monoccular

I tend to agree re the 'classic' model HFF - HFFs need to be able to take a run in the midfield, and apply defensive pressure, which Tappy does but Aaron hasn't been able to do for a few seasons for various reasons. Gone are the days of the 'opportunist HFF' such as Barry Vagg or Geoff Tunbridge, and more is the pity as we were regularly playing finals, GFs, and winning flags back then.

...and so they say is a mad keen Dees man. Grab him asap.

the double negative will excite some of our week known soothsayers even more that the usual single negative. Some just love everything about anything negative.

DLSYXEIA SKUCS

Surely if Hogan is coming 2013, then that will make us an even less attractive proposition for Dawes? He does have to agree, after all.

If, as is being suggested, Hogan is the Ox in waiting for 2014, should we really be paying much to get Dawes? Wouldn't we be better off going for more skilled mids? Williams may be able to fill a role in 2013 with another preseason.

More a classic than an epic then?

If he don't want us,we don't want him. Simple. Conscript armies rarely outfight professionals.

Wash your mouth out, using Morton and Viney in the same sentence!

. So, in saying "we will not be taking shortcuts," does that confirm that the absurd pick 4 sacrifice for Wellingham the Unwilling, and / or Dawes is definitely NOT on?

you were going well, really well, headed for the flag in fact , but stumbled on your last five words.

I had thought that a veteran had to play 10 years at the one club - no doubt Vlad will have given the franchises special exemptions as he has for most things.

The vote option wasn't there, but a 4 man bench but capped at maybe 20 per quarter would stop this incessant on / off confusion, and would force coaches to hold off on at least one until very late in the quarter. IF there is an injury after the 20 have been used then there would be the sub option only, so use the last one carefully! 2 + 2 would leave too many, usually younger, players sitting out too many games just waiting, and be very bad for player development.

I am getting a bit sick and tired of guys having "off field issues" as an excuse for a poor season. Sure injuries, but........ Let's see if he has "character" and does something 2013 to justify his long contract. What do you reckon, Aaron? How do you want to be remembered - as another great talent who didn't / couldn't / wouldn't deliver consistently, or as a top grade contributor? Over to you.

????????????

Good post biff.Puts things into good perspective, or at least a perspective with which I agree. Pick 4 should surely only be even considered for a super star - Pavlich, Tippett, Pendelbery etc type, and not for an OK but surplus off-cast from another club, especially the Pies. For all the criticism of Byrnes as a has-been, he will bring plenty of experience from a successful team, and work ethic which will help the young mids and forwards, as well as giving us, short term, a quick crumbing forward under Clarke (assuming his foot does come good - little news or rumour around re that by the way). Interesting thoughts about the forgotten man, Williams. An assessment after full preseason will be interesting. Maybe he will turn out better than Dawes anyway. He certainly seems to have the hunger - maybe a near death experience can do something for the psyche.

??????????????

Sure - but this was a learning year for the players and the coach.We will se if he has learned when we see Magner in the midfield almost exclusively 2013.

LOL. Must try to remember that retort.

yes.....imagine! But that is all we can do.

Possibly a part of the Neeld assessment year - to see what role(s) he is and is not capable of filling.

Pardon my ignorance, but isn't the FA week now over? Or does it just go on and on?

Dawes just is not worth Martin + anything much, let alone the 13 that some have been talking about. I would rather keep Martin and use his as a defender who can ruck, especially if Riv flows down the bay to Corio.

But apparently some think that we don't need a tough, ball hungry, totally aggressive inside mid who has already played against men and acquitted himself well; they must be the ones who feel we should just let him go for another unproven (against men) young 'gun'.

It is nothing to do with anything that Todd has or hasn't done; it is a change in the rules by AFL, introduced unfortunately after Geelong got Scarlett and Hawkins so ridiculously cheaply.