Adam The God

Wouldn't have thought I was bragging. But we certainly have more supporters and we apparently clearly could afford to bottom out... however many times we have. When I was growing up, Carey and his Roos were dominating the competition and either winning flags or going very close. They were the Friday Night Specialists. Yet, they never managed to convert this into memberships or supporter base. If we'd been in the same position during the 1990s and won flags, we'd be in a very different position membership-wise than we are now. In fact, if we win a flag in the next 2-3 years, I strongly believe we can reach 70,000 members. North could only dream of this.

They do this because even when they're in the finals they've got bugger-all support. They can't afford to bottom out and they know it. Ironically, it means they'll struggle to have the ultimate success as a result.

I reckon we realised that it was such a close year and next year is likely to be the same, with no absolute standout team. If we fix our obvious defensive deficiencies, we could win a flag as early as next year. So what currency do we have? Well, we have a talented KPF who has already presumably told us earlier in the year that he will not commit further than 2019 and with this, we saw an opportunity to strengthen our list with picks acquired from the trading of the talented KPF. We have been flagging this sort of thinking in the age of FA for a while now and I think we're biting the bullet irrespective of rule changes. Although, you may well be right and they have had some impact on the decision making. It would be irresponsible not to take these impending changes into account.

Where our advantage can be exploited is the inability to transition defensively. Oliver and Brayshaw are ordinary at this. If we're going to win a flag, our two-way-running must get a lot better and far more consistent.

Carlton are nowhere now, but this conversation isn't happening if Collingwood don't choke yesterday. How old is Kennedy now? At least 30. Where were all their other premierships? He did nothing against Hawthorn a few years back. I reckon it's clear they both got something out of it. Was Basil thinking this with 2 minutes to go yesterday or did he feel it two minutes later? I reckon it's a cheap and simplistic call to make, but then Basil is a pretty ordinary commentator.

Basil isn't exactly impartial though. Very Western Australian. I reckon West Coast did well out of it, but so did Carlton. They got the best player in the competition at the time. It's a win win.

I still can't believe Hardwick didn't send someone to Sidebottom last week. Ridiculous coaching.

To be fair, Tom is still a very ordinary defender. The only reason he turned a corner was we threw him forward. I think OMac has a higher ceiling than Tom in a defensive post simply because he's a better kick and decision maker. However, his strength and smartness are still issues. We'll see how he plays with another pre season. One thing's for sure though, if May comes, Frost and Oscar will be fighting for the one spot.

I agree, but I don't think it helps when your midfield goes missing (ie last week).

I was a left footer too. My old man always said my height would be handy. Haha. It was in the under 12s.

@Ugottobekidding is clearly a troll. People get sucked in very easily.

I think you'll find Lewis and Jones will be competing for the same spot next season. Interesting that Salem, May and Hibberd are all left footers. We've really gone hard for those left footers in recent year. They're coming out of our ears these days.

They are just words, but they do have relevance to the conversation, otherwise we'd use different words. He's a good player and would make us better. And I'd agree he'd be ahead of Lever as best one-on-one defender, but I'd argue Lever is the better player for his role. But, it's about them complimenting each other and improving our list. May is certainly a better player than OMac or Frost, so we've got a significant upgrade there. Sounds like he's coming, which is great news. FWIW, I'd play May deeper and get OMac at CHF, but agree with the rest.

If someone tells me on here I can't dream, I'll tell them to toddle off. Jetta May Lever Salem OMac/Frost Hibberd KK Oliver Kelly Petracca Lynch Melksham Spargo TMac Weideman Gawn Viney Brayshaw Harmes ANB Fritsch Jones/Lewis ?

That's not what I said at all. But you intimated May was elite and I disagree. That's all.

Their mids stood up too. That cannot be underplayed.

Is May an elite defender though? Happy to have him, but he's certainly (for me) not in the same class as McGovern.

Can someone please do this and screenshot it here? Thanks in advance. Hilarie.

Agreed they could work together, but it's worth noting the very different game style West Coast plays. They're a kicking team that set up beautifully to defend. That said, Collingwood play a similar brand of pressure footy that we do and rely on their mids to get the job done and their small forwards (and Cox) when they get it inside.

That's the guy I'd be going for. I'd take Shiel of course, but not for a mill. Whereas, Kelly might be worth that.

@Demon from Sydney going hard in the trading cheese board. I like it.

That's true. So excited Collingwood lost that I'm losing my marbles.

They were 5 goals up. That's some Collywobbles...

The old man just texted me to ask who won more finals this year. Collingwood or Melbourne. As we know, it was Melbourne with 2. Collingwood also only managed to beat two top 8 teams for the year. Staggering.

Could only bring myself to watch the second half, but what a game! He may have had a good second half, but Darling is an absolute crumbler. Could have cost them the flag with that simple fumble in the goal square. Anyway, Pies stuck on 15 flags and there was definitely some Collywobble there, but in the end, West Coast are a slightly better side. And we lost to the eventual Premiers, just as we did in '94.