ChaserJ

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.

I think it’s time to have a look at Jeffo at AFL level. No point sending Maysie back out with sore ribs next week, plug Petty down back and bring Jefferson in for the rest of the season. AFAIK Casey only have the one game left in the season, so he’s better off playing and developing in the main team rather than sitting idle 2 of the 3 remaining weeks.

Correct, although given the new CBA and the adjusted compensation rules announced during the week (length of contract to be factored in to compo, but capped @ 5 years along with avg guaranteed money over life of contract) the hill for band one compo for Battle looks very steep now.

Goddammit! Anyways, with the DVI changes not coming in till next year, there’s still a good opportunity to use our 2 picks in the 30’s and early 40’s pick to wrangle a first rounder out of one of those teams with f/s or academy players set to go in the 1st rd (looking at you Brisbane, GC and now Essendon).

3pm on Friday. Do they even care if people attend these games anymore? This game is basically around the corner from home and I absolutely would have gone if it was fixtured at a decent time (that didn’t clash with the AFL Dees playing) but the game will probably wrap at around the time I knock off work. Ridiculous fixturing.

Key defenders seem under represented! Houston’s ratings (particularly kick related) have been lights out for 18 months, so no surprise to see him there for Port.

Been a while since Ricky Mentha's come up anywhere. Gippsland have moved him to half back and looks like the switch paid off last weekend: Stats: 22 disposals, 5 marks, 7 rebound 50s Mentha had perhaps his best performance of the season to date for the Power, constantly providing dash and drive coming out of his side’s defensive 50. On numerous occasions he showed great speed and composure under pressure to get the opposition off guard on their transition. His silky skills, pressure acts and decision making were all features although at times his disposal by hand missed targets. Mentha showed great pace especially when it came to reading the play with loose ground balls and at times stood at the last line of defence where he saved a certain goal in the second quarter getting a hand to it before going over for the score. * from Rookie Me's CTL scouting notes https://central.rookieme.com/afl/2024/07/31/scouting-notes-2024-coates-talent-league-round-16/

I think we've both mentioned him @Binmans PA! Tairon Ah-Mu. Has been very good for Haileybury this year and shown a bit when given a run at the Stingrays.

Houston’s not out of contract so can’t imagine the leaking is a tactic to squeeze more out of Port. WC on the other hand didn’t include TPP uplifts in their contracts to players, so a lot of the guys signed before the last CBA have fallen behind the rest of their AFL peers pay wise. That’s the reason Barrass’ name keeps coming up, he’s getting paid a decent amount below market value r/n. Some of these Eagles may be using oppo interest to drive up WC offers, BUT maybe someone can have their head legitimately turned.

Worth keeping in mind that AFL are a good chance of approving draft picks from up to 2 future drafts from this years trade period. Our solution might be 1st rounders from ‘25 & ‘26 drafts.

The obvious ones are Sid Draper and Sam Lalor, but the guys that kept drawing my eye were Tobie Travaglia and Joe Berry. I think Travaglia is one of those guys that lifts when the game is on the line and finds a way to impact. Good all round game and think he can go through midfield in time. I view Bo Allan similarly. Berry’s not just good around goals but uses the ball well up the ground and was pretty handy around clearances for Vic Country. Smart, quick and efficient around 50. The current game is accommodating to teams that have a fleet of small, skilled forwards and Berry’s a v good one.

Thanks @WalkingCivilWar, feeling human again now, which is a win. Will make sure I get him to Marvel next week!

Food poisoning and spent most of the day throwing up. Little bloke was shattered, first game at the ‘G we’ve missed for a while.

I’m REALLY hoping we have a first round pick to use in this draft!

Yeah, saw it. Feasibility study will move to a ‘full on business case assessment’ with an aim to be complete by end of finals. Glenn McFarlane thinks it will get up and ‘it has to get up for Melbourne’ (as they have the worst training facilities in the AFL).

Carlton (even though he’s Richmond NGA, won’t go there) have a beauty in Cody Walker and Cochrane looks a star as well. Of interest to us, Marcus Prasad has been attached to our NGA program, quick and skilful small forward/mid.

Given the quality of his kick inside 50 I wonder if we’d offer Houston midfield minutes? https://www.sen.com.au/news/2024/07/23/the-10-best-and-worst-kicks-inside-50-in-the-afl-in-2024-according-to/

That stat line for Downie...

Like this aspect of the extension:

Yeah, can’t see the Crows doing that deal. Thilthorpe looks like he’s ready to take off.

This one is Cal Twomey/Riley Beverage

ESPN’s draft rankings, again some differences in order. Jasper Challopah’s variances are entirely defensible: July 2024 Draft Power Rankings: New No. 1 emerges after U18 National Championships

Cal talking through some of the players in the guide and reason for ranking: