Gator

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.

Who gives a stuff that he lied to the odd nuffie ? I'm only annoyed that he shows no semblance of loyalty or class to the club that gave him a lifeline and an opportunity at AFL level when otherwise he may still be running around somewhere insignificant.

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.

The new Neale-Bullen ? I always have grand hopes. I hope he's a lot better than Neale-Bullen.

Perhaps. People get excited by hopium. He couldn't have done what you say too often because he rarely gets the footy.

Byrne

Take it easy, Cyclone. 2023 AFL DRAFT PROFILE STRENGTHS: + Aerial ability + Contested marking + Conversion + Strength IMPROVEMENTS: - Production - Speed A hulking key forward with notable senior experience, Luker Kentfield is a prospect who has flown under the radar. Along with potential first-rounder Koltyn Tholstrup, he turned out in Subiaco's League side this year for 10 games and earned a call-up to the state Under 18 side for three appearances. At 194cm, he rotated between the ruck and forward line and was able to be a mainstay against mature bodies due to his readymade frame. While doing so at AFL level will be tougher against taller and more athletic opponents, the 18-year-old held his own in the WAFL's top flight. Kentfield is a strong marker and pure striker of the ball, albeit if opportunities are far from frequent. He averaged just six disposals, three marks and less than a goal per game this year, with his standout senior effort yielding four of his overall eight goals for the season from eight touches and four marks. DRAFT RANGE: Rookie

I wouldn't get too excited yet about Kentfield. He's a very good contested mark, but he hasn't shown he has the athletic requirements yet to cut it at AFL level. He was also a very low production guy even in juniors. Now, he may progress to become a star, but I'll certainly temper my expectations based on his output to date.

I also see a vanilla medium tall left-footer.