PaulRB

If Jack’s out for an extended period ie 4+ weeks, it opens the door for Aaron to crash his way back into the midfield, and Salem to get another extended run. Love Vandenbergs appetite for the game as the intensity lifts, he’s my wildcard for the run into and finals. ..

In terms of keeping the current group together under the cap (and adding Gaff), what’s the value of a Premiership medallion or two to a player? Financially post-career? Emotionally?

Exactly, was looking to see if there was a "time in possession" stat that would shed some light.

Also, 9 of possible 12 Quarters won, equal top (i think). Plus we've won all our last quarters thus far. There's a bit to be happy about in the numbers thus far, knowing we can improve a lot.

Sydney GWS Richmond Melbourne Adelaide Geelong Port Adelaide Essendon Western Bulldogs West Coast Hawthorn Fremantle St Kilda Carlton Brisbane Collingwood Gold Coast North Melbourne

Probably needs to bulk up a little ... Mitch Hannan the poor man's Gary Ablett Snr. https://youtu.be/aykwUMaWAc4

One of the things I like about Hannam is that he accelerates into contact and uses his body to impact the opposition. For some reason his movement, snaps and leap reminds me of Gary Ablett Snr... which can only be good.

Position: 3rd (16 wins) All Aust: Oliver, Petracca, Gawn, Jetta, Lever. Improvers: OMac, TMac, Harmes Sliders: - Kent Darkhorse and Norm Smith Medalist: Hogan (7 goal in GF thriller, Dees by 3 points)

Don't swallow the delusional drivel that drools from Windy Hill. put money on us finishing higher than the Dons this year. That you assess those three new players as "best 22" only highlights how poor their list actually is, especially in close around the ball with Jobe leaving. As PK once said ..."they're all tip and no iceberg!".

Tulip mark II

Who's this Jack Watts fellow then?

I think that the MFC did he deal now (early) rather than stretching it out, because it has plans for the picks it gets from Adelaide. So probably need to wait and see what they now do with the picks. Also, I get the sense with the addition of Lever, the build of a team capable of attacking the top end of the ladder is almost complete.

Goodwin has from the outset been primarily focused on building a team and game style that will win finals. Physical, tough and aggressive players would rank highly under this criteria. Love that Lever is an in-your-face sledger of opponents, who also doesn't shy away from physically following it up.

Aside from what Lever brings directly, bringing him in may also pay big in allowing TMac to morph into a tall forward/2nd ruck role while also being able to go back when required.

Might go easier if the Crows have just won the flag!

The Adelaide back line is great at holding the ball up while their mids get reorganised (defence to offence) and then feeding it in...

Watched him closely last night and like his composure, aggression and smarts directing play in and out of back line. He'd be a significant addition. We pay what the market requires.

"He's the best fister in the game!"

I want this to be true... so shall believe it for a while. How exciting is this!!!

Aren't the reigning premiers generally favourited the next year anyway?

My brother (who's a Dons tragic) plays footy with a Don's bigwig, reckons it's been a lock for months...

Heard a strong rumour that Kelly is deal done to Dons. For what that's worth.

Herald had Kelly to Dons today.

Not sure what those questioning Lewis's year and recruitment are thinking! We would not be looking at playing our first finals series in over a decade if we hadn't recruited Lewis. Try this mental exercise... take Lewis out of every game he's played and replace him with one of the extended bench players... and contemplate the result. Then consider we're about to play our first final in a decade and have a smattering of players with minimal finals experience (Jones, Vince, Melksham, Hibbard) and one, in Lewis, with more finals and Grand final experience than the rest of the team combined... ... and some nufties on here are questioning his value. Fork me!

I take Jobe at his word when he says "he feels like his wife cheated on him". And have sympathy for his plight, loss and disenchantment. As someone who's (ex)wife did cheat on, sometime you can "know" but refuse to take it on. Time to move on. Good luck outside footy Jobe!