Roost It

Rubbish. 2 important things happened that day. 1. The crowd was 8 - 10 thousand more thanks to Jack and on a wet day with our form it helped keep the AFL off our back for another year. 2. Jack got a great lesson it just how much work was reuired from him. Remember he had been playing some classy football at casey

Cast you minds forward. The year is 2012 The Young Demons have recovered their season after losing the first 5. They now stand 5-5 after beating heavyweights West Coast away, Hawthorn at home and Adelaide away in the last 3 weeks and The Queeen's Birthday round is upon us. It turns out to be a beautiful day and 81,987 people show up to watch ladder leaders Collingwood play Melbourne who sit in 8th spot. The games tight but in the second half Jack Watts finally comes of age, reeling in 12 marks, kicking 7 goals and having his way with 3 opponents, often at the same time. (Think football) Newspapers call it "The best 2nd half of football since Carey" Herald Sun reporters, along with Bring back Powell, Hillie and agent orange are left red faced and are last seen scolding themselves for making silly comments regarding Watts in the past. It might not happen exactly like this but it will happen. Patience Grasshopper

I wasn't there but was hoping for a run down

Out Garland - Clearly not ready until round 2 - 5 In Strauss

Prefer to have dinner with the ladies but I hope you have some fun

We don't have a choice. As has aleady been said it's all about selling hope to a small band of supporters. The aim is twofold. 1. To sell hope to existing supporters so they sign up. 2. To attract new supporters and members so we can grow this club. If we don't do this as of now we will cease to exist quicker than you think.

Best news I've had all week. Can't wait to see him back. In a 12 year, quadruple premiership, Norm Smith Medal winning, Dual Coleman medal winning career, this is but a blip on the radar. Go Liam, unleash hell

My tip we'll see him in red and blue for round 4 v tigers.

He's probably playing a half for Casey as it's his first game back.

I'm a true River's fan and believe once he's surrounded by other competant players and our midfield helps restrict the flow to our backline he'll come into his own. Remember this year we'll have Frawley, Warnock, Garland or Martin down back. That will allow River's the 4th forward. It should free him up to help the others out when they are one on one against big forwards. I see this as his major strength. He knows where the ball's going and he's not afraid to meet it head on. It'll just require a midfielder to check River's man and we're away. I'm expecting Rivers to first silence his critics and then shove a footy through their computer screens.

I think Martin will keep Spencer out early in the season. We'll need to use one of Martin or Garland up forward to add some height. I'm a fan of Bennell and although I love Cheney's spirit his disposal worries me. At the moment I see more upside with Bennell but that's personnel opinion. I've also got a softspot for indigenous players and what they bring to the game.

The FD will play Watts when he's ready. Him being ready has nothing to do with any other player. You've got to try to remember that in essence this is his first year and his first preseason. It's also been interrupted through careful management of injury. Both watts and the FD are getting used to his body and what it can handle. Watts needs 2 full preseason's at least. Expect some form in the second half of next year. I know, a full 18 months to wait, shocking isn't it.

Different viewpoint, same result

Proven not upto it shouldn't put him ahead of a first year player

What has he done to deserve an extended run? If there is a player on our list that should have to play a month of solid footy for casey before upgrade it's newton. You don't play players who've already had a chance until they do something to earn another chance. I'm still waiting for him to earn it. I can't understand why anyone would upgrade a player who has done nothing to earn it. It makes no sense and peddles to his apparent lazy attitude. It would be yet another free ride for a player who's had his share.

I'm in the Jack Fitzpatrick camp as well. When oh when are you all going to realise that Newton isn't upto it. 6 years on the list is enough of an opportunity. I say leave him on the rookie list until he proves himself at casey. He has to be made to earn his spot back on the list. I'm betting he won't.

Garland Warnock Rivers Bennell Frawley Bruce Grimes Jones Scully Bate Miller Petterd Davey Green Sylvia Jamar McDonald Trengove Maric, Martin, MacDonald, Moloney

Better this year than next

Most posters think before they post, some don't. if you read it regularly you know which posters to read and which to avoid. I'd say more positive than negative. I'd say the average AFL footballer's ego is strong enough to handle it.

So Jack, Tom, Jack and Aaron to be co captains then

Part of my world (for 2010) ended when that shoulder went POP. He was going to be a joy to watch this year.

I thought Bell's injury was more serious

No disappointment, it's only a game. I know where this club is at, we won 4 games last year and in reality beat Richmond. So if we only win 3 - 5 we've effectively gone backwards. That's not the direction I think we're going in. Sure we will get smashed a few times but we're highly likely to knock off Richmond(2), Fremantle, West Coast and Sydney. Possibles include Essendon, Carlton, North, Brisbane and Port. Then I just have a feeling we're going to roll the Hawks. Let's wait and see but anything less than 7 or 8 wins is unlikely in my opinion. The second half of this season should see us take some strides.

Hawthorn have injuries to 4 or 5 of their best players. No sides list is strong enough for this not to cause cracks to appear. On top of this their defence has been suspect ever since Croad was injured. They are absolutely beatable. There is no reason not to play Grimes, Scully and Trengove in the centre. They will more than hold their own. Remember they dominated a pretty handy Adelaide midfield on the weekend. Remember Burgoyne, Rioli and Sewell won't play. Not to mention that Jamar should dominate the rucks. I'm tipping a win for the demons. With Bate, Green, Sylvia and Petterd forward it's a good mid sized line up that offers plenty of run and great kicking ability. Our back 6 look settled and strong and our midfield improving. This will be the first of our 8 - 10 wins. It might also be the sweetest!

Kurt Tippet Gold - Out on the full