Demon17

Gaff wants $1.1m.

The club will not pay what gaff wants. 1.1m They recognise the need to bring a star studded young group up together a la geelong pay wise. No outliers paywise and the team has bought into this philosophy.

Exactly. My understanding from a club source is that hogan has been groomed as a high half foward utility type and that weideman was seen as the tall forward. Hence hogans up ground time this year and given his aerobic capacity. Nuts to trade such a quality player. I dont care who would come in. Goody trades out those who dont fit. Watts...... Hogan is a star.

And its a smart 10 year decision. Maxys 26 ish. Preuss is 23. This will add 3 years on maxys playing life and give our gun midfield team top service for that period too.

Oliver by a mile. 3 excellent games from the kid who was great from day 1 of the finals despite close atention. Agressive and gave as good as he got . Hugely advanced his reputation and no stage fright for one so young. Yesterday he was our best.

Great post full of resilience which is the true test at times like these. I belive the club has resilience in spades now. The great north teams of the 90s with Carey lost 3 prelims before making the gf. The journey to the next dees gf has now begin imo.

Agree but the jury on vdb is out for me unless he can consistently dispose of the ball. Unreliable kick and problematic handballs nit at afl standard. Cant fsult his vigour and ontent but needs to be more effective

Lewis last 1/4 in Round 22 was sensational under huge pressure at Optus against Eagles. He's a conundrum but I'd rather still have him around next year. He will or won't earn his spot. I believe based on last pre-season 17/18, that Goody will make hard decisions for the benefit of all (Watts, Fritsch yesterday etc. ) making the next 8 weeks or so fascinating. Full faith in this next period to set up 2019. One will be killing off any rumours about Hogan leaving for example.

So you didn' t see the previous 2 finals with Cats and Hawks staging comebacks, with hawks players saying " Don't choke" and yet overcome but still young and inexperienced team finals-wise? Huge steps taken this year, good platform for next year's assault and glaring deficiency which I acknowledge shown up yesterday as a good dose of reality (think Lewis, outside run, close in shots at goal, Tyson ...) All fixable. Soon as I heard the forecast yesterday I thought the season over. Ended up being 28 degrees.

What will be will be today. But pause for thought to reflect and consider that Nathan Jones leads out the team in 2 hours equalling Jim Stynes games record.

Timely post dd. Well done. Importantly your reflections were absolutely supported over last 3 weeks by key media stakeholders publicly such as robbo caro hutchy and bt. It helps having the best product around such as marketable articulate polite and humble young players and leaders. Oliver s interview with roaming brian last friday after hawks win was one for the ages. That kid is all class. Along with weideman finishing his interview with a "...thank you very much brian ..."

Joel Smith was terrific at training on Wednesday also. Not the end of the world for bailey although he will be disappointed. He will play forward next year when back line re-settles with lever and play every game. Could be a selection next week for match ups if Dees get through tomorrow.

Really good point. In both finals Tyson delivered the perfect ball into the forward pocket for important last quarter goals to Melksham and Weideman.

I hope not, but if if Smith is in I hope Tyson remains. Don't touch the inside mids. Tyson as a gun if played correctly with quick hands to extract which is where this game will be won.

Give bt credit. He complimented the club on its approach to providing full and open access as the best in the afl. As did caro and hutchy on monday night. Well done dees media team and management.

On the way to training now. Thanks KJO. Post if the week !

Im pleased razor Ray has the game. If snyone has a mind of his own its him . Significant in dealing with this real issue on the day

It is a good read and the team analysis is well balanced. But I can't cop the comment about "...Part of that is the perception of our MCG form...". Its not perception - its reality. The pies game this year was too impacted by injuries to both sides to be a reliable predictor of form, and prior to that WC had won 2 out of 7 at the G (against Carlton) A Tigers vs Eagles GF will be the lessor outcome for the AFL in terms of interest and competitiveness. Dees have to win to set up the dream GF.

Very true. The worst thing about being talked about - is NOT being talked about (Oscar Wilde) I joke with Pies friends about their lack of teeth. And am proud that I like skiiing.(but a working class boy also) Its all good fun in the end.

He and Lever were both in the coaches box during the game.

Based on last week and lack of nerves and aggression at the ball so is brayshaw melkshem tmac oliver gawn jones tyson jetta hannan ............etc. This group could be a dynasty if they want it.

Sadly he's a bottom 6 player at the moment. Good around packs and pressure for sure but when opportunities arise has usually hard to predict outcome.

Absolutely. If they win they can be back at Tullamarine by Midnigh AEST. Thus sleeping in their own beds. For once a good call under the circumstances by the AFL.

Hibberds lap running was strong, and not idling by. Was taken out of main group early. His running strength suggest its precautionary.

Weid was last off the rack after completing some extra ruck simulation with a group of 5 which included Viney and Oliver. Other midfielders left a bit earlier.