Demon Time

Stoked with the pick, welcome Harvey - hopefully another mid to follow.

Petty in the backline is what I've been waiting to hear - huge result

There definitely is - checked earlier and again now...still there. Edit: didn't see your replies ET before commenting

I definitely agree that Gawn AA fatigue may play a factor. I think Xerri has had a phenomenal year and has to be on the interchange. However, if the AA panel is completely objective, I think they have to pick Gawn on field. I think people are sick of Gawn dominating for so long and want someone new which is ridiculous reasoning but it wouldn't be surprised me if they overlook him this year. Hope I am wrong though. Gawn's 7th AA jacket would solidify him as the greatest ruckman of the modern era for me (I already think he is but another jacket puts him above Cox for sure). If I am being completely honest I think he is the greatest ruckman of all time but that may be my demon goggles and recency bias since I can't speak to a lot of the guns from back in the day.

We have to take this pick to the draft and pick up a quality midfielder who can play in the red & blue for the next 10 years. While I rate Houston and some of the other potential trade targets, none of them are more valuable than this pick. Praying Alan Richardson goes back on his earlier comment about trading our pick for older players. Our list management has been good in the past, got to back them in to pick a future gun.

Hoping Saints can get the job done against the Blues. Coming away with pick 5 (before NGA and father sons) would be a good result in a disappointing season.

3 weeks is ridiculous. Has to be appealed.

@WalkingCivilWar Best post ever, made my day - you really know how to tell a story.

He is in my Supercoach draft team, so have been watching him closely over last few weeks. The kid can play when he gets a full game (been a sub for many games). Great clearance player, tackling machine and is very quick. Still a bit lanky but will continue to put on size with more preseasons. Out of all the trade targets we have had thus far (other than Houston), he is the one I’m most keen on - would be a huge addition to our midfield (for now and the future).

I can see the logic but despite their loss this weekend, Freo are much better side than the bombers. Their midfield (Serong, Brayshaw, Young) is up there with the best in the league when they are firing. The Darcy/Jackson ruck duo is a real threat and I think we lose if they are left to dominate. I agree that Fullarton is not a genuine ruck and JVR would probably win more hitouts, but I think we'll need him forward in this game. I feel more comfortable with trialling Fullarton than having Petty ruck most the game. Max will hopefully be back next week so it gives him one good opportunity to show something on the big stage.

Petty was serviceable in the ruck after the first quarter but JVR was the one who actually neutralised the ruck contest. The Petty/JVR combo did the job against a weaker ruckman in Draper but I can't see it working against the best ruckduo in the comp in Darcy/Jackson. We will need JVR in the forward line given Freo's strong defence plus I don't love that we are risking him in the ruck. From what I saw last night, I think we have to bring Fullerton in and just see how he goes. I don't think Petty will be dropped so he probably goes forward again (not ideal). I'd like him sent back to defence but Tmac, Lever, May working way too well to change that.

Disrespectful thread

6. Gawn 5. Langdon 4. Hibberd 3. Lever 2. Petracca 1. Salem