Robbie87

Great report Deespicable - thanks. Here is hoping Jed Adams can take a step forward. The absence of Tomlinson down back at VFL level might be just what he needs - more responsibility on key forwards. Windsor observations are interesting - I keep getting flashbacks of Robbie Flower when I watch this bloke on the move. Stick the number 2 on him?

WC website: Taken with the first pick in the Mid-Season Rookie Draft in June 2022, Culley arrived in the west from Dandenong with a mature, AFL-ready body and made an impact in the second half of the year. After four games in the WAFL, Culley was called up to debut for the round 18 clash with Hawthorn at the MCG and laid 11 tackles. He tallied four games in his first half-season in the AFL and returned to pre-season trimmed down and extremely fit ahead of his first full campaign in blue and gold. Culley found his place in the Eagles’ forward line early in 2023, earning himself a Rising Star Nomination for his career-high four goals in round six. Unfortunately, Culley suffered a season-ending ACL injury in round eight and was moved to the inactive list. He was re-signed on a one-year deal for the 2024 season. At a Glance: Junior Club: Langwarrin (VIC)/Elizabeth Murdoch College (VIC). Debut: Round 18, 2022. Recruited from: Gippsland U18 (VIC). Brownlow Votes: 0. 194cm. Forward or mid in other bios.

For all the talk of being an elite kick, his ability to regularly turn something into nothing (especially with any heat on, perceived or otherwise) was very evident. A depth player at best - would rather have seen a younger project player in that spot. Not a contest player and as an outside runner, not enough speed. Been largely disappointing and probably would have had a lot less games if Hunter or even Spargo were available. Admittedly he was a bit better in the last few games but agree with Biggestred on his likely status in 2025.

...but "cultural issues", "crisis" and "mess" at the Demons? Damian Barrett = first class hack...add this one to the list.

I would consider Membrey or Kruger for the reasons above (all things considered like age, injury history) - better than backup - could make an impact at crucial times if not season regulars. Kruger is a beast.

For all those D'land Dribblers who have been calling for Tim Lamb's head. The Demons have aced the AFL futures market, but Collingwood have floundered.This is how they did it Melbourne’s bold move to trade up to Essendon’s pick nine surprised clubs for its audacity as the AFL’s trade period entered its second week, but it’s straight from the Demons’ successful future trading playbook, which has made them the best traders in the first 10 years of the AFL’s future trading system.

Couldn't agree more re the leadership situation (same goes for Tmac), but also, while I know Milkshake has his detractors (on this forum at least) I am rapt he stays on for his footy smarts, skills and forward line marshalling. We are always better with him in the side, and miss him greatly when he isn't. And good on him for being rewarded for staying the course - he could have easily run up the white flag with that knee. A class act...

Listen to the Lever interview this morning on Tim and Garry's SEN program - some might breath a bit easier on the Trac situation...

Agree with many here - we seem to cop it in an extraordinary way. It seems to me that, by and large, the Club is very tight on matters of player management and welfare - not convinced the leaks come from the inner sanctum, more likely family members, friends? It seems particular members of the media don't like that they are not 'in the know' and they try to take us down every chance they get - or at best add 2 and 2 to get 10 - think Barrett on his relentless crusade that everything that happens points to 'cultural issues' at Melbourne (despite a growing flotilla of re-signings) - lazy journalism at best. I think the Club has done a mighty job under enormous media pressure to stay tight - they have given Trac space even though it is hurting us publicity-wise (and maybe recruitment-wise eg Houston?) - and I was pleased in a way to hear Perty in his recent SEN interview admit to the distraction - how could there not be? When the dust settles on all this (and Trac plays on), at the risk of stirring the pot and inviting more malice, I hope we can look forward to a few very public, good natured, but pointed, 'digs' at some of the players. Tom Morris, "Simon, you must have been thrilled with Petracca's performance today". Goody, "Yeah, not bad for a bloke who didn't want to be here, hey Tom?"

Clearly someone (or more) is feeding our 'friends' in the press. Is there a rat in the ranks, or someone associated with the players - either way, what is their motive for running what appears to be a disruptive agenda?

Spot on. Those who claim he is past it obviously haven't watched him this season. Been the Iceman down back, contested marks, spoils, beating smaller opponents at ground level, and - can't believe I am saying it - super reliable by foot. A dirty night against the Dogs doesn't negate the rest of the year. Recruit of the season (to the backline).

Not the forwards Not the defenders Not the coach Midfield getting belted End of story

This has been the real drop-off this season - it has been there to see most of the year - not 'culture' or fitness as some less informed, supposed footy 'experts' have banged on about. Been saying all year that Brayshaw has been a big loss, and if that was a known situation when Jordan was looking elsewhere, there would have been a bigger case for him to stay. Clarrie has clearly been well below his best. Now Trac gone for season, and it is time to try the likes of Rivers, McVee, Nibbler more seriously through the middle. The rest of our on field misfortunes stems largely from here...

Real shame - exciting and promising player who was just finding her feet in AFLW. Fast recovery.

6. ANB 5. Kozzie 4. Rivers 3. Fritta 2. Petracca 1. McVee

6. Trac 5. Nibbler 4. Gawn 3. Langdon 2. Rivers 1. May

6. Gawn 5. Lever 4. Langdon 3. May 2. Turner 1. Rivers

Yes. Apart from being a great and revealing read on the 57 years, the running repairs to the forward line at the end of 2023 and the ultimate attrition of key forwards were highly significant. While the media (cue Damian Barrett) largely went for the 'straight sets' pile-on, I thought that our coaching and selection through that period, plus performances of some individuals, to not only win late season games, but ALMOST win two finals, was stellar. The Club and in particular Goody, received almost zero media credit for that. What might have been if Petts, Fritta and Melky have had stayed on the park....

6. Gawn 5. TMac 4. Langdon 3. Lever 2. Chandler 1. May

Apart from the poor execution when we did win the ball, and the brain fades to go along with it, there were a couple of glaring things to me. One was the lack of hunt of the footy at stoppages and centre bounces, until Viney switched on late in the third and the last quarters, and Riv went in the middle. The first three quarters there was hardly any one on the move around or through the contest - lots of trailing their opponents to the ball. Can't afford to let a bloke like Neale get moving and his hands on the ball first. He set them up to exit the contests at speed. The other was why Max was rarely a target down the line except in the last quarter. We persisted in kicking to an outnumber, or worse still, exactly where Harris Andrews was. I know Max spent quite a bit of time on the bench, but there were other periods where he was just motoring around the opposite side of the ground. Further to that JVR looked pretty 'Roo'ted tonite after some longer (?) stints on the ball, and going deeper in to defence. Saw his opponent run past him to receive a couple of times. Maybe Max was a bit banged up, although he certainly was trying to create at stoppage/centre bounces - playing to my point about lack of hunting the footy from mids at same.

Andy MW time? I know he is playing down back atm in VFL, but is a small forward with speed, good skills, vision and finish - tackles hard and can take a grab too. He must be very close to selection in a similar way to Howes' recent elevation.

6. Petracca 5. Gawn 4. McVee 3. May 2. Lever 1. Sparrow

I am a bit surprised by him more so than the Club. Personally, I think he has the skills and class to make something of his spot. It may take some more continuity at the higher level (leaving aside when that opportunity might be there). I was thinking he was likely to do a Bedford and seek greener pastures given who appears to be ahead of him. But kudos to the Club in retaining him as they obviously see something in him going forward.

Source or personal opinion Beetle?

6. Clarrie 5. Trac 4. May 3. Max 2. Billings 1. Chandler