Adam The God

I reckon GWS could win it from outside of the top 4 too. I was thinking that over the weekend. Will be tough without Cameron and Patton though. They might have got it done the other night, but how much longer?

Yep, I'd certainly be picking through Richmond's list for a zippy small forward. We really only have Jeffy that has genuine leg speed. If we could get a Richmond want-away for a 3rd rounder, I'd do it.

He's got a good tank too, does Harmes. He could make it as a tagger and winger. I've written him off before, but if he keeps working on his skills and limiting mistakes, he has enough flexibility to play 100+ games for the club.

The problem with Bugg (despite being limited by foot and decision making) is that we already carry Harmes and ANB. The latter two are inconsistent and when they're off, they're really off. Particularly, ANB. If you add Bugg in there too, the margin for error is too high. The more we improve list, the more these players will become fringe players, which is a good thing. It means every game they play is a blessing for them, which ensures they can rarely afford to drop off. He might get one more game, but I reckon he's done at season's end. With Taylor's record, I'd be giving him as many picks as possible to unearth another gem that could replace Bugg.

It's hard having an opinion on here sometimes and probably because there are a lot of ordinary posts about. However, just because you think Jones isn't good enough anymore and state that he has always lacked vital leadership qualities, doesn't mean you're being mean-spirited. I've been on record for many years as saying Jones stood out because he played in one of the worst teams in VFL/AFL history. A good player, but not a great player. Not an A grader. And not an onfield leader. He's been a captain by necessity, because of a vacuum; it must be said not created by him, but by the horrible recruiting of CC and BP and poor development standards set by CS - yes, we've had those discussions over and over again through the years. But it seems there are some discussions we can't have around here without getting defensive. Or rather, some players or people being sacred. Nathan has always stuck by the club when he could have gone and this has often afforded him the defence of some posters on Demonland (and my respect), despite his lack of genuine A grade quality or A grade leadership ability. IMO, there have been multiple games over the years where his lack of leadership has cost us games, yet some posters refuse to admit this and instead revert to defence mode immediately. His lack of onfield leadership when the chips are down has been evident by mere body language, decision making and connectivity with his team mates for years. He seems like a really nice bloke and he has eked out every drop of himself, but if the end is coming, why can't we call it out? He's managed 250+ games and that is an incredible effort, but he's almost done. It's fine to accept that.

All I can say is 'thank you, Jason Taylor'. The new Wiz.

The thing about Dahlhaus is that he's been there before. If we can land him through FA and not take up too much of the cap, it'd be a coup if we can couple him with Gaff as well. All of a sudden in 2019 we have outside talent in Gaff, Dahlhaus, Fritsch, Hunt and even Stretch (who showed promising signs the other week). For mine, outside of FAs in Gaff and Dahlhaus, I'd be really keen to get a mature aged ruckman (a plug and play) on the list to support Max.

I'm confident that the club will have factored in Gus' rise. He's a top 3 pick. It's not like he's really come from the clouds. This was expected when we drafted him. He's finally starting to fulfil the potential he has and we've now invested time in him too. He'll sign and for a fair deal. This is a guy who we stuck by despite his career being on the edge of a precipice last year and even early this year. He'll sign a 2-3 year deal (it may be 3 to give himself a bit of security in case the head stuff flairs up again). As for Fritsch, he's another one who we gave a chance to through the Casey system and then backed him in through our AFL system. I can't see him playing us too hard either. As we've heard multiple times from the club since Roosy arrived, we have a no [censored] policy and good characters are sought. As long as Bayley is being paid fairly, he will not hold the club over a barrel. Which, leaves plenty of money for Gaff. The more talent we have in this side, the harder it is to fail. Gawn, Oliver and Brayshaw are starting to show some leadership, which coupled with Viney and Lever, means we have a terrific young leadership group to guide this talented side. And when Vince, Lewis and Jones go over the next 1-3 years, I'm starting to believe these guys will more than fill the void, they'll demonstrate the leadership we've been calling out for.

