The Dr

I tried to delve into this topic recently for ESPN. Most of the people I spoke to weren't too worried (yet) but it'll be a different matter in coming years. https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/38746696/afl-tasmania-enters-league-soon-does-mean-tassie-based-draftees

I didn’t realise that! I knew it was continually referenced on here but didn’t know it was coined by rpfc. Respect!

Thanks all - that’s me who wrote it. Long time reader/lurker but rare poster. I’m confident all the [censored] we’ve gone through is behind us now, win or lose tonight.

His past two weeks has reminded the footy world what he can do when 'switched on' / confident .. if he can produce that sort of footy in two red-hot finals, it's a pretty big statement. Add to that his strengths -- pace, line-breaking, quality foot skills, nose for goal -- are exactly what we're crying out for, so I'd be staggered if we weren't seriously considering him as a FA. The challenge for the coaching/development team, if we do get him, is to find a way to get that effort more often than not.

Wow, that's huge. Would also love a PM if you can.

Great stuff mate, cheers for that. Question re the Weid - did he/has he been doing any ruckwork in the VFL, or just playing as a key forward? And as a forward, is he more stay at home, or roaming up the ground a bit?

Motlop's a free agent so we could get him for nothing more than salary cap space. Could be worth the punt playing as that high half-forward/wingman who can break lines. I haven't watched him enough this year though so not sure if he's got rid of that inconsistency that's always been there.

Gawn's loss has been huge in many ways as noted by posters above. But a big negative has been the flow-on effect. With no Gawn (and no Spencer, and no Hogan in some games), we've had to take Watts away from being the 'third tall' who can be so damaging up the field, finding space, and also working his way back into the forward 50. I reckon Gawn and Hogan missing big chunks of the season so far really messes up everything we've trained for in terms of our structures.

This is interesting. Is this the first time JT has played in the backline? I wonder whether it's an effort to add more flexibility to his game considering how well stocked the senior team is for inside mids.

I believe Trengrove, Gartlett and Watt's should be right to play though...

BUMP! Anyone have any idea what the great man is up to these days? Easily the most talented player I have ever seen in red and blue, and a true enigma off the field. Would love to know what he's doing these days.

Yeah it does seem he's dropped off the map ...

Have heard very little re McKenna on this site or elsewhere through the preseason ... Has he been injured? Any information as to how he's going on the track?

I noticed the same thing too. Repeatedly, Jack did dome nice early bodywork and looked set to take a mark but didn't take it arms outstretched, and AVB was able to get a fist in. Hats off to AVB though, he is a fierce competitor.

Hogan was certainly up the ground for a lot of the first 'half' but in the second, he was often deep, and I thought he was much better when he was further up the ground (I also feel the same way from his first two years at AFL level). Completely agree that both Hogan and Weid need to be better at repeat leading. That's not to discredit the McDonald brothers. They're very smart at positioning themselves.

Just back from watching the match sim. On phone so will be brief. Major positive: No injuries as far as I'm aware Standouts: Brayshaw, Lewis, Viney, Hunt, Salem, Jones, Oscar Mac. JKH and Melksham also impressive in bursts Little disappointed in Hogan and Weid: too often play from behind. Really hope Hogan is given more license to roam up the ground this year rather than playing near goal all the time.

Interesting read here about the best mature-age/state league prospects: Knightmare's AFL draft wrap: The best state league prospects I particularly like the sound of these guys: In the WAFL, making a significant impression and also looming as a likely national draft selection has been Subiaco's Liam Ryan. He is a 186cm, 76kg, high flying 20-year-old forward. Ryan has kicked an impressive 40 goals from his 16 WAFL League games while taking several highlight reel-worthy marks throughout the season. Another young ruckman who is also in the mix to be selected is 21-year-old, 204cm, 104kg Claremont ruckman Darcy Cameron. Cameron has taken another step in the right direction this year and has not only proven effective as a tap ruckman but also as a forward with 36 goals and 106 marks from his 19 WAFL League games. He has had another impressive season and may, as a relieving ruckman or No. 1 ruckman, be a developable player.

Best playing comparison for Petracca (in my eyes) is Dustin Martin. Not electric pace but has so much power, explosiveness, dangerous marking option, can split time between midfield and forward line...

As good as Mitchell is, not the type of player we should be chasing especially in terms of $$$s and what we'd have to give the Swans.

Just about the best thing about this signing is, multiple other clubs were chasing him hard - the Crows flew out to the States when he was playing college ball over there - but he chose the Dees. #destinationclub

Would much rather aim higher and go for GWS' Rory Lobb. Contested marking marking and can do a decent job in the ruck. Out of contract in 2017, so we'd have to pay a fair bit to get him.

Long time lurker, very infrequent poster. Anyway, I spoke to Dunny last week and really enjoyed his honesty about being demoted and struggling with the zone defence, but also his determination to force his way back into the team and play finals with the Dees: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/17044795/melbourne-defender-lynden-dunn-frustrated-optimistic-playing-finals Cheers.

I don't post here often but watching tonight has made me think about the effectiveness of a really good zone like Collingwood and St Kilda use. Bailey seems to have us following the Geelong model of high risk, fast, corridor-centric Geelong-like footy. Great when it works, terrible when it doesn't. Collingwood looks so good tonight that I'm worried we're throwing all our eggs in the one gameplan basket.

You had me until the last four words....

I think you might be onto something and it isn't really a bad option considering our lack of targets up there...