Deemania since 56

Sparrow really did play some nice things, toughened up a bit, gritted his teeth, caused some damage and some angst. He showed mongrel and it suited him.

Then go for TMac at CHB; Turner is better leading up the flanks - hence, I'd put the Muscled Brute into CHF, rotating with JVR at/into FFwd.

Green is one of our big assets; he's a thinker, a communicator, writes well and hits the nails with tact and yet, decisiveness; operates in his realm with measure and intent. Just like he did as a great footballer with the team.

Might just find some ' dazzle' with these two ... would be great to see, in the season dress rehearsal.

Fairy Nuff.

It's really difficult to imagine a fit TMac being left out of this game.

I think we are all a little challenged by these matters, at this stage of the season, with these players who 'might' and those that 'can'. I agree with your early assessment of Johnson, for those very good reasons that you put forward.

Golly, if he proves half as useful as RJ then we are on a winner.

And I thought Donald Trump was the best example of detritus.

Those players available would then, in subsequent games, be enhanced by our 'now' very broad contingent of real novice class. Yes, season looking good, vibes in the bones, heads up.

Yes, but at CHB, straight up without latter considerations, one does see Tom (if fit and raring to go) as the best option with the best experience, and afforded the support of Petty; thus, we can also have the extremely valuable 'floating' role performed so well (intercepts, clearances, spoils) by Lever adding further mobility and opportunity to our strong defensive roll call. Up forward Tom really only has sporadic success across a season - a credit to his talents - that may well be utilised in defence given that he himself is mobile and might well benefit in his delivery to the more mobile characters from HB and into the Fwd Line.

Thank you, DZ, a Far King score, at last. Scores are the output of the efforts of players on both sides, in essence.

Pessimism seems rife on the comments so far ... and very limited for the DL folk who cannot get to the game.

Tough nut, that one. Hurt many an opposition player ...

Might team up well with Chin in the penalised absence of Kozzie - the leading and support players must defend these two at the drop of the hanky when opportunities arise.

Yep, probably ... actually, for me, a decade more in the generalised sense.

Jefferson Starship is the matured version.

... and behave royally just like the Windsors ... of course, with a piece of Windsor cake with afternoon tea.

These are intriguing thoughts ... it can be imagined/assumed this will happen.

I hope she has a wonderful wedding, DZ.

From all reports, he seems to have more nous about footy than Crippa...

Windsor is our new Stan Alves, surely ... only faster.

Bewdy!

Again, whatever Tracca does, invokes, attends to, wants to do is amazing.

The 'under the radar' status is a blessing well disguised; it assists to have other teams' selectors make incorrect, early decisions about their respective team profiles and methodologies. It may also reduce prejudicial umpire behaviours towards the Dees early in the season, so as to lessen the establishment of outright, season-long crud decisions that exacerbate fair play and related AFL privilege anointments. It's also just nice to stampede successes early, crushing opposition teams with confidence and surprise from a lower rung in public estimations.