rjay

I would like us to try Sparrow here next season...he has the leg speed, is strong over the ball and in the air for his size. His kicking needs to be improved but I think he could be the answer. We have enough of his type in the midfield.

Not just Frost 'Macca'...there is a problem in range of areas at the club. The list is a big one, we both agree on that. ...but I was recently told by a reliable source that Macca...of the coaching variety said the players weren't carrying out instructions on game day. Make of that what you will, but it's certainly a problem.

...maybe because blokes like Frost don't/won't or can't play to instruction...

He was headed to St Kilda...that fell apart. I think we are the fall back as GWS want to move him on.

I don't really rate him that highly...he has the athletic abilities a bit like Frost but better in the air. When played forward in real games he just got in the way and didn't have any ability to read the play. Played elsewhere he got caught out of position, with decision making and execution poor.

To be fair the big knock on Martin in his early years was his field kicking.

Pelchen is full of it...

Viney had a very poor season...

That's what worries me 'Rusty'...what games are they watching? It can't have been this years. Do they really have a clue? He's rated by the coach, I'm not so sure by the players & he showed very little if any leadership on the ground this season...

So was May & he only played a few games...

I hope they sack the whole FD... Obviously haven't got a clue. We're screwed...

For his size he doesn't have the pace or any x factor that will set him apart. It's unfair and he is a good footballer but at AFL level if you are 174cm then you have to be exceptional and or have some exceptional attributes. I know he got a senior debut this season and good luck to him. He's already done more than most but I don't see him being the answer to our small forward problems, same with Bedford.

Chandler won't make it....he may be the best of them on out list but that says more about the balance of our list than anything else...

'steve', this goes back a long way. Other clubs passed us by as professional organisations in the 60's/70's... It cost us dearly. The AFL gifted some clubs great zones to pull their premierships and current successes from eg: Hawthorn Now they've reintroduced zones that are again being manipulated. We lost the MCG as our home ground and training base. We are the only AFL club without a home and our training facilities are again falling behind industry standard. What can we do? Nail the pick as you've stated but that's just a small part of it. If we don't get up off the ground and start getting some wins on the board then we will lose the likes Max and Clarry when better offers come from the big successful clubs and I wouldn't blame them.

It's a bit both ways in reality 'steve'... Unfortunately if we are ever to win another flag, which I'm feeling is becoming less and less likely then we are going to need AFL assistance. We are the AFL's poor cousin...no home, average training facilities, declining (ageing) supporter base. The big clubs all now primed...we have been in a very slow death spiral for decades. Things look pretty grim. I think I might have to quit. For the first time ever I walked away from watching the GF on Saturday just after half time. I've turned off Friday night football more often than watched this season and I can't be bothered going to games anymore.

I think it is a solution 'bin'... There will be a few at Tigerland looking for a regular game and a good payday. Players want to play and they are professionals who need to be paid well for their work. Another player has just been parachuted in ahead of others, no matter the talk of brotherhood players will move for the right offer. Richmond is definitely the first place I would be looking.

...and, if not for injury Bennell would probably be a Martin in a good club environment.

You always have more than one option 'Lucifer' but I think we might have been the last man standing. Just depends on what he is being paid. If he's on role player money then you don't expect a star and are pleasantly surprised if he becomes one. ...but if he's on decent cash and to me that would be around the $500k mark then you need better than a role player and someone who you think will develop.

Yes, he is...came to terms after St Kilda left the race.

You do actually, if you're prepared to look and take the chance...a list spot is a valuable commodity and not just a free hit. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-29/shaun-grigg-sacrificed-his-career-marlion-pickett-launches-his/11558086

He's not a free hit though 'Wise', he's going to take some cap space and he also takes a spot on the list. ...and that's what we're doing again with Tomlinson. A nice public school boy who plays nice football.

We need a good small forward. What pick would get him over the line???

Has to be a better bet than Tomlinson on a wing....

Tomlinson is a versatile role player because he really doesn't play that well anywhere. I know why he picked us but for the life of me I don't understand why we chased him. My opinion has been consistent on him over the years every time his name has come up. The clubs position has changed from no interest to signing him. Why? He offers us nothing that we need. He has no leg speed, he doesn't' make great decisions or use the ball well & he's not a class small, medium or tall forward. ...and he's going to take up cap space that could be better used.

Yes it is negative but I feel exactly the same way. I'm thoroughly sick of it... Todays garbage game ended a similarly garbage year.