Lord Nev

No, I didn't, that was how someone else was describing his role. Again, misquoting there. Again, cherry picking random stats doesn't do much for me. Metres gained means nothing if your disposal is poor. "Sixth most defensive half pressure acts"...? You're not really trying to hang your hat on that are you? And again, all I've said is he should be performing to a higher standard than he is currently. You seem to disagree and think that metres gained at 57% kicking efficiency is perfectly acceptable.

Because it doesn't necessarily mean you're doing anything constructive with the ball. That's evidenced by his very poor kicking efficiency and turn over rate. IMO metres gained is more of a 'combination stat', meaning it's only useful when you combine it with another stat like disposal efficiency, goal assists, kick retention rate or something like that. It's a bit like hitouts, doesn't mean much without context around it. Also, please don't misquote me. I didn't say he "contributed nothing", I said he's a far better player than what he's showing so far this year.

All good mate. I wouldn't have him coming out this week personally, I thought it was a step forward for him, he just has a few more steps forward to take IMO.

Metres gained isn't a stat I pay a lot of attention to tbh, especially for us. Using the ball well and applying pressure are the things I personally consider important in the context of our weaknesses as a team. I just think, if you can't do one well then you really need to nail the other one and currently Gus isn't doing either. I understand some may think I'm marking harshly, but I think he's a FAR better player than what he's shown so far this year, so it's a kind of tough love in a way. I'd love to see him either become an elite ball user, particularly linking up forward OR become a running, pressure machine. Gut feel is he probably considers himself the former, but it's not clicking for him in that way so far. Hopefully he can sort out the kicking yips because if he reaches his potential playing in that role then we're next level dangerous.

I just think a player like Gus playing to his potential is what can push us to the next level. He's nowhere near that so far this year IMO. What does "manned his wing" mean? He's rated as below average for pressure acts and disposal efficiency. He needs to be doing well at one of those at least surely? Disagree he was one of our better players tonight, but I thought it was his best game for the year so far. He'd be a fair way down the list of our best, particularly when he disappeared for 2 quarters. Just think it's unfair how quickly other players get jumped on but Gus flies under the radar, especially given his level of talent.

I thought that was the best of his 3 games so far, but still not where he should be, and agree on his chasing efforts. Interestingly, he played more game time than usual tonight and attended at least a couple of centre bounces (will confirm that once I see that stat somewhere). But yeah, IMO he can't be an outside wing option when he doesn't apply a lot of pressure and doesn't kick well.

Salem definitely. Gus, no. 4 clangers and 4 turnovers tonight. Going at 57% by foot so far this year.

I really like Sparrow, but that's a fair enough call. He put in his usual effort but didn't have much impact. Wonder if we could have Gus go into Sparrow's role and play Melksham more on the outside? Gus' disposal has been really poor so far.

OUT: Jetta IN: Hibberd Bit worried about changing the dynamic in the back 6, but think that change seems likely.

Replacing 4 veterans, 2 of which are in our 22 to this point, 2 which will likely be in next week, with 4 kids to save money so we can pay 2 stars is not a great suggestion.

I'm not the one making suggestions mate.

If we lost all of Jones, Jetta, Hibberd and Melksham and replaced them with cheap youngsters I don't think we're going anywhere mate. I also don't think TMac and Gus leaving is realistic. Also not sure how you justify saying "Not sure most other club's players like the idea of a new player coming for money and affecting their salaries" but then talk about getting rid of loyal veterans to save money so we can pay 2 stars. Doesn't stack up IMO.

Not how it works mate. Clubs work a fair way out with their key targets, they don't just randomly pop up in trade week and go 'oh hey we wanna trade for Petracca...'

More just pointing out this talk of Collingwood's cap being far tighter than ours is quite likely not very accurate. Not sure how you're tearing up Melksham's contract early? And wouldn't think any of Jones, Jetta and Hibberd are on huge contracts that will gift us massive salary cap space. Hard to know for sure though. Obviously hope both Clarry and Trac stay, but just think it's a bit naive for people to instantly write this off.

Yep, there's no way a club like Collingwood just messed things up for no reason last year. They're up to something.

Mate, former players are always the best sources of club goss, and Collingwood being into Petracca isn't a new bit of news, the rumour has been around since 2019 or so. Not saying Trac is gone, not guaranteeing the Pies will go hard after him, but write this stuff off at your own peril.

We also paid a fortune to Gus and TMac, have Gawn, Lever and May on decent coin, and Oliver to re-sign this year... Collingwood aren't dumb operators. They're the biggest team in the league, if anyone thinks they were just 'dumb' last year then I don't think they understand that club. I would be wary.

Would it make a difference if he was on the other side....

He's also rated 'elite' for defensive one on ones, one percenters and disposal efficiency, as well as 'above average' for spoils and contested marks. Interesting stats also. Also, according to the AFL website, he's gained 31 metres this year. (Not that that's anything to write home about of course).

Sure, and I'm not advocating for 4 days before, just saying that it seems a missed opportunity by the AFL to not go back to the Thursday night teams, especially given how well they usually dominate the news cycle. Have a heard a stack of supporters comment about this now.

It's generally the biggest talking point week to week for supporters. For an AFL that has been masterful at dominating the media landscape it feels like a misstep to have done this. Disagree it makes no difference to supporters, it pretty obviously does, I mean we're 9 pages deep here just on one game, and that's without having the actual teams.

Judging by the OP, we're talking favourite players we've watched play as opposed to best players throughout our history, so with that in mind... 1. Matty Whelan - Toughest footballer I've seen. Would destroy opposition players, but without trying to be a 'tough guy' or having over the top bravado. Also underrated for his disposal IMO. 2. Jeff Farmer - Just seemed to have a habit of putting together incredible bursts of footy that would get Dees fans out of their seats. 3. Liam Jurrah - Could do anything on the footy field, just pure footy talent. 4. Kozzy - See combined descriptions of 1 and 2. 5. Green - Might not be the 'coolest' option, but his beautiful kick combined with the way he would throw himself into marking contests was a highlight to watch, and he's probably gone under the radar in a way with his efforts for us.

Agree the structure is overall looking better, disagree that Gus deserves the credit for that.

Fair enough mate. I agree he's learning a new role, I guess we just differ on our perception. Understand what you're saying about roles, I personally just think Gus is a far better player than what he's shown so far this year and he deserves as much heat as anyone else would get in that situation. Again, no coaches votes for McIntosh last week so I don't agree he will feature highly in their BnF votes in that ones.

So you're happy with us having a highly paid former pick 3 playing as a defensive winger, who kicks it badly, doesn't tackle much or apply pressure, and plays 70% game time; because a different player at a different club did well in their BnF last year?... Find it strange how quickly people look to make excuses for Gus. He's under performing. Simple as that. No pressure, poor delivery, but apparently he's going better than anyone thinks because he's, what, filling space? Come on. 2 tackles and 10 pressure acts a game for a former pick 3 'defensive winger'. Who says Dees fans accept mediocrity hey... PS - McIntosh didn't get any coaches votes, so not totally sold on your 'high B&F votes' theory.