King Kunta

In a draft that seems to be devoid of standout midfield talent, Kelly would be the player I'd happily settle for. The ability to spread and have players wiling to link up to create the extra man on the switch is very important in moving the ball from defense to attack in today's game. As noted by many, Kelly is the best runner in the class and knows how to accumulate the ball (something the Demon's list does not have). Furthermore the more times he uses his disposal the better off your team will be, he has a very neat left-foot ala Nick Dal Santo. Dominated the APS as a year 10 against much older and bigger bodies, and is an outstanding human being who will improve the standards and culture of the club.

That's not a bad take, when I saw him at training I was also impressed with his speed and without getting the measuring tape out I could see that he is taller than the other mids ala Griffin.

Forgot about Matt Jones the reference was to Nath although Matt did get several plaudits from the coaches Brian Royal in particular.

I got there early to catch Viney, Nicholson and Couch out on the oval practicing hitting moving targets out of defence. No surprises Viney's kicking had a lot more penetration and accuracy than the others whose disposal still needs work After an extensive warm up the boys began a match simulation exercise where the ball would be marked on the half back flank with the objective of getting the ball forward. With resistance only in the form of four or so defenders as opposed to ten rebounders, the team in possession were able to move the ball effectively the majority of the time, except for Davis (won't get a game until disposal improves), Nicholson, Tynan and Gillies who all turned the ball over at times much to the displeasure of the coaches. There was a key focus to play on at all times and there was lots of ball movement through the middle and switches to the fat side. Dunn really impressed with his run out of defence, he looks incredibly fit and seems to have gained a yard or two in pace. Thereafter, the group split into blues and whites for separate drills. Down the other end of the ground there seemed to be a kick out type drill. Whereas the end I was watching had a 6 on 6 exercise deep in defence where a group would try to move the ball out by hand under lots of pressure form the opposing 6 players. As expected the bigger bodies thrived with N Jones and Viney the standouts, consistently being able to rebound the ball cleanly by hand. These two seem to be a level above all other midfielders with their pace, size and tenacity. Others who impressed were Strauss who showed good pace and was willing to back himself, Dunn again used his bigger body to break tackles and McKenzie was the standout chaser and haggler. The final drill was end to end match simulation with 15 or so a side plus interchange. Watts, Dunn and Terlich were all used a lot in defence when switching and were all good by foot, throw in Jetta, Strauss and Nicholson and there's going to be a lot of competition for those roles as rebounding defenders. Dawes and Pedersen both took good marks presenting high up the ground at the ball carrier. Rory Taggert had a period he would rather forget where he dropped a simple mark causing the drill to restart, only to be used again in the next passage where he kicked a shocking wobbler out of bounds. Also the forward pressure was much improved, Dawes always impressed me when he was at Collingwood in this facet and he seems to have brought that intensity along with him as they were consistenly pressuring and forcing errors deep ind defence. All in all a solid session with Dunn, N Jones and Viney the standouts.

Just finished, Howe walked gingerly off early after a marking contest with Tynan. Didn't seem too serious will provide report later

The slagging of Melbourne officials is one thing but the cheap shots at supporters seem completely out of line. No surprises seeing Caroline stooping to new lows

Ahh a true 49er Whiner . Anything over 50 yards is no 'gimme', after starting at midfield due to a 14 yard shanked punt your offence failed to get within adequate field goal range. No shame in losing to the Jeff Fisher led Rams my friend, when we play tough defence and the offence doesn't turn over the football it's hard to score against us at home. We're a young team not ready for the playoffs, hopefully next year we can add some talent to the O/Line and get a safety or two then we could give the playoffs a shake. Yeah Givens is developing nicely, no longer just a deep threat Sam's trusting him on the intermediate routes and he took a great catch on 3rd & 3 to put the Rams in range for the game-winning field goal.

As clubs don't issue dividends nor pay tax, due to being registered as "not-for-profit organisations"; profits from football clubs are in reality a meaningless accounting figure. I would rather look at a cash flow statement or a statement of financial position in comparison to previous years to see how the football club is improving financially. Ultimately the aim for all football clubs, off the field, is to increase spending in the football department to the point that is financially acceptable. The reported $1.674 million increment in spending whilst breaking even, indicates the Front Office have prepared an accurate budget that has determined future revenue streams accurately allowing maximum spending in the football department. Which is the positive I would take from the media release until further statements are released.

Rams baby! Doing what we should have done a few weeks ago. Defence was nasty, special teams was awesome and Sam made some plays with his legs to get it to overtime. Suck it Whiners

It is a little disturbing that Jovan Belcher and Junior Seau, who took his life earlier this year, were both linebackers. As we know there are lots of tackles and hits, often with the use of a helmet. With research suggesting concussion is closely correlated to depression these athletes are certainly putting their body at risk every time they take the field.

Was thinking along the same lines in reference to Dom Tyson and how he would be a great addition to the team, classy midfielder with inside and outside ability and a good size. Still yet to be re-signed and there were reports he wanted to go home. Prying him away from Gubby Allen would be no easy feat, I'm sure we would have to pay through the roof for him.

Cam Pedersen is the majority of the time spelt incorrectly as Cam Pederson, fair enough weird spelling.

Although the pitch did favour the batsmen, it provided a much better contest for the viewers. In contrast to the Gabba it had pace for the majority of the test which induces stroke play and runs whilst also making it easier for the quicks to get wickets. Although not enough in my mind, there was a bit if grass which aided swing conventionally and reverse. Also scores in each team's innings were inflated by the quick outfield and shorter boundaries: although no result was achieved it was due to individual heroics and injuries rather than a road.

Once he trusts all his receivers and develops that synergy like he has with Amendola and Givens this offence will be far more dangerous. Yeah was good to see the ground and pound back its best, unfortunately I don't think SJax will be at the rams next year, maybe a few more performances like this will change Les Snead's mind. Finally the defence forced some turnovers Janoris Jenkins' two pick 6's amongst the teams 4 in total was the difference. Saw the niners game and Kaepernick further enhanced my belief that he is 49ers best playmaker and rightful QB. He throws the deep ball far better than Smith, has more velocity on his throws and can make plays with his feet. I'll still back my Rams against him next week as the Rams continue their undefeated record division

Nah buddy we gave up 21 that became 20 and was used on Tim Broomhead. Still a few good names on board for the PSD; Matthew Haynes and Sam Colquhon are two I was suprised didn't find a home.