Ouch!

I agree, about maybe being reckless, May had him by the jumper and was slinging/bringing him to the ground, Hawkins flung his arm up after disposing the ball, which might be partially balancing himself, but he seemed to know where May was if you watch his eyes. Match review won’t cite Hawkins, but these things happen a *lot* with Hawkins! Just sayin...

Know any more on this game Clint? My Daughter and I are both members and am keen to go, is the 75% capacity thing an AFL thing or a Vic Health thing? Wasnt sure what the restrictions in Tassie currently are... Hoping the interstate memberships do provide access to the game, but wary that even as members my daughter and I could very easily be separated which is still not fun/ideal.

Gah that GST argument has bugger all bearing on this... the views of the 'larger states' who resent how the feds split up the GST revenue over the 'COMMONWEALTH'. SA, ACT and NT all receive more from other states than they put into the GST pool and it's more a factor of population (baring WA and the mining revenue) SA has two clubs and a population of 1.6-1.7 million? so what makes Tassie so completion unviable with 500k for one team? Over the last 2-3 years Tasmania was the best or second best performing state in the country, factoring in stats like unemployment, business and housing growth... How many clubs currently are completely self sufficient from needing income from the AFL? Tas looking at adopting a module similar to Geelong is what has been suggested in Tasmania with regards to stadium size etc. Geelong has a population of approximately 200k doesn't it? Hobart is about 250k. I still question what the 'improved' TV income from growing into GWS and the GC markets? There are markets there, but has it translated into bigger TV audiences? I suspect that some of the perceived growth is offset by a lack of interest in VIC, SA and WA when their respective teams are playing those teams in empty stadiums. Problem is, ... it's not a good product to watch! The AFL says they are playing the long game in those markets, but they need strong teams, GWS has had success but if they slide down there would be concern from the AFL, as they still bleed heavily with players wanting out. Both of those clubs are owned largely by the AFL underwriting it, and have tiny membership bases to support them. I agree on the current environment argument that you have made, but Tas Gov isn't after an immediate inclusion, they are after a commitment that says that a license is available in 4-5 years. Not unreasonable as a request if the business case has been shown to be sound TBH, and COVID has actually forced the clubs to operate on a leaner more streamlined budget. I like seeing senior coaches actually doing training drills rather than going off to harvard to study in the pre season and leaving it to one of 10 or more development / assistant coaches.

Not true to say no one wants a 19th team, most of the interested parties in Tassie do. I don't have a problem with a 19th team, we have 3 reduced 'bye' rounds now through the course of the year, list sizes are being reduced which should in a limited way assist with the dilution of talent across having more teams, and having more teams in the competition takes us closer to an equitable fixture. current roster (not factoring in COVID)= 9 x 22 rounds = 198 (minus finals) equitable roster for 20 team comp = 10 x 19 rounds = 190 games (minus finals) Its a comparable product to sell for the media, it also allows the AFL some more flexibility in scheduling, and probably is attractive to the AFLPA for the reduced number of games. There are plenty of positives when extending the number of clubs.

Looks like the work experience kid posted something accidentally! That's a weird list, then again Champion Data's definition of Elite has always been .... curious.

Would love to have him on the list, .... if he deserves a spot. That said, I think the odds are stacked against him based on the players at the club currently that would compete for the same spot.... our first two draft picks were small creative players. But hope he can prove me and others wrong and claim a spot based on merit.

I don't have the stats.... but was Melbourne the most active player in this trade period? We traded picks with Brisbane (twice), once with Sydney and once with Adelaide I think, along with trades in for Brown and trade outs for Hannan & Pruess. I know the Dogs and Saints did well from their trades & Free agency, and GWS essentially didn't even need to take a pick in the 40s from Adelaide for Jackson Hately... but I'm very impressed with how we progressed our position over the course of the trade period ..... no massive moves, just subtle improvements to the point where we got 2 picks in the first round.

