Ron Burgundy

Will probably get howled down for saying this, but I'm currently watching the NAB Challenge Freo/Dees replay on Fox - and every time I see Vandenberg I keep thinking he's Brendon Goddard mark 2.

I reckon this kid could be the Dees first 400 gamer. Top selection.

I reckon Vandenberg will be an inspired pick. Potentially an absolutely sensational bit of recruiting here. Of the new recruits (ie, not those established players from other AFL clubs: Lumumba, Frost and Gartlett), I reckon he could very well play the most senior games this year. He looks ready to go.

Howe's a required player. Sign him up.

Every sophisticated society rejects the death penalty. Medieval rednecks love it.

Where's Col?

It seems our defence is very good/solid. Our forward line looks good, finally. To my mind, the weakness seems to be that we don't have enough really good clearance players relative to the stronger clubs. On this third point, I'm very happy for people to tell me I'm wrong - with reasons. In fact, I'd like to proven wrong.

Colin Sylvia one of those players?

Agree in part Bing - but many here had heard (?!) that Geelong was about to delist Byrnes and yet we picked him up in a way that compromised our compensation for Rivers/Moloney - if true, hardly clever stuff. Rodan was essentially free. Should never have picked up Gillies. The Pedersen for Gysberts deal has worked though - and I was not really convinced about this one at the time.

I agree. Don't think we'll miss James Frawley all that much. We will miss a fit and firing Mitch Clark though - every team would.

The EFC engaged the law firm at which I used work to act on its behalf in connection with issues arising out of the non-renewal of Sheedy's contract. I had the day to day conduct of the matter. Suffice to say, I had first hand knowledge of the anger that was felt amongst many very influential EFC Coterie members, and it does not surprise me to hear that this is now being said by certain people.

Clark, if fit, is the best full forward in the comp IMO - he is simply an absolute gun. He rag dolls opposition defences - hopefully not ours though later this year. I also cannot believe how well Brisbane has rebuilt its list - they looked to be an absolute basket case not that long ago, and now have an awesome midfield. Hats off to them.

I'll take Dean Kent every day of the week. That said, pick 48 is hardly a highly sought after pick.

Grimes is a leader at the club for a reason. He is actually a leader. I am always absolutely impressed whenever he speaks, especially for someone so young. A quality individual. And, prior to the Neeld period, a really good player too - something here several people seem to forget/overlook. He's in our best 22.

It also completely stuffed our compo for Rivers and Moloney leaving the club. Really stupid stuff.

There were plenty of articles written about it at the time. I seem to recall that Neeld was very impressed at Kent's efforts to commute to training each day from a small country community and that he felt he was very unlucky not to be selected for the State team. Liked his pace and guts. Think Neeld may have even travelled over to WA to meet Kent's family as part of the recruiting process.

What a great thread - thanks for the training reports everyone. Top tier stuff.

Yep - have to agree. It's really disappointing to let one of the best ruckmen in the league go to another club, essentially for nudda.

Have to agree with this. Credit where credit's due. He also had a big hand in landing Dawes and Clark ( ... and Gillies, Byrnes and Rodan?!). That said, Stef Martin and Jared Rivers leaving also had a fair bit to do with Mark Neeld. Would've liked to see Bennell given another year too, but I suspect Neeld thought he was too soft and cut him free. Back to the topic though, Kent looks to be a real find. Like most others here, I'm expecting a really good year from him this year.

I feel almost as disappointed about Petracca's ACL as I did about Hogan missing last year through his back injury. It's just so bloody disappointing that we don't get to see this kid this year. He strikes me as an excitement machine in the making, and he's just the sort of player I've been yearning to see in the red and the blue for a very long time.

This is the type of post that makes this site great. Thanks for the info SPR.

Just saw it on the club website. Bloody hell! Petracca and Vince - not at all happy about this.

I just can't get my head around Vince being out for another month. Where's this been reported?

Frawley is a good player. That said, I don't miss him.

GWS nailed this one.