Lord Nev

All the astute footy watchers make their judgments after 1 game...

Forget everything I said haha, Goody just said on radio Petty will play forward today.

Yeah that's a great point. I'd obviously prefer that, but if we're moving a defender forward it probably means we're pretty much screwed so I think all that stuff goes out the window as far as Goody is concerned. Has Petty played forward at all for Casey? I know Keilty got tried at both ends for a while, but any idea if Petty has shown anything at that end?

I agree the forwards have been poor, not letting them off the hook at all, and clearly bringing Rawlings back in (when he was very firm on wanting to coach his own team) is a big move. We see Weid and TMac often fly for the same ball, but I blame that more on Goodwin and his 'bring the ball to ground' philosophy which I think has resulted in our key forwards thinking a lot like our mids who crowd the ball. I'm not a believer in disposal efficiency as a useful stat, it has no context and it has some poor conditions to it (under certain circumstances you can give the ball to the opposition and it's an 'effective disposal'). The stat that I think is relevant to us is retention per delivery inside 50. That stat basically measures if our delivery inside 50 is going to us or the opposition. The AFL average for that stat is 46%. Some of our players, including TMac, Trac and Harmes are at average or above, but our 3 prime movers in Oliver, Brayshaw (both in the low 30s) and Viney (low 20s) are a long way below average, in fact Viney is rated as the worst in the league. Source So my argument would be, if it's purely the fault of the forward structure and the "mids aren't the issue", why is it some of our players can do well with delivering effectively inside 50, but our main 3 midfielders can't? In fact, Viney got up to double figures in marks he directly gave to Hurn and McGovern in the West Coast game. You can't blame the forwards for that. This is why our coach continually talks about 'connection'.

Would only be a 'break glass in case of emergency" kinda deal, just saying that if we move a defender forward, I think it will be him.

He's also a gun key forward, and we don't need a ton of tall defenders against the Dogs. Not saying it will happen, but out of Frost, Petty, Lever and May, I would say he's the best forward option.

May?

Yeah, I'm definitely open to the Day option, keep hearing Dees fans talk about him, have we been linked to him yet? Is Buxton (Casey) any chop as a key forward, or is he more pure ruckman? Haven't seen him play in person, but could he be an option for that kind of pickup?

If our midfield isn't the issue, why is it Harmes, TMac and Trac are average or above average in inside 50 delivery ratings, yet Oliver, Brayshaw and Viney are among the worst in the league (with Viney being the single worst in the comp)? Not saying the forward line is working perfectly by any stretch, but I'm staggered you think the midfield has no responsibility.

Who do you suggest? I'm open minded about this, just putting forward realistic scenarios.

Jenkins is on 550k a year I believe, and I would think if the Crows were keen to shuffle him out then they'd be paying a portion of that. I absolutely agree we may need to look at some key forward youth, but my argument would be having some mature depth means we can develop them more steadily and not have to throw them in when form may not demand it.

Yep, aware the Crows may be forced to pay some of his contract, seems a reasonably common occurrence in the modern AFL landscape, but was more wondering if anyone knew about contract length. I know player managers would be hesitant to allow a contract length to be reduced, but wondering if it's actually allowed or not. What I meant by that is we need more than one depth player as a key forward, hence my emphasis on "A", given we were talking about Preuss today. I think we have the same definition of depth mate, your description is absolutely in line with mine.

I guess potentially, haven't heard it confirmed that he did have a fitness test and have no idea how it went if he did. Just a rumour at this stage I guess, but did hear calf somewhere a few days ago now that you mention a leg issue.

Genuine question, but when trading in a contracted player, does the new club have to honour the same contract length? Given clubs are often paying part of the salary of a traded out player (Watts is an example), does that mean a 'new' contract is negotiated with the new club? I'm not fussed between the two tbh, so you're definitely making me lean towards Levi. I think we definitely need more than "A depth player" (Preuss) though, and our lineup today exposes that a bit, hence why I think a mature body KPF would be a handy addition to our depth.

Yep, don't mind that suggestion, my only concern is if you can't break into the worst team in the comp consistently, is there something wrong, or has he just told them he's out and so they're not keen on playing him?

With both TMac and Weid out this weekend, one of those "C graders" would be playing. That's the point both Pennant and I have been talking about, mature depth. We're being realistic here about what can be achieved in one trade period, and realistically you can't have 44 A graders on your list. I'm not saying you're doing this necessarily, but I don't understand how so many people can only think in terms of 'best 22' when it comes to trading in players. We've used more players than any other team this year, we're up to nearly 40 players which is getting close to the entire list, so I personally think a little bit of mature depth WOULD improve us.

Did anyone hear anything about Oliver doing a fitness test yesterday? Saw something about it on social media but can't seem to see anything here from any of the regular track watchers.

Who do you suggest we realistically target then?

Yeah I'm not a big Jenkins fan either tbh, but I think we potentially could get him 'cheaply' given he seems on the outer at the Crows. Would really be looking at him to fill a senior depth role, bit like Pedersen did for a few years and T.Smith does currently. Wouldn't mind Casboult either, wouldn't exactly help our goal kicking but could be handy as a higher key forward who could make space for the other talls. Either way, would be looking at either as more insurance rather than 'best 22' as such.

First (likely around pick 2-4) and 4th rounders for Langdon and Freo's first pick (likely somewhere around 8-10). Second rounder for McDonald-Tipungwuti. Stephen Hill as a free agent. Josh Jenkins as a free agent. Thoughts on that as a realistic offseason? (NB - Trying to be actually realistic here)

Dons would surely get his signature before end of season, their supporters would riot. But if not, would absolutely go for him without hesitation! Inside 50 pressure and goals, absolute gold for our needs.

PS - Of course tackle counts can effect free kick counts. PPS - Conversion rate was Dogs 47.6%, Cats 35%.

Reckon that's always a bit of shallow reasoning mate. Dogs had more tackles which could have impacted that free kick count, plus they were WAY more effective with the ball with less disposals per goal and a better conversion rate. They also absolutely smashed the Cats for 1%ers. Free kick counts don't have to be even, particularly when one team is statistically proven to be showing more intent and being more effective.

Don't mind this lineup on paper, but as they say... Like the combo of Weid and Preuss as the tall forwards, hoping that Weid's mobility and Preuss' lack thereof will mean they don't fly for the same ball too often. Back 6 is tantalizing, forward line would surely end up having Trac, Dunkley, Lockhart and either ANB or C.Wagner (from the extended bench) running through, as it's not the most creative group of players starting there.

If he's ready, why limit him to playing a half game of VFL last week?