Deeko2

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.

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.