Gator

There's a base level of talent a key forward needs to be worthy of selection. I don't see Johnson as having that base level. He's not a great contested mark and he's a chronic fumbler. His admirable aggression doesn't make up for his lack of skill. If Johnson had even Brad Miller's level of talent he'd warrant AFL games, but he's a rung or two below Miller's level. With Mihocek, van Rooyen and Heath why would Johnson be getting games ? Brisbane just won a flag with a mobile and skilled forward line with only one goal from a tall forward. Subject to injuries I'll be mildly shocked if Johnson gets selected.

Most players outside of your very best are role players. The word has become a bit cliched in AFL circles. McIntosh finished top 5 in the B&F in a premiership year. A great finish for a wingman. Johnson is a VFL player who may get a few AFL games. 32+ players get to pull on the guernsey.

It's not lost on me either, Gregory. Needless to say, I've been far more productive in other areas of my life in recent years.

The back up ruck comments are utter nonsense. Admittedly, van Rooyen is very good at it, but I've seen Johnson on multiple occasions last preseason go head to head against van Rooyen as second rucks in match simulation and get well beaten. Johnson offers nothing in the AFL as far as ruck work goes. I spent over 20 years arguing with dolts on this website about players who weren't up to it. Talk about deja vu. I'm trying to think of a player I got wrong...

Lacks talent. If this bloke is getting games it will be a long year.

I have a relative who is 102. How about her ?

The recruitment of Jefferson was substandard.

I've always thought Schwarz a buffoon of the highest order. Like our very own Pickett, one of the great contrarian indicators. That said, like most, I'm not overly perurbed by where we finish, as I agree it's a building block year. As for losing the 3 players mentioned ? McVee is a talent but was useless in 2025. Petracca played bruise-free footy interspersed with some of his signature quality. Oliver was a shadow of his former self, although the shadow as larger. No doubt that will be rectified this year with the chip on his leucous shoulders.

You'll be in trouble for ''wrong thought'', as Taylor is revered here on 'Land. Btw, I don't quite agree with you, but I welcome a contrarian opinion. Oliver was a great pick (some will give the credit to Roos), so were Pickett and Jackson, who many thought were a reach, Rivers was also good, and he's had a number of other very solid choices. But, as you say, he's also got plenty wrong. Overlooking Curnow and McKay for Weideman a case in point. And picking Jefferson a monumental failure. That said, mistakes will always happen. This is a ''fan'' site and most who post here get excited over nothing.

Onley is from Shepparton.

Well summed up. Rarely has a Father pumped up their Son as Jeff has, but I'm reliably informed that internally the club are hopeful, but far from delusional. They're well aware of the time needed and the uncertainty of the outcome. Personally, I think there's enough talent for him to make it if the will is there. I'm open-minded as to what part of the field.

I was going to say try Ricky Steamboat Jackson, but that probably won't work either.

Firstly, he'll be venerated once his career is over. Right now he wears opposition colours. Secondly, like anyone, he's only owed the truth. The poster you're responding to didn't denigrate him, he denigrated himself. A weak club put up with him for too long.

So you don't have to read comments you don't like ? Don't open the thread. Or cope better. I can't abide censorship.

No, I don't underrate Neal-Bullen. We found a role that suited him and helped Petracca. His fantastic endurance being pivotal in this role. And it's great he elevated his game, as he was asked to look elsewhere at the end of 2020. It's you who overrates him as a player. I respect role players, but I also recognise their place in a team. I'm hoping Matthews has far better bona fides that translate to him being far better than a limited role player, like Neal-Bullen. I do thank you though. I've seemingly had disdain for Alex and I believe I've been misspelling his surname for years.