ThreeOneSix

For the VCGLR to get tough, they would be going against Vlad and that would be pointless. The media tried to dictate Vlad and call the shots in the tanking investigation - and Anderson was suckered in. End result was Anderson shipped out and the media having egg on their faces by trying to directly effect the outcome of the tanking inquiry. No-one ever wins going up against Andy D and if the VCGLR push the investigation they will make Andy D look silly. He will then threaten to pull betting agencies away from the AFL, so basically the VCGLR have too much to lose by pushing hard. No one beats the AFL's narcissistic leader.

Yeah I agree and in this day and age - any publicity is good publicity.. Seems to work for Mundine. Now that the tanking saga is over - and we don't have to worry about Jurrah's antics, I'd hope we see more positive publicity and Hogan, Viney and Toumpas would be a good start, I think Viney and Toumpas will have great years, then we have Hogan next year with another top liner, we are extremely well placed going forward. We are probably lucky that Scully did go to GWS as the tanking that was alledged to of happened - has yet to reap rewards. But after Hogan, Viney, Toumpas start dominating in years to come, the issue will be raised, so thankfully this investigation happened now than later IMO.

Kent looked the good, Watts was very impressive. Hogan showed a bit. Vickery shown how much of a [censored] he is.

If Buddy kicks straight the Hawks have 2 flags. He is a champion player Franklin and if Hogan is as good as Franklin - we will win flags.

I love the beard, I've been talking up Jack Watts to my family since he was drafted about him being the messiah and the best thing since sliced bread. So to them he is a laughing stock because he hasn't proved to be God re-incarnated,so Watts is a cult figure in our household and the beard just adds to myth. I thought Watts was outstanding last night, but I am pretty one eyed Jack Watts, I think he'll be an All Australian back man. As well as having sublime skills, Watts has smarts, he wanted the ball in the first game last night against North, he knew we needed a 9 pointer. None of our senior players were screaming for the ball or even aware.

I couldn't care less about Hogan not being able to play till next year as we have a few forwards to weed through this year. By years end, we'll know where Dawes, Pedo are Fitz are all at. After this year we'll have more of an idea about our forward structure going into the future and I think Hogan will come in at the perfect time next year. Obviously the kid can play, he reminded me a bit of Hurley the way he attacked the contest - but with more size, he is going to be a beast of a player. There is no need to rush though, he is only young and has a long career ahead of him, it's great to have some aggressive forwards. I haven't given up on Dawes either, he has a fair bit of Mongrel in him and I think him and Clark will work very well together.

I didn't notice Jones that much. I thought Couch showed a bit aswell, certainly looks to have Magner well and truly covered. But at least having blokes like Magner and Couch fighting hard for spots will set the benchmark.

I agree, It's a big call, but I thought after tonight he looks capable of being an AA backman. Watts was a shining light last year I thought, he just gets harshly judged because he was a no 1 pick.

Gambling agencies, etc should stay right away from our game. If they go hard against us, they will be at risk that the AFL drops them completely. The last mob to go against Andy D was the media and look at them drying their eyes atm.

Anyone who cuts Morton, Cook and Gysberts and doesn't bow to soft as butter's (Jurrah) preferential treatment, gets my vote. Add to that, brings in guys who actually want to train, have values and work ethic in Rodan, Brynes and Dawes. I feel we are at least on the right track.

If it was up to Demonland Jurrah would be the face of TAC.

Most players built like Fyfe would be picked last. It's rare they have such a full package, same as Jimmy Hird as a youngster.

I don't think we'll see a talent like Jurrah for a long while, but the bloke mentally just isn't capable of staying sound. I think the club done so well to get what we did out of him. Bailey enabled Jurrah, whereas Neeld hasn't got the time to nurse individuals. Everyone enables Jurrah really, overlooks his behavior because he has serious talent. Neeld got rid of a lot of individual players and I applaud him for that and we will actually play as a team.

One less machete wielding bandit off our streets. I have no pity for Jurrah and I hope the right decision is made and he is locked away for good.

Does anyone know how Kent is coming along and will he get many games in this year?

I don't wish bad on Essendon, I only like what is going on, because it takes the heat off the 'tanking issue'. Hopefully the AFL is all tied up now. They can't afford all this bad publicity, so hopefully they rush the tanking debacle a bit. I noticed we released a statement yesterday on tanking, such perfect timing - it went unnoticed.

So far nothing has been written that suggests we should be even remotely worried.

Trengove and Clark will be firing come round 6-7 and they will be a welcome addition. By that stage, no doubt we will have at least a couple of injuries - which is natural. Big Maxy Gawn would be aiming to get a few senior games in this year and build into next year and he should still be able to achieve that, he just needs to keep ticking away and get games into him via VFL.

We'll have the coin, Flash's contract is nearly up. Sylvia would want to have a good year or he'll take a cut. Neeld will cut lads to squeeze a player of Thomas quality in and more importantly, he fits the right age bracket and would add a lot to the side. I think we could definitely afford a big offer for a Thomas type player and I doubt Daisy would go interstate - as he is a Drouin lad and gets back there quite a bit.

Quite ironic that last year McLean was hating on Aids victims and this year he leading the charge for Gay pride. Two subjects that go hand in hand. The AFL should keep well clear of social issues and I expect that it will. Just because boards like Big Footy and Demonland run one sided views on the subject, doesn't mean the majority of the actual public agree.

Barry was very highly rated by Shifter (draft commentator). It wouldn't suprise me if we could've got Hogan for just pick 3 but instead the club swindled pick 13 in the deal for Barry and 20. At the end of the day, it's unlikely the club would've taken Barry at 13 and our next pick after Viney wouldn't have landed Barry. He would've been already gone. I agree with others that he probably won't be ready this year.

I just wish they would lock this clown up. I am absolutley ropable that he is still out in society, he constantly puts peoples lives at risk. He needs to be locked away. - Tries to kill relative with a machete. - Drink drives with a huge consumption of alcohol running through him putting society at risk. Why people show Jurrah compassion is beyond me.

Trust Dunn to pick on Bail, but not want to have a go at McKenzie. So predictable, get a kick Dunn and stop trying to be a tough man.

1. Collingwood. 2. West Coast. 3. Hawthorn. 4. Sydney. 5. Geelong. 6. Essendon. 7. Carlton. 8. Adelaide. I have Melbourne at 10.

Good point, I am guilty of the same and was 100% sure we would be a force to be reckoned with. Now I have the same confidence in the current list, I don't know if thats a good sign or a bad sign now.