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Jones, Dunn, Tyson, Cross, Dawes When Cross didn't play last year he was sorely missed. Probably his last season but I believe still an integral part of our midfield as Viney/Newton/Mitchie/Salem/Toumpas continue to learn and grow. Excellent role model for the new draftees with regards to training. We need Dawes to have a more consistent year and regain some confidence as Hogan debuts( I also hope Howe returns forward) Recently there has been some discussion on his strengths and weaknesses so we are all aware, no need to rehash. ( I did like when Dawes was interview post match after a loss and rather than roll out the company line was dirty on himself and the team )

I traded him out during his flat patch only to be burnt.

Yeah I know, the discussion had already started....Next year might be to early to have both of them there at once, but could be an option in the future. At least the club looks to making the move, multiple option being the key.

Im not familiar with the junior footy played by any of Salem/Toumpas/Michie but I'm excited by the fact that the club has told the players positions on the flanks are up for grabs. I'm assuming they're meaning back and forward flanks. Roos is a smart operator and would have identified the need for elite kicking off half back but as we know last year we were limited for options for various reasons. There has been some discussion about who would be best suited to this role, I'd say give them all a crack. Geelong had Kelly and Bartell who could go back as well as play midfield(Bartell can be dangerous forward as well) and Stevie J and Chappy play forward and midfield. They were such a good side over 5/6 years( yes they're still good now but not what they used to be) it was like they had unlimited options, shut a few of them down and the others stand up. Hopefully we are moving away from having 2 tall defenders, 1 third versatile tall, 1 small then have 2 more mid-tall defenders. It's too much of the same. We're all rapt that our defence improved last year, and it can get better again. The more options we have the better, if we just have one and he becomes injured were back to where we were. If H is having a run in the midfield the back six could line up like Jetta Frost Dunn Toumpas T-Mac Salem Rotate them through.

I think you make a good point but I'm not sure if I agree. I've got no doubt it affected his decision making at times but as you've alluded to, kicking isn't one of his strengths. Reading training reports about Salem it makes you think you've got it or you haven't. 2015 looms as an interesting year for a few players for different reasons.

Yes but unfortunately every now and again it helps if you can get it yourself, not always but sometimes. Did you read the example I gave on page 2 regarding the 2 on 1? If that sort of effort was to cost us a game of importance in the future would people be so forgiving?

Pretty sure I mentioned one of Dawes defensive efforts when I was bagging out Watts yesterday in the "surprise packet" thread.

I like it Hood and it's certainly worth a try. Some here think Hogan is more suited to CHF, if that is the case it would be worth trialing in a pre-season game.

Roughhead as a 2nd forward was just an example I wasn't comparing the teams as a whole, but there are numerous examples of teams with two or even one key forward with midfields on par with ours that have delivered more output. Our midfield improved last year, maybe just slightly but still an improvement, and we will improve again this year. And as I said in my previous post in which you chose to carefully ignore, "the backline was also under the pump" but that didn't stop the likes of Dunn and Jetta standing up in their respective roles. Standing up against a constant bombardment from teams with elite users of the football. There are numerous ways you can be a leader. You go on to say Dawes has done all that was asked of him and more, bring a new attitude/leadership/and setting the tone. As we know Roos is big on people playing their role, I would of though part of his role would have included taking the occasional grab? And don't give me the he's always outnumbered speel because we all know that's not the case. No one is doubting his on field/ off field leadership, I love his crunching tackles, I love when he loads up from outside fitty but he is in the side primarily as a key forward and if he can't do his job more often than not he needs to dropped until he regains some touch. Unfortunately for us because of where we sit on the ladder and the need to remain competitive and lack of options we have two sets of rules. The days of automatic selection need to end. Some people on here would have you believe -Dawes dropped marks are all the midfields fault. Watts inability to win his own ball is due to his debut game. Grimes shite disposal is due to being made the captain to early. It's all crap, no one should be an automatic selection. People think that offering constructive criticism is automatically bagging the player or the club. I would like to think the coaches are more scathing than we'll ever be. And as for your "can't we just give him some support" and other posters with similar lines, do you know what levels some of us go to to support our club or do you just pretend?

Just when I thought you had nothing to offer.It's a joke C&B calm down.

That was a response to post that "he was recruited as a second forward" meaning what, that second forwards aren't required to do as much? Not every forward line has two household names as key forwards. But then you've gone on to enlighten us about how crap our midfield has been, an extension of that would be that our defence is constantly under the pump yet players managed to stand up. So now its Dawes turn, and no he shouldn't be left alone. You put your hand up for big coin you need to deliver.

