DistrACTION Jackson

Another thing the Hawks were able to do really well is get fantastic value from late draft picks: Isaac Smith: pick 19 Luke Breust: pick 77 Brad Hill: pick 33 Taylor Dureya: pick 69 Paul Puopolo: pick 66 Liam Shiels: pick 34 I think we are starting to show signs of doing this with: VandenBerg Kent McDonald Kennedy-Harris All were late draft picks and having been playing really well.

I agree referring the other 3. I think if we can do some good work this trade/draft period we could really improve the list further. If we can pick up Selwood as a FA he could take McKenzie spot and further our depth. I also think we could look at the possibility of bringing in Leunberger as a FA if he wants a change of scenery. It would be great to top that off by trading for one of the GWS young guns.

Happy with his start. Needs to try and up those possessions though to have a bit more of an impact but that should come with the side 'gel-ing together'.

I mentioned earlier that I was pretty annoyed at the video posted on the AFL website about Jack Watts. I decided to write the following email to the club: "I was extremely disappointed and angry at the video posted on the AFL website trying to show all of Jack Watts mistakes from Friday night. I don't think I have ever seen another player get scrutinised this way and think it is completely uncalled for. I hope that the club has brought this to the attention of the AFL and if not I think they should. Watts did some really good things on Friday night and I was very happy with a lot of his efforts. I want to see this club stick up for its players not just pretend it never happened. Hoping that something can be done." They just got back to me with the following: "Thank you for your email and support of the Club. The Club’s media manager has spoken to AFL Media about the video of Jack’s performance from Friday night’s game. We are disappointed that they have chosen to single out his performance in this way, particularly out of the entire competition. We appreciate your feedback on the video. If you have any other queries, please do not hesitate to let us know." It's good to see the club getting on the front foot in regards to that video.

I was talking to a guy at work who is a Hawks supporter and he rates him very highly. They view him as a replacement for Mitchell.

Good post Hemingway. I actually made a complaint to the footy club via email last night in regards to the video shown on the AFL website. I think it's a disgrace that they would post a video trying to show all the things he did wrong in a game. I want to see the club stick up for its players and we shouldn't have to take that $hit.

Surely with those numbers it will be Grimes and Toumpas in. I can understand people wanting to play two rucks but the problem then is we lose a runner and the Freo midfield is one of the strongest in the comp. I imagine we will go with same ruck combo as Friday night with the knowledge we will likely lose the ruck battle but will try and still win the clearances or at least break even.

Pedersen is great to have for depth in case one of Hogan, Watts or Dawes gets injured or needs a week off.

ProDee I think everyone knows you don't like Watts and I doubt you ever will. As mentioned by Binman above he does work hard in the majority of games running to create separation from his opponent. I think he can definitely improve in this area even more, but to say he doesn't work hard is incorrect.

Thanks Binman. I mentioned that earlier and I totally agree with your points. It's beyond a joke the way the media and everybody treats him. I'm sick of it and think I might write to the club with a complaint about that video because it's a disgrace and the club should stick up for their players.

Imagine once he has had another one or two pre-seasons. He could actually be anything, he has some great attributes- speed, strength, height, aggression. I don't like to get overly excited but he just seems to thrive on the contest which is great for us moving forward. I am very happy with a number of our young players who thrive on the contest also- Hogan, Salem, Brayshaw.

That is a very tough 6 weeks! If we can sneak 2 wins out of those I'll be very happy.

Yeah. I think Toumpas's turnovers are all between the ears, his kicking style is fine just got to back himself in. Bail we know isn't the greatest kick but we ned to replace Kent with someone who has speed and an ability to defend so I think we will get the nod. And Grimes is the obvious replacement for Jetta as a lockdown defender and as long as he plays within his limits he should be fine. It will be interesting to see how these guys come in and if the new found confidence of the side will help their disposal.

I doubt Dom will play so I think it will be the following: Outs: Kent, Jetta, Tyson Ins: Grimes, Bail, Toumpas (probably a bit early but will have to play if Dom's out) Team as follows: B: Grimes McDonald Garland HB: Salem Dunn Howe C: Lumumba Jones Cross HF: JKH Hogan Newton F: Garlett Dawes Watts R: Jamar Vince VandenBerg Int: Brayshaw Bail Michie Sub: Toumpas

Big day for our boys. A couple of spots opening up so I expect some big performances from Grimes, Bail, Toumpas and Jones.

There was one play where Dom took it straight out of the middle and sent it long inside 50. I think it ended in a JKH goal. He has definitely started the season slowly but that's not a bad thing, just shows we've got others in the midfield who are stepping up. He will find some form as the season goes on.

I can't believe we win a game by 31 points and there are people still sitting here bagging Watts. Joke

How's Neal-Bullen going KC?

You guys seriously must sit there and watch every little thing he does. I didn't think Newton was that great last night he did OK but I don't see anyone giving it to him. You are fixated on his draft number which this club needs to get over. It's just a number and shouldn't change the way we assess any player.

If we keep building and start playing finals footy that won't happen. It's totally up to the club to create an environment where our team can grow and hopefully play GF's in the near future. If hawthorn poach anymore players I will absolutely explode! I'm sick of them and don't want to see them win another flag!

I loved the pre-game stuff and it's actually changed my mind about having a night GF. I think the stuff they could do with a night GF would be great and I'd be surprised if they don't trial it in the next 5-10 years.

I thought he did some really good things and a few poor things but overall he wasn't terrible and anyone who says he was has obviously made their decision about him. What I don't like is that the AFL website have a 'spotlight on jack watts' video. No other player gets this so why does he? I don't see Tom Scully getting a video on him when he gets 10 possessions a game getting paid 1 mill a year! I want the club to make a complaint about that video it's not on.

I looked up at the stats at 3qtr time and it was 24-12 richmond's way, so I thought they were extremely inconsistent. Of course they squared it up slightly by giving us more free kicks in the last qtr. Always happens!

I am so pumped for the game I haven't been able to do any work this afternoon! Almost there!

There is no doubt the fact his brother is our captain would have us slightly more interested. The reason is that it would likely make him more open to moving to play for us than anything else. I know he played some footy in the pre-season and looked right at home. He likes the tough stuff, but seems a bit raw like his brother. At least we know we would get maximum effort and desire to improve.