spirit of norm smith

DEES DEFENDER'S FUTURE UNCLEAR MELBOURNE'S Jayden Huntfaces an uncertain future with the free agent remaining unsigned for next year. Hunt is an unrestricted free agent and played 20 games for the Demons this season, including their two finals. He also played 20 games in 2021 and was unlucky to miss out on the club's premiership win last year after injuring his ankle late in Melbourne's campaign. He is without a contract for 2023. West Coast has a level of interest in Hunt and given his free agency status he could leave and join any club without a trade being enacted. The 27-year-old's speed, run and carry is his weapon and he was instrumental in the Demons' round 22 win over Carlton with a season-high 19 disposals and several key moments late in the game. from AFL WEBSITE I recall Dees had offered him a 2 year deal. Assume he might want to get a 3-4 deal elsewhere. Pace is at a premium imv and Hunt is one of our very few with pace , run and burst type players.

Looking at the squads for the final game Vic Metro and Vic Country, there could be up to 18-19 players drafted from this game into the AFL next year. Obviously the stars like Ashcroft are on show, but it’s a huge match for many youngsters trying to shine in front of recruiters before the draft.

Ouch. Go back to the first page and early pages. We’d hope that LJ would at least sign for another 2 years (up to 5 years) with the lure of playing with his mates Riv and Kozzzy and further premiership success. After winning the ‘21 premiership, we were high on optimism. But unfortunately the known poison of the “go home factor” was too strong and the enticement of home-family/surf/$$$ all proven the winner for LJ and his management. It’s all over after 3 years. His burst of brilliance in games (especially the ‘21 GF) and domination v Lions in round 14 this year will be fondly remembered. Though he was always “nearly” ready to be a star, yet still at only 20 and often frustrated with dropped marks and silly decision making. He’s got a lot to thank MFC for and to Goody, the coaches & staff, Jason Taylor and his teammates. Thanks LJ for 52 games, a 2021 premiership player and 2021 rising star winner.

Yes happy to give up 2nd round pick for Grundy … we need to be seen as holding some bargaining power … and if it’s pushed our current 2nd and 3rd round (currently 32,41)

Might be worth a conversation with Jack Bowes from Suns. Reported that he wants to explore options. Highly skilled small-mid defender. Not a priority to fix but worth a 30 minute conversation imv.

Yes a backman coaching the backline. Great work Chappy!!

Agree. I’d be putting at least a 4-year deal in the table to avoid the future rumours and distractions. He’s a star and Dees need to lock him in. Kozzzzzzy - you are exciting to watch - we all love you !!! Go Dees !!!

43 pages and flying - love it !!!

Wait and see “who” and “how” some players may become available. Hard to see yet if any players got our two needs… 1-another key forward and 2-outside running mid with good skills (for forward connection!!!)

Yes I think the issues are 1- the fitness angle is the area that the club will be putting a lot of its focus on. Is his injury potentially an ongoing problem. Sure Grundy was AA and had great 2018 and 2019 and that’s attractive but 2022 saw him sit out most of the year. 2- how will he fit in? Neither Gawn nor Grundy naturally become “resting forwards” with both best suited to the Ruck. Lots of upside if it works but high risk if we’re giving up a potential 1st round draft pick. Maybe lots of other things connected to the decision.

Agree. Ffs. We are doing them a huge favour. it’s been suggested Grundy for Dees 2023 1st round pick. Pies pay 1/3rd of contract for 5 years 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

Never a better time than to start planning for 2023. The draw? Or the “biased coordinated schedule of events” is a better description. We hopefully get a balanced schedule in 23. Given the Dees finished 5th in 2022, I thought I’d go and check who finished 5th in 2021 and how we might get a similar draw - and who we could play twice. So Lions finished 5th. Knocked out like the Dees in straight sets. Lions played Dees, Giants, Saints, Bombers & Suns twice. That’s 1st, 7th,8th,10th,16th. So hypothetically Dees would play Cats, Tigers, Bulldogs, Saints and Giants twice. That’s ok. Some thoughts for 2023 to start 1- special games: a) play home games v Tigers (Anzac day), b) v Pies (Kings birthday) , c) v Giants in the NT game. 2- play Cats, Blues, Bombers and Saints at the MCG. $$$$$$$s 3- play last round at home v Cats at the G. 4- interstate games x 6 -v Swans, v Giants, v Suns (during July school holidays) v Crows, v Eagles, v Freo. 5- play Lions and Power at the MCG. HOME- 10 MCG games v Tigers, Pies, Cats, Blues, Saints, Bulldogs, Bombers, Lions, Power, Kangas. Plus NT game Interstate games 6… plus “local” away games Hawks (MCG) Cats (GMHBA), Tigers (MCG), Bulldogs ( Marvel) , Saints(Marvel). Anyway it’s really in the hands of the AFL team of actuaries and their marketing department!!!