Fairly certain Sydney has 2 top end academy players, Dogs have Ugle, then Port, Kangas and even the Pies have players that are looking likely first round players... That said, given the lack of under 18 comps, it feels like it could be a bit of a chook raffle.

In this draft he well might be worth it. Pick 7 is probably more likely going to be 12 or 13. I don't rate Saad as one of the football elite, but elite players are also going for multiple first round picks too. I don't think pick 7 is paying overs... Losing a player that has essentially featured in the top 3 of your B&F every year he has played isn't insignificant. .... the issue won't be what Carlton offer, it's that Dodoro will not accept pick 7 IMO.

Agree Binman, Irrelevant and lack of care is where I put the Bombers too... There is no point hating on them. Also, for those people thinking that first round is too high for Daniher, it's the AFL compensation system that judges it, and Daniher is going to net them a first round pick, nothing more certain than that!! Brisbane will rightly offer Daniher a 4+ year contract of at least 600k a season I imagine. Tell me how they don't get a first round pick out that contract. Similarly for those arguing that Saad isn't worth the first round pick of 7 or whatever the Blues have.... The Bombers offered 5 year contract at 600k didn't they? the Blues barely matched it, if Saad were a free agent then you would get a first round compensation for that, and Saad is still contracted so Carlton will need to pay 'overs' to the bombers to get him out of there. He's also finished in their B&F top 3 for two years and 4th in the other year, he's one of their best players.... I'm certain that they will be after more than just pick 7 from the Blues. .... and this is the most highly compromised draft in memory... pick 7 or 8 is going to be 12-15.... so value of the picks is totally out of whack with the academy players up this year.

In regards to a key forward, Hogan left because he was homesick and wanted to head back to WA, whispers about him being 'open' to his career being elsewhere. If his body is sound, and we now have Darren Burgess on board, Sure I'd be open to Ben Brown, but I would prefer Hogan returning, even with the baggage that is known.

Before this thread goes back to being about Oliver, curious why the rumour about a player wanting to explore trades made everyone jump to think about our mids, Surely it makes more sense and the media has already indicated this that it is probably more likely to be a rumour regarding Pruess or TMac? Both have a couple of years to run don't they?

Why are people comparing Fritsch to Brown? Ben Brown is a key forward, Fritsch is medium forward *SHOULD* be a third tall at best in our team and intentionally leads and drags defences wide. His kicking skills need to improve to where they were in his first year again, and that can happen. Anyone remember how poor Petracca's kicking was last year? Fritsch and Brown aren't an either or scenario. Compare Brown to TMac, Weid or Mitch Brown surely it makes a lot more sense?

Other than the fact that they have been away from their lives and families in a hub for the last 11 weeks under strict quarantine conditions?

Would love him to remain with the club, looking at Jack last night, his speech showed how much of a toll this season has taken on him personally. He let slip that he and his wife almost left the hub to return home cos the stress of being new parents away from any family assistance was incredibly difficult. So any form of elation or lack thereof is acceptable to me. The club has talked about being ruthless recently, but equally important, our club needs to recognise a culture and embedding it in. Happy with Gawn as captain, we want Viney staying, May showed how much he wanted to repay the faith to the club from last year, it's clicked with Petracca this year, and I think Jones getting one more year even as a significant milestone to defining the culture for this club. I am not saying gift him 300 games, but another year to work his [censored] off and to the milestone on merit!!! ... lets be ruthless, but lets recognise the fabric of club and learn from what is important to the club. The Viney name means a lot to me as a supporter of this club.

Pretty certain clubs can't assign the penalty onto the players involved, the Richmond players won't pay that fine, the AFLPA has it written into the terms of their agreement. I suspect the reason the penalty is so severe is that we are also at the pointy end of the season, and the AFL has had enough of any form of excuse from player or club. They came out last week with warnings to all clubs and players around end of season issues... My take: Disappointed with the actions of Harley, but if he's body is good for next year then we offer a contract, I reckon any player currently would be seriously challenged in a hub at this end of the season we've had... especially if they aren't getting games (I mean look at all you Victorian posters!! ?) He made a mistake and owned up to it, but prior to this indiscretion seems to have lived up to his end of the deal to date, and I hope he gets a chance to build a solid preseason and play in 2021 in a normal season (whatever normal means!) and maybe he won't get a contract, but there is more value with Bennell on our list than 8-10 other players I can think of...

