Rogue

-Is everybody over this season? I'm not. I didn't think we'd be as good this year as many others did, so the fall from grace hasn't been as painful. I think we're heading in the right direction, and the development of our younger players - and particularly new kids on the block like Petterd - keep things interesting. Every game and season has a story, so it's always interesting - what's going to happen to the fringe players, who's going to come on, who's finished, etc. -Does anybody care if we lose this Sunday? I always want to see the Dees win, and I guess at the micro level I want to win every game we play. However in the grand scheme of things I won't mind too much if we lose a few. -Do people actually want us to lose to get the best draft picks possible? I want us to have the best draft picks possible, but if you ask me before any game whether I want us to lose the answer'll be no. -Will you be upset if we lose? It's often disappointing but football isn't the be all and end all of my life -Are you going? Yes. -Crowd? ~27K

For sure - CJ was always the fall guy.

I reckon you're right Honestly, if you're an assistant with senior coaching ambitions I can't see why you wouldn't say you were 'interested'. That's not to say you'd be a fool not to apply/interview, but surely you'd take a look.

Tell me about it! Btw thanks - didn't notice the 1K You're not far behind =)

For sure. I'm keen to see how these guys go too.

I'm not too disappointed.

I agree - not sure what's going on there. While you constantly call for Ward's head after pretty much every game, his form has been decent. Likewise Bizz IMO, although not as good. Fwiw I don't see how Brown and Ward would be keeping Newton and Dunn out of the side either.

Miller's named in the team so I imagine he'll play - likewise CJ.

For sure - I'm looking forward to Sunday simply to watch these guys play. EDIT: Complete team I/C from: P.Johnson, Frawley, Newton, Buckley, Pickett, Holland, Dunn If we base selection on the tried and true 'if you're named in the 18 you're a definite in', then Miller and CJ are definitely playing. From that interchange I'd choose PJ, Frawley, Netwon, and Buckley. Dunn to miss out I guess :<

Emergency IMO. We're going to say we have a youth policy and then decide not to bring in Dunn > Pickett based on an average Sandy reserves game? :|

I'd drop Brown too, but he wasn't listed as an out I fail to see what value there'd be in not naming Brown as an out if he wasn't going to play based on form. I guess we can hope.

I'd like to see the following - In: Buckley, Frawley, Dunn, Miller EM: CJ, Pickett, Holland Holland might be unlucky to miss out to Miller though. Either way we need someone we can swing both ways, given Neitz is missing up forward and down back we'll have Frawley, Bizz, and Carroll. PS. Hopefully Warnock's getting close to a recall.

Agreed. I think it makes sense considering Rivers is one of our leading backman. I think it can help his game in all sorts of ways.

Given his age, experience, and pay packet you'd hope Pickett was an automatic selection. Given his woes this season and the fact that he won't be picked this week I suggest he'll struggle to get many games as he's not part of our future. For sure. However given Pickett's struggles in the first half of the year, the likelihood of him playing a major role in the second half of the season lessening, and the fact he's out of contract, I think it's fair to say he's in serious trouble. Maybe if he'd come back from his suspension and put in a great finish to the year he could have given himself a great crack at playing another year. His poor form vs Richmond and struggle to get back into the team indicates that scenario is very unlikely. Thus, he doesn't have much to hang his hat on when the new Coach is appointed, whether that be Riley or someone else. That's not exactly a ringing endorsement. I don't think Brown is likely to play much this year. Holland and Bizz play a completely different role, and one that we're less capable to fill with our younger players. That said, I see little room for Holland although with Rivers out and a very young backline I imagine Bizz will retain his spot as long as his form is decent. I tend to agree.

Hehe

Source I don't think Archer has to worry about fronting up for a run every day with Pickett over Christmas.

Agreed. Seeing our younger guys playing makes it very worth rocking up to the 'G this Sunday.

Riley said the right things, but then again ND sounded like a nice guy *shrug

For me it is essentially just that. I doubt I've ever got 'value for money' - ignoring the better seats, I'd spend less if I simply bought a ticket each time I went to the game. I don't use the stuff that they send out in the membership pack each year, although I did give a MFC scarf to someone I've been trying to turn into a Dees supporter (& member) :D

Nice call

When there are only limited spots on AFL lists I fail to see how that'd be a sweetener for WCE

Where did that come from? MFC injury list is still out of date.

Carlton should trade Fevola while he has value. I don't think Melbourne should take him on though - at 27 next year I think he's 4-5 years older than guys like McLean, Bate, etc. When they hit their peak he'll be 30+.

Cheers.