Deeko2

Fascinating game to watch. The game was lost primarily in the midfield. We were smashed there by a very very good Brisbane midfield. They put a lot of work into Trac and Viney and they had no impact which is a bit of a surprise. But the bigger surprise was seeing Oliver lining up outside on the back flank for a lot of the night where he looked a bit lost and probably cost us a couple. Still, I'm not sure why we rarely saw Clayton playing directly as an inside mid. The group is clearly trialling something or his injury/fitness is preventing something.... I don't know. Can't get to angry at the forwards when they had bugger all supply for the first three quarters although, like the defenders, there were a few contests in which I think some of players really didn't fully commit to which isn't a good look.

I'm genuinely fascinated to hear what the gripe will be about. "They're taking our community green space and replacing it with upgraded community green space" Am I missing something?? We're monsters.

I'm assuming that other than when we have the oval/s booked for training, they would be for full community use would they not? That's a wonderful win for the community. In Mildura where I'm living, we recently completed an absolutely amazing new $40m sporting precinct with 3 ovals, 6 new basketball courts in a first class stadium, huge function rooms and all the extra bells and whistles needed to ensure its compliant (change rooms, appropriate access). The majority of the funding was state and federal with the local council having to put some up obviously and oh lord..... the carry on from some locals and as someone above beautifully quoted "lightweight pollies" was genuinely cringeworthy. Anyways, a couple years on, we have it, the stadium is jampacked 24/7 and the ovals get a lot more use than expected with personal trainers filling them in the mornings, then dog walkers and mothers groups during the day. The local footy club only has them for a few hours every Tues-Thurs night and obviously Saturdays and it works perfectly. Far more use then vacant land. As I'm sure the new development would be over the wasted space in the centre of the track now.

I came on here to post exactly this. They're both different types of ruckman with Brodie adding more physicality once the pill is on the ground and was always going to add more value here. No one could take a grab last night so Max's 'one wood' was basically gone after quarter time. Brodie had some nice moments but a few are getting very carried away here. He had multiple turn over kicks and a couple of absolutely fluffed hand balls as well. Fairly certain, he would feature highly in clangers for the match. Still, he's a good player and I wish him well. We rolled the dice with him (basically the only big man available after or first straight sets exit) and it didn't work. It diminished both Gawn's and his output when we realised none can play forward more than a pinch hit here and there. I'm happy we got him in to try something going all out for a flag. Once it didn't work and we realised both suck up forward with no forward craft at all, then the right thing to do was cut him loose.

My fathers side and brother are St Kilda. Mothers side all on the Tiges. I was on the fence until 1991. I was 7 years old in 1991, a certain Irishmen won the Brownlow and I just thought his accent was the best. I started going for him and then afterwards the dees. I slightly recall this, but my dad tells me after Echuca (were I grew up) played Shepparton United (dees colours) that I strolled into there room and tried to pinch the 11 guernsey from whoever the Shepparton United player was which quite a few of players had a laugh when I got busted. The United property steward at the time gifted me a kids woolen guernsey with no number on the back which really was a lovely gesture. I went home that night and cut 2 straight lines out of white t-shirt and got some wood glue and tried to apply them to the back for my magnificent number 11. Sadly, the glue didn't work but I still loved my un-numbered Shepparton United guernsey.

I sometimes wonder if Jimmy looked like a star due to significant lack of quality in his draft year. That first round had Jonathan O'Rourke at 2, Lachie Plowman (who just retired) at 3. Both hardly exciting before Jimmy. Then some other first rounders in Sam Mayes (8), Troy Menzel (11), Kristen Jaksch (12), Jesse Lonergan (13), Taylor Garner (15), Jackson Thurlow (16) and Josh Simpson (17). Not meaning to sound disrespectful, but I have no idea who most of these players are. Very poor draft year IMO.... other than a certain #7 who we snuck through as a F/S 🥰

Yes I hope this is the case as well that I have written him off too early as well. I'm happy to give young forward a lot more time as it takes time learning running patterns, structures and smash into contests whilst still applying defensive pressure. I can see how some young kids may struggle early with so much to take on. I'm happy to admit I've been wrong many times about kids and I hope again Jeffo proves me wrong. McVee is a beauty and good comparison. I doubt there are many who really believed the impact he'd make so early in his career.

Well said Nascent and thanks for clearing it all up. To me, it looks like a few teams can easily improve GCS' points with jagging P4 taking care of them for 2023. The winner of the P4 auction I'd imagine will be the club who not only gets them the points this year, but gives up the biggest carrot for 2024 with there future first. I'm all for getting rid of ours (guessing in the range of 16-20 after academy etc) but I'm not sure it will be appealing enough. I'd be surprised if someone like North didn't load up there future first and maybe second to inject some further high end talent this year.