Agree, I think if he was coming back on a base salary, Watts is probably pushing for a spot as a medium tall rebounding defender, his foot skills alone would make it tempting,.. but I think it's unlikely.

Burgoyne deserved it on the first tackle and got off on a loophole, and they closed that down. The second tackle wasn’t as bad as the first one IMO. Still should have tried making an example then given it’s his second offence. agree that ANB deserved suspension, and it’s a bad look and the outcome was never going to assist him at the tribunal.

Not posting to disagree with comments above, but other than Petracca obviously, I feel Viney moreso than Oliver and Brayshaw in 2020 has actually adapted his game and is showing improvement in his craft. He is looking around and lowering his eyes, and is probably showing more of a team first vibe. He seems to push forward a little more than in previous years and seems more attacking. I haven't seen that same growth in Oliver, Brayshaw or Harmes this year, not that using 2020 is a good yardstick with everything going on. Lets remember Viney lost the captaincy, and I think that was a good move by the club, and it was obviously a painful experience for him. That said, I think he's showing some maturity in his game, he's getting continuity from having a fit body and has grown off field. The other thing to point out here is that you have more than 3 midfielders that rotate through the midfield in a game, I am not disagreeing that Oliver and Viney seem to be vying for the same role and therefore we are not as strong when they both are in at the feet of Gawn. Out of any of our midfielders, Brayshaw feels the most likely to go elsewhere for opportunities, with Freo an obvious connection with the family. Good topic!

Curious as to whether the AFL can overcome this by sending North to play in SA or WA prior to coming down here to Hobart. If I read things correctly, MFC technically would not be the issue for that game, as we'll be flying in via SA. It's North coming down via QLD that prevents this game from going ahead. Unless a similar quarantine period in WA and SA is required for these teams travelling out of the QLD Hub as well, in which case I'm dreaming...

Same, seeing the Dees down here in Hobart was potentially going to be a bright spot in what is turning out to be a bit of a a dismal year. Hella Mega Tour cancelled last week, and I had a cruise booked to NZ for the family that is all but dead in the water and not exactly looking forward to trying to get the money out of the agents involved ? Clint, only difference I think after listening to Gutwen, is that 14th of August is the earliest date for the borders re-opening fo QLD, NSW and ACT. There is no date as of yet for Victoria, and no incoming tourists coming in via the Spirit (as that obviously is via Victoria.)

MFC site has AVB missing 2 weeks now. Confirmed cheek fracture. question is making the tough call to go with like for like... or whether they will just try to include TMac.

Just to be clear... I'm not anti TMac, even though I am questioning a lot of people trying to include him this week. I think having a full list of players and many in good form has not helped him in terms of timing of the injury. Playing him ahead of Jackson or Weid would send the team the wrong message given how they both played on the weekend. If we can't play him as ahead of the other two forwards he shouldn't be included in the team, it's pretty simple. If AvB is injured like some have suggested, TMac shouldn't automatically come in to fill the vacant spot, we should select the player most suited to play that role in the team, that might be ANB (only one initial difference) but it could be Rivers, or Swallow, Jordon, Tomlinson or Jones...

...he certainly turns like one!! Seriously why put him on the wing ahead of Tomlinson who is basically the same size, has the same aerobic capacity, and is as good aerially? and is a much better two way runner and quicker than TMac.

Curious what makes you think that Andrews would go to TMac over Weid? If Andrews takes the number one forward, then he'll go to Weid regardless of TMac being in the team. If I were Brisbane, I wouldn't be fussed playing the second key defender (McStay is it?) on him.