Redleg

We still haven't got a small goal kicking forward like Betts or Garlett. Every other team seems to have a few. With Aussie gone, Davey hopeless, Lawrence not ready if ever, we haven't fixed this area.

What about the signing of the previous years number 1 draft pick in October of the following year, behind everyone's back and then playing for a year, while knowing you are leaving and lieing to all concerned?

I know a little about Matt and he is a nice guy and easy to get along with but most importantly has a track record of good draft selections. We would be remiss not to speak to him, especially considering our current list and the angst over many of our draft selections of the last few drafts.

A double premiership ruckman with two clubs, that's who.

Just saw a replay of the Saints game and we were ok for 90% of the game. We were a goal down with about 5 minutes to play. How is that a pathetic side? We have played ok in parts of other games as well and then agreed, pathetically in others. There is some light at the end of the tunnel and it will probably have more to do with our younger players and the ones we draft this year, than our older ones.

This is the same boy that many on here wanted off the list a while a go.

Agree, that sums it up without all the hysteria. We turn it over more than any other side I can recall.

Well that explains why I am the only person here at Metricon Stadium.

IMO the best thing for all concerned is that this thread should be locked until the conclusion of the hearing.

Yes, John Meesen.

We need pace and skill and that is better resourced in the draft or trading for draft picks. I would be very wary of going after recycled players unless they fill a real need for us. Too often they fail, Sellar and his ruck mate of a few years ago who I have forgotten spring to mind. If however you could find a player like Kennedy who went to the Swans, then go for it, but again that is not a money exercise.

Back in Oz and on the Gold Coast for a couple of days. Great to be back. Just watched the last quarter of the Tigers v Swans game last week to get a footy fix. It showed again what we lack and that is pace on and off the ball and the skill and talent to deliver it accurately. It amazes me when people say we recruited all these talented skinny quick players and should have gone for solid types. I actually think we have done the opposite. Aside from T$ who obviously can't be named on this thread and maybe Blease, who are all these quick skinny skilled players we have recruited? From our first game this year we have been shown up in pace and skill. It seems to be our downfall in every game. There is no doubt we can get contested ball and also no doubt that we then turn it over. This is the reason I feel so strongly that we can turn it around next year if we finish last or near last, get JV for a 2nd rounder and use the three 1st round picks to get talented quick skillful players with a hunger to win. Add that to our best side and there is a huge difference to our chances. We also need to get games into our younger players. For the record I don't see guys like Trengove, Gysberts, Tapscott as quick especially when Fitzpatrick can easily out sprint them. We need pace around the packs to break the lines or we will never improve.

He has leg problems and will never be as good as he was. Take that as gospel.

I am sure we all understand how tough AFL footy is and that if you are a bit off you can get belted. Being "off" includes things like skill, talent, attitude, pace, fitness, aggression, team orientation ( selfless play), courage, knowledge and understanding of the game plan , any of which or a combination of some, that may be below your opposition. It would be fair to say that we are "off" in most of these areas. If I am correct with the above, then it can be no surprise what is happening. If that is the case and we believe we have a good coach as we all did when he was appointed, then he needs full support as many on here have posted and not be white anted. We have been down for a fair while and the team needs a clean out and the addition of more players who can provide what is needed in all respects. Not necessarily nice boys but great footballers. I am not suggesting criminals but you all know what I mean. Again as many have posted we need an injection of speed, skill and hunger for success. We have a strong draft coming. We will have high picks. We hopefully will get JV for a 2nd rounder thereby preserving our high picks. There are 2 players who GWS can trade and we might have the best picks to offer. We will have some players who can be traded for some value to improve our later picks. We should also be in the market to pick up a player who shows something but is not getting a game elsewhere like Sewell when we tried to get him and now say Kennedy and Hill who are playing well for the Eagles but were modest at their previous clubs. Our good young players will get fitter , gain experience and understand the game plan better by next year and those who have tried and failed will be gone. We have the nucleus of a side but we need the injection of that skill, pace and hunger. The players that don.t care less should be discarded and the culture will change. Both the Eagles and Bombers were pathetic and in one year improved markedly. We need to back this coach, footy department and club and stop sniping. We can,t keep changing coaches all the time, maybe it really is the players we have who are just not the right players. Does anyone really believe that even God could coach us to a flag at the moment? I hope I never have to say this ever again, but I hope we finish as low as possible this year so we have the best chance to fix this mess up. A few wins and a few spots higher could really stuff up our chances for the future. I will cop it this year for the last time as long as our choices in every situation after the season are the best ones that. Can be made. I will be at the games hoping we play well for the rest of the year but deep down inside knowing that a small loss may be our best "long term result". At the same time Neeld will have my full support and hopefully that of all Dees.

Why?

Not sure about the Dangerfield bit but agree with the rest. We need an injection of classy quick skillful players as well as JV and the delisting of those that don,t give a stuff.

Just seen the scores and read the game day posts. It still seems that what many of us have been saying for a long time is still the problem, poor skill and lack of pace. Some of that can be cured with a few good selections at the draft this year. Tinkering with the game plan will also help. Turnover of personnel will have to happen. One thing that happened in the first game against the Lions is still occurring according to Luke Darcy, the opposition has players sitting 5-10 meters off the pack and it is consistently flicked out to one of them and then they are away and we are chasing. Why has that not been rectified?

Has he ever heard of the 5 year plan?

Me too and I have another grandchild on the way as does WJ.

I am in New York and arrive back before the Swans game next week and share your sentiments, Old Dee. Thank you all for Demonland, it is a great read when you are away.

Hi guys from a cruise ship in the Pacific about to cross the Panama Canal. Glad the boys had a real dip last night and that we are starting to gell a bit. With Chip out and Mitch and LJ it was a great effort. If we inject some speed and skill in the midfield at the draft or trading we will be a decent side next year. Keep well and back for the Sydney game. Love reading Demonland while away, I feel like I am there with you all.

Good post. You don't boo your own. I recall at a Carlton game years ago many years ago fans booing Ange Christou and even Kouta and both had great careers with them and those same fans would then kiss their arses. Typical Carlton. We don't need to behave like them. I hope Cale continues to improve and becomes a consistently good footballer for us. A bit more strength and who knows.

Didn't see the game yet as I am overseas, but I have posted previously that JT is not quick and I think that is going to be a problem. When some people say we can't go for young quick players I believe that is what we are missing. Obviously wet nights negate speed but generally we need a couple of quick skilfull mids who can spread and deliver. Then we will be a decent side.

Thanks, leaving today. I think you posted earlier you are also going away, if so enjoy your trip.

Starting to look like the game against GWS at the G could be our big one. Not too many others where we can be optimistic.Perhaps the return game in Canberra and the GC one.