deeflating

I also can't fathom the hate for Cross. Has a reputation for iffy disposal but in reality it has been ok in both games, just being judged harsher because he has had the most disposals of any of our players. His defensive work, leadership and manic attack on the ball make him one of the first picked imo. I do wonder whether I'm watching the same game as other posters at times...

This must be close to the most illogical conspiracy theory ever seen on Demonland. And unfortunately I've read more than I care to admit. Unless you're joking?

Having sat on the idea of this trade for a couple of days, it seems increasingly outrageous. His current trade value (11 pick upgrade) weighed up against his potential on field return over the next 8-10 years makes this prospect sickening. I'm holding onto the hope that this gets taken off the table first thing tomorrow.

Quite similar to others for me: Tyson - potential to be the most complete player on our list IMO so with a good run I can't wait to see what he produces. Trengove - some are suggesting he is only cut out to be a flanker but I expect him to prove his worth in the guts this year. Very smart player with skills to match, hopefully pace and confidence return and we will consider ourselves lucky to have a player with his class. Michie - others have covered Viv's potential pretty well, basically looks ready to slot into an AFL midfield and that will be very welcome at the dees. Smooth mover with a cool head.

Wow what the hell is wrong with this place. I used to love reading demonland for the reports and occasional insightful discussion, now one of the few posters who provides that in Ben-Hur (I don't care if his online persona is arrogant - it's an online forum) is being ridiculed for suggesting Toumpas needs to work on his contested ball rate? Of course recruiters would have identified that as an area for improvement, but clearly he has enough valuable assets to make him worthy of a top 5 pick. I promised myself I wouldn't waste time posting here, but I suppose I'm holding out hope that people will stop using this place as a way to fight to protect their fragile identities from the "nasty arrogant poster" and realise it's an online forum for footy discussion. Grow a pair and stop being so damn precious so i don't have to wade through pages of cyber-fragile-ego-nursing tripe just to find a solitary insightful comment. Anyway, Go Dees...?

Of course it's not a huge surprise he was cut, but for me I would prefer Taggert than a speculative pick 47 or similar. The point regarding Toumpas is a good one, he did certainly earn himself a recall whenever dropped, I can't recall Kent's dominant Casey games but I'll take your word for it.

Also disappointed to see Taggert go. I realise he hadn't managed to break into a horribly bad team but post injury he had been on a solid trajectory of improvement with Casey. Isn't that what most 20 year olds mids would be doing at every other club? Seems like a victim of another changed régime, unlucky IMO (not that it's worth much).

As much as I love Grimes endeavour, Shaw is miles ahead in terms of ball use, awareness and pace. Having said that I would be astounded if pick 2 was used to aquire his services.

I must say I'm disappointed for my first post (which I swore I'd never make) to be about Jamie Bennell of all things. But I will not be surprised if he becomes a regular contributor at the eagles. Has enough skill and pace, and with confidence his creativity and hardness was there to see. But like a few others he quickly was bereft of confidence due to the fact that he was rotated between forward, back and reserves. And also because he played for Melbourne... When you're a young player trying to develop your game what hope does that give you? Not too surprising (albeit disappointing) he could only touch the ball 5-10 times a game! I wish him well at the eagles, I personally wish he'd done enough to be around for the Roos era.