old55

I liked Watts in the ruck. He was competitive enough and it gets him involved in general stoppage play. It adds another dimension to his already valuable contribution and frees a slot in the 22 for another runner or another genuine marking fwd e.g. Dawes.

It's a ridiculous proposal.

R5: Lynden Dunn: Dunny was fantastic on the weekend. He played a defensive role for us after being dropped from the senior team. Dunny came back and worked on a few areas of his game, which he was able to do. He had 26 possessions, five marks and five inside 50s, which was a pretty solid performance. Dunny showed great leadership and great organisation with our back six. R6: Lynden Dunn: Dunny had 28 possessions and made several effective tackles. He was really solid for us in defence and was really strong in a lot of one-on-one contests. He came forward in a lot of contests, which we encouraged him to do. He set up a lot of our offensive play, because he kicks the ball well and can get some distance. Dunny put the ball inside 50 five times during the game, which was a really good effort. He competed really well and it was a really solid game for him.

I nearly fell over when I read Salem was dropped!

It might make more sense if OMac comes in and Garland plays a different role with Jetta out. That's what I expect.

I don't think it's 100% certain that Watts will be at the club next year, he has been much improved this year and I think he's value but he's RFA and there's a lot of season to play out. If Dawes can get fit then he's clearly the option there, they are very different players but they can fill a similar forward role.

Rubbish - Wagner and Hunt played back against the Saints and Salem went off concussed.

It's early to call but ... Grimes is UFA - he'll seek opportunity elsewhere, who can blame him? Terlich can't break in - he'll be delisted IMO Dunn and/or Garland will be on the trade table and there is likely to be a market for them.

I'm unconvinced that McEvoy-Hale is a quantum better than a Gawn-Spencer combination that we've hardly tried. Quite frankly, to channel Hannibal, I'd prefer we're headed towards a premiership structure in 2019, than winning games right now.

They didn't win in solely because they played 2 ruckmen but that was an integral part of the very successful combination and game plan they went in with. They definitely had the option of going with one and rucking Roughy part time a la Pedo but they didn't.

Spencer would be more effective than Frost was forward and actually offers something in the ruck..

Hawthorn have won the last 3 flags playing two ruckmen.

Newton for Michie? Hmmm which type of Parsley garnish would I prefer?

Frost is no-brainer for tall back role IMO - his closing speed is incredible and he has the size to spoil anyone. His kicking is even more dodgy than TMacs - that's the downside - the opposition will let him have it in his hands deep.

Frost went off in the 3rd? with reported back spasm and didn't come back on. He was very ginger post-match, looked lower back. I was pleased to see him playing back ahead of that, nothing special but his size and great pace were on show.

I think there's horses for courses - against the Dogs we could have done with some extra inside grunt (or more contribution from Jones and Oliver), I don't think that's what we'll need against Brisbane with their current make-up so ANB and Trengove may not get the look in they probably deserve.

I agree with that. I also noticed at least twice yesterday when he won very clean possession of super hot contested ball. I think we'll persist, ultimately he will improve in his areas or will be replaced by a very good player.

Dogs a class above. Harder inside, better outside and cleaner. Margin flattered us.

Observations: ANB in everything Hulett is exciting Brayshaw unlucky Sandy scoreboard only has one number 5

It was your example and it doesn't help your case. You're now saying someone not as good as Smith for King, Hulett and Spencer is a better plan than a cheap contract extension for Jake?

You mean like burning the picks we used on Mitch King and Liam Hulett?

Please give me your list of replacements?

Analysis lacking imagination. Spencer's manager: "Jake is UFA this year and I've had some inquiries. He really wants to stay the course with the Demons."

Agree. I think Pedersen has him covered overall at present because he has those around the ground assets, but "Betty" must be a better option than say Frost in this role.

I don't think it's out of the question that Gawn and Spencer play together sometime this year. I'm on record saying this is not on, but if Pedersen is missing ...