old55

Depends how strong the wind is blowing from the west. I'm in the Shane Warne stand on Level 4 in Q2 Row A behind the PRE goals. If it's windy I'll get wet despite what the chart says.

Cal Twomey has Duursma at 3 and Watson at 5 in his August Phantom Form Guide, that doesn't mean that's where he'll end up in November and it's not a Phantom Draft anyway - that's something Twomey does separately based on teams' preferences and not Twomey's outright rating. https://www.afl.com.au/news/1009306/cal-twomeys-phantom-form-guide-top-draft-prospects-august-ranking

If I'm the Dogs I'm not paying more than 10 and 17 (2420 points) for 4 (2034), that's a 20% upgrade on points. If I'm Melbourne I'm not paying more than 15 (1112) + 24 (785) + 34 (542) a similar 2439 points to the Dogs offering. The issue for Melbourne is that we hope 15 and 34 end up being later when the season ends and draft positions are set, whereas for the Dogs, Brisbane's 17 can't be much later.

The Dogs are well placed for GC's pick 4 (2034 pts) with pick 10 (1395) and Brisbane's 17 (1025), that's 2420 pts total - a very nice upgrade for both clubs.

I'm on record saying this trade would only be a success if Melbourne wins a flag with Brodie at the club and I'm continuing with that line. If we win the flag this year with Max making a solid contribution because he's playing fit in contrast with last year, then I'll consider the trade a success even if Brodie doesn't play for the rest of the year and gets traded at the end. Flags are hard to win and take a lot of ingredients.

Jake spoke very well in this interview, very positive and vey humble. I wonder if he and Steven May have direct input into backline selection decisions? https://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/1422909/qualifying-final-media-conference-jake-lever

He can watch Maxy hold up the cup on 30 September on TV from Margaret River.

I haven't been impressed with Sydney's last two 4th quarter efforts 0.4 to 8.12 in total. Carlton will run over them if they're anywhere near close at 3qtr time. St.Kilda should be playing GWS at Marvel and would win there, but not at the MCG. Brisbane won't lose at the Gabba, even in the PF against Collingwood who will be beaten up by consecutive games against Melbourne and Carlton. We need to win the QF or otherwise it will be us in that boat.

Melbourne, Brisbane, Carlton, GWS Collingwood, Port Melbourne, Brisbane Melbourne

Wet weather creates a selection problem for Collingwood too though who likely planned to go in with Cameron and Cox. Will they just go with one and can he go with big Maxy for four quarters?

Tom Lynch will play all next year at 31yo. If his foot is OK he should be able to play at least 2 more years. He's a very good player. Lynch has 2 years to run on his contract at Richmond, he's not going to play in their next flag. Their first pick last year was 49 and they have 25, 44, 62, 80 this year. They may be looking to improve their draft hand and Lynch would be valuable collateral along with Dusty. I'd definitely be interested.

Max said on Gus and Gawny that he couldn't se himself making 250 games.

Grundy going to one of our main competitors say either Port or Sydney over the next few years will result in a fair loss of IP. Of course Collingwood has rolled that same dice with us this year.

Trade period runs 9-18 October, we could be playing on 30 September. When do you think it's a good date for him to start investigating his future? Do you reckon we weren't talking to him until after Collingwood's GF last year?

Collingwood also have Moore, Murphy and McCreery to come in and 3 coming out for them who are not named in the VFL side.

15 listed WB players: Crozier, Busslinger (0 AFL games), Cleary, Gardner, O'Brien, Garcia, Poulter, Gallagher (0), Clarke (0), West, Raak (0), Khamis, Sweet, McComb, McLean - including 5 who have not played at AFL level. We have 8 MFC listed players including 7 with no AFL experience. White, Munro and Buntine do add something though. Looks stacked against us.

Yes Butters was tremendous that night. He's definitely a great player. But I just think Petracca is primed to explode.

Damien Barrett: "IF ...ever there was a player poised to take over a finals series on sheer willpower THEN ... Zak Butters. Cannot wait to see him run out onto the Gabba on Saturday week. Eyes will be rolling in that controlled way. Old-school sporting killer instinct. Compelling to watch. " Has he heard about Christian Petracca? Look out world!

Cannot see that happening when you think about the whole of the Melbourne Football Club. I think AFLW wouldn't be impressed.

So why are you "still pretty salty"? I'm happy with the outcome

Really? I don't think KFW is quite ready for the big time yet but give him a few years. But if you'd prefer him on Thursday night then good luck!

You mean a Casey final at the same time as the AFLW Premiers season launch match?

Prefer Mac Andrew to JVR do you? We got kissed there.

They just get more picks at the end of the draft, they don't get left with one pick.

Sensible flexible cheap depth.