TeamPlayedFine39

It's good that there will be some very challenging matches in there against the Doggies and West Coast. The trip to Subi isn't a huge deal when you factor in the weeks break before the season kicks off and it will be good to have another crack at Carlton before the season proper.

'Smash and dash' Known in civilised society as 'hit and run'.

Who's role does Smith play? Are he and Weideman fighting for the same spot? (assuming Hogan and Watts are walk-ups to forward line).

This is true, but reports of him struggling in some running sessions were made before last Monday.

Thanks for the reports - much appreciated. Aside from the asthma, can anyone comment on the aerobic fitness and, in particular, the conditioning of Clarry. I was a little worried by some of the training reports and photos of him that have been logged here and on the AFL site. Hopefully they were bad angles...

It's great to be able to read through a thread like this and not see it full of new draftees that we'll all be placing unrealistic expectations on over the summer, only to see them swamped and bashed in round one. When was the last time we had zero debutants in round one..? (Got bored an then answered my own question... this could be the first time we haven't had a first gamer in a round one side since Round One 2007!)

Spencer is insurance, a very, very cheap plan B. He is not a best 22 player if Gawn is fit - that is obvious. However, from a list management point of view, no top ruckman is going to stay on our list on the possibility of maybe getting a game if Gawn (the best ruckman in the league) injures himself. Some people seem to be of the belief that we need to have Goldstein waiting in the wings. Any decent ruckman that was on our list at the end of 2016 would have left the MFC first chance they got; cos they're not going to get a game while Gawn is fit.

And big Fitz back for the Hawks!

How does Shaun McKernan keep getting drafted?! Should I be annoyed that clubs keep drafting him and ignoring me..?

Lachlan Filipovic..? Anyone..?

I look forward to berating him mindlessly.

If we are interpreting his case correctly... it is genuinely laughable. He's claiming a grand conspiracy between the club and medicos against him to keep him under a certain amount of games..? I have been a defender of his, even in his time at Collingwood, but this is making a mockery of player welfare. A sad end to a career.

There is a fascinating mix of over and under reaction in this thread...

Some very heartless pieces of advice for Lamumba on this thread. He's a contracted player, he has suffered a workplace injury, his risks serious damage if not handled correctly - and people are trying to push him out the door. If someone is sick, injured, unwell - a strong culture supports this person, we don't cut them loose.

I used to really enjoy watching / listening to the draft. This year however I am blissfully unaware!

Clash Strip vs Watts' new hairdo? I'll take the Clash Strip.

Then what a great little parable for all young players about 1 per-centers and the attention to detail required in elite sport.

Parish is well ahead of Oliver at this early stage. He's super fit, has a good tank and is able to consistently play midfield time for extended periods. I love Clarry, but we are once again falling into the trap of allowing talent to excuse poor behaviour and preparation. Clarry is the more talented of the two, his skill sets have the potential to be devastating at AFL level. Parish however, despite the scum he plays for, has not put a foot wrong yet. Oliver is still overweight and until he actually demonstrates consistent commitment, he hasn't proven anything. All potential at this stage until he can demonstrate elite behaviours, not just elite talent.

Agree with this but think it's a bit harsh to group Trac in with these. In the past we've let too much slide. It doesn't do the club or ultimately the player any good in the long run.

Can you imagine making the finals for the first time in over a decade and being forced to wear that? Imagine playing a grand final in that!

That's best case scenario and there are a lot of assumptions in there. He has a lot to prove to the club, his teammates and the supporters.

This is where strong culture is so important. We simply cannot tolerate another extremely talented but wayward player to not reach their potential. Was shocked when I saw him inhaling hot chips at a match last year, am disappointed that this is his start to pre-season this year.

I love our new emblem however this jumper is an abomination. Looks like a singlet you'd buy in Bali.

Green's a very limited player... pencil him in for 3 goals against us though.