DistrACTION Jackson

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

Another side we can think about to model our future on is the Hawks. They won their first flag in 2008 with a relatively young side, not too dissimilar to our 2021 side. It then took them another 5 years to win their second flag and they then went on to win 3 straight. They actually had 9 players play in both 2008 and 2013 - Guerra, Birchall, Hodge, Lewis, Mitchell, Franklin, Rioli, Roughhead and Sewell. I definitely hope we don't have to wait 3 more years, but I'm definitely not panicking about the window closing yet.

I no longer believe in premiership windows opening and closing. Obviously there are instances where a club is a long way off a premiership, such as North and the Eagles, however most other teams can put themselves into the window with some savvy trading and quality drafting. With the introduction of free agency and the power the players now have, it is the easiest it has been since the introduction of the structured trading and draft system to top up with quality talent. The key area that list managers are earning their keep now is managing the salary cap, which if done well can prolong a side's window for many years. Realistically the two players from our best 22 in their twilight are May and Gawn, who I think both have 2 years of high quality footy left but may slow down after that. Therefore, our biggest need over the next two years is to either develop or trade in a quality ruckman and a quality full back. I'm sure the club have Dan Turner, Jed Adams, Will Verrall and Kyah Farris-White as potential options depending on development, however if we get to the end of 2025 and they haven't come on then we may pivot and go hunting ready to go players. I think the time when our window will absolutely be shut is when Petracca, Salem, Viney, Lever etc all hit around 32/33. I'll back Tim Lamb and Co to plan well for that though, as their track record is outstanding but I would expect we will start to miss finals around then and will need a mini rebuild. If managed well we hopefully never hit the rock bottom times like we did in 2008-2012 though....

100%. This absolutely gutless by the AFL, who didn't want to rock the boat by going against their 'golden goose' the Collingwood FC. Fact is within their rules it states that a player must show duty of care to other players, which Maynard did not. This is an a$$ covering exercise by an organisation who are spineless. Still makes my blood boil both the AFL response and the media/wider AFL community response.

Don't think fitness was his issue. Looked to be back training yesterday.