mo64

It's funny how players are always rated higher when they're not playing. Melksham had an ordinary year last year, and the knock on him is his disposal. On exposed form, I don't think he warrants a place in our best 22.

Can't agree with that. His one-on-one play this year has gone backwards compared to last. Someone must have got into his ear after round 2, and he's been more effective by playing as a true CHF. Haven't noticed him drawing a 2nd or 3rd defender since playing as a CHF, but his benefit to the team has been far better.

One thing I've noticed since round 3 is that Dunn and T Mac don't stray up the ground, and pretty much play as stay at home backmen. We're not getting caught out with height mismatches as we were in the NAB Challenge and rounds 1 - 3. The zone in the backline has tempered, and even Wagner and Jetta don't stray too far up ground. Dunn and T Mac are our best 2 key defenders, and that will remain until O Mac develops.

I'm not sure that it's best for Goodwin or the club if Roos remains in a part-time capacity, as well as having a full-time media role. It puts Goodwin in a no-win situation. If the team is winning, credit to Goodwin will be diminished, because they still see Roos in the background. If the team is playing poorly, Roos will constantly be asked about it, and I doubt that he'd accept any responsibility.

I was thinking the same thing. He's far more value to the team playing the way he has in the past 2 weeks.

The bizaare thing was that the video replay was inconclusive. It's like a no-ball call in cricket, once the umpire had called touched, that impacts on how the players upfield react. The most ridiculous video referral I've seen, and that umpire should be taken to task.

Over the years, Adelaide have lost more key players than any other club yet continue to draft interstaters, and have remained competitive. The highest profile player to leave our club in recent history was Scully, a Victorian.

Of course we'd be looking for a key forward like him, but unless he's been linked to us, what's the point of starting a new thread?

Obviously homesick like McCarthy, lol.

It debunks the argument that players are holding out for the new CBA before re-signing.

Couldn't disagree more. My main knock on Oliver from his pre-draft highlights package was that in the same situation, he'd shrug off smaller/lighter opponent at TAC Cup level, before disposing of the ball. I thought he might get caught out at AFL level with bigger bodies and less time. His awareness of the situation (time, space and teammates) was incredibly impressive. He's the antithesis of Toumpas, who'd freeze in the same situation. Vince was equally impressive. Got the ball to Oliver, pointed out Jones as an option for Salem, and then ran on as an option for Jones. That's leadership.

So was Salem's reflex kick to Jones. Both were a thing of beauty.

I did say that he will become a very good AFL player, just wasn't convinced that he had elite talent as a junior. His football smarts in the contest are fantastic and bordering on elite. I thought he overplayed the situation in the highlights package, but is making quick decisions at AFL level which is amazing. To answer your question, yeah I'm convinced.

No it's not. If that was the case, you would have seen mass exodus out of clubs like Geelong and Hawthorn, where players stayed for success rather than chasing their max contract (Ablett and Franklin excluded). It's only conjecture because Hogan hasn't committed. There's nothing stopping Hogan/Manager committing to the club, and sorting out the financial arrangements at season's end. That will stop the conjecture.

That's beyond absurd. You really think that any sporting club would willingly screw a star player who shows good faith? Hogan will always have the negotiating power, even if he verbally commits. And anyone who believes the Roos line of " the club also thought it best to postpone talks until end of season " are either gullible or stupid. The club would be doing cartwheels if Hogan re-signed this week or even mid year.

Spot on. The argument that his management is waiting till the salary cap increase goes through is bogus. Based on that logic, no player will extend their contracts early, yet just this week, Sidebottom and Talia have extended their contracts long term. The fact that the club admitted that they sat down with Hogan and his management to outline our onfield ambitions is concerning. If a player was content, why the need to give them a reassurance? My concern is that Hogan may love living in Melbourne, and clubs other than Freo may come into play.

And ProDee's post wasn't peronal? I note that you and ProDee seem to have a mutual admiration of each others reviews. Oh, and ProDee. Your initial bagging of Oliver was written at 9.15am, yet you blamed it on the reds. We all enjoy a red with our breakfast.

So you have a privileged position on this site of being the only person entitled to their opinion. Mind you, you've covered every base, lol.

Just rewatched some of the early footage, and my assessment stands. I'll try and find some footage that changes my assessment.

My assessment is based on the same footage as you're making your assessment. In congestion he used his physical superiority to fend off players. I question whether he'll get away with it at AFL level. I thought that Parish had far superior football smarts based on the limited footage available. I'm sure Oliver will become a very good AFL player. I just don't believe the hype that was written about him on here after the draft.

We'll agree to disagree. You've summed it up well. But 1st year players with "elite skills" generally find a spot, even in the top teams. I question whether Oliver has elite talent. That's not to say that he won't be a very good AFL player.

Are you serious or just taking the pizz? There was nothing in his highlights reel that screamed "elite skills". That's why I'm asking the track watchers whether they've seen signs of elite talent. Adding muscle doesn't change natural talent. If he's elite like Selwood, Wines and many more, he'd be pushing for selection in round 1, but not necessarily as a primary mid.

During preseason training, you always look at the draftees and hope to get a "yeah, I get what the hype was about" moment or two. I haven't been down there this preseason. Have any of the track watchers seen Oliver do something during the match sims that make you go "yeah, he'll be good"?

As Billy said, the win/loss column at the end of the season is all that matters. The preseason hype of our draftees, based on brief highlights packages, is over the top.

Without an engine, Weideman would definitely start at FF, and Hogan CHF. I doubt that he plays more than 5 games next year, given his injury history. Saints eased McCartin in this year, and I think we'll do the same.