Roughhead was a second forward to Franklin.

Did you read the article?

Fair call, from reading reports he has slimmed down a touch, need him to play like he did against the Crows more often than not. Time to deliver.

Grub.

What areas do you think Watts will improve in?

Not sure what to make of "the burden of captaincy", does it affect your ability to kick the footy?

Thats the way another bottom 2 finish, just what this club needs.

Watch as the masses fall over themselves putting Newton into their SC teams. Sodd off we saw him first, well 2nd actually.

Watts is a tricky one for mine CBDees, some could argue every team has their out side players, some have argued on here even the Hawks have have theirs, but the difference is the outside players at teams like the Hawks run to position when setting up their zone, can lay an effective tackle, get the hard ball when needed. I gave an example in the "surprise packet thread" of how Watts continues to frustrate me. I don't expect Stretch or ANB to play seniors this year but if they show a fair bit in the reserves and Petracca and Brayshaw can show glimpse of why they came so hyped and Mitchie, Salem, Toumpas and Newton can take the next step I would seriously consider packaging up Watts and Grimes or just Watts in an attempt to secure a first round/ possibly top ten pick. They are both around that 23/24 age mark. I think we will rise up the ladder this year and if a trade like that was to happen it again gives us numerous options in the draft, remembering we have nailed the last two. You are required to draft a minimum number of kids per year, so if we keep the picks they might as well be first rounders and if the above mentioned players do take the next step I think Grimes will struggle to get s game.

He seems so composed, very much looks the goods.

And why would they? Jack Watts has elite disposal, has great footy smarts, lost track of how many times last year I've thought "who the f##k is that to" only for him to hit someone on the chest in heavy traffic or put the ball out in front of someone and into space. His work ethic at times is pathetic, was it last year Dawes has to sprint 30 odd metres past Watts to man up his man, we are all aware of these types of examples. I understand the difference positions but Watts takes outside to a new level. I've seen Watts in a two in one going for a loose ball, he was in perfect position to hit the jets grab the ball and sprint away, but because of the chance of contact he pulled up and waited for his teammate(can't remember who it was) to get the ball out to him, his teammate got the ball but also got tackled resulting in a ball up and everyone flooding back. People will argue he is playing his role but I think he is the exception to some of these "non negotiables". Struggles to lay an effective tackle. He has the potential to become elite but while he continues to search for kicks in the carpark of the MCG he will continue to cop flack here and at the game as an unfulfilled talent and his name will be brought up as we near each trade week. Just remember it wasn't that long ago Trengove was untouchable.

And how is that different from the Suns? Jones, Dunn and Jetta all had their best years last year, Roos won't allow them to rest on that. I'd pick Cross before Viney(2016 a different story)Pedo is another who improved last year. I want Howe up forward to provide another target along with Dawes so we aren't always going to Hogan. Plus we've drafted H, Garlett and Newton.

Yes and no but the key is and yes we're all aware that what makes them so good is their back flankers can use the footy as can their forward flankers. From reading training reports and other posts it seems we are heading down that track. Sounds like players are being told you need to be dual position, about bloody time.

Read post 276(my response to RPFC) in that I mentioned that Jones now thinks his way through situations. Then in post 289 I had to break it down for you so you could keep up, I used the term footy smarts ie thinking your way through situations. So I'm not pretending to do anything. Once again you are wrong, there's a theme emerging here.....can you pick it? Jones was 25 and had played 7 seasons under 4-5 coaches ,I've lost track, leading into last year. Seven seasons of trying and in some cases failing, so what changed? Enter Roos and Stone(again mentioned in post 276) and there is your answer. Stone's resume reads something like worked with the Hawks and the Swans. Yes I was and still am critical of Viney, players get 1 on 1 coaching with their line coaches and spend hours reviewing match footage, learn what works with similar type players and introduce that to your own game. If you think I'm being harsh ask the players if Roos minces his words when critiquing their petformances.The days of babying players is over. As the Hood eluded to in his post Jones in the past has had to carry the bulk of the load but now as we grow as a team and the load evens out we need to become smarter. The Hawks killed Sydney in last years GF, not just because they outmuscled them because they outsmarted them. They are a well drilled unit coached by one of the smartest blokes to sit in a coaches box. Again where did I sugguest players soften up as opposed to pick their moments? Gary Lyons books Specky Magee would be a great starting point for you to learn the game.