Mach5

Sometimes if the talent is still on the board and is that much better than the "needs picks" available, you go for the talent. "Draft for talent, trade for needs" I'm very comfortable with this pick at 36, especially if he comes on but we have no room for him, and we trade him for higher commodities in a few years, a la Adelaide & Lever (although they had no choice in that equation).

Watching his highlights against Vic Metro you can understand why he was SA's MVP.

Those mentioning Frost as a KPD... I think Frost has now transitioned into primary backup ruckman / wing role (or he should do). Clubs will evolve to carry less ruckman and use more versatile backups, if they haven't already.

Some odd arguments going on in this thread... Anyway, very pleased with Spargo at this pick. I feel his exact type was missing from our list profile as Jeffy ages - smart, speedy, skilful small forward. He may push into the midfield at times, but all good ones do. He was the one I wanted to snare while the others are projects I feel. We'll see.

Surely @rpfc would have an opinion on this kid..?

I think so, but I'm getting sucked in by the potential. I don't have a great idea of the other prospects available, but I think he fits our list profile to fill the longterm ruck prospect position. I'd expect his development to track similarly to Gawn's (4-5 years before being properly AFL ready). However it's a bit high for a ruck selection and I like King from what I've seen so far, and don't know what else will be left on the board at that stage. Seems like a real mixed bag outside the top 10 with a lot of different perceptions. It feels like "Taylor Time" to me. Would you take him?

Sam Hayes sliding is a certainty. If it will be as far as our pick is what isn't certain.

Great little result if Snoop's phantom comes to fruition. Some great options there for us.

Same thing with Garland & Jamar. Oh, except they got over their foot injuries. Hmmmm...

If they're really that good, won't they get selected before our picks..?

Is it just me, or does he look like Beavis? or Butthead. Never know which is which.

Don't mind him, but a fringe player and I don't think he'll ever be anything more. Could be a solid role player.

If give up too much hope of getting Fritsch. It'd be like Bulldogs supporters last year expecting to get Hannan.

Wow, that was weird. Anyway, I'm not really bothered if we don't get a first round pick -- if Viney, Taylor, et al continue to pick up gems like Hannan later in the draft, I couldn't care less whether we have a first rounder this year or not. Culture & environment are so much more important than where you sit in the eyes of "experts" as a 17 year old.

Momentarily becomes a favourite son when he kicks a long goal, but after 5 mins back to "bloody milkshake"

He did, but at that stage Hunt hadn't played a game, Wagner was not on the list, and Salem had been played as a forward. Fortunately Mellsham now has the flexibility to play anywhere on the field and should be able to do it to a consistent standard.

Great post. I still recall a bunch of Richmond supporter mates calling for Rance's demotion in his 5th year on the list and lamenting his inability to hit a target and that he "had no idea what he was doing out there." It's amazing how with some valuable experience things seem to just "click" one day for a lot of players. Oscar has shown enough for me to be excited, he just needs to develop some real power in his core and have that sudden realisation of what he is really capable of.

To be fair, that's like me saying my mate Dave from down the pub expects the deal will get done.

Sad but true imo

His face?

Because it is not longer up for discussion; a deal has been agreed.

I wouldn't be basing any assumptions on a question like this. One of the 4 key elements the recruitment dept have looked for is the ability to listen and take on board feedback. Not hard to imagine them saying this with the idea of challenging how he sees himself as a player, and whether he is willing to listen to those that should know better, or if he steadfastly insists that he will be a forward in spite of their experience.

Just like we "overpaid" slightly for Melksham last year, we may end up "underpaying" slightly for Hibberd this year (although not in my opinion). And in spite of all that, you have to look at the net result at the end of the trade period, these days more than ever. "Overpaying" for Melksham was largely irrelevant when we (the supporters) realised we would have moved that pick anyway to achieve the fantastic result we did, of getting 2 top 10 picks to select Weideman and Oliver..

I think the onus was upon the players collectively to make that decision and move, and they failed to make it... On reflection, they will be aware of the error of their ways and will likely make the correct decision next time. How else will they learn to make the moves themselves, if not by being empowered to do so? It's how the Hawthorns and Geelongs have maintained their longterm dominance. They don't wait for the coach to make the move - Burgoyne goes into the centre square, or Bartel moves to play loose in the backline when they sense it is needed.

I guess with Brad Hill coming to play with his brother Stephen, and with an ageing Danyle Pearce still serviceable, Langdon is surplus to needs. I know he's fast, but I'm not certain he has the cleanest skills.