rjay

I think his kicking has lost a bit since he did the hammy big time against the saints in 2011. He is yet to do a proper pre season so lets not sit in judgement to early but agree 2013 needs is a big one for him.

No, I think you are on the money there 'daisy'. Most seem to have had the bypass but believe otherwise. ...but back on topic, it's interesting to hear all the comments about winners and losers in this draft/trade/fa period when it's far from over. Even then we won't see a true indication of how we have fared until Hogan is a few years into the system.

...and that's the problem with it 'Tony', people have become one eyed in their approach to politics and from that we get the government we deserve. No matter who is in power both sides have a lot to answer for in my view, the politics of charisma and polling.

It seems that Wines or Toumpas are the favourite picks here if available at 4. We are thinking GWS will take Whitfield, Toumpas and Grundy. If they take Wines instead of Grundy then the field opens up quite a bit. My thoughts are we need to get a quality mid and MacRae might well be the answer, quick, good kick, inside and outside player who wins his own ball, plays well in the big games (best on ground GF). Would love Toumpas but will probably be gone by our pick, not unhappy with Wines, Grundy hard to pass up but our needs are more for mids, MacRae, O'Rourke, Stringer, there are a few other good players that will be available.

Collingwood have gained nothing in trades and with Lynch/Dawes probably lost a bit. The picks we won't know until another few years. To early to call. They were supposed to be a dynasty and have not realised that dream. Their recruiting is for the future when they supposedly had a now, I think they have lost their way. Where is the Ball or Jolly to take their list to another flag. Lynch isn't it, struggled for a game at WC nor is Young. Might be some trouble brewing for young Ed. Good. Geelong haven't really gained a lot and their success next season will be on the back of a fit Vardy, Varcoe and Menzell along with further improvement from Duncan, Hawkins and Christiansen plus the champions in Johnson, Selwood, Bartell and co. a few more to retire at seasons end? McIntosh could provide something but hasn't done it at North to date, Riv will be solid and Caddy better find some ball. They have moved away from the way that paved their success, it will be very interesting to see how it pans out. Plenty of quality though to make them much more than nuisance value.

As far as Port goes it looks like the priority pick or a version of it is still alive. It would be best to scrap this compo idea, it's too reliant on the integrity of an organisation whose integrity may be a little shaky.

I guess it shows the value of our senior players, we shouldn't be too surprised.

It only matters in that it may give another reason as to why he might not have been getting games with the Roos apart from the too many talls thing. He looks good, hard to see why he couldn't get a game.

With you on this.

Both have been injury prone early in their careers, apart from being captain Grimes has a lot to offer Gys.

Davis, Cook, Williams would head a long list ahead of Sheahan in my eyes. Mobile, tall, uses ball well, plays back and forward, huge upside. Unless there is something wrong with his attitude then he is a keeper for me.

Well written 'Whispering Jack'. Denham still not saying anything of substance this morning, the usual Brisbane Bears line. Funny how he is so sure about Carlton not talking to Dawes, his mail at Carlton is so good that their CEO Greg Swan said his article a couple of weeks ago was absolute crap.

I wouldn't be too happy about that either however this won't be the fault of not having an experienced recruiting manager, the list manager would be making the big calls on these trades and Harrington has plenty of experience in the job.

Heard he was also offside with some of the senior players at North for what it's worth.

It's about time he did 'WYL'.

Yep, can't explain it; probably unfounded concern.

Gary Hardeman

Vendetta Denham has a problem with Schwab, simple as that.

Just feel uneasy about Dawes, I'm not sure why. I hope we haven't tipped the balance too far from recruiting and building from within to recruiting senior players and giving away first round picks in a good draft. I'm placing some faith in Neeld knowing the player he is getting but...

Dawes is a contracted player, they want (need) him to move he wants to come to us not the dogs. If he doesn't get what he wants he can stay with the pies because he has a contract then they are up s...creek with their salary cap. Go figure, who has the best bargaining chip on the table?

I think he's always been their target, it's just about how they can get him.

I've been pushing for Toumpas since 2011 so will be disappointed if we don't get him.

It's nothing to do with the nice guy approach. This would be plain dumb.

I reckon you are spot on 'Robbie', he is a great tackler for someone as tall and always tackles low, not giving away free's for a high tackle. When the ball is a contested situation he does hang back though, if he can get it using his natural athletic abilities he will but a hard tough contest he doesn't like.

No Sheahan is still a kid, tall but still skinny. Very good skills and reads the play well, he will develop into a good player for us.