spirit of norm smith

Tough one this year once again. I think a lot of random amateurs like me only have limited capacity and capabilities. I’ve watched some of the local SANFL and WAFL where possible and the SA-WA Under19s matches. Combine results also skewed to SA-WA. Hard to gauge our local Vic metro youngsters given lockdown over past 2 years and restrictions. Perhaps only go with the Cal Twomey ratings and blend with the SA-WA youngsters. Interesting that JT got over to WA with the Dees and was able to see many of the WA youngsters live. Obviously gives them an advantage yet JT ⭐️ picked 3 Vic metro boys last year so hard to call.

Given we’ve waited so long for a premiership, I’m spending up big time. You cannot assume it will happen again so need to enjoy the moment and of course indulge in the merchandise as much as possible. My wardrobe and study will become a shrine to the 2021 premiership. 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

Blake Howes is the obvious player in this group. I saw vision of playing for Sandringham under 18s. Not unlike Archie Perkins. Athletic type 190cm. Perhaps taller half forward role. He’s not in the frame for our first round “17” and likely would be gone by our 2nd round “37” pick. One youngster who JT may have on the “37” radar is Charlie Molan (I don’t know if he’s any relation to Luke Molan from our 2001 draft class). He looks a likely type. Wing /half forward. Strong at the footy and has the endurance base to play “up and back” running outside mid role. From Ballarat. Best and fairest winner for Rebels in under 18 this year. Rather strangely he was named back pocket for TAC 2021 Under18 team of the year.

Sounds like he’s hungry to prove himself and fits into our program. Mature and experienced addition to our strong midfield group. Maybe we can show faith in him by giving him the No.2 jumper for 2022.

I’m still laughing. Great work

JVR actually reminds me of Jack Watts in his Under 18s year. Strong mark. Athletic. Can play back but much better as a forward. Good ability to run up and back and use endurance. I think JVR would be in much better hands for his development now and certainly much less pressure.

In JT we trust. Bloody legend. And it’s a Yes from Demonland.

Yes perhaps the name “Rookie” should be updated to “Supplementary”.

Yes hope Dees look to continue the link with Marty Hore. Pies VFL probably looking to get him back in black and white. Hope 2022 year is better with opportunity for a full year. Some good youngsters showed potential - such as Ryan Sparkes, Corey Ellison and George Grey.

I’m feeling ill. I actually agree with Damien Barrett. The dirty muck raking tool. The rookie list. Really !!! Clubs delisting players and reselecting them as rookies. There is too many that are older players being given rookie lifelines on lower $ contracts. Mitch Brown as a rookie. Shane Mumford last year !!! Rookie list should be restricted to players 23 or under at the start of the footy season calendar year. ie. For 2022 season, players who were born in 1998 or later.

Hopefully delivered by Xmas 🙏🏼

Ouch. Yes have to remember all the sins of the pies regime. … they also had issues with racist comments and players boasting about their footy betting account.

Corey Warner certainly must have impressed. Endurance and agility. His energy and ability to win the footy (in the WA v SA game) should have him fitting in the late 2nd round/early 3rd round selections around 35-42 Might be a handy addition if we go for JVR as our first selection.

Footy ops is a hard industry to break into. Especially now with tighter budgets and reduced support staff. It’s often revolving doors from club to club. Wagner’s connection to Pert was the obvious key to his addition.

Wow. Though I’m sure guys like Joel Smith, Hunt, Melksham, Tomlinson (and Jordon) will be desperate to get back in the team and take their chance to experience a premiership. Having competition for spots makes us even stronger.

List 42. Plus Bradtke as Cat B rookie. Two injury listed replacements gained in 2021 (to cover Nietschke and Hore) Turner and Declase. = 45. But 42 is the number (excl any cat B rookies) End of year - delisted 8. Dunstan added. gets us to 38. 33 main list. 5 rookie A list.

Agree. Round 1. Saturday night. versus Cats. Want to win by 100 points this time !!!

Hibbo resigned for 2022 Hore and Declase delisted. 33 senior list. 5 Rookie A list. Space for 3 further additions in the Draft and 1 further addition in the rookie draft. (Total 36 + 6 = 42).

Interested to see how JVR performed at the combine. He had a great year and definitely in the mix for our “pick 17”.

He’s the clone of Allir Allir in style of style and physical capabilities. A year or two in the gym will mean he’s able to match up on big forwards. Perfectly suited to a future CHB role. He smashed the vertical leap record at the combine and perhaps could play round 1 2022 with a big preseason. A serious talent. Not sure he’s on the Dees list but you never know.

I’d like to see Hibbo go around for one more year. His lockdown role was a part of our excellent back 6. But understand he’s had a lot to deal with in life and might decide the premiership year is his last AFL season.

Agreed. I think we will pick him up after our initial two picks. He is the type of youngster Goody would love in the program. Definitely get him into the Choco development group and we have time to get him ready.

Matt Roberts reminds me of Dyson Heppell. He’s a midfielder but also an all rounder type. Certainly talented and wouldn’t be a poor choice. I thought Power would be his new home given they need to restock their midfield. Not sure he’s what MFC would pick but given he’s been top 10 quality, if he was a slider then JT would have to consider. I think we may hope for a Goater, Sinn or Sonsie if they slide through. I think all will be gone imv and would be looking at Chesser or Wilmot for outside run and pace across wing/half back.

Dees have certainly moved on from the days where we would try to turn rocks into diamonds. Happy days. Still not hearing anything or interest in Vanders. He’s a quality bloke who has suffered from injuries. Pace was never his go but he looked really slow in the games this year. His physical work is excellent but clubs seem to be reasonably stocked for similar types and he’d be a risk. He will be 30 at the start of next year and list spots are tight. Footy is a cruel beast. Hope he finds a home even in the next level down and remains a Demons man. Aaron “van den Berg”. The Dutch meaning Man from the Mountain.

He looks a talent. Rebounds. Shoots. Drives. Good luck to the young man.