whatwhat say what

It'll mean when they do get whacked it'll be in the season proper. I have zero issue with this.

Toumpas continues to sound like a concern.

bit harsh on robbo and the wiz - both played finals in their time at the dees, at least saw some level of success. well, far more than any other player over the last seven seasons.

Other coaches subscribe to the theory that a ruckman is far less important than he's ever been, almost to the point of being redundant. sam jacobs is probably the best ruckman in terms of putting the ball to adelaide's advantage more than any other ruckman, but the likes of dangerfield, sloane, thompson and the crouch bros. can't capitalise on his dominance because there's better midfielders than they on the opposition who're able to either stop them breaking away, getting it into space, or alternatively wrest the ball back from them. I like wj's mentioning of 'the entire midfield division' - if you bat deep there (look at hawks, swans, et al) then you're in a good spot. You could make an argument, thus, that perhaps the most important position is the 5th, 6th - the players who push up from half-forward to influence the midfield. But i'll stick with the centreman / midfield combo theory.

From what I understand, Geelong are - inevitably - the front runners. But the other big player is of course Hawthorn. Their plan is essentially this: 2015: win premiership, lose Lake, Hodge and Mitchell to retirement, lure Dangerfield to Waverley 2016: slight dip as players have to step up in absence of experienced leaders 2017: premiership, more free agency raids 2018-2020: contend for premierships They expect to be like geelong's run from 07-13, and constantly in contention.

For real??

I'm hopeful Sydney is just incubating him for us, teaching him good habits before he comes home. The scum just make stuff up tho - as others have said, no attribution of quotes, just airy-fairy random thoughts.

Genuinely exciting reports guys. I'm still pessimistic but I'm more hopeful about 2015 than I am any year since 2007 promised so much and begun to deliver such misery.

Like Kornes for Port, he'll dominate best and fairest voting and end up one if the most awarded Demons ever. Better than losing him as a free agent to Hawthorn. Or Geelong.

Secured until 2019!

getting popcorn ready for monday.

essendon supporters & rationality are not mutual bedfellows.

I can't believe that, and I actually think it's a good thing - whilst both Hird apologists, at least they're passionate and grass roots board members as opposed to billionaire businessmen.

Exactly the way I feel too. Hird was a brilliant footballer, but even then he went off piste regularly - remember when he called out an umpire as biased? Sadly, it seems increasingly likely that Charters and his drugs played a big part in him coming back from a navicular injury.

As someone who has serious doubts regarding whether Toumpas can make it as a above average afl player, these reports are super encouraging. We really need the likes of he and other high picks over the last few years to come on in leaps and bounds over the next 3-5 years. It's the difference btw us being a 'good ordinary' side and a very good side. I still maintain you get your 'stars' with your high picks.

no, they're not, the sites are run by the clubs for and on behalf of the afl, with infrastructure provided by telstra.

great work tdi.

yes they do.

Roh Roh is a Bombers sycophant.

His body shape and the way he runs reminds he so much of Rob Harvey.

Wow, his skills look far better than his brother's! Does he have the same level of endurance?

He looks the goods, doesn't he? Of course, Melbourne does tend to do its best work in October and November...here's hoping that the four mids we've picked up this draft are ALL future long term players for our best 22, and part of or much elusive next premiership...or six!

God I hated Moo Kowal. 1991 was a terrible cluster of players.

Fair to say yr not the only one dd!

maybe petracca was the player whose room was too neat. my goodness, i really hope we don't pass on him in favour of lever...