tough inside, fast, skilful. Think Bowey, Viney, Windsor, and Chandler (?). I don't see any of attributes in Laurie.