Random Task

Melksham with an outstanding contested mark then fluffs the around the corner kick 15metres out.

Mitch Brown with a cheeky soccer off the ground goal.

Laurie getting a few touches in the middle. JVR and Weideman playing well so far.

When was the last time we played without Oliver?

It's predictable but usually not a major issue when playing on a normal sized oval and not in a sardine can. Our mids just couldn't clear it.

Think there is enough smoke to be concerned about a fire right now. Particularly with "in the know" posters suggesting as such. While we shouldn't give up on re-signing him, I think the club would also be canvassing all there options in the event he does leave for WA. West Coast would obviously be the preferable option as Freo have very little trade capital as it sits. They've traded out their 2nd and 3rd round picks this year so only have pick 15 and a pick in the 70s currently. Maybe they will acquire something for Lobb but as it stands, freos first offer would probably be something like 15 and Sturt or Meek.

That's disappointing but not surprising. Have to focus on getting the best return now. Pick 16 - 18 would be a massive failure.

Feel we need another tall in if they're not going to rest a ruckman in the forward line for the majority of the game. Weideman, Brown or JVR. Not great options but we need another target.

We could point the finger at the small forwards like Pickett, Spargo, ANB and Bedford... but the reality is our midfield got smashed all game and had us on the back foot. Shocking disposal and decision making from a lot of players as well. Can't see us playing that badly for the rest of the year, I hope anyway.

Oliver needed to go then.

We should be buried. So many let off's tonight.

Geelong just seemed to be working harder than us. Better running contest to contest and have more numbers at the drop of the ball. Also helps they're winning clearances. Are we loading again?

Can't win a clearance to save ourselves.

Is that Kobi George our nga prospect from last year?

Dare say we probably need another tall target.

Well, we're not playing well and certainly have a lot of improvement left in us for the second half. In that context we're doing well to be within 4 points.

Saved by the siren. Weird quarter.

Stengle causing massive issues. Is it slippery or just high pressure causing the fumbles?

Demons Dogs Pies Suns Saints Port Lions Crows Blues (really hoping for an upset here)

Thought we could have a dedicated thread to discuss player movements both Melbourne and non Melbourne related as player movement speculation ramps up in the back half of the season. Please keep any Luke Jackson discussion to his dedicated thread. To kick things off we have an article in The Age suggesting GWS is having yet another salary cap squeeze with Tim Taranto possible a casualty with Geelong, Richmond, Collingwood and Essendon all interested. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/at-least-four-victorian-clubs-chasing-taranto-20220706-p5azjv.html

Are we making of that as we will?

This video covers two Victorian prospects in Matthew Jefferson and Aaron Cadman for those interested in a key forward in this upcoming draft. Harry Sheezel gets highlighted near the end of the video and further touted as a possible top 3 selection.

Out of contract at the end of the year and nearly 2 years on he is, expectedly, very much a work in progress. We all know talls take time and he hasn't exactly had an ideal start to his career with covid interruptions to the ressies last year. With that in mind, given his height, marking ability and athletic traits I hope we keep him on for at least another year and see if he develops. Not sure has the footy IQ to play midfield/wing but should have the ability to play either end of the ground. Given our current dearth of tall forward depth, I wonder if the best way to take advantage of his skillset is to be as high half forward lead up player?

https://omny.fm/shows/road-to-the-afl-draft/champs-stars-the-prospect-whos-come-from-the-cloud Good listen for those that are interested. Small discussion on Finn Emile-Brennan with suggestions that he could still be available after pick 40 however his kicking is a real weapon and may have appeal to clubs earlier than that. Aaron Cadman mentioned by Cal as the leading forward of the draft and likened to Harry McKay in the way that he's progressing. Both comments made around the 10.40 mark onwards. Their timestamps on the episode guide seem way off. Cal also a big wrap for Harley Reid for next years draft.

Despite his flat patch petracca sits equal 3rd in the coaches award. When he is on he is unstoppable.