rjay

Well, I wouldn't want to be travelling anywhere on a plane at the moment. I hope the AFL stump up for charters otherwise it's a stupid decision to start the season this week.

Do we still have pick 2 in the next draft?

They could all join Demonland... Not sure it will keep anyone calm but it can be a distraction.

Good point 'Macca', 16 a side would make the runners like Tomlinson and Langdon even more important as there is more space to cover. 16 a side for now but with reduced interchange down to 2 players and rotations capped at a couple a Q. Also blowing the whistle quicker on holding the ball decisions, currently see players not only being turned 360 but often 720 before a whistle is blown. ... and bring back the bounce (instead of throw up) around the ground. It increases the unpredictability and makes it harder to set up defensively. Whilst on that point, don't bring the ball back for bad bounces, play on. ...unpredictability is a coaches nightmare. It's one of the things that made our game great.

Thank goodness for that. Kingy has a really poor record with his preseason tips.

It shouldn't be any different to any other person. Being self employed I can't afford the wait time either. No special treatment for the AFL...

If you run past the ball and collect an opponent in the head no matter if it's an accident you are lucky not to get weeks. He was very lucky not to get weeks.

No definitely not deliberate but he ran over the ball.

He did run past the ball though 'Nev', not by a lot but enough. ...was a bit lucky no damage was done except to his pocket.

Max, get down from there... I hate heights, gives me a cold sweat just watching that as I take a glimpse through my fingers covering my eyes.

The Hawks game was built on their kicking. Who was sick of the eulogising of the great recruitment of left footers, magic kicks who consistently hit their targets? They don't have those players any longer. If you take a good look at their list they are now a very average kicking team, particularly out of defence. Burgoyne is probably their best kick and he's at the end, Bruest, Smith, Gunston. Sicily & Cousins of the younger group are ok but they're not a patch on the Premiership teams. So coming out of defence you get Frawley, Frost, McEvoy (can't see that lasting), it's why Gunston had to go back there last year. In the mids, Mitchell doesn't hurt and Worpel can't hit the side of a barn... It's why Clarkson is trying to change their game plan to quicker movement out of defence. Give him marks for trying but I can't see it going anywhere. Time for a rebuild at the Hawks..

HIs leg speed looks ok to me... I am more concerned with his reaction time to make decisions with ball in hand though. Will be interested to watch his development.

They carried on about it last night... The AFL to date only give weeks based on outcome not action. The outcome was all clear. ...but it's just like them to decide to switch it now. If they do then should they back date the Crouch decision and a few others over the Marsh series?

He moved very well and caused Clarkson a lot of grief moving forward... He just missed some easy targets and made the odd decision error but on the whole a very complete game. Both him and Langdon are running machines and bring a lot to the team balance/game plan. Langdon is very quick and Tomlinson is not slow, he can move.

Definitely one of my knocks on him and a reason I wasn't a fan of picking him up. A defined role and not being used to pinch hit all over the place might just be the answer. He was in everything last night. If he tidies up his kicking and carries this form into the season he will be an inspired choice.

Wasn't a fan, but starting to see the wisdom in picking him up.

That'll Do....

I'm sure that unlike Woolworths and a few of the high flying chefs their administrative error didn't involve underpaying the players.

If I was Sydney Stack I would be looking over my shoulder this season. He got a half fit Jack... I reckon Jack may have a long memory.

I think they are off the mark with Jack... He's not treacle-slow for a start, he's not lightning quick either but... My main concern with him is that he tries to do too much. If he learns to give off the ball and set up teammates in better positions it will take his game to another level. The loss of the Captaincy may be his wake up call. A fit Jack if he learns his lessons will be a very valuable member of the team.

Who cares????

If he doesn't play games this year he will be in a similar league to Patton... Not worth much at all. I don't think Sydney will be giving EFC an easy ride after their recent history.

I think Goody is looking for that Vlastuin type role with Harmes... It's worth a try and if it doesn't work out or we are struggling in the mids we know he can play that role if needed.

...and 'drysdale' knocking anyone who might question the club or coach. Nothing much changes in the world does it. For the record I think it is a move worth trying but I can understand the thinking of others who don't.

All good here mate...been meaning to message you. Will do in the next couple of days. Looking forward to the season ahead.