rpfc

Yeah, look, I would have him if his head was already half in the coaching sphere and he was happy playing a few games here and there. There is a lot to be said for that, but I don't know if he would be ready for that.

It's hard to stave off the Syndrome though - I keep thinking: "what's the catch? At what point will this blow up in my face?"

I understand what you are saying and I agree that losing Frawley is not the disaster some envisioned just a few months back. But (there is always a but) your reasoning above is sound, but if Frawley had spent time in the backline this year would you have said he is integral to our good defensive record? I wouldn't have. The fact that we kept the Dogs to 42 Inside 50s is a testament to the work of players up the ground - not the defenders. They have done well but it is the mindset of the team that is pushing other teams wide into the forward line or stopping the momentum forward altogether. Having Frawley getting the kicks that McDonald is er, doing his best with - makes us a better team - so while I agree he is hardly irreplaceable. I don't like losing talent and taking a couple steps back. That being said - if Frawley goes and we get Fyfe with the compensatory pick - it would be hard to argue we wouldn't be better off...

I don't think he has registered entirely with me... What is he? 20? He just got 11 clearances, kicked two goals and had 27 disposals against a very good midfield. WTF?

If they think Salem can play Byrnes' role than yes, Michie or anyone in form, for Byrnes. But if Salem is not used to that role - this is what is called 'setting someone up for failure.' We have been very good at that, I was hoping we would stop being so good at it though.

The aftermath of this will be unprecedented in player movement - if the Bombers lose a dozen or more players, the AFL is going to have to introduce a in-season short term contract system using FA, or a large 'train on squad' using FA, of state league players for the Bombers to limp to the FA/Trade period at the end of the year.

This will be Byrnes' last year in AFL footy and he is a limited footballer. I am irked that Kent is suspended because that role is screaming out for him. But, as I have said before, I like Roos' promise to the players that if they are the best option for the role, and they can fulfil it - they will play. The players are always talking about 'being happy to play their role' and the fact that we don't have suitable AFL-level talents to play in those roles isn't the fault of the NQR players in those roles.

The problem for McKenzie is that what he has to offer is too similar to Cross, Viney, and, to a lesser extent, Vince. They are the tackling machines asked to apply the defensive pressure that Jordie is good at but the are better at the role than Jordie and look to be attacking when the chance arises. And with Grimes the tagger du-jour, it's tough for him to get any role in the 22.

I love this feeling. This is the feeling that drives teams. I have recently dealt with it in my own team - you work hard, play better but can't pull it together for long enough to win the game. It's motivation like nothing else and while I am not predicting anything the 55 Inside 50s surprised me against a good midfield, I think another Adelaide-like performance is just around the corner.

He was a very good player. I hope Jack can have a similar career trajectory.

And the best part is - we don't need them to be leaders. And that's probably why they are thriving.

I remember that. It's hard not to notice the 6'4 blonde kid that reaches out for a tackle he was never going to get. Some fans have an unfortunate muscle reflex where they see Jack at a contest and train their eyes on what he could have done to affect the contest, rather than what the MFC players in the vicinity could have done. Watching him last night I was reminded again of TJ (and don't give me this 'TJ stood up in tough finals' - he played two quarters in a loss to Adelaide in the 'greatest final of all time' and dominated against Ess in another loss) as his skills and vision are just exquisite. If Roos turns us into the tough tackling, lock down, hard nosed team we look like becoming - do people think that someone of Watts' talents become more or less potent and important?

I think Roos does care. I think that's the point.

Well, I for many, would like him to stay. You don't shed good players if you want to be a good club. It is a shame he is carrying a toe injury, he is 6 weeks into learning a new position; the results are mixed but there is promise. I hope he can shake it off over the bye.

And make those new players earn it.

So: Tyson and 53 for pick 22 and 73? That's a good deal...

That's legal speak. If you have an appeals function in any court - to use that appeals system you are essentially saying 'I want a second opinion, as that one sucked.' Nothing personal to the three amigos...

Some won't be able to shed that state of mind until the 13th arrives...

Is he implicitly saying that any decision that gets an appeal upheld is a reason for the initial decision makers to resign? He is too dim to understand 'an appeals process' - a foundation institution in any legal environment in any democracy. You know, the ability to challenge an adjudication...

Well, I made a snap decision yesterday to spend $300 and fly down after footy to watch the Dees play. I was angry about the decision and I directed towards my savings... Now I am not angry but I will still be there. Going to be a good night of football after the BCNA event - I hope we can show something on the Saturday night stage.

If Fyfe is gettable I would be going there. We have the cap space to land him or someone of his ilk. They will ask for Hogan but we will have a top 5 pick to give.

All interesting names. I still want some mids to compete with the kids we have, someone to help Cross shoulder some burden, a small forward would be a nice luxury item, and a possible replacement for Frawley of course. Hogan and Trengove will be two good acquisitions for 2015...

He would hate that a player directly had a go at his POV. So I am happy.

I don't think we have reached the borders of Buckland yet... And Paul Roos?

Can you let us know if he replied to him? He is a bum sniffer of the highest order so he would give some laughable answer to a Geelong player like AC.