ChaserJ

Gutted to read the news. I opened the thread thinking (maybe hoping) that Sam had made some sort of unrealistic prediction or statement that had caused embarrassment. Sammy was one of the genuine good egg sports journos who really loved his job. Ceaselessly positive and optimistic, he would always engage with sports nuffies like me on Twitter in good spirit and good faith (particularly on draft related chat), happy to exchange ideas and opinions. Thoughts with all that knew and loved him. Such a loss. Gone way too soon, vale Sam Landsberger.

Would have to get used to singing the ‘red, gold and blue’…

I stand corrected, thanks @whatwhat say what & @Demonstone

Clarky already throwing that pebble out there:

Be interesting to see what leaks following the meeting. There was some speculation that ANB’s trade request only got leaked once the group were informed.

I was thinking the Hawks are one that could find a pathway to a trade, but would require some of their young talent to come back the other way. They have the cap space and the ambition.

Nice.

This is something of a recurring theme for a few of my Melbourne supporting mates. A couple have detached from footy completely and can't engage with the game at all anymore after that Collingwood final. These are longtime fans and members who'd regularly attend games in Melbourne. Almost like a version of PTSD.

I’m not saying it’s a great idea, but we are keen on a distributor off hb and we were tentatively linked earlier in the season (according to Jay Clark).

If the Houston deal truly is dead then I would not be surprised if Dees pivot to Caleb Daniel.

Cal on Gettable said plenty of interest in him, named St Kilda, Melbourne & West Coast. GWS have upped their offer.

Can definitely see the resemblance to Cotchin with O’Sullivan @DeeSpencer. To all of the traits you’ve listed I’d add defensive running. His two way running is v good.

Lindsay could go inside 10. His game reminds me of Josh Kelly. Cooper Hynes could push up a bit as well.

ESPN’s rankings for August have dropped too: https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/40849686/afl-draft-power-rankings-august-2024-pick-one-race-heats-sid-draper-jagga-smith-finn-osullivan-levi-ashcroft

Love Nibbler, he’s been such a great leader and role player. The way he went to work on his game after we put him on the trade table (unsuccessfully) is pretty darned impressive. Could have dropped his head, but he committed to improving and became a critical component of a premiership team. His defensive coverage in midfield has been critical to Petracca’s mid fwd role over the last couple of years, we’re really going to miss that accountability and coverage when he’s gone. That said, can understand that family comes first and don’t begrudge the move. We’ll always have ‘21 Nibbler.

That makes sense. JUH’s last month has been very impressive and his year overall has been pretty good.

Very tempted to drive down the Princes and watch live @dazzledavey36, but may have to settle for watching the live stream. You playing finals footy?

Not this year’s crop, but if anyone’s interested in having a look at our highest profile NGA kid in next year’s group, Tairon Ah Mu, he’ll be lining up for Vic Country in bottom age trials this weekend (will be streamed):

Wright could play 5 games for the year and be an immediate upgrade on Brown and Schache in season ‘24. That alone makes it a smart depth play. Even if Jeffo graduates, I don’t expect him to play out every game next season, and we are sorely in need of a viable second ruck to take some load off Max’s shoulders.

On the open market I could see Bolton netting 2 first rounders (with one being inside 10) and Baker being valued at a mid 1st rd pick. I’d do the deal if I’m Freo. Dockers list profile is very young, so draft picks not necessarily required to keep the list profile ticking over. To be approaching contention now is impressive and they have most bases covered positionally. I’d do the deal. Both players have premiership experience and can provide succession from Walters and O’Meara in their starting 18, which is actually pretty scary. Cap wise, it’s hard to know in the new world of the ‘23 CBA, clubs have a fair bit of space to play with in the cap now, but I’d love to shake Hayden Young out of there.

The SA clubs have been chasing Cumming as he apparently has ties to SA. If Houston’s leaving Port, would absolutely make sense that they are keen for IC to replace Houston. Pretty sure Cal Twomey (last week) said it feels like Cumming either resigns or goes to SA.

He's a beast on the inside, has the strong fend off and has f50 smarts. There are a lot of Petracca comps and there are times when he reminds me a little (in game style and aggression) of Michael Voss. His ball use is very good for an inside mid, good punchy kick. After watching us get beaten up in contest this year, I'd love his physicality in our mix and see him and Tracc switching between fwd & mid working an absolute treat. Given his interrupted season he's sitting in that 8ish range, but can see him climbing rather than falling (which wouldn't be great for us, but would mean someone else slips down). Marc McGowan (who has a slightly different ranking to the other draft watchers) has Lalor at 5: 5. Sam Lalor GWV Rebels/Vic Country Midfielder/forward, 187cm, 30/8/2006 U18 champs stats (avg): 11 disposals, 4 tackles, 1.3 goals Lalor is one of several top prospects who has endured an injury-interrupted year, but there is excitement about his upside. Him being likened to Christian Petracca should give people an insight into the player recruiters think he can become. Lalor, who also has a high-level cricket background, is a bull in the contest, and similarly impactful as a midfielder and forward. He had only brief on-ball bursts at the championships because he was short on match fitness, but kicked three set-shot goals against the Allies. One to watch. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/an-eye-to-the-future-your-guide-to-the-best-players-of-this-year-s-afl-draft-class-20240724-p5jw84.html

Whilst not as good by foot as Merrett, Draper’s not a bad kick, especially when he gets on the outside. The more I see if Sam Lalor, the more intrigued I am by what he could become. Has serious power in his game.

Coming into the season the club were really happy that Riv had gotten his running up to the point where he could play some midfield minutes. Necessity has meant he’s had more time through there than expected, but hopefully he has a real taste for centre square minutes now and really attacks the preseason to build that running capacity further.