FarNorthernD

You would think so wouldn't you but then again we took Melksham and there is no way we would have done that if we thought he was going to sit out the year

Agree there is next to no chance. The only thing that gives it some credence is that Rockliff is on a contract that is so large that few clubs are willing or able to take it on. Also he is apparently on the nose with the Brisbane hierarchy. I find it strange they made him captain in the first place. Like most here if we could afford to take on his contract, without jeopardising our salary cap flexibility, I would take him in a heartbeat

He really was the barometer for the side. When he was at his best, tapping to advantage and taking contested marks, we won. Has become that important

I feel a bit sorry for Lynden. For years had to put up with being in the middle AFLs version of the killing fields - the Melbourne backline. It can't have been much fun being constantly under pressure with little hope of actually winning. For a while he was considered one of the best one on one players in the game but the game has moved on. I hope he comes good with us, his kicking is an asset and he deserves some success with the team he has played with for so long. If not I'm sure most here wish him well with another club

Is a bull with lightning hands. It wouldn't surprise to find him in a few years time as one of the premier clearance mids in the comp. Bit like a magician it isn't till you watch the replay in slow motion and zoomed in that you can work out how he cleared the ball from congestion From an outsiders perspective Clarrie looked to be beautifully managed throughout the year whereas in the past he would have played every game. Along with Petracca, Hogan, Brayshaw, Salem, T Mac and Tyson part of the young guns who will be the keys in our next Premiership side Already one of my favourite players

All yours for the update LH After this years signings of Hogan, the Macs, Tyson, Oliver, Watts and Viney next years aren't looking as vital; maybe Salem, Stretch, The Weid and Frost the priorities

He is a key plank in our next premiership side.

I may have worded it poorly. My point was I would rather have had the AFL get us Jackson at the time than be gifted a couple of first round picks. He has made a fundamental change to this club way more than two, three or more talented 18 year olds would have

I must admit to feeling like a persecuted Melbourne supporter. If we didn't deserve a priority pick after ten wins in 3 years with effectively a VFL list then no one should ever get one but of course they will. Then I remember that the AFL parachuted Jackson into the Club who subsequently got Roos. The MFC was on its knees yet now, for the first time in decades, our future is built on solid foundations. How many first round picks is the non playing Jackson was worth? I used to believe differently but I don't think first round priority picks help much.

I don't imagine that would come as a huge shock to anyone concerned. Wonder if they break up the delisting announcements so as to "honour" each delistee a bit more than doing all in one go?

At the end of the match I had that uneasy feeling that the Dogs were celebrating their premiership. It was the same feeling I had watching the Demons and their celebratory lap after their win over Port in Adelaide. Swans in a canter next week I think

Honestly I don't think it would have made a difference........Scully would have been a pratt if selected one or two

Wow that is an amazing and very encouraging stat. Cheers

Totally agree. Poor bugger plays almost exclusively as a mid in the VFL racking up 30+ possessions a week and then is played as a Death Valley forward in the senior team. Im thinking we are yet to see anything near the best of ANB at AFL level.

Makes me a little bit nervous. Hopefully just completing due diligence on our recruiters recommendations. Not sure if we want the head coach too involved in individual recruiting decisions

Brighton along with Melbourne Grammar, Scotch, Xavier, Wesley, St Kevin's, the Geelongs etc are part of the Associated Public Schools. Even in my day some of the schools had a positive enrolment policy to kids with special sporting ability. St. Kevin's had a 1st rowing eight at one time that well and truly belied their small school stature and, I think, Hailebury were the first to encourage kids who could catch and kick a footy well to come learn with them. That was back in the early 80's Cyril came out of Scotch on a scholarship that is meant for kids from disadvantaged backgrounds (someone with more recent knowledge can correct me here if that's not right). Up here in Queensland some schools will do the same for kids who show exceptional swimming capabilities. Dont know how Salem, Dawes, Watts, Hunt and the future Brownlow medallist from GWS fit into all this. Who knows perhaps the Brighton area naturally produces exceptional footballers

Just because we needed another reason to love Maxy

Great call by the recruiters and a huge call by Jason Taylor to back their judgement. As it said in the article he could have easily overruled Interesting also that they had Jayden rated in the 20's. Certainly nailed that

I miss the old top bar too

Yes it would be very awesome

Jeepers Jacka for the first time in a decade I'm in a pretty happy place with this footy club and you have to take us back to the nightmare.

Well my 1,000th post is a good time to discover I know nothing about football. I thought Vickery was a player of limited ability, who goes missing often and would struggle to find suitors. Hawthorn obviously see him completely differently. I'm backing the Hawks.

I like your reasoning and truly hope you are right. Trenners was certainly the better player in their first two seasons with us. It will come down to if he has completely gotten over his injury and if he can move onwards. He was a number 2 draft who in the early days looked certain to justify that ranking. If, if, if he can fulfil his potential it would be a brilliant result for Jack, the club and us supporters.

34 years ago I vomited out my nose after drinking Bundaberg rum. I haven't had a drop of the evil stuff since

Absolutely agree with that. As a mere spectator it is pretty much impossible to see leadership on the field aside from the overt and inspired "follow me boys" type that only a few can do. Nathan and the the other leaders no doubt teach, encourage and contribute to the group throughout the week but it would also be wonderful to see some dragging the team over the line stuff on occasions too. Edit. Yes, way too early for Brayshaw