KingDingAling

Dawes is a shocking kick and a clumbsy mark. That isn't being harsh on him, he has always been an average player. He does have some leadership qualities though, I imagine he'd be invaluable off field. Not the worst pick given the current state of the club at the time - with culture issues, etc.

Pederson was a very good back man at North.

I think some players just aren't football fans. A lot of them don't even support 1 side, I used to think this was uncommon, but after hearing Judd and Wingard mention they watch very little football - away from the game - then I think it might be common. I know a lot of young kids in TAC cup don't watch football. Even at my local football club, I could probably count only a handful of guys who are fanatical about football, the rest would just watch football if they had ppl over. I agree with Roos, so much can be gleaned from watching the games. Just the way players move, they way they spread, position themselves, structure, set plays. Football coaches are probably less understanding about it all, because to be a coach you generally have to live and breathe football.

I see small improvements in Scully this year, but Kelly and Whitfield have passed Scully as GWS second tier mids. Griffin, Ward, Treloar, Shiel... Tier 2 - Kelly, Whitfield, Coniglio.. Tier 3 - Palmer, Scully. Come next year, Scully will be lucky to get midfield time. I don't wish Scully any ill, he was an important trade for us. If we didn't have Hogan, we'd be stuffed.

I seriously doubt anyone sledged Clark. Mitch Clark is a professional victim, he will do and say anything for attention/sympathy. I think the progressives will find it hard to implement political correctness in competitive sport (in the midst of game time). I also think Clark was allowed back quicker than expected because depression isn't at the core of his disorder - but rather it is a small characteristic of it.

Nah, I respect your opinion, and I am only differing on the continuation of culture - in that I don't believe Scott has continued what Bomber implemented. I think the dynasty is on the decline, so I guess time will tell. If I am wrong then I will bow to your superior football knowledge.

Mad Monday is a celebration after a grand final - in which Geelong won a couple under Bomber. This might be news to you, but most sides celebrate when they achieve the ultimate success, Hawthorn is no different - and I am sure most sides celebrate for over a week. To understand the importance of Bomber Thompson to Geelong, you would have to have an understanding about importance of culture. I would've thought that as a MFC supporter you would be familiar with this concept.

What isn't reasonable about that? Bomber has a proven track record, he built that list from the ground up, he is a known culture builder - and has the points on the board. Chris Scott didn't win a flag because he is a good coach, he won a flag because Bomber Thompson had set up a good foundation, good culture, great structure and framework. IMO, now we are seeing that fall apart. When a great culture builder leaves a club, I don't think you can just replace him with a run on the mill coach. The MFC handover progression - of Roos/Goodwin - is a testament to this, more so, how important it is that the next coach is on top of everything. Since Thompson has left Geelong we have seen a raft of undisciplined acts by Geelong players, this wouldn't of happened under Bombers watch.

We are seeing the dynasty fall, there is no doubt about that. If you don't replace great coaches with quality replacements, then the standards drop. This culture problem Geelong appear to have - is just a formality. Geelong build a dynasty around culture, now we are seeing a drop in standards - and a drop in professionalism.

MFC is the future.

He just looks professional - in the same way Buckley looked professional. When Vandenberg has the ball I know he won't waste it. The fact that he pushes forward, loves a goal, and is an accurate shot of goal - makes him a very dangerous player. This guy is exactly what our side needs, a big bodied, goal kicking midfielder, can find the pill, play a variety of roles - due to height/strength/balance/hardness and smarts.

I doubt the rumor, either Garlett or Yarran would've had to of leaked texts - why would they do that? It doesn't benefit either of them to leak texts.

Yeah I don't have an ounce of respect for Clark. Just another Borderline playing the sympathy card.

Could be a smokey for the brownlow.

Same. Other than a Melbourne win, watching North get smashed is the next best thing in football. Closely followed by watching Essendon choke.

Fair call on Mumford today, he has been the difference. Stop Mumford and that limits Treloar somewhat. I don't think there is much point tagging Treloar, but if we can limit his supply, that will give us to chance to attack (put us on the front foot). Whitfield has been superb today also. We will need big bodies to go up against Mumford, possibly even rotating Jamar and Spencer on him.

I wouldn't play Vince, not against GWS coming off a shoulder. Treloar and Ward are arguably the hardest 2 blokes in the league. We'll need to match GWS for strength and toughness, while tagging Griffon - this will cut off their ability to execute. I don't think it will be a game to rush into any new mids, GWS have one of the best midfields in the comp. I hope we see Vandenberg spend more time in the midfield against GWS, we'll need some big bodies around the ball. I'd like to see us play Dawes, Hogan - and play Watts (or Hogan) out of the square. This will stretch their defense. JKH and Garlett will complete a versatile forward line. Providing we can win the midfield battle, we will be too much for them going forward.

Watts has always been quietly confident. He never seemed down on himself. I think they are 2 completely different blokes. Watts is a calm, laid back fella. Toumpas is an emotional type. Roos would probably work better for Toumpas. I think Watts needs McCartney at this point in his career - a harder approach. I'm not sure Toumpas could handle it. Maybe even Roos is too much for Toumpas atm. Might be a project for Tammy.

Fair call that. Poor old Sambo doesn't have much of an idea. Toumpas will be lucky to get a VFL call up on that effort.

IMO he played like a guy with crook hips - that is when he was out there, which wasn't often. Based on the champs I thought he was average.

He was average and I don't know why he was AA, came into the champs with dodgy hips. Played like a bloke with dodgy hips. I don't have to do my research, I watched the games. Do your research and actually watch games - instead of just going off accolades. Toumpas was picked off strong SANFL form, not strong form in the nationals.

Lumumba is explosive and angry, I love it. Even when he got caught in the middle he wanted to go on with it.

I disagree, I just think Watts inconsistency thus far - has more to do with his age/maturity. Watts dominated the juniors and when he gets that maturity - will dominate the AFL. My friends still laugh at me when I talk up Jack Watts, but I just shake my head at them, kids need time. We don't give them time, but they need it.

Big difference between Watts and Toump. Watts is calm, poised and has never panicked. Toumpas is the opposite. Watts was no 1 pick off the back of exceptional form - Toumpas a high pick of the back a SANFL final, yet average form against his own age. No comparison. I'd of picked Watts pick 1 and Toumpas 15-20.

Vandenberg, JKH, Brayshaw and Watts - all have very high ceilings. Newton, Garlett, Lumumba - all exceptional, played well above their 2014 form. Tom McDonald was absolutely brilliant, Garland - likewise. Toumpas, very bad.. Maybe not even up to VFL? It is mental, I'd give him a year off and send him to the ABA (amateur boxing). Fully paid by MFC. Great win. Hogan is every we could ever ask for.