binman

I'm not sure that is why he ewas recruited. My sense is that ideally he play as a forward - and pinch hitting to give Maxy a chop out. He does not look like he is going to be a forward option. If it was to play at casey for a few years and be back up for maxy,well sure that isn't a failure. But i'm pretty sure all concerned had grander plans than that.

I don't think the clues rule the big fella out. Could our pick 3 come into play somehow? The cats did mention they would be keen to get up the draft order. If we got the big rat and their first round pick (14?) and maybe a 3rd rounder (which we could use for Butler) that might work? This game is fun.

Not quite sure what you mean by being a revenue cost centre.

Surely if we are targeting a Cat it is more likely to be Ratugolea. Young. We could offer a good contract with a few years on it. A big presence up forward but crucially can go into the ruck. A tacit admission the Preuss experiment has failed (and maybe acknowledgment that weeds is fair way off?)? Hawkins is too one dimensional and doesn't provide any chop out for Maxy.

I'm not sure about May being injury prone. Ha no issues until coming to the dees and perhpas struggling with the increased running load. Hopefully yhat's not an issue next year. And granted Lever has had 2 ACLs (one as a junior) but i'm not convinced he is injury prone as such.

I get all that. Let's agree to disagree on his ability. But I thought I made it clear that I'm not relying on Joel Smith for us to have a good 2020. As I previously noted even if he never plays seniors, for whatever reason, i am still confident we will make finals in 2020. If I prove to be correct about Smith and he does play a role it will be icing on the cake. Not the cake.

Agree. His assessment of our list is not a million miles away. I'd have Hibberd at C+ and Harmes and Trac at B- But surely we expect both Lever and may to elevate to A graders - and Trac for that matter.

Nor i. But if we do as you say it will be late you'd think. it is an untenable situation for Jenkins and the Crows and really he will have to go. The Crows will become increasingly worried they won't be able to trade him so the later in the trade period it goes the more of his salary they might be willing to pay.

Freudian slip?

To do what?

Fair point. But I think they are playing different roles. Smith is more s defensive forward.

Sorry to disappoint you chazz. But your initial comment still doesn't make sense. In that comment you imply a correlation between looking forward to Joel Smith playing and our chances of success in 2020. No such correlation exists and no one has suggested it does. Except you. Your above explanation (ie we dont agree on his ability) is a completely different point.

I hope not. Or hope so. I'm not sure. Gunston? Clues: A key forward (are correct to assume a big?) Victorian club But not pies And not membrey or Bruce A club who needs to shed some players or $$ this trade period Would be a surprise

Sorry, but that doesn't make sense. Or at least doesn't to me. I am very much looking forward to Joel Smith returning from injury. I think he will be come a very good addition to our side if he can stay fit. But i (and i assume others who share that sentiment) am not suggesting Smith's availability is a prerequisite for success in 2020. I think it will help but that's just hunch. Smith may not even end up being in our best 22, might do or may not shake the injury curse. Whatever the situation ends up being with Smith, i'm still confident of making finals in 2020.

You think before you think, before you think before you think? Cool. One question. Given the above how is it possible for you to post so much rubbish? Think x 4 before responding.

No he's not.

Agree. I think forward is his go with his ability to impart aerial contest and bring the ball to ground and speed to be a defensive forward threat. Can also be swung back in defence if there was a match up problem (eg an opposition playing a small forward line - in that instance May and Smith might swap)

I get the question marks but i really feel like smith could be a best 22 lock and potentially a real star. Has x factor, is super athletic. It goes without saying much depends on injury but fingers crossed he can put those woes behind him.

Brilliant post from a poster called rumpole!

Add giph of the opening of The Twighlight Zone here

Foot speed is important in so far as a team needs one or two really quick players, but more as an attacking option. And as has been noted by some posters there is different types of speed - burst, 100 metre sprints and speed over say 300 metres. But agree the need is over played a bit, particularly for the wing role Tomlinson will play. Agree that we struggled badly on that wing position to cover opposition switches etc last season but whilst poor positioning and structure might have contributed I think the key issue was our lack of fitness and elite endurance runners. Funnily enough (Given he is a key forward) i think this was really exacerbated by the loss of hogan who ran hard up and down the wing. ANB gets a game because he is one of few players who has the endurance to cover that outside lane and the area between rhe arcs offensively and defensively. Conversely gus's lack of fitness was exposed in that position (on that i suspect rumours of him carrying an injury last year and that being the reason he did not play as a pure mid are true). Also agree that Tomlinson represents terrific value for us. Good pick up. The fact we have not had to give up any picks or players is more than just icing on the cake. It is huge as it helps us in this trade period and potentially means we can draft a higher pick than if we had to haggle for him. Great posts on this topic deanox by the way.

Blimey, that's a steep price. Terrific player but 25ish and has only played 2 seasons.

Surely pick 3 gets it done for Kelly?

I wonder if the rumour re listed to Cox but the destination club was muddled. I don't want Cox (leave it alone ds)

Do you barrack for the dees? Serious question.