Gator

That's better. You shine when you do black comedy.

For 7 years he notionally wasn't.

Agreed. I see Watts being a far better player in a better team.

He definitely has the raw ability to. It's all mental for Jack. There are reasons it took him 8 years to silence most of his many critics. I'm told he hasn't always been the greatest "listener". Combine that with self doubt and it explains a bit. I expect his 2017 to be even better, as it should be, but I have doubts he'll reach the consistency required of AA. Not fussed if he doesn't as long as he keeps improving.

In the last 4 draft/trade periods since Roos took the helm we've added: Vince, Tyson, Salem, Petracca, Brayshaw, Stretch, Oliver, Weideman, Hunt, Garlett, vandenBerg, Melksham, Oscar McDonald, Lewis, Hibberd, Harmes, Frost, and decent depth players in Wagner, Bugg and Ben Kennedy. That's 20 players who have positively impacted the club. It doesn't include Joel Smith and other very recent recruits. As you say, it's an extraordinary collective in a short period of time. Especially when the likes of Hogan, Gawn, Tom McDonald and Viney were already in place.

I'm certain that the preferred foot will be used when able and when there's any degree of difficulty and the time to ececute, however, quick spread from the contest is pivotal to Goodwin's gameplan and being able to immediately swing on to your non-preferred foot opens up the field of play. It strikes me that the use of the non-preferred will predominantly be from a contest and out wide to a flank or wing and in this scenario it makes perfect sense and will limit liability. It adds to fast play and will make us a super quick ball moving team.

Enjoyed the chat on Friday, and yes, the last month has been good for the soul. Quietly confident about DJ. Frost has some amazing athletic attributes, but he still can be a liability with ball in hand. Tyson looks primed. I reckon he'll have his best year yet. Brayshaw also looks very fit. Petracca has incredible scope for improvement and hopefully starts showing more of his marking prowess. Hogan will start dominating games and the competition. I could go on and on. We're in for some exciting times. And goodbye to my Jacky boy avatar, as my six months is up, and hello to my favourite all-time stunner

Roos was exceptionally "hands on" in his first year, but gradually allowed others more control over years 2 and 3.

I'm interested to know if they're starting to break up into backs, mids, forwards and who's in which group. For example is Hunt still in defence or mids. Which group is Salem linking to ? It may be too early in the first week for all that, but over coming weeks I'd appreciate knowing who is training with which group.

They wanted Enright, but might have someone just as good. Let's hope so. In my view the coaching panel is the equal of any. Coaching is 90% during the week and 10% gameday. Goodwin was effectively coach last year in my view and it was most certainly his gameplan.

What time is it ?

Garlett is as soft as butter. It will be interesting to see how Goodwin shapes this team. I'd concerned if I was Jeffy.

You didn't answer my questions. Be more specific.

What groupthink re Garlett ? When did it start ? And by whom ? I question his place, but not through any "groupthink". Please share...

Those clued in have him

That's the key with Smith right there. If he had all of these attributes but his attack on the footy was no better than Howe then I'd be less enthused. If you don't have a crack in this side you won't get selected. I fear for Garlett if he's not careful.

Smith just did some things in a couple of games that made you think wow, this guy has pace to burn, good disposal and courage. He looked like Howe, but with speed and better contested ball-winning ability. Hearing how highly rated he is at the club rounds out the picture. It means jack if an amateur like me likes a player, but you get excited if the club is excited. I know nothing of Maynard.

You're right, Jetta has a very good stop and step. I think Wagner would struggle on a slippery small.

I think anyone predicts a best 22 in November on the basis of "all things considered".

Was a very talented junior. Now we know why he went at 77 and was very nearly not drafted.

I think Burchall lost some of his mojo the last couple of years, but yes, Duryea is the weakest link, albeit a good one.

I suspect it was harder down back this year. How much contested footy was their midfield winning ? He's a good player.

Jetta is a far better stopper, but I suspect you underrate Duryea's smarts and setup.

Marginally, as you'd expect after years in an AFL system. It's still ordinary, but ok if he plays within his limitations, which he's smart enough to do. DE is the most useless and unrepresentative stat in footy.

James Frawley has been top 10 in DE (players who have played most games in the season) for the past two years. Whether you think Tom has improved this part of his game or not is irrelevant imo, because it's the most worthless stat in footy.