Binmans PA

Good point. McKenzie is perhaps a big out. Still, he's a very limited player. But so was Ling to an extent.

Neeld has denied we're playing a zone. He may not want to call it that, but it's that or deliberate unaccountability. It makes absolutely no sense that a coach would come in, looking to strengthen defence, but play zonal defence. This teaches a side about manning space, not accountability or winning one on one hard ball. Neeld must finally feel how Bailey must have felt. Neither of them are up to it either.

Roos and Clarkson are the only two I'd touch out of that list. I'd have Ratten back as a midfield coach though.

I think "done as a club" is a bit excessive, but I understand the urgency with which you view the situation. I'd take Leigh Matthews over Neeld. Wow, what am I saying. Yep. I would.

I don't disagree RE: backline needs to improve, but there was a guy called Priddis who was this week's Heppell. He ran around seemingly by himself, which allowed other Eagles players first use and usually made it very difficult for the defenders. Essentially, the midfield didn't do our defenders any favours.

I'd counter this though, Stuie, by saying that the defence of the Bailey era never had the midfield backup either, yet they managed to repel attacks far better than 2012/2013.

Pretty much. What the hell have we been working on for two pre seasons? My god.

So why are you a supporter of his? Reasonably contradictory statement, especially given our "culture" and defensive side haven't improved an iota.

I wouldn't have thought he left the dogs in decent shape.

Our lack of midfield structure already exposes the likes Trengove and Jones for pace. We don't need even slower mids. Magner tries hard, but shouldn't be AFL standard, while Couch certainly isn't AFL standard.

Yep. Another bad move.

It reminded me of Adem Yze actually. Used to do that all the time in his heyday.

Wellman. Garland used to be able to position himself a lot better. Now he panics and I don't entirely blame him, given the lack of support and the ease with which the ball comes in to his opponents.

No, thanks. His teams have always faltered at the last hurdle. We need successful people.

Personally, I don't think it's as simple as throwing in a Judd or Ablett, although they'd certainly help. It's about structures. We have absolutely none.

Moloney, spell it correctly, was a down hill skier who was not a leader. Neeld was trying to teach him some semblance of discipline. Moloney wouldn't cop it. Off he goes. It's the way Neeld has treated the rest of the players and generally the place, rubbishing it in the media etc. that has left a lot to be desired. I agree that it will be tough to retain Watts and Frawley if Neeld remains at the helm come season's end.

We might actually be able to do that, now that Patton has done his knee. One less tall target for GWS. I think we could play McDonald and Sellar as key backs, with Garland as the third tall. Give Chip a week on the sidelines.

Perhaps, but as soon as Grimes handballed that off, he should have been looking to shepard. He had time and space too, but he didn't. Despite a number of skill errors and poor decisions, Grimes was good today, but he put Toumpas, a man playing practically his first game, under pressure.

If this is true, Jamar would not offer enough around the ground to play second string. We can't sit him in the forwardline and expect him to kick goals. ND and DB tried that. It didn't work. He's done, yet we have to pay out his contract despite probably serving the last year or so at Casey.

Davey's been good, but cannot hold his tackles anymore. I'd keep playing him, but only out of a lack of options. Davey will always be a superb kick too.

Totally agree. Absolutely liability. The midfield is where it's won and lost. If we can't get first possession on the footy, it's all futile.

They are responsible for the recruiting and development of those players.

I'd say so. He doesn't wanna be there.

I was impressed with Evans. Maybe it's just the number and the way he moves, but he reminds me a lot of Embley. He has the ability to find his own ball, is generally a nice kick and makes good decisions. Keep playing him off half back or the wing.

I thought Sellar did his job down back, while Pederson tried hard, but was generally ineffectual.