waynewussell

Anyone who thinks Jack Watts would struggle at a top four team just isn't a credible analyst. Everything I have ever written about Jack is now evident to everyone but the those who are more interested in their profile than the evidence.

Dwayne Russell played 5 seasons at the elite level. He averaged 10 games a season, 14 disposals a game, less than 1 tackle a game and gave away twice as many free kicks as he got... hardly a reason to puff his chest out about!

Dwayne Russell - 50 games - 51 goals Jack Watts - 119 games - 92 goals (Projection for whole career - 227 games - 332 goals - 1 B&F, 3 AA's - 1 Top 3 Brownlow)

Dwayne wouldn't get a game at Hawthorn! Even in his heyday (did he have one?) It becomes obvious in his calls that he gets by on a bloated, hot-air approach to life. Unfortunately, Footyinfotainment now supports this lifestyle. Jack Watts is so much more gifted as a player and as a person that it's probably silly of me to even point these things out in my post! I take it for granted that my long standing site moniker is universally recognized as a parody of Dwayne!

What a lot of people don't get with Tyson is that his boyish good looks camouflage a very tough, competitive and driven individual. It has been noted before that he refuses to give off simply because he is being tackled. He only gives off if he sees a positive option. Quite a few of the frees paid against him could quite easily have the "no prior opportunity" rule applied. He takes the heat. He doesn't mind body contact and he is cool and composed under pressure. He is an accomplished inside mid, who can take a grab, gets some distance by hoof, and has shown he can nail a set shot (although his percentages can improve). All this in a relatively young man who could be a Demon for another decade. Where's the downside?

6 - Viney 5 - Watts 4 - Pederson 3 - Gawn 2 - N Jones 1 - Frost

6 - Gawn 5 - Viney 4 - Vince 3 - Oliver 2 - Watts 1 - Jetta

Enjoying all this love for ANB! Billy has had a full pre-season. ANB has not had a full preseason... is recovering well from injury... Next!

The clubs commentary about "when they're ready" is directed primarily at draftees coming straight out of the underage comp. Blokes like Vandenberg, and in this case Wagner are referred to as "having a body that is ready". There is some confusion here between 'mature aged' and 'raw-aged'.

I added an interesting snippet between McAvaney and Roos after our big win in the 1998 Qualifying Final

Wagner will be 22 in June, almost Frost's age, not a kid... recruited to be able to step straight in.

This must be one of the few games that Lyon, Schwarz, Neitz, Farmer & Robbo started in the same team.... as well as Jeff White and Jimmy in the ruck!

Mitch White looked good at training this week. I think we should be celebrating the fact that the list has depth in many areas (not all), rather than bemoaning the fact that we can't play them all!

part 4 leading up to half time is now up.

Form at Casey doesn't mean flicking the switch after one good showing in a VFL practice match! Otherwise Petracca and Trengove would be in the team before ANB. He is a promising young player who is on the comeback trail after an interrupted pre-season. He will get his chance. Next....

I expect Grimes, Stretch & Frost to be the emergencies

Dunn, Grimes, Wagner, Frost, Stretch in 25

Garland & Brayshaw out

Just looking at Roos' demeanor this week, I expect more than 1 or 2 changes!

I thought Wagner looked good in NAB games, with the exception of first part of Etihad v Saints. By the way, he rebounded very well in that game. He gets his hands on it and looks courageous. He was drafted on the back of size, endeavour and foot skills. Not timid on the field and I expect him to do well when given the opportunity. At this stage we do not know for sure that he is in the 22.

Josh Wagner to debut for Demons on Sunday. I've liked the look of him for some time, "Another who seems to have the size and speed to play senior footy is Wagner" - from my training report on Wednesday. I'm pleased to say he has been sitting on the bench in my Dreamteam!

Dawes was trying to do everything at training on Wednesday. He really competed. As time wore on though, he did seem underdone. I think what we have been missing is a 'fit' Dawes. He has been restricted for a long time with that calf injury. I don't think he is fully fit yet, and I agree with the coaching panel, he needs to be as close to 100% as possible before we bring him back. Still three weeks off if all goes well!

Crossy took Tyson aside for some short kicking to a lead up and he hit Crossy on the chest everytime I looked. Can do it, just different under match pressure I guess.

Part 3 now up.