Dee-licious

I think we will have a much better idea what we want to do with it after the grand final. If Kynan Brown has a day out in the U17 game, our first rounder might not be useful for us.

It was great to watch and we really were a level above the lions. The young kids do look really good. JVR and Bowey look like they will slot right in round 1 next year. TMac will be good back in the seniors and if Tomlinson and Dunstan are required they’ll be fine. Smith is working back nicely and I can see why they want him around. If he could have a good run at it, who knows. Chandler and Bedford have something about them, but need a role. AMW is the real surprise packet for me. I’ve liked what he’s done, but today was a little different. Just looked like he could change a game if needed. It makes me wonder, his background is NT Thunder. I just wonder what it would have been like if he was at a Brighton Grammar and had regular coaching, routines, etc. The talent is clearly more than we see in most draftees, looking forward to seeing him another year in the system. Could be anything.

Ah, TMac can play next week in the VFL. He hasnt played seniors since Round 10 - hence before July 1. He is eligible - how lovely :)

This is such a nicer thread to be on than anything else on Demonland at the moment. Tomlinson has been immense. Just so much confidence in his role and his skills. Great to watch and makes me feel that if we did want to put Petty forward, Tommo will be great back in the backline. Dunstan is great depth, and I feel for him that he is out at Casey rather than playing the 1s somewhere. Unlucky that none of our mids had an injury this year to keep them out. He really is a very good player. Ellison and Grey are great players arent they! Just so good at this level and you can really see that they are at that slightly above VFL level whereas some of our other VFL players we've had this year (and playing today) do look like VFL players. Bowey is just so clean. We will miss him in the grand final. Chandler and Bedford have been good, but it feels like a loss having two guys who are clearly forwards having to play mid because of a lack of mids. I'd love to see any defender have to deal with these two deep. JVR - just looks like he is going to be a great AFL player. We are lucky here. AMW is an interesting one. There are moments where he isnt quite "there", but then there are moments where he just breaks the game open. Seriously could be a player for us. I just am not sure where yet. Is he a high half forward, a mid, a deep forward like Cameron. Howes is still working his way into being a player, but there is enough in the time he has. He makes a mistake, but has the time to compose and fix it.

Good thread. Oliver and Trac were outstanding this year. I thought that Brayshaw was a real highlight this year off half back and then through the centre. Viney stepping up at times as well. Jordan had a really good season and built on last year. Petty getting better and better and good to see him have a full season.

Gee Weid can kick. Come on bud, stay and have Jackson’s role

Who was at fault there. I think Dunstan’s mark, but Tom is the forward. Communication needed at the very least

There is just an arrogance of our melbourne players. Like - you cannot touch me as I’m the level above you. It looks great, but probably demonstrates why the step up to afl is so big. Smith, McDonald, Tomlinson, Chandler, Dunstan just are way too good for this game.

Bowey has only had 3, but has been very important in the centre clearances getting up to the play. It’ll be good to have him back next year. too bad Howes only had a few games under his belt. There is a lot to like there.

JVR is everything we have wanted this year up forward. Contested marking, pressure, not giving up, ground level play. Glad he had a year to enjoy ragdolling VFL defenders. He won’t see them again.

Lovely mark from Howes. Goal good. The float in mark better.

Sorry if it’s already been talked about, but it’s just Bowey and McDonald who won’t be able to play next week if we win right? But we could play Melksham as he’s played over 7 games?

Luckily, he has grown. He said on the Road to the Draft podcast he is now over 196cm.

Cheap, proven, can plug and play in our system. If we get a back up tall from somewhere else, we need to train them in our system. If we get a fresh one, we've got 3 years to wait. We know it wont be expensive, so a great player to have on our list mentoring and developing the next generation. I agree that with Hibbard and Hunt not signed, Rosman not signed and possibly a rookie listed at best, and if I was Tommo I'd be looking around, having Turner and Smith as depth for the next 2 years is a great thing.

Yep - just keeps telling me I'm in the queue

If Grundy wants to come to the Dees, fantastic. He has been the number 2 ruck in the league for the last 5 years. Hence the massive deal. It’s the same with Jackson and Freo. We don’t need him, but you don’t say no to good players (ala Cerra last year)

I thought the same thing too. I’m not sure all the touches were recorded (Rosman was on 0 touches at one point, but had had at least one kick, Hunt had a chain of 3 touches but only given 2). Also it was a long down the line game so not that many touches needed when you are only taking three kicks to get it to the other end.

This seems like a silly thing to do - but not front page of the herald sun worthy. Shouldn’t have done it, but not like he was speeding / drunk etc. just driving

Still a long way to go, but it would take a miracle for Daicos to lose as he plays in a really friendly position. Bowey somewhat the same, but he has to defend. one injury and it’s wide open. Bowey will have the stats to go with him, and as posters have said - get a heap of 3, 2 and 1 votes. I’d love him to end up with a podium finish.

I think(?) it’s got to do with the system and rotations. We don’t have a regular midfield brigade out there like we have with Trac and Clarry. I will say that Dunstan has been in and under in the first two rounds so he should be the exception. Laurie got a good run through the guts in round 1, less so in 2. I guess just learning roles and system and it’s about how we play, rather than player X getting 30? I’ll be keeping an eye out this week that’s for sure

There is one other - a Brisbane guy who’s name escapes me.

That’s a table set to keep an eye on as the year progresses. Spargo has one of the best win loss records in the comp right now (min 50 games). And didn’t realise Hunt has played 96 but none in a final.

That is insane! I didn’t realise it was such a winning record. I’d love to know what the most games before a loss is if anyone knows.

Be interesting to know what the drop off was in the last 2 years - https://www.afl.com.au/news/134122/afl-eye-catchers-u16-all-australian-team maybe position? Maybe he matured early? But great to see he is a Dee

It’s a real I hope it doesn’t come back to bite us scenario. I wonder if we go get a rookie (the tall that’s been linked to us) or if we keep it open as a train on spot.