Swooper1987

Too defeatist I think. In 1987 after 16 games we were 6 wins and 10 losses. We ended up winning the last 6 in a row and finishing the H&A in 5th spot and should have won the preliminary final. We are capable of putting a block of form together which could still see us reach finals. Writing off the season is a cop out and gives the club more excuses for inept performances. I have paid this club a fortune over the years in membership fees and I want to see a decent return on that investment. Effort and a willingness to do the basics well would be a great start.

Frost was our best tonight

There aren't many good ones around now. Hudson and Whately, Tim Lane and then guys like Speed, who I think is very underrated. Going back a long way now, but I used to love listening to the ABC 30 odd years ago to Peter Booth, Smokey Dawson and Doug Bigelow. Crosses to Clelo (Ian Cleland) and Swan McKay - that was a great commentary team back when radio was worth listening too - before the MMM boys club!

Jones had a good game but he was far from the most influential player on the ground. Gawn was outstanding all night and was the single biggest difference between the teams. We are incredibly fortunate to have a player like him. I am 50 this year and I don't recall a more dominant ruckman since Simon Madden - and that includes Dean Cox who I rate incredibly highly. His ability to collect ground ball is remarkable for a man of his size. He really is one of a kind. Based on influence on the result: 6. Gawn 5. Petracca 4. Oliver 3. Jones 2. Salem 1. Fritsch I really like Hunt forward as well. His tackling and chasing created plenty of scoring opportunities.

Jones is actually playing significantly worse than Junior McDonald was when he was forced into premature (and as it turned out, temporary) retirement. For the first time in his career on Friday night I noticed him deviate from a contest and self preservation was obvious. The Jones of previous seasons always ran a straight line and took the punishment when it was coming his way. I have always thought of him as a good honest player - no star, perhaps a B grader in an F Grade team for much of his career. He has zero accountability and is a kick chaser. He is not and never has been an elite level midfielder and Tyson was of more value to us last year than Jones. At present though, he is still in our best 22. That may change as players return from injury, but for now he stays and as a midfielder - which in the modern game means anywhere from half back to half forward.

A gun. His kicking is a joy to watch. Salem will be a real weapon for us for many years to come.

I'm pleased to hear it. As much as I would have loved him to be playing for the Demons, I am happy that loyalty isn't dead.

If true I'm stoked. He'll be well compensated but it strikes a blow for old fashioned club loyalty. Simpson and everyone at WCE stuck by him. Despite his old man's illness, he's four hours away, not in another country. A few blokes could learn a lesson if that's how it plays out.

You'll need to call the club. Tracy is great but there isn't much available in the premium memberships.

Upgraded from Redlegs to Trident a couple of weeks back. Couldn't get 2 seats together in the Olympic stand so we are in the Great Southern Stand section. Loved the Redlegs area (N1-4) behind the Punt Rd goals, hoping the move to the HFF will be worth it! Very limited opportunity for the premium packages by the sound of it so register your interest asap.

Given who the Dockers are trying to bring in, a more likely trade is a very early pick (likely 5) plus a player. They'll need to keep some picks but Hogan is clearly the most valuable KPP in trade conversations so he is definitely worth more than 1 first round pick. It may be Andrew Brayshaw or it may be somebody else but I think this is probably the most likely outcome.

I'd be reluctant to let him go. No team ever gets through injury free. Which young midfielder that we haven't yet seen at senior level is going to be better than Tyson if Viney gets hurt again or if Brayshaw gets concussed, or Oliver's shoulders don't come up? I think the GF proved that depth is crucial. Both sides were a long way from their best 22 yet still played an extraordinary game of footy. Tyson played some pretty reasonable footy towards the end of the H&A season and was nearly best on against the Giants for the first half before he broke his arm. He can play. People knock his disposal and it's true he isn't a fantastic kick, but he can find the footy and he is a big, experienced body. As long as his arse points south he'll never be a winger but he is an important part of our depth. Hold him to his contract.

I think Salem's year has been very underrated and he'll be top half dozen in the Bluey!

FWIW Tony Sheahan reported on his twitter feed that the Demons are back in the race for Gaff. Usually a fairly speculative fellow, but he's put it out there.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if May and KK are packaged up for a top 10 pick assuming the Hogan trade goes ahead. May alone is not worth a top 10.

Two first round pick, one of which goes to GC for May and I'd imagine KK. No way May would be worth a top 10 pick by himself. Darcy wouldn't go with it if he had any doubt and Jones certainly wasn't refuting it.

I've got a lot of sympathy for AVB's situation. He carries a massive family responsibility with the business and he has been running it by remote. Sure we looked after him when injured, but he got injured playing for us! He always gives 100%, but as others have already pointed out, he isn't critical for us going forward. If he goes then I wish him all the best and sincerely thank him for what he has done for our footy club.

Love your work Joeboy! Don't always agree with it, but love it!

May is an average AFL defender. Not worth a top 10 pick. Hard to see where he fits into our side.

No, they have been a little bit ahead of us the whole time. Even last year although we finished four positions higher on the ladder, they had us covered comfortably in round 23 and we were fortunate to beat them in QB. They are a good side but we are very close to theem and closing fast.

Jones is finished as an automatic selection sadly. He has been a great warrior but his finals campaign was largely disappointing and he has shown signs of deterioration for some time. Gawn stands out as the obvious choice to co captain with Viney and I expect that should Lever make a full recovery he would be the vice captain next year.

If we are serious about winning a flag the best place for Jordy next year is the coaches box. Slow, fumbly and lacks conviction in the contest. He has battle fatigue and in all honesty has had it for most of the last two years. Clarkson moved him on at the right time. He has an acute footy brain and is a great communicator but if he is still more value in our side than Fritsch, Hunt or Lever next year, we aren't making finals, let alone competing for premierships.

6 Harmes 5 Oliver 4 Salem 3 Hibberd 2 Vandenberg 1 Gawn

Not one for rash statements after a bad loss but I think the evidence in our poorer performances stacks up against the same personnel. Usually Lewis and Jones, but also some of the other usual suspects including Neal-Bullen (who tries his guts out but lacks polish) and Tyson (who just isn't sharp enough with pace or skills). The decision to play Smith forward for large parts of the game proved that Fritsch should have played as well. We will need to fit a few different players in next season so the clock is ticking for a few of this year's regulars.

They played a great game and it was the Tigers worst performance since they got pumped by St Kilda last year before they went on their big run. They can't play that well again and we have what Richmond don't - a ruckman to match and then beat Grundy, and a midfield which is accountable and will close down Sidebottom, Treloar, Adams and Pendlebury. If we get over the Eagles today and emerge relatively unscathed then we are a huge chance. My only concern is that traditionally Prelim final weekend has one very tight game, and it clearly wasn't last night. Buckle up for a cliffhanger!