rpfc

Easier said than done to put it mildly... But yes, our clearance work, transition from defence to attack, and general skill level and decision making in the middle of the ground is bottom 2 quality with Carlton. First we had Jones then we had Tyson, Cross and Vince with him, now we look to have Brayshaw and Vandenberg. 2 from the pointy end of the draft, 3 from other clubs, and one from the NEAFL. I hope we explore more trades and mature recruits in lieu of kids at the draft - we have enough potential - I want performance.

I recall you intimating that you were done with Watts years ago and wouldn't bother yourself with him. And yet, what do you post most frequently on? No need to answer, it's a rhetorical question. I hope you see more at the footy now that the blonde kid will not draw your eye... Enjoy.

As I argued at the time - if the player had a chance to hear the deal then we did agree to it.

Ok, so the new boss has some ideas - I don't hate them (I don't love them), but at least they are floating them rather than telling them and I do like the fact that some of the ideas are not self-serving (or powerful clubs serving) flap. http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/draw-fix-may-be-chiefs-legacy-20150514-gh22dz.html http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-clubs-lukewarm-on-fixture-change-20150514-gh1tv3.html But there is some horrendous stuff in there - teams 7-12 playoff for 2 spots in the finals after round 17? Seems a tad arbitrary and takes away from the month of September. Essentially, you could be 7th and win your last 5 games and be rewarded with...7th and an away final as the 6th team gets pummelled and finishes with 4 fewer wins but a home final... That is a terrible idea... Of course, Caro carries the can for AFL House... If these ideas came from Eddie she would tear them apart, but thou shalt not burn bridges at AFL House!

As the bumper, I agree that we all get things wrong, I also think it is a good reminder that we all get things wrong...

Yes, I am aware of the lack of form and consistency with N.Jones, Tyson, Dawes, Vince, Lumumba, Dunn, Garland, and Howe has hurt us. If we are to go close they will have to join McDonald, Cross, Garlett, and Hogan with a consistent effort and by playing their role well. Another issue is that only 4 of the dozen above are mids and another two 'move through' the midfield. If the form of the team holds for the rest of the year - Brayshaw and Vandenberg will be mids 5 and 6 in the list above but it will mean our senior players have stagnated again, and the rebuild will be pushed out again...

The ins and outs is pure deck chair shuffling - as ever, our best dozen players will decide how well we do. And, contrary to popular belief amongst fans, being dropped is not the end of the world, or a career, it's what happens to players out of form, out of confidence, out of sorts, or all of the above.

I really don't know what you are referring to about the 'more sense for points system' and the NFL also allows trading of future picks.

Yes, that is for the FS kids and the Academy kids, but there is also a mention toward trading future picks as a part of the normal dealing of trade week. http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-plans-usstyle-draft-days-20150513-gh13zg.html

Well, we kept all our picks from 2007 to 2012 and look where it got us... The decision to not trade away picks is a decision, and it can be just as poor a decision as trading for average talent. I don't think this will do anything other than offer more opportunity to clubs - for good and bad.

Honestly, do you even know what you are angry about?

This is a part of that. If Roos was able to package future picks - our turn around would be faster. Using US sports again - in the NBA, Dallas do not draft kids, the owner doesn't believe in development - they go out and trade away picks for undervalued, known commodities and they do it very well. They use the functionality of future picks to do this. This is a means, not an end, it is up to the clubs what path they take and where they end up. I trust the club at the moment not to get lost.

I don't expect a win but I don't expect a flogging either. My expectations have been lifted by the lift in performance this season and I see a Hawthorn team weakened playing against a team of players waiting for a game where their confidence 'clicks' at the same time. Our top 6 players are not at their best right now, but would stack up against Hawthorn's best 6 for the first time in about a decade. Start with some confidence and I think we will be a chance. But have 5 players with the predominant mindset they have shown in the last few weeks of inertia and concern and we will get badly beaten.

Great news. A top 5 pick should have an automatic 4 year contract anyway but it is always good to see commitment from the young talent. Set up for a big 2016.

Yeah, the one or two clangers he used to do a game really burned us...

Bump. lol

This is a whole different thread but if went 9 and 13 after 4 and 18 last year - that isn't a pass mark for Roos - that is a distinction.

It's $500k supposedly, OD, not $700k and just because he is a role player, does not mean he isn't important. Hawthorn, Freo, and Sydney are filled with role players. There are a few expansive players that are around those well oiled machines but those teams are built upon AFL-capable players with seasoned bodies playing specific roles. Again, and this is where 'reasons' can't be dismissed as 'excuses' - what forward line can win you a game with 31 Inside 50s?

Dawes is a role player. A very capable one. But, again, 31 Inside 50s and we are criticising the forwards for not kicking enough goals? That number is so low, and has been so low, that one can struggle to fathom how Hogan gets his two goals a game of late...

Martin benefited from getting out of the city, he was having some personal issues and it was affecting his footy.

Whenever someone tells me that the AFL will reward us when we start winning with better fixtures, my mind goes here:

Terlich, Matt Jones, Michie, McKenzie are now behind him. That was swift...

I think it is a reflection of Aaron. It is also a reflection of our list that he could go past so many, so quickly.

Updated, and I have added an underlined feature for those I think are in the top 11 paid players; this is what determines RFA for those out of contract after 8/9 years.

Jetta is an interesting one as he went back through the drafts and back to us - I would be extremely disappointed (but not surprised) if the AFL allows him to be a Free Agent when he reaches 8 years in the system. Also, they will both be Unrestricted FAs in a few years time as they will not be in the top 25% of players by wage.