Retirements? ⏱❌Mitch Brown - off the rookie list Hibberd and Melksham- each are likely to be given 1-year more. ❌Jackson - to be traded out Other trades? Bedford and Tomlinson could seek more opportunities and a fair go elsewhere. ?? Hunt - free agency?? Delistings? Most likely are Baker and Rosman. Disappointed for Baker as he stars at VFL but behind too many at the Dees. Langdon, Brayshaw and Jordon ahead of him. Rosman has not had a good run with injuries. Showed signs with long kicking game but lacked footy smarts at times … ideally needs a rookie season to get fully fit and continue development. Not sure he gets one.

Yes I thought Dees might look to grab one of the Kangas “compo” picks. Unfortunately the only two with bargaining chips we can look at are Bedford or Tomlinson. Their appetite to move is depending on - how the relationship is with the coach (given they got quickly flicked to Casey, whilst others were consistently non performing) and/or -whether they and their manager think they get more games and game time elsewhere. Tomlinson stepped up easily when we were without May or Petty. He played good games but was put back to Casey once May-Petty returned. He allows Lever to play as a 3rd tall and intercept player. If Lever has to pickup the 2nd best defender, then he’s less effective. Tomlinson offers high quality backup and owned games back at Casey. If he’s not in Goodys favourites list, it’s very disappointing but he might as well look elsewhere.

Some declarations and rumours on moves: (updated) Crows +Rankine Dogs +Jones(Fa). +Lobb -Dunkley Kangas +Tucker +Logue Freo +Jackson -Tucker -Lobb -Logue -Acres Blues +Acres Suns +Long -Rankine -Fiorini Saints -Long Dees -Jackson +”Grundy” Port -Amon +Rioli Eagles -Rioli Hawks +Amon Cats. + Bruhn +O.Henry Pies —Grundy -O.Henry +Mcstay +Hill +Fiorini Lions -McStay +Dunkley Tigers. +Hopper +Taranto Giants -Hopper -Taranto -Bruhn -Hill Swans

Thanks. Maybe he’s a late developer (did he grow up in traditional AFL youth pathways). Looked very capable and ticks many boxes in my view. Small to mid size defender. Solid. Fast. Good skills. Long left foot kick. I admit it’s unlikely to grab him as a rookie pick but have to remember the Kane Lambert-Mihocek-Hind type examples where players are 22/23yo, playing very good VFL footy and can transition quickly.

?? Pies looking at adding Fiorini (suns) Frampton (crows) Hill (Giants) and Mcstay (Lions). Is that a joke? No real retirements or delistings so where does the extra cash arrive from. Even if they offload Grundy, they’d likely still pay $400k of his $800k contract. Mcstay eats up the $400k alone. They need $$$ to retain DEGOEY. As well extra $$$s for other pies as well after this year. The Maths doesn’t add up.

Thanks for the post. Pies low score reflects how many close games they actually won. Often they snatched victory with a team effort. The Blues Cripps 3 votes Cerra 2 votes in round 23 was an example.

Interested to try to get some more vision on Kwaby Boakye from the Southport Sharks. He looked to be a strong running half back. Strong build and excellent left foot disposal , even in the wet. Maybe a sneaky late draft pick imv with the ability to step straight in.

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/appeal-won-patrick-cripps-in-the-clear-over-rough-conduct-charge-20220811-p5b98c.html what a joke !!! technical legal issue presumption of a bump … tribunal should have allowed a review of a bump or a chest-mark action ffs

Round 23. Brisbane absolutely smashed. 3 to either Oliver or Petracca 1 to either Brayshaw , Jackson or Kozzzy but no way to Neale wtf

Dees v Lions. No votes for Clarry. what a joke !!! 🤮🤮

AFLW Lions are probably now premiership favourites

Clarry still in the hunt but would’ve been nice to see a “3” in one of the early games.

He’s a classy mover but as a 18yo lean lad, conditions were not in his favour. In and under contested footy is not him. Missed 13 weeks due to his injury so getting him back on the park was a bonus. A full pre season ahead with extra gym work.