DistrACTION Jackson

I very quickly put that together so would have to give it more thorough thought. I do think if they want to persist with the bye week they should change the format. The benefit of finishing in the top 4 would be that you would face a bottom 4 side in the 2nd week, for example if !st beat 4th they are most likely to play 8th in week 2 which would see them go through to the prelim.

I'd like to see them shake up the way the finals series work so each team plays every week after the bye as the break becomes irrelevant. Perhaps the following: Week 1: 1st v 4th (1) / 2nd v 3rd (2) / 5th v 8th (3) / 6th v 7th (4) Non-elimination round Week 2: Winner (1) v Loser (3) (1*) / Loser (1) v Winner (3) (2*) / Winner (2) v Loser (4)(3*) / Loser (2) v Winner (4) (4)*Loser eliminated Week 3: Winner (1*) v Winner (4*) / Winner (2*) v Winner (3*) GF Would be interesting.

As much as I would've liked to use next year's second, we have brought in that many kids over the last 3-4 years so not too concerned about having a year without a lot of draft picks. We may also still trade next year's 2nd with another pick to try and get back into the 2nd round this year, who knows!

Such stark contrast between Essendon and Hawthorn. I know they are different circumstances but one club just got it done and moves on, the other acts like a child. Last year we did the exact same, when we could've easily tried to get a 3rd rounder for Melksham we instead just got it done and moved on. People think Dodoro is a shrewd operator when in fact he is clueless.

It will get done- not too worried about it.

Jackson Bird

Barrett & Wallace discussing Richmond and the Prestia deal. So they come out and offer him 700K or whatever a season without being willing to pay their pick 6. They are a joke.

I think it will be someone who can play backup ruck so my thought will be Jackson Trengove..... unsure of how to work that in with the riddle though.

Interesting to read that the Hawks really didn't want to let him go. I realise in his interview he was very diplomatic, however I can't help but think he was pretty p*ssed at the club.

To be honest he would be lucky to play again. Though I really hope he fully recovers and does play it just feels unlikely to happen.

That makes the trade look even better!

Haha that's a disaster for Port you would think? I would expect their pick next season to be around pick 7-10.

They could be desperate... which would be good for us.

Agree. He's going to be very powerful busting through packs. He isn't Hunt glide across the G quick but he is more short burst quick.

I'd say it will be done with relatively little fuss. I reckon the Hawks know they've [censored] up and they have no choice when a champion of their club decides he is off.

Probably should've re-worded that. Potentially high quality player.

It will be confirmed in no time I'd say.

I see Ahern has gone to North for pick 69! Could be a good deal for North if he can get his knee right. GWS just need to get rid of cap space- ridiculous situation created by the AFL where high quality players are traded for next to nothing.

Of course Hawks fans are going to talk him down when he is leaving, it helps ease the pain. People on here were talking up every one of Hogan's faults when they thought he would be leaving. I understand what you are saying, however we are talking about a guy who has been ultra consistent and is a genuine leader. No offence was meant.

It's amazing people are questioning where Lewis fits in our best 22. He finished 2nd in the B n F of a side who finished the regular season in 3rd spot and missed a prelim final by a kick. He's played in 5 grand finals and won 4 of them, while also winning a B n F in a premiership year and also getting All Australian honours. I will tell you where in the best 22 he will be, most likely in the first 5 picked.

I'll go one further- Lewis goes on to become a 7 time premiership player.....

So Free Agency ends today? Looks like we aren't planning to take any free agents then I guess? Hasn't been a lot of movement in free agents this season.

My take on the events that occurred & what will happen: - Lewis goes for meeting expecting one thing and then being told to look at other options. - Lewis approaches Melbourne and a deal is worked out- Hawthorn then decide to back flip due to Mitchell 100% leaving. - Lewis becomes annoyed with the Hawks as they told him to look elsewhere, then once he had made up his mind they said no. - Pickering speaks to the Hawks to advise Lewis still wants to leave. Hawks realise what has occurred and advise they will get the deal done, however it needs to be less public regarding the conflict to appease the majority of members- Pickering comes out saying Lewis isn't angry but they are looking at options. - Monday/Tuesday Lewis will be traded, along with a press conference about how he felt he needed a fresh start and there was no bad blood between himself and the club. - 5 years time- Lewis is on the show 'On the Couch' with Mike Sheahan to discuss what 'really' went down.

People who think Lewis is too slow, or finished as a player only have to look at the Dogs for inspiration. Matty Boyd: 34 years old Dale Morris: 33 & 9 months Liam Picken: 30 years old They didn't think they would win a flag a couple of years ago and could've got rid of these guys. I'm sure they would be pretty happy they didn't! Smart players find a way.

Very true. I remember reading about how certain people at the Dogs wanted Boyd and Morris moved on because they 'wouldn't be in the next premiership'. Beveridge said he didn't believe in 'premiership windows' and if he felt they could offer something to the club he wanted them playing. I agree with this theory.