Deeko2

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.

And just like that he laces Spargo. I’d rather him as a third tall (defensive) like he played back in 2018 who can also hit the scoreboard

I’m probably one of the few liking Milkshakes game and role. One free kick wasn’t there against Harris-Andrews as the body work was to assist the mark. His one wood is his kicking so I’m backing him to slot more than he misses although he should have at least one on the board.

We have a car load of dees supporters hitting the road in Mildura at 1pm to get there and cannot wait! Saw us play the power at Adelaide Oval under lights a couple years back and the atmosphere was amazing. We didn't get the chocolates but it's still an amazing place to watch football from. We'll be perched up with the commoners in the GA standing area under the scoreboard knocking back frothies in our dees kit..... please pray for our safety

Probably a bit rough here FTB. I'd love to take my parents to more games but they really struggle now in such large crowds and would much rather watch from home. I know a few others in the same boat.

I was talking with the better half about this the other day. We moved up to NW Vic about 9 years ago so rarely get to games due to the travel and young kids. Kayo has been the best investment I have ever made! I was living in Melbourne from 2011-2014 (peak Melbourne period) and used to take comfort getting to games right at the start with a GA ticket knowing that I would nearly have a row to myself. Its crazy (in a wonderful way) how far we have come. What's even crazier is if we can keep winning - and the pies do also - are we a shot at the biggest ever H & A game for this match? Could be top 2 teams which would be incredible!

I'd love to be a fly on the wall in discussions around the management of our list. Surely we'd have to be bulging at the seams right now to fit everyone in wouldn't we? I rate Kozzy incredibly highly - as everyone does. His goal kicking ability, supreme skills and big external offers would have to see him on a huge contract. Can't see us trading any big name players in over the next year or two and thinking we'll surely be hitting the drafts to keep the player payments down.

Thanks LH, always enjoy seeing this thread bumped. The rolling 2023 draft order right now has us with 4 picks within the first two rounds at 5, 16, 23 and 35. I'd be very surprised if we didn't use all 4 of these. Do we also need to find a spot for McVee? Or can he stay on the rookie list another year? I'm guessing Dunstan would have to look for opportunities elsewhere. Thinking we will also see retirements for Melksham and Hibberd. Still think we're going to lose one or two more players.

Fresh into a new season and he's already banged up and struggling to get onto the park. Definitely sad to see an incredible player going out the way he is with father time lurking. Obviously a no from us unless a big injury happened to Clarrie/Trac late this season which rules them out for 12 months. Whilst we're still in contention and if we were one superstar mid short, I'd possibly entertain it for a year but I doubt (and bloody hope) that it's not the case. Brisvegas would be a good suitor for him. They're in the window, he'd be the only one who doesn't look like a midget plus he gives some protection for there young developing mids.

I wonder what the offer looks like if he hasn't accepted it yet. I'm a fan of the kid and happy for him to stay but he's clearly too good a player to be a teams 23rd-25th player picked each week. I'm sure the offer in terms of $$ and term would be based on the standard 'depth' player which I can't imagine being super exciting. Within our squad at present, this is all he really is. I'd imagine our high end 2023 draft picks will see us going best available which is usually midfielders which if we pick up another 2 decent mids here, plus the continued expected improvement in Laurie/Howes/AMZ in the twos and obvious excitement around Kozzy and Rivers going through the centre, I'm not sure where JJ sits. The other one is Harmes who I am sure will be back soon.

I haven't been to Gosch's for a training session for a few years now but last time I was there I remember there being a radiologist/imaging business there. Surely they'd be very popular for the sporting codes training and being based there. Are there other medical / useful businesses in the proximity that provide useful synergies around remaining there? I don't particularly care where our training base is located but I would have thought sharing some facilities with soccer/rugby wouldn't be that bad and would ensure the local facility used/shared would always be absolute top class instead of going out on your own in a new greenfield site.

I think the majority would agree with your comments LH here. Especially about Hunt. I was sad to see him go as he's always been a favourite but can understand that some mid range players need to be released in order to keep the high en talent. I do think another player will need to make way this year if we are to have the funds for re-signing Rivers and Kozzy. Rivers will get a nice little pay increase that's deserved. As for Kozzy, just pay him whatever he needs as he really is an incredible talent. There are few in the comp who can just create something from nothing whether its a freakish goal, run down chase or clearance in heavy traffic. I actually think he is nearly our most valuable player and if he gets through the rest of the season, should end up with 50 odd goals. I wouldn't be surprised if we let Jordon go. I think everyone rates him enough and he is also appealing enough to other clubs. The extra few $$ we'd save in freeing up his salary cap is definitely worth it and he may net us a further upgrade on a pick with an already strong 2023 draft hand.

I have a theory on his ankles. I've known only a couple lads over the years who have made the firsts in the big time. I remember talking with two different players at different teams and they both said it was mandatory for them to tape there ankles to prevent rolling them in games. One bloke had knee worries so he used to cut his tape after the physios were done. In his mind, he'd rather roll an ankle rather than have it supported and place extra stress on his knees. I wonder if Lever is one of the few who doesn't tape his ankles to protect his knees as well with the history he's had.

I agree with all of this. He can go into the midfield and pinch hit for a stoppage or 3 plus he is dangerous as a high half forward with his elite kicking. Also, some of the defensive jobs he has completed on interceptors like Sicily & Stewart in the past has been solid and I think the sub role wouldn't frustrate him as much as a young kid as he's probably aware where his career is at and is just happy getting any match time. He's now played 97 matches for the club as well and hoping he gets in another 3 to raise the bat. The sub role is really carrying them towards this and that's fine with me. Pretty sure he has a few kids so this can't hurt to improve our future father sons/daughters.

