spirit of norm smith

It’s a curse. I’m not optimistic about the news for The Vandenburger. Hoping for the news that he needs a few weeks off. Also think Joel Smith is cursed and both will be cruelly cut down.

Great insights into the club and the type of “people“ that the coaches and players are. Goody has a great connection. Just need to reflect that’s it’s the footy that counts and the next 26 weeks will determine whether we have built the right foundations for the COMBAT ahead.

Beating the Eagles in Perth in round 1 would be huge !! One of the toughest tasks in footy.

Ran the predictor. I had us as a 14-8 season and I thought that was reasonably optimistic. Percentage 107.2 so a finish in 6th position. I’ll take that as a balanced view.

Casey goalless in first quarters. Hawks kicked 4 goals to 2 in last quarter. 2-12 is not a great start. A lot of young faces at Casey this year.

Yes like to see how Jordan goes. I think he will be a very handy half back or wingman. Excellent disposal. Actually hits a target.

Agree. Vanders will keep now on ice for a few weeks. Can’t risk it and I think he’ll be watched very carefully.

Lockhart played as a small in the backline in 2018 for Casey and was super impressive. It got him the AFL spot. I think he’s a lock for round 1. His intensity is what we need in the dogfight.

Yes Oliver is kicking it - yessss Bedford. Nice. He’s showing something to bring exciting times with a Pickett combo perhaps.

Yes some familiar Weid and Anb footy. Langdon is the real deal. Fritsch is ready to kick 4-5! Lockhart is a lock for round 1 imo.

Yes. Built like Tarzan but plays like ... well he should be stronger at marking the footy like he really wants it.

Poor skill from both teams. All the summer training and they are still rusty. MFC dominate inside 50s with little scoreboard impact or pressure.

Is McCartin available? He has 5-6 bad concussions.

Kk should be listed as long term/indefinite. He won’t play this year. Bennell will be managed through 2020. I think earliest is mid year for a return to full match fitness. Nietschke knee is out for the year. Preuss won’t be back until round 5-6. Joel Smith hasn’t played so will be managed and expect he may be a round 3-4 return. Super talented so fingers crossed Gawn. Round 1 probably- relief. Others are all likely to be available for round 1.

Visser probably will talk about pressure and how to compose yourself. Obviously there is a focus on our mental well being and helping players on the field and off the field. Good call MFC.

Can’t believe this is where the negativity is being directed. It’s not even round 1 yet. Let’s look at how much better we will be in 2020 and bring back the respect.

Ridiculous thread. Shut it down. A fit Jack Viney is in the best 22 in ANY side in the league. He is a tough mid who wins the footy and gets the footy. He bleeds red and blue. His disposal is ok but certainly not horrid. His toughness and leadership leaves many others in the dust.

Given our 2018 and 2019, the “experts” are finding it very tough to gauge where we are. I think we are a 7-10 team but if we are ever blessed with a “tigers type injury free run”, we could really give it a shake !!

This is a very tough subject and I believe MFC is supporting Kk in many ways both financially and emotionally. Obviously he loves the game which has been his life, but the longer term issues mean Kk should probably be listed as a long term injury for 2020. He should not even consider playing this year. His continued mental state and ability to function must be prioritised.

Good discussion here and I think most of us want to see Hunt back in the team with his pace and burst style of play exciting to watch. If he can regain form, he’ll be a great asset, probably used off the bench. Otherwise he may find trade suitors at year end.

Two years ago Jayden Hunt was one of our bright young stars. With pace to burn, it was considered he would be a future wing or half back. His electric run and bounce was exciting and his torpedo goal v Crows showed his talent. He struggled last year with injury and form and seemed to be a forward pocket option in a “pieced together” forward setup. what’s his outlook for 2020 and beyond? I previously thought he was going places however from today’s practice match report, he is on the outskirts of getting a game now. Hope he gets his mojo back

5 years deal through to 2025 imo

Outstanding work MFC. Great insights and shows a real bond in the players. Now let’s hit our footy targets and show true fight in the Game moment.

Are they fit to play ?? Tmcd. Tomlinson. Vandenburg. Thought they’d all miss and still recovering. Unleashed: Pickett and Jackson. Let them play about 1/2 game and see how they go. Don’t expect them to gun it just yet but they are super talented Hope he gets through: Joel Smith. Love to see his talent on show in 2020. Give him a go: James Jordan. Love his delivery and willingness to kick the footy. Hopefully he’ll be in for Hawks practice match. Who? Tom Sparrow. Loved his aggression in 2019 in limited game time due to injury. Tough and solid and hope he gets into the action. Key players missing: Gawn May Brayshaw

About 15 players injured and no practice matches yet. Cotton wool may be ordered in bulk to get us through to round 1 !!!!!