BW511

Absolutely, although I’d happily argue Oliver’s output was above that lot - even though significantly below his absolute best.

Lynch, McKay, Martin, Bolton all took the [censored] in ‘24

@Roost it far & @Sydee 2.5 games and there was 5 teams between us and eight. Realistically, it was 3 games as our percentage was junk. Only teams below us were Adelaide, West Coast, North and Richmond. Love the optimism but to me, that’s a long way back.

It might not be enough. We will be better than last year but we are coming from a long way back.

My uneducated thoughts make me wonder if Reid already thinks he’s above/beyond the Eagles. Turning up unfit in year 2 is exactly the opposite of what you want to see and a few injuries in a row could effectively kill the entire year (see Petty/Clarry etc) I hope he finds a level of professionalism of a Trac (football only) or Pendlebury so we can all watch him reach dizzying heights - wherever that may be

There’s probably only a handful of players who broke even on their 2023 form or bettered it. So in my opinion, heaps of them.

I am hopeful that Nibblers role becomes almost redundant with a couple more balanced mid/HF options coming into the squad - Sharp, Lindsay, Langford can all squeeze into that area of the ground and go both ways to counter Trac going forward of centre bounce/stoppage.

Fingers crossed we manage him well between now and Round 1, he’s a walk up start

I’m here for a JT curveball, who’s with me?

I agree, his highlights don’t suggest he can do great work in close unless he’s got room to move. When he has space, his kicking is beautiful. That won’t happen as often at AFL level

Isn’t this role suited to Turner?

I agree, a May replacement is important but we need a lot to go right for Oliver and Trac to both be at 100% and in Melbourne colours beyond 2025.

Happy for you to have an opinion, you just need to let others have one too - even if it is dead against what you think

Preseason is synonymous for two things, unbridled optimism and Saty acting holier than thou.

This would be a dream scenario for sure, Jagga and Langford! Is there a world where Langford slides a little due to not having a set position? Versatility could work against him in an AFL system where roles are assigned very specifically. There’s a number of bigger body/tall mids who have never really cemented themselves

Very committed, that’s an enormous amount of time!

It’s refreshing to see some real change in method! Hopefully it continues Thanks Kev and fellow track watchers

Furiously searching Hotton highlight reel

5. Hope Draper slides to us but would take Smith - Looking for Round 1 impact and point of difference in our mix. 9. I am leaning towards Smillie, think if he gets to work in an AFL system he’s a real weapon with his size and kicking - I am ok with him ending up a 195cm HBF with a long and accurate kick if that’s how it shakes out

You may be right, certainly on game day he’s very vocal and direct with his feedback. Thinking about it more, I think his quarreling with Lever is over the top and probably a distraction on field for the younger blokes

The obvious void is a very specific, Gus shaped, one. I’m on record as saying Lever needs to worry about his footy more than his leadership, he’s treading a fine line between being useful and a liability. I’m not sure Rivers needs the pressure of leading others, he’s had some flashy games recently but has a decent way to go before he cements a midfield role, let alone a leadership position. I think the cupboard is quite bare between Max/May and the rest

Our forward line would work adequately enough if it wasn’t based on protecting field position. It certainly won’t be the envy of the competition but there’s enough goals to come from our current group if given a more attacking mindset across the ground. The dilemma is that it opens up our defensive end, which is very shaky when the ball is not coming in predictably - slow, high and long.

Exactly my problem with Allen, he’s more of the same and that’s what we don’t need.

Mixed emotions with Trac, proved that he’s all about himself first and the team/club second. Hope the leaders hold him accountable this year as almost everyone will expect him to walk at the end of the year. His year was decent until the injury, nothing more and nothing less

Would love him to fall into our lap, has all the attributes we need.