Rob Mac......

Mitch's fine rucking could be used if another ruck goes down during a game. Otherwise let's keep him KPF.Spencer and Gawn are "potential" that I referred to and aren't as good ruckmen as Martin. Fine point Stuie. There are just so many I'd rather see go before Martin, who's fast (which helps the midfield) and rucks well, which helps the midfield. How good did Freo's midfield seem with and without Sandilands?

Of course we can get something for Martin! ..because he's a great athlete & probably a better ruckman the next 2+ years than anyone we've got, so we should KEEP Martin unless Gws offers pick 1 - 2 or 3, nothing less. Trading Martin for Ray sounds nuts at least to me. If we lose Martin and Jamar goes down, we're left with a few rucks who at best have "potential". One of the few things I've learnt in life is that most "potential stars," never turn into stars (in most fields). Everyone's concentrating on the "potential star," when suddenly some unnoticed guy who's been doing his homework, surprisingly comes outa nowhere and becomes the actual star. I've just had some Rutherglen Muscat which is helping me see things very clearly now. Cheers

I couldn't believe Barassi left!?!?! Thought he personified people who'd die for their team, like Norm Smith! Then when Norm was sacked the flame totally went out and I didn't really follow footy for 30 years.

They seem to update the players weights only about once every year or two.

Good on you Passenger! I'm sure us overseas/interstate members would love to see this game, plus a few brief words with various spectators. Better with a live feed, but if not it could be uploaded to YOUTUBE! With a decent camera and someone who knows the players names to call the game, there'd be a fun record.[sorry I can't get rid of the yellow highlight]

Agreed jackaub. I'm thinking it's time Martin became our #1 ruck.

Well I wish Beamer luck at his new club. ...was a fan of his playing until this year. Hope whatever messed it up is behind him, he re-ignites the flame and has a great 2013 and beyond. I'll very slightly support whatever team he plays for, EXCEPT when they're playing US! Goodbye Brent.

I don't want to trade Martin now. Jamar got taps last year, but mostly to his feet and the opposition cleared. Jamar's slow, Martin's fast, athletic and, with good health, I'm guessing he's more likely than anyone to be our best 2013 ruckman. I don't know they'll give him that opportunity, but maybe it's time for the baton to be passed to Martin! Our midfield would look much better if the tap went TO them. Gawn or someone else should be ready to be #1 in 2-3 years.

Spot on Dee-Luded! He couldn't understand & thought it a bit odd that this kid'd want HIS autograph!?! ...only the best coach the game's ever seen. I idolised and thought it back then too, largely because of what you wrote above. ..plus his footy nous. To me he personifies what we need tons of at every level of the club.

Rob Mac......, on 24 September 2012 - 12:59 AM, said: I got Norms Smiths autograph in 1957 or 58! He really didn't want to sign,- "No you don't want mine, I'm not one of the players." I was an 8 year old footy mad Dees fan and said, "I know who you are and I'd like your autograph please!" He kinda looked around hoping no players were looking. Good point WYL. Can't wait to return to Oz and look for it amongst what I left at mums years ago. Saw it 20 years ago and fingers are crossed!! hahI loved how he wanted no adulation for himself, was just totally focused on everything needed to get his team up!

I got Norms Smiths autograph in 1957 or 58! He really didn't want to sign,- "No you don't want mine, I'm not one of the players." I was an 8 year old footy mad Dees fan and said, "I know who you are and I'd like your autograph please!" He kinda looked around hoping no players were looking.

Yes Jonesbag. I think what was said to him at the start of the year had much to do with his poor season.

6. Sylvia 5. Sylvia

Some years ago conversing deeply with the intelligent father of a former Dees star, we discussed the fact he'd never quite returned to full form after a certain injury, yet no-one including the press ever mentioned it. Though still well worth his pay, previously they'd touted him a future great and Brownlow prediction. The father said, "This is common in the league. Plenty of players have injuries not bad enough to put them on injured lists, but still affecting their play. It's a secret of the league..... . Managing small injuries, niggles etc. is vital to being a pro; some can be played through. If all had to be absolutely 100% to play, almost no-one would ever take the field." Because of this plus my bit of medical background I'd like to say that in pro sports, it's not always black or white, "he's injured or he's not injured" (as Range Rover suggested). It's shades of grey, and even a different shade of grey for each part of each players body. Managing training loads to best affect each player is an evolving art that totally affects this. Jack's probably carrying something physical plus a bit of mental stress. Let's hope JT, the doctors, Neeld, Misson etc. are on top of it and it's temporary. It's frustrating with us all not knowing, but I guess we need patience at least for now.

Rob Mac......, on 26 August 2012 - 01:57 AM, said: Agreed! I've no idea whether it's psychological, or a little undisclosed injury, but he was better last year & I suspect the reason he wasn't dropped for a bit this year was because of the captaincy. Poor decision not to give him a run in the two's, it worked well for others this year. (I also wouldn't have made him captain so young.) Undeterred, Your quoting of me is (possibly unintentionally) unfair. In my post you quoted, I clearly agreed solely with Range Rover saying that "He's been one of our worst players over the course of the season." You yourself said, "The fact that he can't kick 35m and can hardly run at the moment (is not because he is cr@p)." ..but Undeeterred, while you "can't kick 35m and can hardly run" you ARE at least somewhat cr@p (in spite of many other admirable efforts) which is how Trengrove's been this season, right? Previously he was fine & hopefully next year too, plus he seems a great fellow who's development has been put under much strain this year. I like him & wasn't suggesting his delisting

Agreed! I've no idea whether it's psychological, or a little undisclosed injury, but he was better last year & I suspect the reason he wasn't dropped for a bit this year was because of the captaincy. Poor decision not to give him a run in the two's, it worked well for others this year. (I also wouldn't have made him captain so young.)

easily our BOG today!

Col Sylvia MFC BOG today. Howe, Bail & some others need hours of kicking practice every day between now & round 1 2013.

Agreed R&BF. Ditto Bail, Howe etc..

Sylvia 11 possies in 1st Quarter & great disposal!

I knew american singer Patti Page was a tough girl, but to play in the Scorpions Development centerline yesterday is just remarkable for an 84 year old woman!?

Brilliant!

Hi CFH. Are you sure the problem was his ticker & not his back re-injured in Q1? The Heart beats trues' comments in post match discussion said (#37) "Go easy on Sylvia. I think he really hurt his back (again) early in the first quarter and I think the saints went after it at every opportunity from that point on." (& #59) "Very early he went for a mark and got hurt. Was on the southern stand side and he went off. He grabbed his back the minute he went down. When he came back on his opponent took every opportunity to get into his back and Col was less than impressed. Got into a few scuffles as a result."

I agree dee-tox! Sylvia had more disposals than 6 dees, & same as 2, laid 8 tackles, 2 more than anyone else. Not a great day for him but let's not have him drawn & quartered, he's still one of our best over the past 8 games or so. Does anyone here really know for sure whether his past form lapses are due to attitude or injury, because his injuries seem to be clearing up & he's starting to produce again. Can anyone name one player on our list who has more elite skills than Col shows on a good day?!