SaberFang

What's the conspiracy theory behind Robbo leaving his TV commitments? Has he lost his accreditation or something?

I'm more interested in seeing how the structure of our team and their forward delivery changes with Hogan in, than I am seeing Hogan debut. If it's as backwards, static and hopeless as current, we know there's greater problems with this team than lacking key forwards.

The Perth debut makes a lot of sense for Jesse. All I wish was WCE hadn't found such good form at the end of season. They were thoroughly average after the first 3 rounds for the most of the year and could've been beatable. Now, all that stands between them and finals could be us.

One of the best AFL success stories of the year, especially when you consider he was delisted. Imagine what Roos will accomplish after another preseason, combined with a fresh injection of players (I think he'll be scouring every club's delisted players this year given the success stories of Jetta, Miles and even Riley, who continues to show great signs).

The way GWS are hoarding young players does my head in. Do they really need Petracca when they already have Shiel? They just seem to be soaking up every top-end talent in the draft year after year, but they're not actually making any progress as a team. Really gotta wonder what their strategy is up in the Wastelands. I'm assuming they'll just hold players hostage until other teams pay overs in trades to poach their talent.

Weren't Sydney picking up that bargain first rounder via their academy? Wouldn't trading them our top 3 pick ruin their bidding system for him?

Because they're tanking to get Petracca. They know if we finish beneath them on the ladder they drop two places in the draft due to Frawley compo.

Too many variables right now to make an accurate guess about our draft intentions. I'm guessing Roos sees the midfield as a weaker component of our structure than our forward or back line, so wouldn't Petracca be the best option for us? If we are targeting Cameron and are successful, our forward line (touch wood) is settled for years to come. Although we all know by now not to count our chickens before they hatch...

I think almost from an ego point of view, Roos would rather get immediate success for this team and receive the credit, rather than set us up for long term success that his successor will receive all the credit for. A healthy balance of both draftees (Salem, JKH) and recruits (Tyson, Cross, Vince) would be ideal, and that's exactly what they nailed last year. No doubt they will again.

Doubt we have any fringe players that'd interest the Pies. Maybe Blease?

Only the opening statements were televised I think.

Would laugh if we lose this weekend, secure pick 2, then trade it away and forgo Petracca anyway. Although apparently Colonwood are quite keen on him too. Would they give up Beams in exchange for pick 2? Petracca is a Pies supporter too...

ASADA says they will issue new SCN at the conclusion of the trial if the Judge rules in Essendrug's favor.

If trading out all our early picks can bring some immediate success for this club I'm all for it. There's been far too much expectation placed on our coveted early draft picks and almost none of them have come close to fruition. I'm assuming this is also how Roos treated the draft at the Swans?

If GWS tank to get Petracca then I think Roos will trade off both our early picks for established players.

Harmes is a rookie isn't he?

Lyons with a lazy 17 disposals to half time. Gotta get this kid if Adelaide are dumb enough to sit him out.

Haven't watched him play but this Best kid has been consistent this year in front of the big sticks. Is he worth a punt in the seniors?

Hogan sounds like an interesting bloke to live around haha

Bit of a loose cannon though but I'd say GWS will be happy to offload him, especially after his stunt earlier in the season. I guess if Sydney were only getting a band 3 compo for losing Malceski (likely outcome given his age and potentially short contract length, so Sydney would receive a pick after their second rounder, #36 or something), they'd happily pull a sign & trade in exchange for our second rounder (pick 20?). We then keep picks 2&3/3&4 to lure a Cameron type. Lots of variables at play here though, including Frawley leaving, band 1 compo and Stretch being a third rounder F/S...

Hypothetically, is there any way we can avoid dilluting our FA compo for Frawley if we pick up Malceski? Seems to be a done deal. Would the Swans offer to trade him for a pick instead? It'd have to be a better pick than whatever FA compensation the AFL would offer them for losing Malceski, but at least we'd end up keeping two picks inside the top 4...

Yeah why on earth would the Saints trade off pick 1 to help GWS get Petracca and screw themselves of getting McCartin? They desperately need a KPF to replace Riewoldt. GWS would need to offer one of their KPFs to sweeten the deal and they'll be reluctant.

At what point do they stop tanking for high draft picks and start playing to win every match of the season?

Geez pretty illuminating presser. Interesting stuff to watch, he looks frustrated as hell.

Well seems increasingly clear to me that GWS vs MFC will be the Kreuzer Cup of 2014, except we won't be trying to lose. GWS on the other hand continue their run of bizarre player management. Hope this endless hoarding of early draft picks has been worth all the trouble. Even if only half of them come on, they'll be a frightening team in a few years.