Mach5

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.

How many irishmen have made the grade, and how many have been consummate failures..? I'd have to say we've been a bit more responsible and economical with our limited resources by not chasing the irish dragon, so to speak. Stynes was the exception, not the rule.

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.

Making parallels between negotiating at the trade table and form onfield is beyond silly.

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.

And keep dealing with Essendon (once we've set the terms).

Not a great comparison, but they both did play at Freo. No where near as hard. Not really a contested ball-winner or decent tackler. Better vision, decision-making, skill (going by junior form), but about the same pace. Has size on his side.

It's generally something that is not done, and would be terrible practice, but there is no specific rule against it. What player would sign a contract immediately before going to another team? They would surely need or at least want to negotiate terms with the team they'll actually be on the list of. It just doesn't work logically.

IIRC Balic trained with us in preseason as an underage player, so we'd have a goodbye earn on him. I think we could better, even with a late pick.

Lack of agility too. He no longer has the sidestep to get around oncoming opponents, giving him the space to kick with precision. He's always throwing it onto his boot hurriedly and trying to kick around corners under intense pressure. He doesn't have the physical tools to create space for himself anymore.

Shockingly, 30 seconds of research on my phone while waiting at a tram stop reveals that Brown & Weideman were at Eastern Ranges together & would likely be mates. ooh, conspiracy! FFS.

Paid it because whether I pay subs now or in 6 months time, I still have to pay them if I want to keep my membership. Might as well have the option of attending finals matches if I choose to. Not sure what the problem is?

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.