old55

Yes they would have known they could get him for free this year. There will be interest.

Against the Hawthorn Hawks too?

You look wiser than I expected.

Impossible to disagree but there's always an opportunity cost. There's a limit to the number of A graders you can bring in so you have to make sure you get the right ones for your needs in trade. We've already had STMJ saying it would be ideal if we get Prestia, Hurley and Jenkins in (he back-pedalled and said he meant " players of this type", so did he really mean he's be happy with Menadue, Dea and Daw - I don't think so). Clearly we are not going to get those three to the club but we could get one - which one?

"But I predict sure as night follows day that we'll hear over the following 3 weeks up against Hawthorn, Collingwood and Sydney that "Gawny is fatigued and really needs the bye" when he (continues) to perform below par." Let's see if I'm correct.

Gawn isn't playing well that's why - due to fatigue and injury. He's going for marks with just one hand and just trying to equalise the contest. Spencer has had 3 weeks back at VFL level and looks ready to go IMO. This is the week of the next 4 to rest Gawn - in no way am I saying this game is a "gimme" - I tipped us to lose. IMO In the big picture we'd be better off with Spencer than Gawn this week.

He's been playing midfield at Casey. Things change and can improve - look at M.Jones early season form - he was surprisingly very good up to his injury.

I'm gonna stick my neck out and go on record re this week's team I think we should have switched Gawn for Spencer. Sure Gawn may get a record number of hitouts this week against no-one and no doubt someone will be throwing that back at me. But I predict sure as night follows day that we'll hear over the following 3 weeks up against Hawthorn, Collingwood and Sydney that "Gawny is fatigued and really needs the bye" when he (continues) to perform below par. I'd far prefer him refreshed for these 3 games. I think Jake can really take it up to Port's "rucks". I'd also have Dawes in the 22 forward. I think we were too short there last week and that contributed to our too many handballs in the chain problems as we went forward. With Hogan correctly working up and down the ground and Watts rucking, too often we looked up and targets were Garlett, Kennedy and Kent. We needed a leading marking target and Dawes is the man. I'm not suggesting we drop those 3, I think Newton (who came in as emergency) should come out and those 3 need to run more midfield minutes. I admit this could backfire if we run out of midfield legs on the 6 day break but I think the benefit outweighs the risk. We're unbalanced as is. The possible solution is Petracca plays as a lead up forward much more than he has so far. We're making an investment in the future with Oscar Mac and I can understand the angst. We definitely need the extra tall back there and whether it should be him or Dunn or Frost is a reasonable question. This week is a big test for him.

Usually like your posts Gonzo but that is a shocker! Grimes has had deficiencies but it's quite possible that he's worked on these under Macca and J.Plapp and has improved - other similar players have e.g. M.Jones. We don't know until we see him at AFL level - which I hope and expect we do. He most definitely has a crack. He's out of favour with Roos because he's "part of the old problem" but IMO Bugg for example who is in favour, is not a better player. It's almost certain he'll exercise his FA status at the end of the year and someone will get a best 22 player - a fresh start will do him good. I'm fine with that because he's been a victim of MFC incompetence.

Need is there. I'd prefer to consider Vardy or Rhys Stanley at Geelong, particularly if Clark gets fit then they may be available. Not sure what we could offer Geelong though who don't appear to have many weaknesses. Maybe 2nd rounder so they can boost youth.

Only thing missing there is the Premiership Cup sitting beside them a la dazzles' avatar pic

Looking forward to seeing the coaches award votes this week (and every week). That's the KPI for me.

Thanks KC - some nice work from Terlich in there. Great centre tap work and clearance from big Jake too.

Impressive effort to run out the game and play effective footy with that corkie.

You are correct - sorry. Got confused with outs for illness. Still think we were a tall short up forward.

Played his best footy at the western end - coincidence?

Max looks totally cooked. Went for just about every marking contest with one hand just trying to get a break even. He needs to be rested IMO - Jake in. We brought in Newton, a small, for Pedo and I think our fwd set-up was too small as a result. Either Pedo or Dawes in this week for a small.

The structure enabled Garland to play well in his role.

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.