KingDingAling

Smith looks raw, but not out of place. Good signs.

Salem has really sharp hands in close.

Pumped to see how Oliver goes especially.

Good post.

Just leave the rules as they are. I don't mind the congestion. Separates the go-getta's from the cherry pickers. If the AFL didn't change their rules try combat these issues, if the rules were left as they always have been, then coaches would find ways to exploit the congestion - to spread and find some outside ground. Wherever there is a trend in the game, there is always an opportunity to exploit it - and do what other teams are not doing.

I like the appointment of Viney as co-captain, not just because he is ready, but because he is more than ready, and as a result Nathan Jones should see his load eased. Great call Goodwin.

No. Josh Kelly lowers his eyes better than anyone else in the competition. I actually watched him last year.

From a supercoach and MFC perspective I'd be annoyed at a strike. But as to whether a strike is warranted, I have no idea. But just thinking about it right now, the AFL have a lot going on. They have the Women's footy, the ongoing franchises in the men's footy, the international expansion, stadium deals, and I'm sure many other potential cash drains, or areas for profit. So they will have to be careful with this player pay rise. If any one of the other areas start to fall to the wayside and bleed $$$, then the AFL could find itself in trouble.

Stats don't tell you that Josh Kelly lowers his eyes better than anyone in the comp. Great execution as well. Kid is absolute class. If he does consider our club in the future it would be a massive coup. He is exactly what we need. Viney or Oliver getting the ball in Kelly's hands. Hogan would be happy to see that.

When you say it like that - Tyson, Salem and Hunt, for basically Kelly and pick 20. Pretty impressive trading/drafting. I am a massive fan of Josh Kelly, I think he is a future Brownlow winner. But Dom Tyson is no slouch, and has the points on the board, and Salem and Hunt have massive upside. Hunt might actually be one of the very few youngsters in the league with more upside than Kelly. Hunt could end up better than the lot of them.

Has X factor so probably gets outrageous comparisons (Dangerfield, etc). So in that context he may be overrated a little bit. But he does appear to have a high ceiling, and I don't think it is all just potential, as we have seen him do some pretty special things.

I only wear New Balance. Initially it was because they sponsored MFC, but overall NB deliver a quality product.

Good riddance.

The game isn't better for having the last couple of blokes in charge. When you eliminate diving on the football, take away the bump, it leaves you with a game that incentivizes you to bend down and pick the ball up, not knowing if someone might dive in (as Dangerfield does), not knowing whether someone is going to break your neck (which I am surprised hasn't already happened yet under the current format). So is the game better? I would argue the game of AFL isn't even playable anymore. If I were in the players boots I would be asking for a hell of a lot more to play this flawed sport.

I agree. 1.7 mil for this clown is ridiculous. I have no problem with the AFL paying 1.7 million, but at least get someone competent. Gil is hopeless, and I would argue that a trumpet-playing busker would do a better job. I know the kid who sells footy cards would do a better job.

I will be happy to just not have this spud on our list. Mentally not up to AFL level footy IMO. Never rated him as a player either.

I agree. Good move by Brayshaw. Once Sam moves on that show is gone gone.

I think Battle will end up steal of the draft. He can play. Was a good pick up. Long can also play. He is exactly what St Kilda need. I think St Kilda have drafted really well the past few years - and especially this year. Steele and Stevens identify a need for close in contested work. That should free up Stevens and Armitage. I have been really impressed with St KIlda, as I expected they would be bottom 2 the past few years. They have managed to bounce back. Bruce was a great pick up from GWS, and I think McCartin shows promise. Billings needs to lift and I expect he will. Montagna looks just about done to me, he is a bit of a cherry picker. They can cover him easily. Riewoldt will eventually be covered by McCartin, but I don't rule out the possibility of Josh Battle stepping into that role.

Hard to believe Xavier Richards would get overlooked in that rookie draft. Bit surprising. I thought he was ok this year, and an improving type.

Nothing like some good genetics.

Chase more Dogs (VFL) with our rookie picks.

Great write up WJ. I hope the Bombers bid on Setterfield.

I agree the whole issue of speed is overblown. What matters more than top end speed is players using the speed they have - effectively. For example, Jack Viney uses the speed he has brilliantly - bursting out of a stoppage. It is the first few steps that matter. We have a few players who can do that. Petracca does it well, Viney, Oliver has a burst of speed. Some of these journalists who do need understand the game look at speed as in top end speed. They see Lewis Jetta running down the wing and automatically assume that sides without players able to do that - lack speed. We have speed, and more importantly, we have players who are starting to get their timing right. When I think of the Bulldogs, I look at Bontempelli, not an overly quick player, but a very smart player, he reads the game well, and he is able to time his run better (as a result). That is where Jordan Lewis will help our young brigade, to better understand the game, to read the play better, and to time their run.

Essendon supporters seem pretty happy with Dodoro. That is all he should care about.

Xavier is a popular brand of butterfly knife.