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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

I'd be happy if he kicked 25 goals, and 20 of them were from joe the goose handballs. Newton kicked 11 goals in 11 games from limited opportunities. Might be a better option in the forward line than Watts.

100% agree. We gave up next years 1st rounder in supposedly a strong draft, plus this year's 2nd round pick to upgrade our early picks. Unlike the Tyson/Salem trade which made perfect sense, the end result this year has left me unenthused. Oliver looks like he'll be a good AFL player, but doesn't have the skillset of Brayshaw and Petracca based on his junior career, so doesn't look like he has "elite" potential. I hope I'm wrong. Lot of question marks over Weideman, with his injury history and poor beep test results. The players that we traded for aren't game changers. I hope to be proven wrong with Oliver and Weideman, and they become A graders, but I have my reservations.

Spot on. That's the point I was making about DD's comments as well. Let's just concern ourselves with who we draft before sticking the boots into other draftees.

I'm just about to vomit after reading some of these comments. Parish can clearly play, and the only thing I'm concerned about is whether Oliver and Weideman make it as AFL footballers.

That's the worst analysis/conclusion reaching I've ever read. Brayshaw and Petracca were unanimous top 3 picks. I doubt that Roos' philosophy swayed Taylor one iota.

A comparable player to Parish is Heppell. He was recruited as a lightly framed ball magnet, and has become an adept clearance player, because as you say, he's on the move at stoppages.

IMO, that's part of contested football. Players like Mitchell and Simon Black had that innate ability to dispose of the ball in contested situations. That takes talent. Based on limited highlights, Oliver seems to try to take on the tackler, whereas Parish looks to dispose of the ball instinctively. Give me Parish any day.

Hogan had elite endurance before he was drafted. He missed 12 months with a back injury, which would severely impact his fitness levels, and yet he maintained his elite endurance. Clubs clearly have an issue with Weideman's endurance levels long term.

Yep. The beep test is just as important for a key forward as it is for a mid. Without repetitive efforts and defensive accountability, he'll struggle at AFL level.