P-man

His argument is basically a bunch of legal gymnastics, mainly centering around how the AFL Regulations are interpreted and whether the powers to strip the Brownlow can be enacted for a case dating back to 2012. Its a situation where the right thing to do is smacking everyone in the face, and he's trying to worm his way around it by looking for a legal loophole. It's actually a bit sickening. The rest of his argument isn't even worth noting. He infers there is no precedent by doing what every desperate Bomber fan does - referencing Cousins. A player not found guilty of doping and therefore lirrelevant to the discussion. Although he tops that by referencing Hird's Brownlow, as though his involvement in the scandal should mean his Brownlow as a player should come under greater scrutiny. Simple deflection. This is almost the definition of an open and shut case. If they manage to find a loophole that enables Watson to keep his Brownlow, I hope the integrity of the sport's highest individual award and therefore the sport as a whole is worth it. Because that's what the cost will be.

Dogs have been given the Friday night slot after playing on Sunday in 8 of their last 10 opening round fixtures. On-field success is what it takes. This will be a big test first up for both sides. It's still a dismal ground for us so until we can routinely perform well there, we're treading water. This drops us in the deep end. I like it, personally.

Ultimate so bad it's good is Surf Nazis Must Die. Biggest disappointment was How I Won the War. The novelty of John Lennon on screen wears off after two minutes and you're left with a desthly boring film. Worst movie (also coming under the banner of "what did you expect?") is Adam Sandler's Little Nicky. It's buyer beware with anything of his but Little Nicky has to be seen to be believed.

Having reviewed this thread. with a nomination for both Hunt AND Watts (arguably the two biggest surprise packets of 2016 along with Gawn's dominance), I declare @wretched.sylph the winner of the 2016 Crystal Ball

Another upgrade is a great result. Thanks Dunny. All the best.

It's fine to hate Scully in a cartoon villain sense. But for anyone who genuinely hates a 20 year old dealing with an unprecedented situation, with millions of dollars at stake, a reshuffle of priorities is in order. The vast majority of people would've made the same decision he did, and likely stumbled their way through it.

Absolutely, and it's not blind optimism to be very happy with both signings. I look at our 22 on paper now and think we can absolutely play finals in 2017. That's hugely exciting. But it's also okay to have reservations. We shouldn't let the trauma (for want of a better word) of the last ten (or 50) years limit our ability to express those as well.

God that is awful. Truly awful. It's getting so bad it's like they need an intervention. Someone to shake them and tell them that it's over. Time to start again. Yes it will be painful but the more you delay the worse it's going to get when the bottom properly falls out. Pick 6 on an injury riddled 25 year old who may not get to another 100 games. It's staggering.

Demonland generally doesn't deal with grey so well. It's either black or white. If you're not absolutely gun ho on a club decision, you're often labelled a fool or a "hater". If you post something that is beside yourself with joy at a decision the club has made and calling out anyone who thinks otherwise as a fool, you best bring your raincoat, because you will get showered in likes. I get why it is that way. It's optimism or bust at this point, and for the large part the optimism is well justified. It does however appear to be trending towards any doubts expressed being ridiculed. Which is not a good trend, in my opinion. I don't care for TGR's approach, but I like the fact he has stuck to his guns and opened himself up to attack in the name of a discussion on Lewis that isn't all about how unbelievably amazing he will be.

I don't care how well they say he played. When Howe finishes fifth in your best and fairest, all is not well.

Was about to say you dropped Bernard. For shame Accomodating Melksham is a challenge. I'd be happy to see him earn a spot but I'm pretty sure he will line up in Round 1.

I lean closer to you than others in terms of what Lewis brings football wise. That said, PD makes the valid point that he won't be required on the ball to the extent he was at Hawthorn given our depth in that area. He'll automatically be one of the better and smarter kicks in the side, so if he can be freed up a bit more on the outside or behind the ball then our ball movement instantly improves. Three years doesn't bother me if that's what it took to get him over the line. He'll make two years and his determination should hopefully push him to the line, although there may not be a lot left in the tank by then. It's worth noting that players on average are having longer careers in modern footy.

Lewis on Trade Radio said the next two candidates for the captaincy after Hodge are now Isaac Smirh and Liam Shiels (Roughead to focus on his health). The fact they are now the next best candidates says a lot about the significance of Mitchell and Lewis leaving.

Vast majority of Pies fans on BF have nothing but bad things to say about the Dunn trade. Behind Ben Reid he'll be their best defender by a distance, and Reid has had problems staying on the field.

Just happy to get it done. The upgrade softens it slightly given our ability to find players around that pick. Dodoro was never going to budge. I wouldn't have put it past him to keep Hibberd on for next season if we didn't play ball. Hopefully that's the last we have to deal with them for a while.

I'm not casting doubt on Lewis being best 22. He very much is and will be a solid acquisition. There are however considerations in terms of selection that can stem from that. But maybe those can wait for another day.

This is the debate I alluded to earlier before being told Lewis was valuable and best 22. Duh. In a scenario where the ANB and Grimes types of last season (i.e players routinely putting in good performances but unable to crack into the side) become better players in the Kent/Brayshaw/Harmes mould (talented youngsters), I'd prefer to see someone like Vince make way rather than a youngster seek greener pastures through lack of opportunity. Lewis makes our 2017 aspirations stronger, but we also shouldn't lose sight of the big picture.

It's quite something to hear straight from the horse's mouth that Hogan's signature signalled to him where the club was heading and was a factor in his decision.

I truly hate Essendon with every fibre of my being. I just needed to get that off my chest. Cheers.

Nailed it. As I mentioned in the Lewis thread, Melksham not in the best side seems odd given he's just be en brought in for a second rounder, but for mine he'd be the first one to make way. Outside speed still to be addressed but good luck to any side that wants the ball to start with. Hibberd and Lewis are both great users of the footy and will make a big impact in that regard, along with Salem at full health (touch wood). Genuine cause for optimism next season.

That was me, and I took it all back What an outcome though. Mahoney is absolute jet at this caper.

Will almost be a surreal experience seeing Melbourne not dipping heavily into the draft pool.

I'd be okay with that. I was happy to part with a third round pick. Fourth round is packet of twisties territory.

No worries. I'm not just referring to the aftermath of him leaving. I don't think his consistency has been amazing in recent times. He has certainly experienced dips in form. I am a little surprised he finished 2nd in the Hawks' BnF. That says something about a Hawks midfield that was ranked 18th in the league for contested possession this season. They got fortunate with results during the regular season and were found out in the finals. But I digress. No-one is a bigger advocate for injecting some on-field leadership into the group than me. It is largely for that reason I'm keen on getting him. He also strikes me as someone who will want to prove a point and finish his career strongly.

Questioning how he fits in the best 22 isn't the same as questioning if he's in the best 22. My post was quite clear in asking which players get squeezed out. Thankfully, some provided constructive responses. It's worth nothing that Hawks fans who watch him every week aren't as enamoured with him as you are. Yes he's a player with the credentials you mention, but he's also a fairly one paced midfielder. The type of player we have a lot of already. Of course I'm happy if we get him (as looks likely), he'll be a good pick up. I apologise for not blowing my load over it.