old55

He is a big out but they've got plenty more to replace him.

Nice first post Si.

Set shot kicking is technically far easier than field kicking, the target is much bigger and it's stationary. The problems players encounter are mostly mental. TMac and Hunt are 2 players who manage this.

I think North rely on their best players, the issue is that they are senior. Results need to come now. It would have been doubly difficult for North fans "death-riding" our season for an early pick. Either we're better than they thought or their future is horrible.

My informed info is that Gosch's Paddock surface is not fit for purpose particularly mid-winter because it's open to public foot traffic. The training surface there directly caused in-season injuries last year. We will need to prevent foot traffic for this to be a meaningful solution.

Well the club hasn't sat on its hands after the disastrous 2018 - new captain, new senior assistant coach, new fitness manager, 3 new senior recruits (Langdon, Tomlinson, Brown), taken an uncharacteristic but welcome risk with Bennell, traded up to have 2 early first round picks. Mahoney and Goodwin are the main constants from last year and I appreciate that some here would have had them first out the door. I don't believe in changing everything at once, you need some continuity and I'm a big believer in Mahoney and Goodwin. It will be interesting to see how we go - their reputations and jobs are on the line.

Price and term heading north quickly. Sign him long term now.

Drafted by big bad Barry Prendergast.

I thought it was an element.

No our 2019 was horrible but so was Richmond's 2016.

I was there in 72 when we stormed home only to lose by a point. And again in 91 when the Saints stormed home and we held on by a point. Lucky to get up Clay St alive. If we'd gone up Linton St I wouldn't be here posting.

... era.

Yes I agree that the Saints should have won the 2009 flag. I think if Geelong had won as they should have in 2008 then the Saints probably would have won in 2009 - justice would have been done and Ross would have a flag. That's the most star-studded line-up not to win a flag since Geelong under Malcolm Blight in 1989-1995. Malcolm went on to get his flags, Ross - not so much.

Jimma and Gazza dayz. I believe we have progressed. I wouldn't want Ross, defence is very important I believe you have to attack at least at some stage to win the flag.

Agree, it could get interesting if as we both think Jones and ANB are in competition for the defensive forward role. It's guaranteed that at least one of them will play IMO.

Will Ross be good replacement selection for Goodwin?

We effectively traded Frost for Langdon.

Strange, it reminds me of all the years you relentlessly bagged Neale Daniher and favoured Terry Wallace. How has that wine aged Champ?

Where are Melbourne going to finish this year Rono? I don't really expect an answer and I deliberately avoided "we" in the question.

Great to see Langdon, Tomlinson, Brown, Jackson and Pickett in red and blue. And AVB, Melksham, Lever, Jetta and TMac all turning out for the opener. Exciting times. Strap in for the ride.

Probably more likely than a Spargo, Kossie, Lockhart combo.

I guess Mario lost his reason for existence in 2017.

I can't see why he couldn't play v Hawthorn that's an 8 day break. He gets a 6 day break to the Vic game - that may be enough, he will probably play limited minutes in the Vic game and could do that in the MFC game too. maybe he'll play all 3.

Suspect Jetta may miss since he probably has Vic responsibilities on Fri 28/02? Lockhart in?

I did look at that on Sportsbet but they won't allow the multi because they are not independent events. I do think Petracca at $501 is good value though.