Nascent

No reason we can't do both. Pending medical exam, I view Gunstan as a serious upgrade to both Brown and McDonald and he'll be a free hit as an UFA. If we're lucky enough to have the rumours become true, we land Naughton, who at 22, will feature for the next 10 years in our forward line. Gunstan can then hand over the reigns to JvR on his retirement and our key position forwards are set for a decade. Imagine having the luxury of BBB and McDonald as depth instead of Weideman and M. Brown (no disrespect intended to these players). If we don't land a younger key position target via trade such as Naughton, we should hopefully be in the position to draft either Cadman (unlikely) or Jefferson who can develop while Gunstan is playing with a combination of Fritsch and either McDonald/Brown and JvR pushing for selection.

Final 8 just about locked in now.

Close to none I would have thought. But Gunstan as a free agent could be a shot. Theoretical forward line of Gunstan and Naughton would be very exciting with JvR developing.

Now you I am far more suspicious of (Although that was actually the first scenario I though of, was a gun defender in his draft year)

Would be an unbelievable get if it does come to fruition. Don't believe you're one to troll with trade rumours so I'll take you at face value. Still can't see the dogs letting it happen though.

I share a lot of concerns with most here but if we can secure top 4 then anything can happen. Our losses against top 8 teams have been; Freo by 38 - we then beat them by 43. Sydney by 12 Bulldogs by 10 Collingwood by 26 and 7 Geelong by 28 Only the Geelong game and 2nd half of the 1st freo game did we not look near it. Otherwise we have been in each and every contest and leading in all of those games. Bring our best full team defensive pressure and no team will beat us. Have to get top 4 though which means closing out the season with 2 wins.

Very difficult one to believe, Naughton is contracted for another 2 years and is a much better footballer than Lobb.

Can see Smith replacing melksham forward. They love his athleticism and should provide good defence pressure as well as an aerial target. Only played one game forward though so would be a bit of a gamble.

Happened frequently, one that sticks out was when Rivers was running down the wing line and had a free player at the top of the 50 running towards goal. Rives didn't even look and bombed to the pocket.

My kingdom for a second key forward. Ridiculous that Casey have 3 byes in less than 2 months.

Can't access the online heraldsun article, which could easily have no substantial information, but the headline suggests Cats and Tigers are the two front runners for Jacob Hopper.

West Coast and Gold Coast will be in the box seat for the Lions 1st pick with the best value of 2nd and 3rd rounders.

Jack Delean caught my eye as well in the championships. Certainly looks an impressive group next year.

Who are the other players freo are chasing?

Was a bit wayward in front of goal this weekend kicking 2.5 to go with 23 disposals, 6 marks and 6 tackles.

Freo don't have any 2nd or 3rd round picks this year. Yet.

Great effort. I'd add two names in Sam Gilbey and Bailey Humphrey into the mix as well with the later a good chance to push into round 1 calculations. Humphrey had a long lay off with injury but is proving a damaging half forward/mid for Gippsland. Don't think he'd be on our radar though considering our list needs.

I've had similar thoughts as well. Watching him last year I reckon he looks more comfortable as a defender and his aggression even goes up a notch. Wouldn't surprise me to see him start his career forward but move to defence down the track, perhaps when May is on the way out.

Think this has to be a major factor. IIRC a poster with good mail on here stated around mid-season that the club was looking to move him on at the end of the year. This is despite having a year to run on his contract, indicating the club has lost faith in him. Can't imagine he would be in a good head space, particularly as it looks like he has only been selected as a last resort. The pressure he must be placing on himself, to not only keep a spot in the team but stay at the club and save his career, must be immense.

I first heard corkie then the later game said hammy. Gut feel is just a corkie but sometimes those can be nasty and players can miss a week.

Thanks, listening to one of broadcasts tonight someone said Howe had done a hammy.

Meanwhile GWS stand-in coach McVeigh this afternoon has stated many of their players have checked out already. Something absolutely rotten at that soulless franchise who sit in 16th place. Will their impending mass exodus get even bigger in the off-season?

Dunkley weak there and cats in front.

Adams and Howe injured and will possibly miss on a 6 day turn around.

Isn't Caleb Daniel supposed to be good? Or has he been doing a mini Kent Kingsley on us this entire time? Geelongs best player so far.