Fat Tony

I think someone reported that Joel Smith has a bad cut on his foot and is out of action for 2 weeks.

Beating Hawthorn in 2016 should be much higher on the list.

The Northey era was better as we made the finals more consistently but 2000 was our best side. 1990 and 1998 were missed opportunities and we had a chance to pinch those flags.

I am sure team balance has something to do with it. And the arrival of Jackson and the departure of Frost leaves us with one more tall forward and one fewer tall defender. However, I still think Smith will be a much better forward though, as his decision making and skills will be more likely to be exposed in the backline. Even a "good" kick like Fritsch was a liability in defence last year. Then when he went forward, he looked much better. IMO being a forward is easier in modern footy as the options are generally a) go for goal; b) kick long to a tall option; or c) hit up the leading forward. In defence, there is a lot more to think about and turnovers tend to hurt more.

Thanks Saty It sounds like Joel Smith is really fit, but why have they got him training with the backs after he showed something as a forward in the preseason last year?

Thanks Saty. I would say Hunt is also competing for a spot versus the small brigade you mentioned plus Spargo. Personally, I would have Hunt in front of the pack without having a real understanding of Pickett's AFL qualities. I could see Jetta being overtaken by Lockhart, who is quicker but does not kick the ball as well. I don't see them playing in the same backline, so it will be an interesting contest. Jetta will get the nod if he can keep up with his man. I agree that Jordon and Sparrow have little chance of being picked in the midfield and IMO they will need to find another role to get into side. I am a bit surprised they haven't put Sparrow in the Jetta, Lockhart contest. I think Dunkley will be a good footballer. I am not sure he has the tank to play wing though. I understand he was a mid-season draftee, but he was a long way off the fitness required after half time and wing would be the hardest running position in the game today. I like Petty and hopefully he and/or Weid can stand up this year.

How are our second year players tracking? Are any of Sparrow, Jordon or Bedford showing enough to suggest they will become bona fide AFL players? Are Dunkley, Lockhart or C Wagner looking like they might take a step forward? It sounds like none of these guys are likely to figure in Round 1 if everyone is fit. The reports also sound like Petty has been a standout (even though he has been in rehab) but I think he showed more than a few glimpses last year.

Daisy said on SEN last year when they were born that she needs to play 50 AFLW games.

Joel Smith has never had a run at it due to injury, but he has shown that he is one of our most athletic players with great speed, endurance and size. I think he can be a player if he has a bit of luck.

Nor did I, and I am married to one!

Please ask if we would have gone for Anderson if GCS didn’t get the priority pick? Also if we were close to bidding on Green and whether GWS snookered us by moving to pick 4?

The decision not to play Preuss or Keilty vs Sydney was boneheaded.

Weideman is pretty solid in the ruck IMO. He just drops too many marks as a KPF when he gets both hands on the ball.

Hunt is no certainty and will need to play well in the preseason to get a spot. I think Lever will play. My point was that Lever and Hore probably don't play in the same team.

It is too early for me to do a proper 22 without seeing how the new recruits look. In saying this, my main thoughts are: Jones should play a high half back role. Vandenberg is first picked wingman if fit. Smith should be played in the forward line, although he would need to earn his spot in the 22. Hunt should be played in the forward line, although he would need to earn his spot in the 22. Jetta will need to win his spot. Petty, Weideman and Jackson will be fighting to partner with Tom McDonald up forward. Petty or Weideman could also fight for a spot at full back instead of Oscar McDonald. I cannot see spots for both Hore and Lever. Harmes should play in the midfield.

I don’t understand why people think Jackson is such a risk. He looks a bit like Stefan Martin as a player. If that’s his downside, we will still get decent value out of #3. His upside is Grundy, who is a top 10 player in the game.

I think a fit Davis is quicker than Weid. But I am not against experimenting.

I question if Weideman is fast enough to play in defence. In saying that, McGovern isn’t that quick and it’s much easier for players who can run and jump and take a high mark in the backline.

I am a bit disappointed to hear that Joel Smith is training with the backs. I would like to see him play forward, as I actually think a smaller forward line including McDonald, Smith, Fritsch, Melksham, Petracca and a small forward could be our best combination.

Rivers' highlights make him look a bit like Joel Corey.

Are we going to pick any players in the rookie draft?

We should not take Pickett unless he is best available at our pick IMO. As exciting as his highlights look, #10 looks like a big reach to me.

I see a lot of Stefan Martin in the way Jackson plays. I liked Martin when he was a demon so this is not meant as a criticism of the idea of picking him. In saying this, I still think we should nominate Green.

Where do they see Jackson fitting in with Gawn? It seems they think he is coordinated enough to make it as a key forward.

I hope we go for Green. He looks the safest pick in this year's draft. And he's a good size to be able to go forward and be dangerous.