Deeko2

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.

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.