Not sure how we finish above the Power if we both win 3 games from here on out. They are already a game ahead of us.

Bugg is not good enough. Should not play again unless we're ravaged by injuries or our small forwards fail to deliver consistently.

Agree on the Vandenberg comparison. If we had more experience on our list, you'd be moving on Vince, Jones and probably Lewis at the end of this season, but given our dearth in this area, Jones and Lewis will stay on. I'd almost certainly suggest Lewis and Jones will bow out at the end of 2019. Sometimes, the end comes quickly and you can really see it this year with Jonesy. Vince shouldn't have played on this year IMO.

He's very soft when the ball is in the air. He got beaten a couple of times in the air today and at least one of them resulted in a Bulldogs goal. Pretty much sums up my thoughts. Vince in particular, with Jones not far behind. JKH definitely gets a game next week. He must deliver again next week otherwise his time might be up.

He played a game like this earlier last year too, where he tackled really well and that was about it. At least, he had a couple of good disposals to go with the tackles today. Not sure he has the tools to make it though. This off season will be interesting. There are probably 4 or 5 in the gun to be delisted and Jay is one of them, although judging by Goody's bear hug on him after the game, he liked what he saw of JKH.

I agree about the flakiness of other clubs, but I reckon it all comes down to next week. We beat Geelong and we make finals, lose and I don't think we'll get there.

Oliver, Viney, Brayshaw, Petracca, supported by Gaff and Salem, all being fed by Gawn. Drool.

I'd rather play me at full back. The bloke is so overrated. Big bloke but soft.

His name is Petty. Going to be a very good player. Oscar, Lever and Petty supported by Hibberd, Jetta and Hunt are plenty for a few years yet. In the meantime, we desperately need fleet of foot players who deliver the ball nicely inside 50. How anyone could be meh on Gaff, mate, just isn't watching the game closely enough. Exactly the player we want and need.

I agree if we drop any of the next 3, it'll make the run for finals difficult and nail-bating. But I reckon we won't be the only team in the top 12 sides to drop a game or two that we are expected to win.

This is my last response as I really have no desire to derail this thread any further and I want to do you the courtesy of responding, but... Tyson has absolutely nothing to do with whether we should get Gaff or not.

What are you talking about? If you weren't allowed an opinion you would have been banned long ago and many of your posts deleted. I reckon I've read the same post from you over and over again in the past 5+ pages. You don't rate Gaff. Great. If you're going to post again, contribute something new or what's the point? (that's rhetorical)

A bit of a non sequitur but we're no better or worse than Collingwood who currently sit second. If you look at who they've beaten (beside from a Melbourne team who didn't turn up), they've beaten Bulldogs, Freo, St Kilda, Gold Coast and Carlton (who they limped over the line against). These are all bottom 6-8 teams. Yet, the hype surrounding Collingwood is probably larger than the hype that surrounded us going into the QB game. I guess my point is that there are really only 2 stand out teams this year (Richmond and Sydney) and even these teams have dropped games they shouldn't have. Anyone is beatable and as you say, we should play finals from here.

Yeah, yeah, we got it. Stop banging on about it.

You certainly know how to unite everyone, Saty.

These are all redonkuously ridiculous but I have us beating the Eagles in Perth and winning 14 games, while I have it coming down to the last round where Collingwood will play Fremantle in Perth for a spot in the top 4. They lose and we win, snatching a spot in the top 4 on percentage. Now that would be sweet.

I can see a legitimate reason for keeping PJ out of it though. One man is not a club. I would have consulted him, but I suspect there are many who wouldn't in that situation. If you want to forge a new direction ahead, a fresh slate in the selection process makes enough sense. My one concern about the article is Barlett's ego. I'd much prefer him as a figurehead. But, as previously mentioned, I'll reserve judgement on Pert's appointment until a later date.