jnrmac

They said "we wont win a flag with Frost and OMac as our two key defenders" hence they went and got May to add to a young Lever

We lost 4 games against top 8 sides by a kick. We aren't that far away. And that is with just about everything going wrong for us in 2024. The question was "Is this fixable in 1 off season or are we delusional thinking we can make the 8 with aging stars ?" The answer is of course it is fixable. Getting our key players back on the park play their best footy is the first key. The second is adjusting the game plan which is never as difficult as people seem to think. Thirdly we have a pretty easy draw that should see us 6-2 or 7-1. That momentum should see us make the 8 easily. We only play one 2024 top side twice and supposedly have the second easiest draw. If you look at which players improved or maintained excellence in 2024 (excl 1st year players) it is a very small list; Viney, Rivers, TMac, Langdon, Gawn and maybe McVee. There is a lot of upside for many of our players. That we are 14th in flag betting at 26 to 1 is ridiculous. we should be very optimistic about our chances in 2025

Of course it is

This encapsulates it really... Statement of fact from Goodwin. They are aware of our shortcomings which is good. Look fwd to seeing how they address them

I suspect they are actual. It has been reported that Clarry's pay will peak at $1.7m Clubs manage total cap spending by front and back loading all the time.

Wasn't sure where to put this but was having a discussion with a fellow Dee man and we were laughing at the odds for the 2025 flag Those of you who are punters might be able to comment on how the Dees are 11th in line for the flag at 26 to 1 and the Hawks are 2nd in line at 8.50 Are you able to back Melbourne at 26.50 and cash out when they get to say 12 to 1 during the season? In the first 8 rounds we play North, GC, Ess, Rich, Weagles. There is a reasonable chance we will be at least 6 and 1 possibly 7 and 1. And seeing as we are flying at summer training (!!)..... Brisbane Lions 7.50 Hawthorn 8.50 GWS GIANTS 9.50 Carlton 10.00 Collingwood 10.0 Geelong Cats 10.0 Sydney Swans 10.00 Fremantle 13.00 Western Bulldogs 13.00 Port Adelaide 18.00 Melbourne 26.00 Adelaide Crows 34.00 Gold Coast SUNS 41.00 St Kilda 51.00 Essendon 67.00 North Melbourne 126.00 West Coast Eagles 126.00 Richmond 151.00

What are you? Kevin Rudd? No one says that

Aside from the concussion issue isn't the point that players now just walk away from these long term deals when they feel like it? If you sign a long term deal then only exceptional circumstances should allow you out of it

Kynan did brilliantly in the time trial And his game saving cameo against the Roos during the year shows that he has the tools. Would like to see him get a run at it

Very good point

For a side with our record in 21-23, bringing in essentially 4 top 10 picks is great work. The list management and drafting team are terrific at identifying picks they want and dealing to get the draft capital they need. Its very hard to do when you have 17 other teams trying to do the same thing

Here's another ripper :Dees young guns impress at training

The glass half full approach would say that we lost 4 games to top 8 sides by a goal or less. That's with all of the BS that was going on and the injuries etc. We aren't that far off

Its a really good article I recommend you subscribe

Langdon and TMac played well

Contested marks are overated. Obviously fantastic if you have a player than can do that but its maybe 1 or 2 times a game.

Sparrow stalled this year. Perhaps because of the roles he was given he lost the ability to defend and attack. Was dropped at one point. Oliver obviously Spargo. Needs to show he is a key part of our next flag. Is one of the AFLs best deliverer i50 Petty. Was cruelled this year by Goodwin. Bereft of all confidence. Needs to cut loose. Fritsch needs to show he can produce effort even when the ball is not delivered to him on a platter Salem had a nowhere year in 2024. Petracca needs to show he isn't scarred by the events of 2024. The knives will be out in the media if he shirks or coasts Am a Jefferson sceptic - particularly his lack of physicality - so would love to see him step up. That would be a huge bonus for the team. Bowey gets a pass for 2024 given his injury but would love to see him back to his best Laurie is make or break in 2025

Effort is 100% non-negotiable. If you can't see that let's choose to disagree It's a cancer within a team based sport

Great stuff. Well done MFC

That means other players have to carry him when he doesn't chase or tackle. In a systems based environment you can't carry too many players if any. And then the team ethos comes into play - if he doesn't have to tackle why should I? A slippery slope. Effort should be non-negotiable.

I wish Richmond that same sort of success

Spoke to two Swans mates and both are ecstatic. Say he is very one dimensional and inflexible. Sounds familiar

Well this is and isn't a shock I suspect he has reflected on his past 4 GFs and come to the conclusion that he is not the person to take them to the next step. He was gutted by the capitulation after a stellar year and I can understand why he would say, enough Of course the Board may have come to the same conclusion and he was pushed.....

Then they wouldn't be called highlights

Oh OK Case closed.