old55

Reid and Dawes played a grand total of 18 games between them in their 1st 3 years on Collingwood's list - in the 4th year both were key parts of the Pies premiership team. Other players from that 2006 draft like N.Brown, Frawley, J.Riewoldt and Tippett came on quicker but I don't think the Pies are disappointed with their picks.

Oh really ... http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/25192-jack-darling/page__view__findpost__p__412514

I don't agree with team selection rotation for match-ups in the backline. We want to establish a stable, flexible back 6 and he's either going to be part of it or he's not. IMO he's been drafted to: - play a permanent role in the back 6 and that lead me to the idea that I opened with and Bob has run with OR - he's depth in case Frawley gets injured

Is that right? What he was thinking about Ben Reid when he'd played 8 games is 3 years.

Club directors, including the president, do not get paid.

The Lucas Cook recruitment looks a bit different now that we've traded for Mitch Clark - I blame Barry's tarot cards.

Yep, that's hard to argue with that. I'm not bitter about Garry Lyon's contribution - he has made one. I'm not deifying him as a saviour - he contributes when it suits him or he's shamed into it.

That's a big part of the concern I've got with Garry - doesn't want to commit to real ongoing involvement but wants to stick his oar in when it suits him.

That's what I said.

I'd take that kind of "hiding to nothing" in my job every year until retirement - it's a consultant's dream assignment. The main thing I admire about Garry is that he realises he's not up to the job.

FMD, you must be kidding? Breeze in for 6 months, spend more than twice as much as before on the FD, leave the actual work to others prepared to stay the course and leave labelled "the savior".

2 great lotharios comparing notes ... "yep her too and her 5 daughters"

Maybe that's in some other thread - I didn't see it in here. I like him as a defender who can take the kick-ins but agree he will have some stiff opposition for a spot in the back 6 - particularly if as seems likely Grimes plays there. Frawley, Rivers, Garland, Sellar, Grimes, Bartram, Bennell, Tapscott, Strauss, Macdonald, Nicholson - they can't all play together. I think the back 6 remains an area where you're trying get some stability and a group that is used to working together. Midfield and forward rely on rotations - backline relies on flexibility, stability and co-operation.

I agree that's the risk - he may be on the slide and not best 21. Neeld will be able to make that assessment.

It's impossible to top that pic with the great WC Redleg - that's truly gold!

I'd go with Green. Grimes is ideal if he can play but he needs a solid year on the field. Trengove just needs to play. It'll will be fascinating © to see what happens.

I really liked Tom McDonald's back play last year under Viney and how this enabled Garland to play a much more attacking role. I was a bit disappointed when I heard Tom was training with the forwards but then I thought about Sellar's role and was happier - we might win both ways. And yes there's Troy Davis too, but as Bob says Sellar is ready body-wise now.. I think Lonergan is a great example - I had him firmly as a "spud" forward but he's been great back. Adelaide have had Rutten for gorillas and I'm less convinced about his attacking attributes, Sellar was probably competing with Rutten for a role - Bock and then Davis were the Scarlett types - Sellar doesn't relace them.

Strauss was on a definite improvement gradient before his injury - some great shutdown work and some attacking play too. He's got a body to be reckoned with. Some will struggle to get past his fumble with Campbell Brown. He's no sure thing but he's got attributes. Maybe he's just the new Belly or maybe, like BP hoped, our Lindsay Gilbee.

Agree good news on James Strauss. We need somone designated to kick in and he's my preference, my alternative is Tapscott. I like Sellar in the backline if he can stand-up because that will free Frawley off the key forward. My back 6 of Frawley, Sellar, Rivers, Garland, Bartram, Grimes doesn't have a logical kick-in unless it's Frawley or Garland. I would like either Strauss or Tapscott in there and Grimes to the midfield. Bennell could replace Bartram but I get the feeling Neeld may prefer Clint. Also good news on Jake Spencer - I know many here don't rate him but he can play the #1 ruck role if required. With Gawn injured he's very important depth if Jamar also gets injured which has happened. Stef could step up as #1 but that would mean rucking Clark. I'd prefer Jake in for the Russian if required. If Stef gets injured it's a different story - Clark would have to ruck. I see it Jamar/Spencer and Martin/Clark Combos: #1: Jamar-Martin If Jamar is injured: Spencer-Martin (prefer this to Martin-Clark) If Martin is injured: Jamar-Clark Jake is out of contract and has a great opportunity to establish his value.

What about Darling and Cook?

only the girls do

Did he offer you a cameo in his upcoming movie?

Sellar has some good size. Grimes looks well developed. I think it's Tynan with red hair - looks like he has a strong frame that will develop well.

I'd rather go to jail than call Telstra customer service. http://www.telstra.com.au/abouttelstra/media-centre/announcements/UBERSTAGING_073895 My wife has a Telstra iPhone - I'll take it into a Telstra shop when the pre-season cup is on and get them to show me how to make it work.

I think the 3km run was around Phil.