Hannabal

FFS. How pathetic that he's being publicly judged by a group of forum peanuts about a private joke and conversation with one of his best mates. They once shared a house together. Btw, do I like him ? No.

I've never liked ambiguity, or poorly structured sentences. I don't often read your offerings.

A coach doesn't have to play anyobody. Put simply, Bell will never play in a premiership. His awareness and footy smarts aren't AFL standard. He's not part of the future and I doubt he's trade bait.

How could they get that so wrong ? We didn't and Collingwood did.

And it doesn't mean you're not either. Anyway, why the [censored] do you spend so much time on the site of a club you don't support ?

Yes, there is a difference between me and you my dear dolt. When I was a young monkey spunk I recognised crap for being crap, and never made excuses. I followed the Dees in their worst period - the 70's through mid 80's, went every week with my older brother, and always craved the days we'd be better. But I didn't sugar coat crap. Not at 19 and not now at 43. And I'm not about to start. You can wet your pants over any glimmer of hope, and I'll wet my pants over a flag. I've seen lots of Aussies and I'm far from sold. I saw Colin Graham show promise, and Les Bamblett, and Sean Charles. So what. One can be young and dumb, or young and smart. I suspect you know where you and most of your cheersquad fit. PS I hope he's an effing star.

He might end up a player, but it's hard to get too enthused by anyone that wouldn't be getting a game in any other side in the league. He's a tiny flicker of light in a pretty dank cave. I hold hopes for much of our youth, but it will take some years before we're a force to be reckoned with.

Some here are very easliy pleased. That said, I suppose we need something to evoke any semblance of hope.

Seemingly Bailey was as enamoured with Dunn's game as you, Bob !

While his arse points to the ground Davey will never be a midfielder. And unfortunately with our limited inside 50's you'd hate to be a forward. I understand the reason he's presently crap.

He's averaging 12 possessions, 20+ hitouts, and a goal a game, which is fine for an 18 year old ruck in a very good competition. And he's still learning the game. His athleticism and aggression ensures he'll only get better. Cox played 17 games for WC in his first year and averaged 7 possessions, 19 games in his second for 10, 19 in his third for 11, and 13 in his fourth. He broke through in year 5 with 16 and 20+ hitouts. Some industry experts are in awe of Naitanui's natural talent and potential. And they've been watching kids for years. He's already good, but what he can potentially bring to the table is unlikely to be matched by any mid.

I understand Axis' view and under normal circumstances I'd agree, but as long as he impresses this year in the WAFL it's Naitanui for me. An agressive ruckman with a freak leap who creates space for teammates, wins his own clearances, is fast, tackles ferociously, and has been described as a 7 foot mid gets my vote. Rich will also be a gun, but you can build teams around athletic freaks like Nat. Don't under estimate the physical presence Naitanui brings. The ability to create space for mids is enormous and something we've lacked since Stynes.

Astonishly I find myself in agreement with you and Jerry. The Fijian Shredder is a must. I've seen a bit of footage of him, read a bit, and heard from recruiters. I've also spoken to his manager. He's still raw, but could be an AFL sensation. Plays like a 7 foot tall mid. Supposedly does the tap then gets his own clearances. Regardless of who we choose. This club must ensure they get first pick in this year's draft.

Why do you assume that I rate our experienced players ? I've already said that we don't have any A graders. I'm also not intoxicated by young footballers purely because they're young. If they're young and crap, they're young and crap. Btw, I'm not saying that Dunn is crap, but I've seen enough to know he'll never be an A grader. When I judge footballers I do so with a view to whether they have the potential to play in a premiership team. I'm not writing Dunn off yet. Could he be a member of a premiership team ? He has the size and physical attributes, so maybe.

Our lack of genuine A graders is clearly our biggest concern.

2008 sits very comfortably with 97, 81, and 74. In fact it may end up the pick of the bunch.

Johnstone played as a virtual forward pocket. How many possessions did you think he was going to get ? I understand that you're trying to provide some balance amidst the current supporter frenzy, but Dunn is just another very average footballer who wears red and blue.

In the main they've been valuable as Sylvia hasn't learnt how to get lots of cheap possessions. It's one of the things that holds him back in the midfield.

He's clearly improving and in a good team would look like a talented up and comer. He's averaged 18 disposals this year compared to 13 last year and in general has good disposal.

Personally, I'd give Valenti a go, but I'm also mindful of not accepting more crap footballers just because we want change for change sake.

His speed and disposal. The theory being that he's too similar to Jones, McLean, McDonald, and Moloney. We need pace not more of the same. That said, what the hell have we got to lose ?

You kidding ? I've started growing dreadlocks.

I have always really liked what Bartram (or Batram as most here type) brings to the side, but I have real concerns over his disposal. Does he have the class to be a premiership player ? I have my doubts. At year's end Bailey must weed out those that don't have the capabilities to bring a flag to this club. Yes, most don't, so we have to start significantly turning this list over.

There comes a time when there's overwhelming evidence that a coach isn't getting the best out of the players at his disposal. I'm not writing Bailey off as others already have, but I don't think he could make this list play worse if he tried.

He won numerous taps around the ground, looked agile, tackled well, and didn't waste possessions. He mainly handballed, but his kicks found their target. His first quarter was quiet, but he would've had a dozen disposals for the match. As the person who coined the term 'Donuts' for another listed player I took particular interest in Meesen. I was pleased with his game on the back of some unflattering recent reports. For a 21 year old ruck I reckon there's a bit there. I can't believe that Bode was named in the best.