100% agree with this jnrmac. I've seen some kids far smaller with a hell of a lot more desire for the contest. JVR last year was throwing himself at contest after contest leaving me drooling at the thoughts of him being our KPF for the next 12 years. In the 4 or 5 games of Jeffo, I have been very very underwhelmed. You're either born with the competitive streak and aggression and absolute want for the ball or your not. I just don't see anything other than an occasional nice grab or a nice kick. Would love him to prove me wrong and I hope its the case but from what I have seen, I doubt it. Whilst I agree Lucas was a needs based pick and one we got very wrong, I'm not sure Jefferson was. From what I recall, all the draft talk was that he was always going to be a first round pick and predicted to go nearly exactly where he did go. I don't think we really reached to get him as a needs pick up.

He's exactly what we need however. We're in the window and I'm all for getting the best available and right now, I don't think there is any decent KPFs out there who are on the market. And they need access to picks for a mini rebuild. I'd have a look if the Tiges were happy to cover some of his contract.

I'm thinking the following will leave/retire: Dunstan, Melksham, Hibberd, Harmes, Tomlinson and Jordan. That's literally all our mature depth gone. Personally I think we take P5 to the draft and throw most our other picks and F1 at Gold Coast for there P4. I'm a big fan of Harley but would rather any 2 of Curtain, Duursma, McKercher or Watson. We know that its the high end talent that wins flags. Looking at a rough best 22 and age profile as at Rd 1 next year and its clear we need a backup key defender and ruckman. Most other spots look to be covered with our developing squad. If we get a second rounder for Grundy trade, I'd be having a crack at a role player needed like Chol from Gold Coast. It's a position I think we need (ruck/forward) plus he's another big body there. I'd be surprised of TMac/BBB get back to there best and make that spot their own but I doubt they'd retire when there is the chance of more success in a strong team. Trade whatever we get for Harmes/JJ compensation for the best mature key defender available. Doesn't have to be a world beater. Scache to stay as ruck depth as well with Verrell. FB: Bowey (21) May (32) McVee (20) HB: Rivers (22) Lever (28) Salem (28) C: Hunter (29) Viney (29) Langdon (28) HF: Petracca (28) Petty (24) Fritsch (27) FF: Picket (22) JVR (20) **Chol (27) R: Gawn (32) Oliver (26) Brayshaw (28 Depth/bench: Adams - 19 Turner - 21 Jefferson - 20 Howes - 20 Woey - 21 ANB - 28 Laurie - 22 Spargo - 24 Sparrow - 23 Smith - 28 Brown - 31 TMac - 31

Extremely talented and has a huge ceiling but the kid is a bit of a goose with his behaviour off field - especially that towards a few ladies. I definitely don't think he's worth the risk - especially as some serious capital would have to be invested to make the trade.

Sadly, Luke Jackson. I'm still bitter about him leaving. Obviously the compensation isn't as bad now with Freo effectively crapping the bed and the knives were out for him at the start of the year with his big contract not justifying his output which I was shamelessly grinning about. Watching the last 3 or 4 matches and and a few others during the year and he has been very very good. His follow up work, power through the contest and winning some contested ball has been great and his hands are looking really good with some decent contested grabs. I'll be one of the very few here who'd happily trade the compensation we got for him back as I still rate him as a player. I'll still never cheer for him again.

I have a pretty good source - the kid himself - confirming this is 100% not true. He thought the setup in Perth is amazing and is happy to go anywhere and play. West Coast are incredibly strong and financial off the field and would support his family as much as possible to see him play. He has no issues in going there.

I was talking about this exact thing with a fellow demons supporting mate about a week back and remembered the comparisons of: Scully = Judd Trengove = Bartel Tapscott = Chapman Strauss = Gilbee Morton = Goddard Watts = Riewoldt We had a good laugh.... then we cried. Standard. I don't mind the idea of the comparison however to give you a bit of an idea at how the player goes. Not sure I'd love being compared to former/current greats though. To compare someone to Dusty and then have some crazed supporters hope this 18 year old is going to bring you 3 flags, 3 Norm Smiths and a Brownlow is asking a bit.

It's not a bad silver lining is it? I'm thrilled with JVR and looking forward to his development and improving further. I have watched the last couple Suns games and Mac is a very very exciting talent as well. He just coasts across the ground quicker than most and has a great leap marking at the highest point. I was suss on him being a top 5 pick but from what I have seen, I think he's going to prove his worth in time.