9 disposals, 3 marks and 3 goals and one goal assist. Its a tick. The most pleasing thing (other than the three snags) for me was the 6 tackles. He doesn't just bring courage in the air and an ability to genuinely split packs (which will get better in time) but he also hunts opponents on the ground.

I'm a tool. Literally 5 hours later I realise you were talking about Oliver Sestan - not Clayton Oliver (who I was referring to)..... which makes sense noting its an Oliver Sestan thread. Yep, I shanked that completely. Apologies for the confusion.

It would be hard to be a talented kid from Melbourne, drafted by the Hawks and then want out to another Melbourne team within a couple years to chase success. It's never a great look - especially in the eyes of the supporters who hold long memories. **cough Howe cough** At least if you're an interstate player, you can drop the 'go home' factor in to escape if you like giving supporters a little understanding. The one thing the Hawks will be able to offer is some serious $$ to any kids with talents. I don't see how they can even be meeting the minimum salary cap at present with the current shambolic list of players. They'll soon be able to front load a few for long term contracts but god knows who that would be.

Daz - In my comment I was talking about Yze and Oliver, not Seston. edit: I don't really know anything about Seston to be honest. Why would someone play in the GV when under 18 still? I get it if you're a senior player and chasing some $$$ but is it common for U/18's to do this??

Both Goulburn Valley lads so I'm guessing they may have bonded over that when meeting. Hence why young Harley Reid will slide straight in seamlessly ;)

I agree with your first line. It's always hard for a young key forward in the firsts to get much of the ball when they're outnumbered in the air and always have a decent backman on them. If he was playing a loose man in the defence or up and round the midfield all game I'd be more worried (with that stat line) but as he'll most likely be deep forward, I'd just like to see him contest hard and clunk a few. Disagree with your next line however. The kid is far more talented from the games I saw last year to not exceed the rating of 'handy workhorse' level as a player. I do think he'll surprise a lot. 50/50 on the last point. I always think you need to reward the blokes playing best but I really think that Schache is literally the 'break glass in case of emergency' player. He's had so many chances at the top level in multiple roles across different teams and still failed to really own a position long term. The moment a big went down this year I've always thought JVR would be next in line. You have to give him a taste at some stage and see where he's at and I think a lot will be pleasantly surprised. The energy that youth bring is always infectious and it's a good time, early in the year for a taste for a few games. If it doesn't click, he can return to the mid day show with the knowledge of what's required in the ones.

All this kid has to do is kick a few bags of 5 this year and he'll nearly demand a seven figure contract on a long term such is the hype around the brothers. As much as I rate them both, I don't see how we could possibly afford a King brother with the big contracts already in place for so many of our premiership stars. Yes, we'll lose BBB, TMac, Hibberd, Melksham and a few other fringe players in the next 24 months but in the twilight of there careers, they'd surely be on bugger all and we'll need to free up some serious coin for Kozzy who I think we just pay him whatever he wants - such is his importance. I'd rather us take our two first rounders and bring next years forward again (someone will bite) and inject another crop of elite talent to learn from the best in the business.

This is the most excited I have been for a debut since Trac was picked. The kid has some serious courage in the way he launches at the pill and the ability to split open packs. I would have played him Rd 1 ahead of both BBB and TMac as he contests so hard in the air and on the ground as well where the elder statesman (BBB especially) add little value once the ball hits the turf. I've been impressed with BBB's ability to snag some opportunistic goals this year, however he still plays like a flanker and gets moved under a high ball so easily which gets frustrating. TMac has really struggled from what I have seen as well. This kid is an old school, pack hitting CHF and I can't wait to see him develop with us. Not expecting much in his first few games however but I really believe he'll be a jet for us long term.

Well said McQueen. I doubt many here have ever been in a position where astronomical amounts of cash was offered for you to return home and do exactly what you want. I have nothing against what Jackson decided and won't even boo him when we play them. He'll still always have a special place in my memory for his efforts in 2021. I also have no doubts he would have been feeling incredible amounts of anxiety around his team mates last year which would have effected his performance and still would be impacting it now which isn't fair for a kid still finding his feet at this level. Do I feel sorry for him however? Goodness no. He still made the decision. This is always the risk players take in signing huge contracts before they're really earnt. His manager and Freo are the ones that need a good kick up the backside for filling his head with [censored].

They've clearly cut the list and cut it far too deep and will struggle to stem the bleeding now. I'm not sure why Sicily, Wingard & Impey etc would be keen on staying other than $$ in the short term. It will take them 4-5 years to rebound for another shot if they nail their drafting and development. That's a big risk to the remaining few senior players. I doubt the clubs administration/coaching departments would be worried about losing whilst getting excited by high end picks. Still, I'm not mentioning the T word yet as I agree that they desperately need to turn that list over as it really is in horrible shape. Its almost arousing how horrible it's become. If it's at the end of year and they throw an unco ruckman on the ball for a half, keep you're most dangerous forward on the bench for the second half of a close game or send your All-Australian backman up forward for the second half of a match after giving one of the best CHFs of our generation a bath for the first half and replacing him with a forward flanker who then copt a hiding then Yes, I'll mention the T word a lot more and be out for blood.