Go the Biff

Just from memory Richmond picked up the likes of Geoff Raines, Dale Weightman, Jimmy Jess & Merv Keane from the Mildura / Swan Hill zone. There were probably plenty more

I don't think there's been a rule change that's enhanced the game since they revived Out on the Full. Maybe the Centre Square but SFA after that

Quoting myself but what the hell. For those interested in a comparison later than the '80's / 90's a comparison to Hawkins is instructive. Hawkins, who came into AFL with a much more developed body, didn't become a dominant forward until his sixth season in the comp. In his first five years the only times he really looked like a quality player was when he played on Nathan Carroll. I wouldn't be giving up on the Weed just yet.

That's been my suspicion as well. He moves & bends for the ball as though he's wearing a back brace, designed & manufactured some time in the 1960's. There's been the odd week where he's seemed a bit freer but he regresses the following week. To my unprofessional eye it looks like a back issue he can't shake off. Agree with your last line too. We've put a lot of eggs in the Tom McDonald basket

No doubt he'll be back at Casey as soon as a better, fit & hopefully in form option is available. For his development though, I'd be playing him forward for the rest of the season with the simple instruction of trying to mark everything he can. Hate to use this bloke but James Sicily is an example of a player who's been developed really well by playing him at both ends. I think Petty has the basis of a very good skill set

Your old man is dead set kidding himself. We'd have struggled to field a competitive side in the gf. Flower, Wilson & Dean are just a few of those who'd have struggled to come up. That PF against the Hawks was brutal

Has he ever finished a game on the park ? The poor bugger just keeps finding different ways to get hurt !

He'd be getting on a bit but we might be able to snaffle him in the mid season draft

Liam Wale-Buxton. Recruited from Vermont in the EFL. Goes alright

Because he can't get a kick mate. There is a chasm between VFL and AFL. If he can't get near it at the lower level, do you blame some for being less than enthusiastic about his prospects ?

This is true but overlooked for the most part. A comparison to Hawkins is instructive. Hawkins, who came into AFL with a much more developed body, didn't become a dominant forward until his sixth season in the comp. In his first five years the only times he really looked like a quality player was when he played on Nathan Carroll.

This article was referred to in the Injury List thread & while mods may consider merging this thread, I think it's worthy of its own discussion. The stats are diabolical year on year and in reading the pre season training reports I didn't get the vibe that things were quite that dire. The comparison with the Crows fall from grace in 2018 is interesting. Would love to see their pre season player availability stats for a deeper analysis

OK - I'll go first Pats 38 - 31

Rams 28 @ Saints 31 Pats 34 @ Chiefs 31 KC should win at home. But BB...................... I just reckon he'll find a way. Again

Colts 28 @ Chiefs 38 Cowboys 17 @ Rams 24 Chargers 10 @ Patriots 24 Eagles 24 @ Saints 35

Indianapolis 28 @ Houston 24 Seattle 24 @ Dallas 17 Chargers 27 @ Baltimore 21 aaaaaaaaaaaannnnd...... Philadelphia 17 @ Chicago 24 would be equally unsurprised if I got 4 or zip

One of my favourite basslines to play when I were a young fella. Ripping song

Have you graced the "new" Caravan Club with your presence yet Nut ? Saw Mick Thomas there a week or two ago (he was fantastic as usual). Very different experience from the previous venue

Thanks Macca, Would be interested in how the winning tally stacked up against previous seasons. Seems this year more than any a lot of short priced favourites got rolled, knocking us all for six. Was pretty slow going for all until the back end of the season. Can't believe how quickly this one has gone !

Eagles, Dolphins, Falcons

Rams, Chiefs, Broncos

Texans, Pats, Seattle

Pats, Saints, Steelers

Oops - bit late. Rams, Bears, Chiefs

Bears, Jags, Pats