I agree (sadly) and think that the club will struggle to survive another season like this. I'm still against pointy end compensation and throwing talented kids at the problem. I do like your ideas above as well but feel if the compensation is going to be an extra pick - say end of first round at best - then the club should have to trade that pick for an established player. Hopefully they can receive a bit more 'ready to go talent' this way and will see what other AFL clubs will offer up for a pick that holds a bit of currency. If we look at our last few late first round picks in Jefferson, Bowie, Laurie & JVR, it's fair to say that none of these players at 18 years of age are going to make an impact immediately in a poor team. They may get a bit of the pill in a good team but would definitely struggle at North. If the AFL force the pick to be traded, they should be able to get a good solid best 22 players with 5-7 years left in the tank.

Just on the above, Blicavs is an incredible footballer with his flexibility to play in basically any position on the field. Also, as much as I had admitting this, Cox is twice the forward of Gawn and Grundy. He's been clunking a few big grabs this year and is kicking a goal and half a game. Personally, I was all in on the Gawn/Grundy combo until recently - noting there is enough of a sample size now. They're both really struggling up forward to give us anything and I'm shocked at how poor Brodie's hands not only up forward, but around the ground. He definitely has a case of the butter fingers. After seeing Trac up forward (which I think Clayton can have a similar impact there also) and seeing Brayshaw play high quality footy on a back flank, I'd rather ditch the second 'pure' ruckman and get some more high quality midfield depth. Again, feeling ill writing this, this is exactly what Collingwood did in bringing in Mitchell. He keeps quietly accumulating clearances and making the mids look even better.

Agree fully manny, Frawley was already in our best couple players and an All-Australian. He was runner up in our B & F in 2010 and third in 2011 and always a top 10. Importantly also, he was able to get on the park and very durable. He nearly won the Norm Smith Medal as well if I remember correctly? North have enough kids and high quality draft picks over the last few years. Throwing more kids there way isn't the correct resolution. We have all seen (and lived) this. It doesn't work. I'd be shocked if the AFL does any more than give them an end of first round priority pick. However, I think they might also get another pick somewhere that they must trade for a player. They'll get Tomlinson for free (or late picks) to fill the void and end up with some later on compensation. To me, that's simple and smart. I'm still filthy about missing out on Noah Anderson.... yes Jacko got us a flag (and I'll forever be grateful) but I crush on this kid hard when I watch the Suns. Would complement our mids magnifcently.

If he picks up a nice deal somewhere else with a decent term and $$$, will we get compensation for him? I'm a fan of the kid but surely he has to go if he wants more game time.

Really really grinds my gears posts like these from peanuts in the media. Knowing his family pretty well and playing a fair bit of footy with his old man, this just wouldn't be true. They're a wonderful down to earth group who are just happy with Harley playing and enjoying himself. What's worse is you're creating angst on a player and supporting group before a kid has even played a game. There's every chance they (WC) downgrade picks to get more talent in anyways (priority in getting Curtain) - which makes total sense for them but nuffies will see it and think he's a mummy's boy who was too scared to cross the country.

As much as we'd love this deal, I can't see the Eagles going for it at all. From a points point of view, the deal is fairly equal however I don't think any team is going to down grade from pick 1 unless they're going to get a serious win - especially when pick 1 looks by far the safest option in the draft. We'd have to sweeten it big time for them to nibble and either not receive back pick 19 or we throw in our first rounder from next year. The other challenge working against this deal is who the Eagles are targeting. If it's the home grown Daniel Curtain (which surely they'd be massively in to) then Pick 4 could get him. However, if the Roos get a first round compo pick for McKay, it lessens that chance again. I'd happily have a crack at pick one with 4, 15 and 23. Over time, I don't think there is a much of a difference between picks 10-30 anymore and with better development and more options to recruit (mid year draft and free agents signing) I'm all for getting just the best kid which by far looks to be Harley. If we had say two top 5 picks or one top five and a pick 8 it may be different. But with all the NGA/Father Sons/Academy issues that down grade later picks, late first rounders aren't as attractive in my view as they used to be.

The lad is doing everything he can to make it so you gotta love his consistency and efforts. He looks so small - even in the juniors. I can’t imagine he’s going to go within the first couple rounds as he doesn’t look super damaging around the goals and not sure his kicking is as solid as a Judd McVee to play as a lock down defender who can rebound. Still, he continues to get in the best so I’m keen on the kid and I’m sure he’ll make it to the red and blue as a solid role player. Fascinated where they will be however

Fascinating what happens with Brodie after that finish. Maxy just sending a reminder to all that he’s still king of the rucks when going at it alone. Wonderful game by the big man. I rate Brodie but no idea what to do with him as I think we’re better off without him.

I feel I’m always sticking up for Melksham. I’m a fan when he has a role and playing on the edge and not getting too cosy in the team. Harris Andrews took 10 grabs against us Rd 2 and smoked us. He’s so important to them and Jake played well on him tonight. Plus, unlike Spargo and Chandler (who I’ve always thought he should be in front of), he can play tall and take a decent grab whilst still retaining some pace to chase the smalls.