old55

I really like Chandler but I'd prefer to retain Bedford of the two, because he has more X-factor like Kossie. Like you say, maybe Bailey Laurie can cover Kade's loss which would be good. AMW seems to have more X-factor like Toby but he needs another season of development to be ready for top level AFL which is where we are at. Adelaide were keen on Kade last year but with Rachele and their other small forwards plus Rankine, they are fully stocked in that area. It will be interesting to see what other suitors come. He is contracted, while Toby is OOC and already has one offer from Essendon.

Young was taken at 7 so that North pick would not have got him. We took Jackson with 3 ahead of Young at 7.

Every player under 25yo in the top 25 of that list would easily nett at least a first rounder.

Pretty good OP, some observations ... The two Smiths are already recontracted. We can't afford to lose both Bedford and Chandler. As posted above - one small forward injury and they're in. It will be hard to retain both. We didn't take Kossie and Rivers ahead of Young. We took Jackson ahead of him.

https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_player_rankings?year=2022&rt=LA&st=CM #21 in the league for average contested marks per game and among some pretty good company.

I can't see Carlton letting de Koning go, it would be madness if they did - he's a contested marking machine.

If I have to commit then I think MFC vs Sydney. I think Geelong win another easy uncontested game this week and then get a rude surprise in the PF.

I was thinking about the permutations for the GF if we make it. Week 1 any of the other 7 could make it against us, in week 2 only 3 of the 5 remaining can be our opponents - that's a big drop. PF week - 2 possible opponents of course.

I would like to see us draft or rookie Corey Ellison.

It depends on whether we win on Friday - likely to be our biggest test.

Geelong, Melbourne or Sydney will win the flag. Collingwood can't win it with their uncontested style. They'll have to get through at least two of the three above to do it and that won't happen. Richmond may win this week but will find it too hard against Sydney or Melbourne the next week. The rest are making up the numbers.

Geelong know they have to win the flag this year or bust. Pressure is huge.

Agree, if we win through to the GF there is no way the FD will change the team unless there's an injury.

Daniel Bradshaw is 43yo now. I know we need a key forward but leave that age recruiting to Geelong.

Not playing in the midfield - White, Munro, Dunstan.

Essendon if they get a decent coach.

Great win by Casey - they'd give the AFL bottom 6 a run for their money. Van Rooyen and Turner are clearly AFL quality in the making. I expect Mitch Brown to retire from AFL, and Tomlinson and Dunstan should be playing AFL at another club - I couldn't blame them for that. Also as posted in the Bedford thread, I think him and/or Chandler will move for AFL opportunities next year. Hopefully we can retain one of them. If we can beat Sydney on Friday then the VFL and AFL teams will play alternating weeks. If we make the AFL and VFL GFs then the VFL players will be off a 6 day break for the AFL GF.

Free wasn't even reversed. Munro is a Casey talisman - love his hardness.

The young Schwarter!

Unfortunately it's hard to see us retaining both Bedford and Chandler for opportunities, but we do need to retain one of them. I really rate both, Toby has more X-factor and that's what we need, so I hope it's him but would be sorry to lose Kade who seems like a great person to have at the club.

This!

Tremendous for Clarrie, fully deserved, he is a great - IMO this is the most important and relevant award.

It's got a bit of "heart beats true" about it too

Agree. I haven't liked our sub strategy with smalls in Bedford or Chandler. I prefer Tomlinson who enables us to cover a tall out which has been costly in games this year. Even more risk now that we are only playing one KP in Brown plus the rucks forward. TMac would be a good option as sub. Especially with Gus in the midfield and a full complement of small backs. We can cover a small out easier from the 22. Hard on JJ but there it is ...

I have similar sympathy for Tom Scully as @Slartibartfast. When was the last time a young player said in season he was leaving? What did you want him to say when he was filmed in Sydney? I don't think "no comment" would have satisfied. I have my doubts that the dying Jim was ready to hear "your club is f**ked, I'm going to GWS". The mature 2022 Demons have shielded LJ and have said "let's give him time, he can decide at the end of the season". The broken 2011 Demons left Scully out to dry as the media hounded him for a public answer. Scully made a sound decision and was put in an unenviable position.