P-man

I respect Jones. But ask yourself, who makes room in the midfield for when Viney, and arguably McKenzie, return to the side? Who makes room when Salem is ready?

Not going to dwell on it, but when you make statements like "supporters are happier with periphery issues like this one when we are winning", it has a distinct air of speaking for the masses, which you are not. You are one of the best posters here imo, but you are one guy, with one opinion. Re rjay's point on what identifies the club, I'm with stu in that there is no need for the demon to be the focus, but bypassing it altogether is a wasted opportunity of something that goes hand in hand with a full contact sport. "Play like demons, not flowers".

I have no doubt about that. Merely a personal preference to have seen Blease named ahead of those two.

Bernie is a ripper, no doubt. Enjoyed the reminder of Roosy's magnificent mullet at the end.

You're not quite getting it. You need to understand that you don't speak for everyone. That there are some supporters for whom winning, or not winning, would have ZERO bearing on their interest in matters such as this. Who have an appreciation for the importance of brand to the health of a club. The "nothing to see here" attitude every time matters such as these are raised is tiresome, and not helpful.

We've been over this a number of times now so last time I'll comment on it. I have nothing but respect for what he did last season, but I sit on the side of the fence believing that he is the calibre of player we need to move past if we are to become a genuinely good AFL side, and with the new inclusions, he is very much borderline best 22. Blease is still, by the skin of his teeth, potentially a greater part of the future than M Jones. But I hope he has a blinder on Saturday.

True. But footy fans have good memories and there will be some relieved Saints fans seeing Blease unnamed. I'd have preferred to see him ahead of Byrnes or Matt Jones.

Nail on head.

Relax...we've got this.

I am pumped for this. Even with the disasters of the past couple of years, there's nothing quite like Round 1 of a new season.

Ban this imbecile once and for all.

Would swap Blease with Byrnes but otherwise good enough to get the job done. Comfortably.

You need both. The emblem is try hard, overly complicated crap, true to form with the previous administration. No point sugar coating it. I hope this is a sign it is about to be changed to something simple, and easily identifiable, with something outside the box like a DEMON in it.

A question on how the team plays and the coaching situation before the season has even begun..? There are a range of questions as well as opportunity to offer your thoughts on such matters in free text. But the survey is quite clearly trying to obtain information that will feed into branding and promotion. I welcome it, personally.

Geeze it felt good to click that "Strongly Disagree" button when asking if I liked the emblem.

I'm flying down. Will be with a couple of Saints supporters so looking forward to rubbing their nose in it. Please Roosy. Please let me rub their nose in it.

Even with our depleted forward line, the Saints omissions are as long as your arm. We're basically playing a bunch of kids. A loss will hurt, big time. It's a must win game, simple as that.

Geeze I'll be staggered if JK doesn't play. Has been a clear standout and is the sort of player who gives you an edge to snag a win, which obviously, we need.

Massive call to say he'll be the best recruit of any side, although he will be a great pickup. Mumford looks like he is going to transform the Giants into a different outfit this season and beyond. At this stage he'd be my pick. I think we need to anticipate that Bernie may be up and down with his level of performance. If he can be at a consistently high level that would be great, but it hasn't been the case for him in recent years.

These "feuds" are so gosh darn interesting. I apologise for my post being vaguely on topic.

Mrs P (or "P-Woman") has no interest in footy, but she has a hatred of Brad Scott that she can't explain. Nothing to do with what he says, just how he says it. It's quite amusing. He's the perfect face for North i.e. unwarranted arrogance coupled with being a whiney [censored].

Gorgeous Georgiou, well done. Well earned. SC coaches around the country rejoice!

Yes it does! Try it! It's fun!

I love this thread already. *sits back with popcorn in hand*

If he is to return, I don't see why it couldn't be this year. Reassess in 8 weeks. He may well be in a different headspace by then. Here's hoping.