Cheesy D. Pun

Oddly enough, I agree with you both. Despite some average goalkicking, Fritsch is a gun and forward is his spot. But we've got to add more pressure to that forward line and Fritsch and Melksham bring nothing in that space, so one has to go. I was really hoping Bedford would come on this year so that we could have he and Kozzy in that role. We need to have at least another three genuine small forwards added to the list. Obviously, they don't all play but we can't keep relying on makeshift guys in a position that is one of the hardest on the field to play.

Yep. Don't mind it, at all. I don't know if any of those potential targets are the answer, but we've got to try something in this space. When things go wrong, our focus seems to be on how many talls we have. I think the key is minimising our medium forwards. You can have three tall forwards, but then you've got to surround them with genuine smalls. Too many times, we'd have Hannan, Melksham and Fritsch in the same forward line, then blame it on the talls when it doesn't work. Also, If you have more talls and more crumbers, your strategy looks better. The extra tall forces at least one intercept player to play a man and the way you enter becomes a lot less significant. You can lower your eyes because without the extra zoning defender, there's space to lead into but you can also bomb the ball in, get a contest and bring the little guys in. This is where I think we too often blame the kicker. If your structure doesn't keep the defence honest, your asking far too much of the bloke with the ball. Fingers crossed, we can get some solid talent into the forward line over the off-season.

Our strategy of kicking wide into the pockets has just found its place.

Yep. Good call. I almost typed it.

This. We need to move out the excess mid-sized forwards and replace them with fully-fledged small forwards that are willing to pressure and tackle. This may be an unpopular view here but I think Fristch is exceptional as a forward. Melky has great skills but he's probably the one that has to move a for a pressure forward. Our permanent forward line could have: Weideman Brown Fritsch Kozzy Small forward 2 Small forward 3 Then you'd have Jackson rotating through the ruck or replacing one of the extra smalls if the matchups make sense. Whatever happens, we got to have more smalls in there. Currently, we have one genuine pressure player (Kozzy). That's not enough.

I love Nev and a part of me wants him to be a one club player that goes on to fill mentoring/coaching roles at the Dees, but he's cooked and if we can get something for him that contributes to another move we're trying to make, that'd be a great outcome.

This hurt my feelings.

We generally have similar views on most things, A F but this seems an odd one to me. Weid's performance as our main target this season was admirable without being a breakout. He showed enough to suggest he could make it but not enough to provide significant value at the trade table. I see this as high risk, low reward - what's your read on his trade value?

Agreed.

A link to the original article: Adelaide Crows unlikely to sign Darren Burgess, but looking set to land ex-Port Adelaide physio Tim Parham

Well played.

It seems such a sharp U-turn from just a week ago when he was slimming down to win his spot back, that I tend to agree. Brown, or another forward (are there any on the table?) must on their way to us.

Yeah, the age thing is definitely a consideration. For what's its worth, I'd have Phillips, Smith then Polec but deals don't happen in a vacuum. You take the option that works in relation to all the other deals you're trying to get done.

I totally get this perspective - it makes sense. However, you need to have multiple options, particularly when one is unproven. It's certainly a possibility that the addition of Smith could enhance Baker's game rather than stunt his growth.

You're under selling the challenges involved in recruiting - picking footballers isn't like picking fruit. You get one chance per year to recruit the type of player you want. Usually, there between 0-5 of those players available (most likely one or two worthwhile choices). On top of that, 17 other teams are in the market for those players. It's ridiculous to assume that because we didn't get a certain player in a trade period, we don't want that certain player. Also, you're blaming the head coach for decisions that, in all likelihood, he has only minimal input.

Yes. Very happy with what each delivered in season 1. I've got to admit, I thought Jackson was as impressive as any first year player of his size that I've seen. Praying he can stay healthy, because I think he could be a game changer.

Great post. I would argue the forward structure and the speed in which the play has unfolded far outweigh the importance of being able to kick laser guided missiles to leading forward. Teams that generally look good going inside 50 have usually broken the opposition's defensive structure earlier in the play and have a much easier kick to make. You can't really blame a guy for turning the ball over or bombing it when there are 10-15 opposition players inside your forward 50.

We're accruing too many Luke Darcy types on this forum - the ol' short back and sides crew.

Got half way through responding to the first part of this, then read the second part and realised...my sarcasm meter is out of whack.

Nah, the hair is a selling point for me. No hair, no deal.

I view this as standard setting. This guy gives 100% effort, 100% of the time. He deserves to be able to ask that of his teammates. He clearly loves Goodwin as I think all the players do. Had Goodwin been removed this season, it's not unreasonable to think Jack would be playing in the navy and white hoops in 2021. He's definitely not hanging Goodwin out to dry - he clearly articulates that the coach is doing his job and it's time for the players to get the job done.

Yeah, he's about a 6 or 7 on the Andrew Bogut scale.

No, I stand somewhat corrected. Nice one!

Compelled? (Sorry, just finished marking university assessments and couldn't stop myself). Also, you're probably right. Despite my many years on this site, his tomfoolery is new and novel to me. It was entertaining to begin with but the whole having a crack at dead blokes routine took some of the gloss off.

Is that right, well waddya know.