Adam The God

Agree with all of that, except I'd add that system is the most important thing to get right over the off season, so it becomes like second nature in 2020.

We caught teams off guard by copying Richmond's style that won them a flag in 2017? I don't think so.

Twaddle.

Goodo.

Surely whatever we're paying Frost isn't the difference between us trying to land Elliott...

Don't worry mate. The club will roll out the red carpet when they re-sign Frosty. Big name player.

With it sounding like we may have missed Elliott, I'd be keen to hear what @Pennant St Dee thinks of the small forward talent coming out of WA this season. Traditionally an incredibly strong state for crumbers and electrifying forwards.

Clearly it is, because he still makes stupid errors that a 26 year old shouldn't be making.

Disagree, but hope you're right mate.

Well, when we were playing effective system last season, Frost was in and out of the team. That's no accident. Despite greatly improving his 1v1, contested play, his spoiling, even his kicking, his decision making is still a liability. I find the idea that losing Frost will have Melbourne supporters up in arms, laughable. No, he doesn't need a run at Casey to get it right. He's been on the list for 5 years and been in the system even longer (8). His decision making isn't particularly better and he's reached his ceiling. To imply that the coaches haven't told him how to work through situations better within game is naive IMO. They would regularly dissect his game and yet he continues to turn the ball over. But to tell Frost not to attack the game is to completely remove his biggest strength. I think it makes sense for him to sign on with us at a reduced contract and play a depth role for us. He'll still likely get games due to the durability of Lever and May, and the fact that whoever our third tall defender is will take time to come on (Petty, Hore or Oscar).

It's a ridiculous comment, really. Just a bit of MFCSS from Bubs.

But is Sam capable of playing to a system? I don't think so. It ends up being Frostball, which is unsustainable.

I'm more concerned with who we pick up and the system we look to play next year. We undoubtedly need pace and pressure all over the ground, particularly forward of centre, but our team has shown it can get to a PF. Tweak the system, get everyone on the same page, add some speed, get everyone through pre season and we can make the 8 next year. The change to system and coaching is what's going to turn our fortune, not the re-signing of a couple of youngsters who have barely had a chance to show their wares yet. (yes, I know about ANB and the Wagners, but get the system right and they will be plug and play contributors)

Pleasure. When Frost sprints out of the backline with the ball under his arm, his team mates move into attacking positions up the ground. He then proceeds to turn the ball over by foot and the ball shoots back over his head, and out-positions his team mates. In an effective team defence, you can't have a turnover merchant like Frost in your back 6. He's a hard trier and I like him, but if we're being serious, he completely undermines our defensive strategy.

Staggering that we re-signed so many ordinary players. Let's hope we improve our system so significantly that we make ordinary players look good.

All well and good, but WTF would you trade in Wines and get rid of Salem? If you're going to trade value, trade in value. Wines is an okay player, but he doesn't address a key need. He's a contested player, with ordinary skills.

I love how people assume that Elliott is the only player we're going after to solve our small forward crisis. The club simply can't win. If they show their hand in a trade, some Demonlanders lambast them. If they keep their cards close to their chest, some Demonlanders question why we're not going after more players.

You are at the same time advocating to keep Frost, Red. Skill is not something I'd immediately attribute to Frosty.

He's a bit of a butcher McIntosh, but if he came cheaply, he'd be a good half back or wing option.

Agree that Petracca needs to become a genuine midfielder and that we need a Shane Edwards-type, but who is that?

We need to add talent and depth to our midfield like Brisbane did with Neale and Lyons in the one off season. I'd trade our pick 3 and future first rounder for Matt Crouch and Brad Crouch. Matt is exactly the sort of player we need. Accumulator, good foot skills, good decision maker and may want out of AFC after their season. Perfect age bracket (24 years old). Brad's out of contract next year and like his brother (both Victorians), would provide immediate ball extraction and add depth to our midfield. Langdon and Tomlinson on the wings. Oliver, Brayshaw, Brad Crouch / Matt Crouch with Petracca, Viney and Harmes is starting to get places. Discuss.

I'm happy with $100k p.a. No one needs more than that, unless they're supporting multiple people.

What's the difference?

Absolutely. Agree with all of that, but yeah, it's about improving our 22, not trading in depth. I think the inclusion of 'cap' in the conversation though is vital when discussing Tomlinson. I probably wouldn't think he'd be in our best 12. If he is come next year, we're probably struggling, but if you don't pay the world for him, filling another best 22 spot is a no brainer for the right price. He's certainly comfortably a best 22 player, despite it not being descriptive enough. Anyone has a sustained position in an extremely talented Giants side over the years, is a significant upgrade on most of our list. As you say, we need to improve our list. There's far too many C graders and even D graders now. We're not paying in picks and I'm sure we're not paying overs in terms of dollars either, probably more just the security of a longer deal and a bit more money than the Giants can offer (plus a move back to Victoria).

And this is the thing. I don't begrudge anyone for chasing money. I haven't needed to because I come from a position of privilege. Good on him.