spirit of norm smith

Assume we have Brown, Nietschke, Jordan, Chandler and Bradtke (cat B) as existing rookies. I believe we have up to 6 rookie spots to be filled, with salary cap concessions. (Not 100% sure). I think we might pass on rookie draft and keep a spot upon for a SSP rookie after summer training. We might invite 2-3 players or delisted players as “train on” players over the next 6-8 weeks and then pick the last “rookie “.

That’s Archie Perkins, Finlay Macrae, Brayden Cook (all likely to be gone though unless we trade up picks somehow), Errol Gulden <swans>, Jack Carroll, Caleb Poulter, Bailey Laurie , Connor Stone, Ryan Angwin, Jake Bowey.

Fair call @dazzledavey36. Like so many Vic kids this year, Kobi didn’t get on the park this year. I saw him in a game in 2019 for the Stingrays and he has an excellent sidestep, skilled left foot disposal and moved at pace with ease. I was optimistic which is something as Dees fans that we have to hold onto. I think he’d be one to put on at Casey in the squad or hopefully play for Stingrays as a 19yo in 2021. Will Bravo was another kid out of the Stingrays that showed real pace and goal sense. He’s another that might go late/rookie or be in the Casey/Stingrays group for 2021.

Yes I had him in the late/rookie pick position.

Agreed. Timely introduction of Mark Williams to really grab Trac, Clarry, and even Gus and challenge them to take the next step in their careers. It’s an great appointment imv (echo so many others) and old fashioned tough love is on the agenda. “We want to be great”. Absolutely. (But I’d settle for just one premiership? ).

On the piece of paper, in order of potential priority and likely availability Macrae ? Carroll ? Cook ? Laurie Stone * bid Gulden * bid Coleman Poulter Bowey Winder Ford Angwin (* both Gulden and Coleman are excellent youngsters but imv bids are definitely going to be matched... but we may as well force swans and lions to use points)

I think we are in good hands. JT has done very well over the years to build the list. @adonski the great part was as you quoted - “looking for outside run, creative players, good decision makers, good ball users”.

Yes. That would be a great result especially to land Jack Carroll and Brayden Cook.

Great news. That’s going to really push some of our youngsters. Good work MFC

From Pert to Roos to Mahoney to Gawn to JT to Clarry. All are paid but I have to say thanks for their contribution to MFC. I think Neeld is someone though that I probably wouldn’t give a “thanks” !!!!

No surprise. Especially with the restructuring 13 years of service is plenty. It’s been a rollercoaster ride. Thanks and good luck.

I think the Scott Thompson, Jeff Farmer and the many years of will Jesse Hogan go back, means us Dees supporters are worried about the go home factor. But you have pick the best kid and then hope you have a good footy program, plus on field success.

That’d be a good result.

Poulter would also be a good addition. Classy skilled left footer with good size and tackling ability. He’s definitely in the frame.

Thanks DS. Didn’t know that intel.

Yes agree that would be a better scenario for us to get Laurie. Another footballer type who uses the footy. That’s what we are after. Youngsters who can execute with the footy and not create turnovers that kill us.

Yes firstly he’s got all the AFL qualities. Then the East Freo connection to LJ and Riv. That’s the plan. Wait and see now.

Agree. Eddie Ford was excellent in 2019 and NAB league as an underager. Perhaps he is underrated in the system as other youngsters are athletes and Ford is a footballer first. Obviously this years lack of any under18s matches hurts his chances. But I’m sure he will get drafted. My view is that given the lack of footy, some are resting on combine results for getting excited by those stats. It’s a tough year for recruiters. Importantly I’m glad we have JT on board.

If only! I agree we should potentially bid on Gulden if he’s available. He would be an excellent pickup for the Dees BUT imv I think Swans will definitely match (they still are redfaced over not matching the Dogs pick on Josh Dunkley father son). Coleman too. Lions will definitely match that.

Great work. Trade swap with Pies makes sense. Readymade replacement for JT imv.

He wasn’t in any Vic underage rep teams and cannot remember him in the under 16s squad or even in the Sandringham Dragons program. Was never a choice between elite footy or elite athletics. He got a look in 2019 with the Dragons following his school footy year and his pace and endurance showed real potential. Only the one game in under 18s. Tough break this year with no Vic under18s footy.

Sydee, I saw the 2019 AFL under 17s futures game last year at MCG. I know there is footage of him still on YouTube from that games which you should be able to access. I saw some further WA Colts games which you may locate for East Freo. He is a highly skilled left footer with good pace (3sec 20m time) and evasive skills. Can win his own footy but ideally suited to a wing position imv. Needs a year or two in the gym as most 17/18 year olds.

Well done @Nascent that’s well thought out predictions. Seems that Carroll is now a populace choice on DL.

National level athletes who decide to focus their talent on footy. That’s the comparison. As I stated, tough year for recruiters to take a punt on such kids. This year with reduced lists, recruiters might go with players who have come through underage rep teams such as the 2018 under 16s and through u17 futures squad from 2019.

Yes primary school in Malvern East. He was a star athlete even back as a young boy. Well trained by Lee to run and he had motor and definitely highly motivated. He’d present like a Blicavs type experiment to turn the athlete into a footballer. It’s a shame he didn’t get the U18s league this year to develop more. I think for Holmes , like Fraser Rosman, it will be interesting to see if any clubs takes up the challenge.