Binmans PA

We were on top with only a few rounds to go. In '04 (or was it '05?) particularly, there was no stand out team, so that was probably our best crack at a premiership since the 80s. If memory serves me correctly we were 14-5 after Round 19, but unfortunately faded in the last few games, just as we did the following year. You're not going to sway me, we were certainly one of the 4 top teams for the majority of that season.

Maybe Brian's been reading the Demonland forums?

I was joking...

Remincising. I won't even bother arguing that one.

If I remember correctly, we were sitting first by Round 15 and Round 18 or 19 in both respective seasons. Any team that does that is a good team in my book.

Yeah, I'd agree with your assessment entirely, Doggo. He's got beautiful blance for a big man.

I would have thought it's a bizarre time to rest him though. Perhaps, Bails think he'll win the game for us this week.

For arguments sake, kicking can be linked so heavily with confidence though. Hence, our disposal inefficiency over the past two seasons. I'm not convinced he'll miss as often, if he too becomes part of a stronger team, that is flying. I suppose it's a bit like the Sylvia situation. Johno has such raw athleticism, combining that with height, he just seems like he has all the potential in the world. Stick him in a good team and you never know. Stick Jamar in a good team...well he was in one, in '04 and '05...he was just damn right frustrating.

I probably shouldn't comment on this, as I've not read up on it and therefore I'm not particularly well-informed, but don't the GC have the right to come in and attempt to sign any un-contracted players they want? So ie Jack Watts, Same Blease, these types, who are only on two year contracts. I'm just thinking of Barrassi to Carlton. Obviously different situation, but it ruined our plans then and something quite similar could happen again with Watts et al, could it not?

I vividly remember him playing up forward against the Pies (even full forward from the goal square) in '07 and he could have had 5 by half time. Just his kicking let him down that day. I think that's where I might have got it from. He also leads very well on occasion. Mind you, he doesn't finish a lot of his opportunities.

We would have picked up Cruiser that year if we'd lost to Carlton, so the Nat probably wouldn't be as relevant. Furthermore, we could've had a bloke by the name of Chris Judd also. Still, if we get Butcher and Scully, we'll be set for a premiership anyway.

I understand there wasn't a choice between he and Jamar. My point was, however that Jolly is and always has been the far superior player out of the two. To be honest, I would have kept White over Jamar...

Exactly! Ten points.

I'll go where ever it is. Not turning up just because it's not at the MCG is stereotypical fair weather supporting and it's why some of us who go week in, week out get labelled fair weather supporters. Who gives a [censored] where the game is. Get out there and support them. I'd rather play at the 'G, of course, but suck it in.

Yep, it is his problem. If he'd got his kicking right earlier in the season he might have already had 3 bags of goals. As for the Casey match, he might have almost kicked 9. If he fixes this, then he might still be a player.

Yeah, you're right about Newton. If he's good enough he'll rectify his kicking problem, if not, he'll do as you say and dig his own grave. Afterall, Newton only became a semi regular contender in 2007 and it's only 2009. This is the year he has to prove himself, but I'd say give him the rest of the season. Stick him upward, let Watts play up the ground and see what he's got.

Oh, I agree on PJ. He is one of my favourites, because has done the courageous things in the past (I'd point to the shoulder injury he received on the wing against Sydney a few years back). However, this season he's been dreadful and has struggled to find form. The Eagles game was probably his best game so far, this year. He has great potential, as a second ruck and up forward (the Collingwood game in '07 is an example of what he could do up forward--obviously needs to fix up his kicking for goal though). Persist with PJ, but I still can't believe we traded Jolly and not Jamar.

To be honest, I'd say a lot of our guys were front runners. Green wasn''t the only one. I'd stick Brucey in this category at times, as well.

It's a good point this. Greeny was a little soft in his early days, but now he's one of our most ferocious tacklers and would have no hesitation backing into a pack.

I agree. Although, not quite the same, the media were talking Daniel Rich up all year and he ended up going at 7 (was it?). A lot can change over the course of 15 or so weeks.

Surely, Jamar is the one that has to go? Meesen has already shown more than Jamar has in his entire career. Jamar's had his time and hasn't been good enough. Pity we don't still have Jolly.

Agreed. Depth is important here. With Wheels coming to the end of his career, Bartram and Dunn are our only two taggers at the moment. We need at least two or three and Dunn, although not a stand out, is versatile.

And that's the problem we're faced with. He is such a high draft pick, you may as well stick with him. Look you're probably right Hannabal and I have thought along similar lines myself, but to me, he should be able to play in any team at any given time. That's what a good player is. Still your point has merit that outweighs my argument. The thing about Sylvia is he'd easily be our most frustrating player. If I've ever improved my outlook towards him it has been more in hope than anything else. He's got a bit of talent somewhere, he just doesn't do the basics well. That said, Bails is slowly turned that mentality around (seemingly). Please, finally show us some consistency, Colin. I barely know anyone who knocks him. Anyone that does, you're right, lacks understanding. He's only a young kid, he's going to make mistakes. He's going to be a ripper.

Might just have been finals.

Pity, the ABC don't do the Sunday games, as I'm sure they once did.