Slartibartfast

FWIW Shaun Burgoyne and Andrew McLeod both played with bone on bone for years. Shaun was supposed to have had it when he went to Hawks.

Shades of Billy Stretch. Wishing him a long and successful career.

Nice summary. Suggestions for the forward that can ruck?

Thanks for the response JImmy, a 3am post! Rjay has raised most of what I would. Your suggestions of McKercher and Watson seem to be out of reach. When you go shopping you can only buy what's there, so we'll have to look elsewhere for the forward pocket and half forward. McAdam my fill one need. And if it happens that Watson is there at our first pick I'd still probably go O'Sullivan for structual purposes in preference although I really liked Nascent's suggestion of Sanders/Watson and Murphy but I don't pretend to know too much of those in the ND to judge. You suggest we teach Oliver, Petracca and Viney to play within their limitations. What does that mean, get the ball but not dispose of it?! I'd suggest that whilst that is "doing your head in" it's been a focus over the years and is unlikely to improve significantly. They have their strengths and weaknesses and none of them are elite ball users. If it's a real issue what do you propose doing about it? I see we are in agreement about a KPF. But I think there is something we really need to learn and it's from Collingwood. During the year we've around 11 games decided by less than 2 goals and won 4. Collingwood have had around 9 and guess what. They've lost one, against us. If I was Goody this is the area I'd concentrate on over the PS. I think we've got as good a list as anyone (not better) and it will improve this year. I'm with Rjay, if Brayshaw plays the two finals we are in a GF. Same with Petty. None of this doesn't mean we don't try and improve in all areas but I've highlighted where I'd concentrate. I think everyone would agree we need some more polish on the outside. Gulden, Coleman and Merritt would be great but we most likely won't solving this issue immediately unless we can get Salo or someone like Bowey or McVee into the mid mix. I'd also look at this over the PS.

Oh dear. My bad.

So Jimmy let's just agree that Oliver, Petracca and Gawn aren't very good kicks, I can live with that. What is your suggestion as to how we proceed. How do we deal with their kicking issues, how do we get better? What are the main areas of need? Are you all in for a gun forward and if so who? What would you pay for him?

Fullerton?

This package, if the future end of 1st round picks can be traded will give NM exactly what they and the AFL want and not compromise the other low finishing clubs. They would have given these picks knowing what they will give NM for McKay. It's a rather elegant solution. Of course, I could be quite wrong!

If I'm right in my previous post then all the bottom teams get to keep their earlier picks which would calm their nerves. It makes sense and means we get pick 5.

I wonder if the AFL has given them these picks to let them get pick 4 but won't give first round compo for McKay.

That doesn't tell me how the kick rating were judged Dazzle. What are they measuring? Who are the others in the top 20?

How is that measured Jimmy and where are the stats? Just interested because it doesn't seem to pass the smell test.

We had the sixth best forward line in the AFL based on points kicked with most of our tall forwards injured for most of the year. The concept that we have an almost dysfunctional forward line is a fallacy.

Collingwood: Played twice, won by 4, lost by 7 Brisbane: Played twice, lost by 11, won by 1 Port: Played once, lost by 4 Carlton: Played three times, won by 17, lost by 4, lost by 2 GWS: Played once, lost by 2 We played the top 5 sides 9 times and lost 6 of those games by less than 2 goal. Let's not pretend we are no good and a rabble. We had Tmac, Brown, Petty and Fritta injured for long periods. We had a second year key position forward show heaps. I don't think our forward line is the major issue and the concept that we "need to sell the farm" to get a gun KPF is flawed.

If it's just to "bridge the gap" how much capital are you willing to spend? And who?

Riewoldt will end up in the media, Hawkins on his farm and we have BBB for leadership of JvR and Jefferson. Don't think it's happening Dazzle even if we wanted it.

Because they are trying to beat 17 other teams, not one. You maximise your own list and let others look after themselves.

If Sweet is off to Port then Grundy is more likely to Sydney you'd think.

Saints may want to trade for him so as not to dilute Gresham compo.

Yeh, I'm not much good posting from a phone! But I think finding the appropriate person would be harder! Look, I agree Grundy is gone, we mightn't get much, but finding a best 22 player is not easy given our depth. Most of our best 22 have good contracts. IMO more likely we'll look for a player like Flynn who isn't a forward but can play in Max's spot if he's injured.

Not at Grundy’s salary! Do you really believe them? Where did they come from? I’m very sceptical.

Just go and get that forward who can ruck. Got plenty of cash (if Grundy leaves), picks and clout - just get it done. So easy to say, so hard to do. Who?

But it was the right thing for MFC. It’s always frustrating when a fan favourite falls outside the best 23.

Who is the forward worth $650,000 per year? I haven’t heard of one on the market from any club. And if there isn’t one? What then? We will look for fair value and whilst we will try to accommodate Brodie we won’t be screwed over. We are trading one of the better rucks in the AFL. In principle I agree with you, but we do hold a fair hand and will want fair value.

No need to go to Box Hill now.