Adzman

Anyone else think Wonna will be the player that gets subbed off? I remember him coming back briefly last season and running out of gas. His father passing did hurt his pre-season. Just wondering how match ready Wonna is going to be first up.

Eeeek. Can't help but feel for the guy. Hopefully he can make good and put it all behind him.

Cook is the better "project player". Face facts, we are a "project team" and have the time to wait. This team is not going anywhere fast. Cook could be a 200+ gamer that takes the oppositions best backman. That would allow an emerging Watts to take over and set up play, and more importantly allow Liam Jurrah to wreak havoc in the forwardline. Darling is a ripper, but I think the bigger body of Cook gives us another option.

I thought Garland was expected to miss time. If he just has to pass a test this is good news.

Regardless of whether Dermott makes sense or not, you should never listen to a man who had a "perm" for the better part of two decades..............

Surely we are good enough to win 4 of those 5. If we win less than 3 it is going to be another long season. None of the aforementioned sides are top 8 teams.

Pity he couldn't have whacked someone against the crows. We could have done without him killing us yesterday!

Martin will be a permanent fixture. His development will certainly put Spencer/Fitzpatrick/Gawn on hold. The ruck/utility position has now been taken demon fans- Steph Martin is his name, and he is here to stay.

Nice to hear the scorps got up! Let us hope some of these guys can continue to build form and put pressure on the players in our senior squad.

Joel was a bit stiff to get dropped. I recall this happening last season, and he responded with some good form with Casey and was back in the squad a few weeks later. Someone had to make room for Chip. Joel will be fine. Important year for him, I do not think he will let this get in the way of him having a solid season. Maric will surely play sub.

.........*TUMBLEWEED*.....................

Hawks by 26. Face facts, Hawthorn has got us covered on all ends of the ground. This is one team that has annoyed the crap out of me for years. We will beat them, but not this season. I won't say we can't beat Hawthorn, but I will say it is very unlikely.

Manufactured teams are going to start out with no chemistry. It will take them a half a season to find themselves and build chemistry and trust. They will be a better team by the seasons end, but the message is loud and clear. If you want to go to a manufactured team, there is going to be some hard times early. Money isn't everything, but winning is (bi-winning more so)

Bartram = Good

It is not impossible. North and the Doggies have had some pretty solid teams over the past 10+ years, yet their supporter bases seem to be dwindling (we are not far behind them). Given the the Gold coast is still being referred to as "GC17" by fans, it is fair to say they lack an identity. If the Roos do not start turning a profit, I could see them moving to Tassie, or perhaps the Gold Coast. Hopefully not, as it would be a sad day for North fans and the AFL.

How many possies has he racked up this year? How many best on grounds? Last time I checked he was 3-4 weeks off. If anything, his value is idle until he can get back on the field to play good footy.

Crystal ball or Crystal Meth??

They could wear a rainbow burlap sack for all I care, as long as they win games of footy I will be happy.

If Martin can continue his development I think the dees will happily put a line through a few on our senior and rookie list such as Spencer/Newton/Campbell. It will also mean players like Fitzy and Gawn will need to work that bit harder on their all round game to break into the side (I hear Fitzy has been solid in forward contests on the training track, no mention of Gawn) Maybe the HUN was right, maybe Martin is our best kept secret.

40k for the Hawks game, not that it matters because it is their home game and they get the gate receipt. I just hope we can ink a few more members next week. The Members was as full as I can remember.

Nothing in it. If Davey gets rubbed out then I think Mummy gets a month of for striking. MacDonald might get a week, otherwise there are no games missed by players of either side from the round 1 match. Umpiring was ordinary, and I think you will hear that from everyone who watched the game. Was bad both ways more than being one sided.

Hawks are good enough to cause us issues even if they were all on one leg. I can't recall the last time we beat this mob.

This is news?? Then again, Charlie Sheen can fart in a jar and it is page 1 news..........

Green - beaten but important Jones - up and down Watts - made a contest Bennell - building sizzling form Trengove - becoming our best Sylvia - solid but hurt? Dunn - useful and wasteful Petterd - match lifting performance Grimes- solid but wasteful Maric - couldn't continue form Garland - hunted then hunter Moloney - brilliant second half Jurrah - attacking but hurt? Rivers - was not noticed McDonald - not his best Martin - best kept secret?? Tapscott - will play 22 Davey - beaten by Shaw Jetta - useful in parts Jamar - solid all day Bail - provided good run

Tapscott is awesome. He will play 22 games if he stays fit. Better on Debut than Watts/Trengrove/Scully. On par with Gys who played well in his first hit out last year. Lots to like about Tapscott!!