KingDingAling

Colin: We are getting to the end of a mining boom (which the AFL should have seen coming). We are also going to pull a buttload of money out of the economy with the upcoming federal budget (which the AFL didn't see coming). Neither of this bodes well for a football team based in a less economically affluent area with even less interest in the AFL.. You are correct, the AFL didn't see the end of the mining boom. But for the AFL it would be a no brainer, there is no 'accountability' if GWS fails, because the AFL would just say "How could we foresee economical changes?" Personally I think it was more a case of the AFL getting a touch greedy, wanting to shut down NRL while they were vulnerable, seen the opportunity. Personally I think it will prove to be a big mistake by the AFL - to grow the game in GWS instead of Tasmania. With the globe clearly heating up - which has been evident for a while now - cooler climates will be the future, agriculture in Tasmania will prove VERY profitable for the nation. Once the mining boom comes to a stand still and an agricultural free trade agreement with China goes through - much like the recent Japan deal - then it will open up the flood gates. I like speaking politics in football, but when it comes to GWS VS Tasmania, it is relevant.

Shiel going very well today. What a player.

And NO ONE from GWS looks like they want to be out there. They couldn't care less.

Should have 10 by half time. GWS look VERY ordinary. GC were a lot better at this stage. One would think if Richmond could get to 100 points at half time - that they could hit 200 points today.

Would give up this years pick for either Gaff or O'Rourke, but would rather the latter.

I'd rate the NEAFL as the equivalent of the VFL development league.

I'd be surprised if Clark didn't come back, I base this off my own thoughts on football. There are bigger issues than AFL, like life. To me, Mitch doesn't seem selfish. He just realizes there is no point playing football if you can't. When I have issues and don't want to work - I don't work. Some people find that strange. But people who have kids they sometimes can't see, or women making life tough in that regard - they don't find that strange. There are mental health issues in football, that is why Dayle Garlett was always a long shot. On face value he looked like the second coming of jesus, but in reality, recruiters understand how much mental issues effect performance.

Give us another couple years I'd be happy, not greedy. Roos and PJ aren't going to hand over - only to see the club go down hill. I have faith in Paul Roos, PJ and the job they are doing - it appears to be producing the goods, they know better than myself. So, no doubting either of them on my behalf. Go Dees.

If you think Clark is a head case, you haven't seen many head cases.

If the draft was re-done, Kennedy Harris would be a top 10 pick for mine. JKH has a will to win the ball, then a self belief to try make something of it. Great intensity, great mind set, looks like a real learner. I'd pull the trigger on him in the top 10 if the draft was done tomorrow. Would have to squeeze no 41 for Collingwood in there somewhere as well.

Great idea. O'Keefe would be a great get, I think he still has a couple years left in him. In terms of professional footballers, there is no better teachers than Cross and O'Keefe. I once heard that Daniel Cross used to keep footballs in his cupboards around the house - so when he opens them, he has to always be sharp. That is going above and beyond, that is the type of guy I want around the club. As for O'Keefe, apparently he has lived clean for nearly a decade - Ablett like clean - eating the right things, not drinking, doing the one percenters. That is the type of guy I want our young blokes to learn from. The more leaders helping Nathan Jones - the better he is getting, the better those around him are getting.

If I was a player at GWS, I'd be looking at MFC as the club on the up - a club I want to be a part of. I really think we are the club on the upward spiral, hopefully we continue putting in effort until the end of season. If we had Mitch Clark and Hogan fit, we'd of made finals this year. I might be one eyed, but I'd expect great improvement coming into next year, if we trade right, we could do serious damage - maybe even top 6.

Freo will lose Sandilands and Pavlich after next year. If they don't retire, it's unlikely they'll be as effective. That leaves cap space, but it also leaves a gaping hole in the side. Nat Fyfe will be under far more pressure and he'll be earning every cent. If I was Fyfe, I'd be in negotiations with MFC, he'd have a far better chance of winning a flag 2015 onwards. On an open market I think Fyfe would command 800k easily. Collingwood would be out of the picture.. Most likely of the Vic sides - Geelong, Carlton, Essendon, Richmond and Melbourne. On Dylan Shiel, hopefully he doesn't hit his straps before years end, he'd be a great fit. Hopefully Dommy T is in his ear.

Dylan Shiel, Nat Fyfe, Tom Mitchell. If we have a treasure chest, time to crack her open.

Anyone who can turn Pederson around gets my vote for coach of the year - if not decade.

I wouldn't think so, I can't see Jordie breaking into a midfield consisting of Jones, Vince, Viney and Tyson, then there are others well ahead of him. McKenzie has found his level at VFL.

Dom Tyson GUN!

He'll get a week, was unnecessary.

Clark would be welcomed back with open arms. Seems like a genuinely good fella, wish him well.

Watts still has A LOT of improvement in him. I think as he matures, his body will strengthen and he'll find a yard. Was a very good game today, one of Watts best games for the club I thought.

Salems TAC cup strike rate for BOG was better than any TAC player last year - and by some margin. It read like his best games were better than others - and he could do it on a more consistent basis. Throw in Salems blend of skills, precision, toughness and poise, we have a very unique and well rounded player. As for Dom Tyson, wow. I got rid of him out my supercoach thinking he'd slow, I thought he couldn't possibly keep it up - but he has gone to another level. Viney played super today as well.

Paul Roos looking like a genius already. Damn Tyson is a gun, he is just the ultimate football, comparisons to Pendelbury are SPOT ON. Viney eases the workload on Nath Jones. What a win.

Wasn't too far off, good win by the lads. Richmond don't match up well against us. Great game by Tyson, Viney and Watts, all the sudden the future looks bright.

VERY good article by Emma, that is a bit of vintage material, she's winding the clock back with this one. Good on you girl. I think it signals how well placed we are if Toumpas can become a player, not that all hinges on that - but we'd be well ahead with those trades. Gee we dodged a bullet offloading Scully. He just hasn't got it, I'd go as far to say, if Scully wasn't a left footer - he'd struggle to get a game. There is a romanticism about 'lefties' in the AFL, the way they move, such grace.. Tom Scully is anything graceful, he is rigid, robotic, rushed and one paced - flat out, no composure at all.

Sounds like Greene needs to be back around his family. We are quick to forget that he is only a young man, I don't necessarily think he is a bad man - he just stuffed up on the grog. I've been violent myself in the past, one good leveler is always to get back in the family structure. I think in this instance, the 5 weeks is basically an indefinite suspension, the club won't play Greene until he works on his issues. Another incident and the kids trade value will drop significantly. From a club point of view, put him on the shelf. One would think atm, he'd be very short odds to return home. For the right price, I'd consider Greene, but I'd be hesitant to give away a top 10 pick.