Deeko2

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.

Barring injury, will play well over 300 games and most likely finish his career as our most decorated player ever (subject to a couple more flags). The thing that excites me about Clarry (and Trac) is that he's a wonderful contested mark and was a really good junior forward. I have no doubt when he gets a tad older, he'll be able to spend more time up forward and have a genuine impact there as well as the midfield.

I was feeling a bit gloomy still after our performance so I wandered over to a Freo forum to make myself feel better, feeding from their negativity..... I wasn't let down and wow did I get my fill. They're ready to burn the whole place down and start again and already wanting mass changes and the coach sacked. I never had much against the dockers as they've always been rather irrelevant but reading some of the arrogance coming from supporters and administration when they picked up Hogan and Jackson really left a foul taste in my mouth. So yes, I'm quite enjoying this whole 'death ride' experience and well and truly on board for season 2023. This will be the second time in my life cheering on the Eagles on Sunday. The first time ever was 2018 GF where I found myself watching as a completely neutral supporter until they kept showing Eddie pumping his fists and jumping out of his seat when the Pies got away early. It was then I remembered the hatred of the filth > dislike of the eagles. So let's go West Coast! Bring us home a top 5 pick!

We're in a little purple patch where focusing on the now is a lot more enjoyable over predicting the future. A hell of a lot can change within 24 months and the game will evolve again so who knows that the team will look like. It is nice however reviewing some peoples teams and seeing the quality and premiership talent on display. It wasn't long ago that everyone's future teams would have listed P1 starting rover and P5 on a flank with P18 on the bench. Ah.... the glory days of 2007+

Only one thing? I think the idea of getting games into the kids was more of a Bailey thing over Neeld anyway as the latter went for more experienced recruits continually rather than keep hitting the draft. You're spot on though with the core of right young players. You need that committed and talented group to build around.

Agree completely. I'm hopeful young Bill will come on and forge a decent career with us but he's clearly behind JJ who has at least show he can have an impact in the ones. I'm happy however young Bill got a bit of a taste so he's aware of the difference and where he needs to be at. He looked very good in the twos on the weekend. Hopefully he can maintain the rage and continually destroy it at that level.

I'm fairly certain we didn't with the view to one of Max/Grundy would be lurking deep forward to release TMac/BBB (or both) higher up. We also picked up Schache who is fairly similar to the Weid and would be expecting JVR to play at a minimum a handful of matches this year. In my opinion, a C-grade forward is hardly worth burning cash on (admittedly it wouldn't be much anyways)

I probably should have made that part of my trip down memory lane a little bit clearer that he did have a young lad with that name. Thanks WJ 😅 And through the wonderful world of social media, here was dads grab

I can't recall exactly the zones growing up in Echuca in the late 80's early 90's but I remember a few Echuca lads having pictures in there Geelong uniforms on the wall. Paul Brown as one but can't recall the others. The only connection to the dees at this later stage was our coach, Simon Eishold. Obviously he wasn't every Melbourne supporters cup of tea after his VFL career finished but my goodness he was a good footballer in the GVFL. I played in Tongala's last year within the GVFL and played with a superstar undersized CHB Mark Reid. Ironically nicknamed Rowdy as he rarely said boo, he was probably the best contested grab of the pill I had ever seen. There is a photo of him in the club rooms standing on an opponents shoulders taking a one handed screamer. Ridiculous stuff. He would have only been 6ft and was always the man to lock down some very big lads running around in the GVFL in those days like Mark Porter & David Mensch yet agile to go with the elusive and also mercurial Saad Saad. Tongala had a handful of absolutely amazing footballers with a quite a few playing VFL/AFL but sadly the depth dropped away and they couldn't keep up and they went to the MFL I think in 2007(ish).