deelusions from afar

I did find this poll interesting on the Crows Big Footy page (for general AFL chat). It closed about a month ago!

Wouldn't surprise me if Tholstrup is there to soak in the experience with no intention of playing him (as Casey have a bye). I remember them doing this as far back as 2017, taking young squad members who are on the fringe to be part of interstate trips - a good chance to bond with the seniors and also observe the preparation of the senior players in a way you wouldn't get with a match in Melbourne. From all reports, he's not far away! (and I could be wrong too and he plays tomorrow night!)

Haven't been able to watch the match yet and so came on here to see what I've missed. Obviously it would be nice to win everything all the time, but if they're experimenting with paying more aggressive etc (which is costing us goals) then now is the time to do it. Both teams had lots missing so I think we all get sucked into reading too much into preseason form. I do remember getting smashed in the 2021 preseason by the Bulldogs and thinking they were miles ahead of us with so much depth and talent especially in the midfield. We all know how important that preseason match was when it really mattered later that year!

Thanks WCW for clearing it up. Re the bolded bit - it does strike me as odd that if he did have an issue for Burgess as a few have said, why would he come to Melbourne who would likely have the closest fitness approach to Burgess (of any club outside of Adelaide) given the influence and success he had only a few years ago with us.

I know it's more likely to be just part of his program to get back to the main group... but I'm hoping these snippets reflect a focus on building his forward craft. Last year revealed we can survive without him in the midfield and I think (as others have commented) he has enormous upside to pinch hit forward. He's shown signs earlier in his career and has the odd game (often in Adelaide) where he kicks 3 or so. But if he was able to regularly hit the scoreboard (and probably tidy up his disposal consistency) then it would elevate him to the best in the comp (and probably make us the team to beat in the process).

I've thought the same for a number of years. However I think the problem is he isn't particularly quick so if he turns it over up the field (or a team mate does when he's run hard forward) then he becomes a liability. His kicking is ok but I don't think any opposition is going to fear him getting it in the corridor forward of centre like them might with May. If Gawn goes down, he might be a good backup ruckman that could wear down his opponent (most ruckman aren't quick off the mark) though I suspect Fullerton would get first go at this.

Wonder if there's any chance for us to get 15 or 17 from NM and pick 3 rather than pick 2 and 23. My thinking being we seem keener on Duursma who most think will be pick 3 rather than 2 (walters aside). Then at 15 or 17 we seem more likely to get a slider of someone spoken about in the mix for our pick 11

What's the advantage for Brown or MFC in him nominating and us accepting?

This is not potting anyone that's made the Fyfe references - but isn't he a bit small for this kind of comparison (unless he's still growing)? I know its only a few centimetres and players can play shorter or taller than their height... but he's currently 3cm shorter than Fyfe. For context he's 1cm shorter than Rivers and 1cm taller than Petracca.

You're probably right - but if you were involved in the recruiting or management of WCE you would not want your social media manager doing this now as it just boxes them into a corner.

It's quite funny - Gary wants Harley sooo bad! Goin into bat for the dees but trying to not to b=make it too obvious!

Intrigued to know if we packaged up 6 or 11 with 42 and F1 to get a bit higher, and somehow managed to trade for Reid, do we have picks after 42 eg for Brown? Or do we go with less on the list next year? Or can we have extras train over the summer and pick them up in the pre-season draft (does that still happen?)

Interesting to see how all parties manage expectations from here. On the West Coast Bigfooty board (I know) they are underwhelmed by the offers. The seem to think they will get 2 and 3 from North and give something back. As delusional as it is - if they're fans genuinely think that then the generous offers that are already there are not going to cut it for their fans. The hawks offer for them is the closest (but has the risk of the hawks climbing the ladder next year).

I thought this was something that Carlton were happy to have out there (given they had his brother they knew all about him) which enabled them to get him (and McKay) in the one draft!

I'm warming to the sound of this guy. Tall (200cm) which might be helpful with the height of many key forwards, athletic, good contested mark / one-on-one and a reliable kick. What's he like in terms of speed and endurance?