mo64

We now have a ruckman and midfield that allows us to win our share of contested ball and clearances. In turn, we'll have our fair share of inside 50's, and we need to convert those chances. If Frost doesn't hit the scoreboard he's a liability, regardless of his defensive pressure. The bare minimum I'd expect from a forward is 20 goals a season, and Frost will never give us that. Why not play a small/medium lead-up forward who can also apply defensive pressure, but can also hit the scoreboard? Hogan was often double teamed because the opposition give scant respect to Frost. If he goes out on a dummy lead, his opponent is likely to let him go, and zone off on Hogan. We need another damaging lead up forward, and I'm hoping Petracca is the answer. Weideman needs at least a year to develop. Frost to the backline for me.

Not under the traditional free agency rules, but all the 12 banned Bomber players are eligible to apply for FA on the grounds of negligence by the club with doping.

I'm wondering when our coaches come to the realisation that Frost isn't a forward. He doesn't have the smarts to use his athleticism to get to contests, and doesn't have much natural ability full stop. Replace O Mac with him as a permament backman, and give Dunn a crack up forward. Use Pedersen as a 2nd ruck/forward. Watts and Hogan are smart players, but neither Pedersen or Frost complement them.

In terms of volume of Demonland comments and accolades, Viney is massively underrated. His ability to break a contest and run away from his opponent was brilliant. He had a great season last year, and looks to have taken his game to another level. The limit on rotations will suit his game, and I know this will be unpopular, but it will also suit Scully.

Premiership tilt? Gimme a spell. The team that played on Saturday had about 10 players who are average footballers. Some play a role and our supporters love them, but the facts are they don't win us many games, and we need an upgrade on them. Our backline is littered with average players, but at least the coaches have identified that by playing Salem, Vince and even N.Jones into defence. Prestia addresses a need which is quality players.

The stricter interpretation of holding the ball and incorrect disposal has also helped with the flow of the game. It's been pleasurable to watch, but given time, coaches will come up with strategies to take the pleasure out of the game.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves when it comes to the strength of our list. You can't have too many quality mids. Prestia allows vets like Jones and Vince to spend time down back and prolong their careers.

Hardly an inaccurate perception considering the fact that he got dropped last year, and finished 18th in the B&F. He was outstanding yesterday, as he was throughout the NAB Challenge. Let's hope that he can show that level of intensity each week, because it's been lacking throughout his career.

I agree. It's almost like their combined output equates to 75% production of 1 good player. Unfortunately, we need backup ruck support for Gawn and a 2nd key forward, and basically Frost and Pedersen have their names on the team sheet. O. Mac makes way for Dunn, and probably Harmes for Brayshaw, though I think that Kent is overrrated. If Lumumba comes in, it would be for very unlucky M. Jones.

With O Mac of the ground, the rotations of the talls was limited. Haven't seen the game times of each player, but for match up reasons, T. Mac, Garland, Pedersen and Frost had to be on the ground.

I'm amazed that if AVB was doubtful, why Stretch would play in the Casey intraclub match. He offers more than Grimes as a midfielder. Dunn would make us too top heavy.

Love your reports DS. They're always balanced and not just fluff pieces.

Don't get confused between a practice match and match sim. Match sim is all about ball movement and not contested possession. Due to his physique, I very much doubt that he's in the club's plans this year.

It would make sense if Frost went down back to play on Lobb, and used his speed for rebounding. O Mac doesn't offer speed, foot skills or defensive skills. Strange selection.

God help us. Unless Vince plays as a permanent half back, we really lack guidance and surety in the backline. Everyone has been upbeat after the NAB Challenge, but we've really got a lot of holes in the team.

Where he was drafted is irrelevant if he doesn't play up to AFL standard. Long term, I think he'll be ok, but he looked out of his depth during the NAB Challenge. The intensity will go up twofold, so I'm worried about his inclusion.

Oscar Mac has played on the key forwards throughout the NAB Cup, so I'm not sure why that will change. Our backline throughout the preseason played poorly as a group. Still looks shaky. Doubt that M. Jones and Bugg will line up on the wings. I reckon that Bugg tags Heath Shaw, and Harmes lines up on one wing and M. Jones the other.

Great news. He's really embraced the club, and his off field persona of a being a bit of larrikin, isn't reflected by his professionalism on and off the field. I'd say his close relationship with Goodwin would have a bit to do with his contract extension, but he fully deserves it.

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

Where's the karma? He's not included in the GWS leadership group. Big deal. Neither is Mumford, so is that a dose of karma for him leaving the Swans, or was it delayed karma for leaving Geelong? Scully left Melbourne for an insane contract. Get over it.

Somehow doubt that the Collingwood fan forum has a post about Dawes and Lumumba being dumped from our leadership group. Another example of our supporters having a victim mentality.

According to who?

Couldn't care less. Just goes to show how irrelevant the leadership group is when GWS's onfield leader in Mumford has been demoted.

I agree, but it's easier said than done. Can you imagine an up and coming sportsperson who's part of systemic performance enhancing regime (think East German female sprinters or Bulgarian weightlifters or Essendon FC). They're not interested in the individual athlete, just the end result. If you don't want to be part of it, we'll find someone who will. The instigators are the real criminals in all this, but the players need to be suspended because they've received the benefits. For a player to say they've done nothing wrong is fanciful, but they have a case to apportion blame for their mistakes.

You missed the point. Just as I wouldn't expect a 12 year gymnast to question their coach or trainer, I wouldn't expect a 2nd year AFL player to question the methods of a football dept. They may raise concerns with their senior teammates, and you'd expect them to raise the concerns with the FD. As I said, that shouldn't lessen the penalty.