KingDingAling

It's a moot point really. It all comes down the individual anyway. Just because the individual resides in a team, that shouldn't absolve them of responsibility. Many Essendon fans don't seem to get that. Zaka didn't take drugs, so there is no real excuse for the rest of them IMO. The players needed to do more research, ask more questions, and not be so quick to accept the injections of questionable drugs. Those individuals the players trusted are still peddling out the same line about WADA being at fault. I think the only way the players can get some closure over this is to accept that you are ultimately responsible for what goes in your body. Not WADA, not the AFL, not EFC, but you.

I think Watson will come back. He'll be 32 at the start of next year. He should be able to squeeze a couple of years out of himself. I actually think Watson might be one of the few players that will relish the time off. He'll be refreshed, he was clearly feeling the effects of the saga, and looked mentally drained the past couple of years, he probably wasn't sleeping, eating, etc, he looked like sh*t at times. I think he can bounce back. He won't have his medal though, that is as good as gone IMO.

Could've been A LOT worse. Essendon have planned a long way out for this. They have been offloading their players for a few years. Opposition teams have been silly enough to pay top value for these players, and Essendon have netted themselves some handy pick ups in the meantime. Well played by the Bombers. Worsfold doesn't have that bad a gig, there is ZERO pressure on him this year, and next year he'll get top picks (assuming there isn't further draft bans) and his original players will return. Probably the easiest of the coaching gigs in 2016 and he'd be getting paid a stack. If that is karma, yes please.

Yep. Essendon would be in a lot more trouble if they didn't bend sides over during trade week. What is the value of Melksham atm? Carlisle? Not alot, about as much as it should've been during trade week. St Kilda paid massive overs for Carlise, us for Melksham. I'm more interested in our rookie upgrade atm though. On wards and upwards.

Yeah, different culture, and the public are having a hard time understanding why the hell this guy won't get back in his place. Aussie guys know their place, why doesn't Gayle? Why the hell won't he submit? Meh, we'll just ban him from Australia. Problem solved #feminism

I am a massive Jack Watts fan. I expect he'll have a good year, he is relatively consistent and is becoming an underrated player. Hopefully Watts can focus on his strengths from here on in, I'd like to see him build upon his agility, class, decision making and execution.

Port don't have an endless supply of coin. Over the past couple of years they've recruited Ryder and Dixon. In recent times they've had to fork out top dollar for Boak, Gray and Wingard. I am not sure there is an endless supply of $$$ at Port. In all likelihood, Wines would be $200-250k better off by coming back home. He might be loyal, but he isn't stupid.

Well, from the AFL's perspective, they should be looking to take over Australia - hence the reasoning behind GWS, GC, and the academies come with that. Whether You/me agree with it or not, the AFL is now a business, and it is looking to branch out. Whether some sides have tasted success it irrelevant to the AFL, they are clearly playing the long game, its a big play, but necessary. Its quite simple IMO, we shouldn't look at Vic as the be all and end all for talent. The academies are absolutely vital for the game.

Or they have maxed out their cap - which is likely. They've signed Gray, Boak and Wingard recently. This year they also signed Dixon on good $$$$.. Ryder wouldn't of crossed over last year for peanuts - he'd be on good coin. If Wines can get 150-250k more at a Vic club - which is where he is from - then he is doing the right thing holding off (signing at Port).

Part of the reasoning behind academy selections is the incentive for rural NSW and QLD players to participate in the sport. Without the academies, these players would be going to NRL, or no where at all. For the capacity of NSW, there should be more talent coming out of that state, if the academies can help that - then good. This isn't about what favors one side over another (with academies) - it is about what is best for the AFL as a whole. It is best if we can get more talent flowing in NSW/QLD.

Wines is a level above Prestia IMO. I think Prestia is overrated on Demonland. That isn't to say he isn't a good player - but he isn't the A-grader that he is made out to be.

I think that is why the academies are vital. There is a lot of undiscovered talent in rural NSW and QLD. As much as it can be a disadvantage to have Vic draftees return home after their contract is up - there is also an opportunity for interstate clubs to develop their own talent through the academy system. But regardless, the emphasis for AFL clubs should be to get their environment rights, making their club a desired destination to play football at. PJ spoke of this in his early days at the club.

That is interesting. What a pick up he would be. Not sure how a Wines trade would eventuate, but he'd be silly to not consider MFC - we are building a great young list. Just the thought of Viney, Brayshaw, Petracca and Wines in the one midfield - delivering the ball to Hogan lace out. Stuff of dreams.

Nah, its a good move. Its taken 5-6 years for blokes like Trengove to knuckle down in the weights room. In the past we've had too many blokes who clearly didn't hit the gym. Petracca is just doing what is required, whereas in the past we've had blokes who just coasted. If players coast in this team - they are going to look out of place, that is exactly the way it should be. Petracca is doing exactly what N.Jones would be doing, they want to go places, these are players we need. If Petracca looks as if he is trying to break his knee, then he'll be confident in his knee come game time. Its practical, this kid clearly models himself off of American sports.

Hands down the best contributor to the forum I've seen, and that isn't to downplay the Tassie guys (Among others) training reports - they are ALL brilliant and appreciated. I appreciate training reports - and 666 pics - more than anything else. The rest is dribble, just filling in time to kick off. But Saty is still the mayor of Demonland IMO.

Vandenberg in a heartbeat. Scully has no inside game, and his outside game is sloppy. He has no poise, he is a campaigner of a kick, and he is wasteful. Vandenberg on the other hand, was better in his first year - than Scully has been in any year.

Scully is a deceitful little punk, and he isn't much of a footballer either. On performance alone he'd be lucky to get another contract.

I see Jones as an Ablett jr type - leading through his actions, probably working better one on one, and more effective playing a backstage role. Both have only had to step up due to a lack of leadership - young lists, etc.

Demonland is at its best because the site actually allows dissent of opinion.

That would be a real shame. Losing Daisy would be the worst possible start for us. She is a very skillful player, and looked a class above the others.

Its not that some women refuse to negotiate just because they can - but because the system incentivizes it. If they can cut your custody time, then that means more $$'s. That is part of the problem with the system, it makes it hard for relationships to remain healthy and stable. I feel sorry for the kids, its not their fault. The kids are the ones who are largely affected by this broken system.

Add Reece Conca to that, I thought Conca should've done time. He copped 1 or 2 match suspension.

Ottens is a fair call.

Ok, I will take your word for it C&B.

There were other examples, they fallen under fringe players, players looking for more opportunities, and WADA players. I would put Ablett under the category of looking for opportunities.