DeeSpencer

Fairly confident Smith was only used forward because of lack of medium/tall options with McDonald out. He’s just as scary down back but we do need that ready made mid sized defensive depth especially if Hibbo retires and Hunt leaves. ANB’s a tricky one because his effort is undeniable but his ball use, particularly in traffic can be horrific. But I’d also say when we moved the ball really well in 2021 ANB used the ball more than well enough. So maybe if we fix the upfield stuff and get the ball to Nibbler hard running in space he’ll find targets. Especially if the key forwards are much improved. Is ANB, Harmes, Sparrow, Spargo too defensive a midfield rotation/half forward group? Potentially. But who else is available? We haven’t been linked to any upgrades. Bedford probably leaves. Chandler might get a look but I’m underwhelmed and then it’s the other kids on the list.

Rivers still has a lot of value to me because he’s a very good 7th defender who can do a bit of everything. Turner’s in contention for a tall spot, Bowey should be a starter as a flanker, but a defender who can lock, rebound and intercept like Rivers is very useful. Rosman got concussed because he took short steps and fumbled then dived in after the ball. I haven’t seen why growth in his smarts or skills.

Great to see push in the back has made it back in to the rule book. Not sure where it was last night

Found a good patch of form in the back third of the regular season but didn’t have great finals. Fairly decent knee injury that really can hinder a young player without the base of preseasons. I’m still excited by what he has to offer, just a little question on what role they have for him.

I think we start with T Mc and JVR as our key forwards next year. Both can easily be 50% improvements on Brown and Melksham. But the swing man has to be an option, especially as both McDonald and JVR have defensive capabilities. And Turner’s an option I just don’t think he’ll be the first choice. I’m starting to think we can actually solve the key forwards to a respectable level. The trickier fix might be finding a half decent ruck/forward

A lot of learnings. Club surely made a big profit Hope for some Sunday 1:10’s on the fixture

He’s had a number of little injury set backs but every week he’s good for a few special things. His marking for his size and his ability to make a quick decision with the ball are both valuable traits.

You could pluck someone from the crowd and they’d make an impact with the way the dogs were defending in the second half against Freo. Brown, Melk and Jackson did the job in the first half when the team played to the game plan. JVR would’ve been stuffed at half time and needing a miracle to impact in the second half. Big preseason and he’ll be right to go.

He’s bounced back on to the ground. I’d say ideally McDonald and JVR could be good for 22 between them if not both of them. Definitely would love a Brown/Jackson replacement in addition to the 2 bigs.

Hunt’s never been fit or smart enough for a wing. Gus is too slow and unaccountable for half back if Lever’s in the same back 6. Given Lever can’t play anywhere else it has to be Lever

Looked a medial for Tom.

This isn’t bagging them but every time the Bedford and Dunstan combination comes together it ends in disaster. Same 2 players, disaster. 1 or the other, fine. Maybe they’re unpredictable or don’t communicate well. Or maybe it’s just coincidence

Of course speed and power matter. Rance and May are elite in that area hence they don’t need height. Turner stands out at Casey as a good mover which is why he has afl potential, but he’s not in the same ball park as May. And in terms of power he can’t be expected to be until he’s 23+. There’s a huge difference between having draft-able attributes and elite afl level attributes. The question is not can he play at afl level, it’s whether he’s good enough to take over from a proven performer in Petty. Especially as May probably starts to decline. With the rise of the 2m key forwards I can’t see the coaches taking out a guy with the reach and overhead game of Petty for Turner who will be conceding multiple inches to the big boys. Not immediately next year anyway.

Training at Casey, Port Melbourne and then on an underdone oval is absolutely a small factor. Small factors add up. If we had a pies or tigers crowd last night we get 4 more frees in front of goal. We’re also signing McStay and 3 more trade recruits over the years due to off field $$$.

Because Smith just gave up a really soft goal, highlighting how silly it is he’s got 2 more years and our season came up short because of crazy list management decisions that we seem desperate to continue

I’m enjoying the game and the efforts of the Casey and young demons. Even enjoying some of the older demons too

Dunstan has to call his forward in or out, he’s got the clean view of it. If McDonald didn’t list then it’s his fault

In the case of Bedford for GWS or Essendon

Going to be a genuine toss up between Smith’s 2 year deal and Brayshaw’s 6 year deal for which one is worse

Baker and Dunstan just showed you all why they’re in the VFL.

Happy for the initial contact not paid, but the second guy who jumped on Toby’s head has to be paid

McDonald and JVR both bossing a VFL kid for sure but that’s good alternating of useful talls in the ruck contests

In September next year ‘24 will be the draft, then in September ‘24 everyone will want ‘25. It’s always the way.

And if he had May or Rance’s speed and power he’d be great. Or if he plays as the third tall like Stewart and gets 20 touches a game and kicks it unbelievably well. Petty’s height and reach makes him the perfect complement to May and allows Harry to take genuine pack intercept marks. Turner’s a good prospect. I expect him to play a lot of AFL footy. But if we want an elite backline we need him as the 2nd or 3rd tall. And he’s your friend, cousin, significant other or all or the above. But he’s on the shorter side for key defenders

Haha a classic Tom McDonald crap fend and turnover. He’s been so overrated in his absence