rpfc

Yes, a few horrendous losses (they are coming) and we will back to being hopeless with no light at the end of the tunnel. Oh, and they will marry that with a meme about not deserving any assistance for being terrible at picking teenagers. We are headed for yet another 3 or 4 win season after going 3, 4, 8.5, 8.5, and 4 in the five years previous to that. If we don't trigger the AFL's secret formula for draft assistance then there is no formula, there is only subterfuge and the desire to appease their own perception.

If it was certain they would suspend it, they are just trying to drum up interest IMO.

I completely understand the anxiety about drafting for needs. But we are not talking about a Molan situation where we punted on a tall at Pick 9. We will have the chance to pick up the best or second best mid in the draft and if we get it right it will be more important than getting another giant to stnad in the forward line. We are in a midfielders league. We will have a chance to take a top 2 mid this year.

I don't want to play Clark in the ruck. We may have to, but I don't know if his body is going to be able to take that. Watts isn't a CHF, Dawes isn't a CHF, Howe isn't a CHF, Hogan should not be forced to play CHF for a few years. Gawn as back-up ruck in the pocket, Dawes as FF, Hogan on a flank, Howe on a wing/HFF, Watts on a wing/HFF, and Clark at CHF is the only way I can think to fit them all in. Fitz has little chance. *SMALL FWD* Dawes Gawn+ Watts/Howe# Clark Hogan #Rotation through wing +Backup for Jamar or Spencer And this set-up still looks a bit heavy and slow. Watts might fetch us a good young mid if he continues his form of late. It would be aruthless decision but one that we may benefit both parties.

We need to get our house in order before we start putting the hard word on players. Lets give them a reason to stay not simply guilt them into it.

If anyone is wondering what happened; the blokes simply tensed up. In sport, if you are doing well and find yourself on top you should never 'look down' because then you try to 'not screw up' and stop doing the things that got you to where you are. That and the kids can't run out games...

Shall I point out the myriad of reasons that is wrong or shall I just glare?

Did M. Night Shamalan write that game thread. Like going inside the head of self-loathing schizophrenic. Happily we played three quarters of footy. Enjoy it. Wins are hard, whether you come from behind or stay in front at the death.

Spargo is interim President. Surely, we would like to have at least one board member at all times?

He didn't have a full pre-season. And I agree that we need to show better care for our players - Trengove missed a few months of PS and his terrible form in the first 8 weeks may have been fitness base related. Clark was a rushed return IMO and should have not played. Again, as long as Jack is not endangering a full PS for 2014 then him playing the year out is fine.

I think you would find it is Jack who is doing it to himself. I am ok with it (being a captain myself I would do the same) assuming he can have a full pre-season.

At least we would have an insight into the mind of the kid.

I was going to 'like' this post because I agree with it. I certainly don't like that I agree with it. Misson too. Consequences come especially if Trengove and others are in trouble.

For a guy who can get 5 kicks a game and still be in the top 4 players on the ground we are worrying a lot over very little.

All the what ifs about Clark are neglecting the image of our pathetic midfield. It is a bare cupboard, not a cupboard full but with a few question marks. Either simply pick mid(s) in the top 5 or trade down and try to grab someone on the way down. This is not a Richmond - Tambling scenario. They did not have a Hogan coming through. They did not have a 25 year old bullocking workhorse at FF and an 25 year old athletic CHF (who does have a ? on his foot admittedly).

I am sure we are going to be in for some pain on this. I would prefer to just get it over with than keep this Damocles sword hanging above our head. Get Bates in a room with ASADA and get it done.

I like this stance. Stressing the only independent voice on this issue is the AFL Commission.

Tapped. Market. Move. On.

Look, I hate to be arrogant, dismissive, and patronising (oh, who am I kidding - I do enjoy that...) but this is coming from AFL Tasmania... It's as if Tassie local competition is whingeing up the chain. All the other parties, you know, the ones with actual power, are simply giving their input: the AFL says 'no comment' and the next day says 'yeah, we will read their stuff', and the Tassie Govt says 'yeah, this would be good!' Those two would have to be the ones driving it for this to be even remotely considered. One has got 99 Problems and giving Tassie a team ain't one, and the other already sold its Tassie-team soul to Hawthorn then the Kangas. The PR team that the Tassie Govt uses for the drive for a team has not been involved which means the Tassie Govt is not involved. I hate to break it to AFL Tasmania but not only will you not get 'one team to root for' (as if that will make AFL in Tassie prosper) but you won't get a team called Tasmania for the foreseeable future. They should just give it a rest - they're embarrassing themselves.

But before we do that we might have a pregnant pause, and really think about it.

Thought it was ok. Surely, there is no need to dump on everything?

If you knew what I knew about what Thompson was like down at the Cattery off the field - I reckon you would change your tune.

Yes, the General Manager of Football Ops that Mahoney is installed in on an interim fashion.

Apparently, he is being chased as the Head of the FD.

Yep, macca is spot on.