DistrACTION Jackson

I think that was an AFL or channel 7 thing

Agreed. There is no reason why Schache can't play at a level good enough to hold down a ruck/forward position in the side. He's 199cm and has great skills. If he has increased his physicality, as Picket Fence and other posters have pointed out, then he is a massive chance to find a spot in our side. I'll be heading the the Richmond practice match next weekend, so will definitely keep an eye on him.

I'd probably go with: HF: ANB Schache Billings F: Chandler JVR Fritsch With Spargo also going through and Trac & Sparrow also resting down there.

I 100% agree with you and have no issues with the contracts, just making an observation. I imagine neither will be offered contracts past this year, which will free up a decent amount of cap space to chase a ready made key forward. The club just has to do it while we have some sort of window.

This is definitely not a pot shot at either of our premiership heroes, but the on-going injury issues to Ben Brown and TMac have really hurt us from a list spot/salary perspective. I do wonder if the coaches and list managers had any discussions with either of retiring early to free up a spot?

The McAdam & Tmac issues sound more precautionary than anything, though Petty sounds a while off and I hope we don't rush him back. Assuming all three aren't available early in the season we almost have to play Schache, as we can't have JVR playing as the sole key forward and also back up ruck!

He's playing golf down in Tassie... so can't be too bad

This is correct. Kick 3-4 of those and we win comfortably.

I reckon he rates Edmund higher than Cornes...

I'm going to assume you mean Windsor?

I've never been out to Casey, but planning to go watch the practice match. Keen to get people's thoughts on if it is better to train out there or drive and park?

Thanks PF! Did you see the May incident and any concerns?

Don't want to jinx him!

Do we think Schache is a genuine chance for round 1 as ruck/forward? I don't mind it personally if he's upped his physicality, as he is super mobile.

It's funny because I think Port once again showed their weak underbelly more than us. We lost finals by 7 and 2, both where really we should've won except for poor kicking and skill execution. Port lost finals by 48 and 23 (at home v GWS). That is much worse, plus also if we take into account their 71 point thrashing from the Dogs in the 2021 prelim it tells a tale.

At this stage I would say yes if he is showing good signs.

If Schache could somehow reach his potential as a top 2, 199cm player we could be laughing. Won't hold my breath just yet though.

So we were interested, but seems he wasn't fully invested anyway

If Fullarton is put on the long term injury list, does that mean we could pick up a ruck in the mid season draft if required? I do agree with DD36 though, I was surprised we didn't go get an experienced ruck as pure back up. Perhaps we feel the money spent on them and list spot is better spent elsewhere, given the level of performance they will give you may not be much more than a Schache or Verrall.

I think most teams have back up ruck issues. Probably Freo are the best in that regard and then it's a bit of a raffle. Brisbane have Darcy Fort, Pies have Mason Cox (enough said), Power have Ivan Soldo and Jordan Sweet so they actually have a back up as their first ruck.

Imagine the defenders these young forwards played on..... would be pretty hard to get an accurate feel for how they will go against a proper AFL side.

Would love to get some updates on our up and comers. Bailey Laurie, Taj Woewodin, Daniel Turner, Koltyn.... who you think could be in line for games early on

Agreed. Viney needs to focus on handball first and only kick if required. If he had done that in the semi final we win. FYI I love Jack just needs to know his limitations.

Bring your rain coat...

I think WCW has mentioned on here it is Casey until after the Aus Open