Dees2014

That's why Emma Quayle is predicting we will go for Ben Lennon. Good choice IMHO.

Rookie list....

It ended September, 2013 when we employed Paul Roos. One of the many things he was famous for at Sydney was his astute recruiting (eg our actions so far this trade period) and getting the very best out of his playing lists (see our pre-season)The new era has begun - let 's enjoy the ride

I can only say I told you so......Now can I ask the question I posed yesterday in a thread which was unceremoniously merged with another thread which had little to do with my question, which is:: Who are the key match ups in our opening game against St Kilda and where are we going to win it?

We are in a new era, guys. Do you think for even a second Paul Roos is thinking about Cale Morton (or Jordon Gysbertsif it comes to that). As much as I feel for those guys, and the personal sadnesses the demise of their AFL careers may represent for them, the revenge threads on here does none of us any favors and frankly are very undignified. Get over it guys. We are about to begin a fabulous new era. The past is the past. Let's learn what we can from it, but let's never be a captive of it which a lot of posts on here seem to be..

NO!

Thanks for your simplistic analysis. REALLY adds to the discussion. Congratulations.

Nothing. Let's develop the best list under the best coach. Sydney will go backwards this year by trying to buy a premiership. Have we not learnt anything from Tilbrook, Templeton, Moore? It doesn't work. We have potentially an elite list if you also have an elite coach. Roos has proved he can do it just by being smarter than everyone else. And he will. Let's not demotivate our budding stars by adopting yet again a cargo cult mentality.

Here is my side for first round: FB: Michie McDonald Garland HB:: M jones Frawley(vc) Grimes CC: Toumpas Viney Vince HF: Hogan Dawes Lennon FF: Howe Clark Bleese FOLL: Gawn Tyson n Jones© INTER: Fitzy Trengove Watts

This would be my side: FB: Michie McDonald Garland HB:: M jones Frawley(vc) Grimes CC: Toumpas Viney Vince HF: Hogan Dawes Lennon FF: Howe Clark Bleese FOLL: Gawn Tyson n Jones© INTER: Fitzy Trengove Watts sub: Cross Not a bad side IMO. A vast improvement on last round this year, and with a coach who knows what he is doing for a change, who knows what might happen.

Is Liam Patrick worth a look? I seem to remember he played a few impressive games for the Suns

I cannot envisage a successful Demon future without Hogan, Clark, Frawley, Gawn, Tyson, Toumpas, Viney and Watts all being A graders. And I believe every one of them are capable of it. I think our current list has that potential under a leader like Roos. We shall see soon enough

I understand the point you are making, but I think that applies more to established top 4 sides - makes the difference in winning or losing GFs. I think we are different. We are constantly being told we have no elite players, and we haven't, but we'd better get some quick smart if we want to progress into the 8 and beyond. This is my point in this thread. Who are these elite players likely to be from our current list?

If we were to make the finals next year who would be our most crucial eight players.This means of course who are going to step up into the elite, and where are we going to get the biggest improvement from. I'll start in no particular order but with primary positions. Frawley - attacking CHF Tyson - midfield on the ball Gawn - first ruck Clark - full forward Hogan - CHF Jones - Centre Watts - Wing Viney - Rover It is hard when you do it this way, but it does focus the mind as to who is critical and where our biggest upside is. The 9th man? Paul Roos, which is where our biggest upside of all will be.

Was it he didn't want to trade him, or he couldn't get value for him. I rather suspect it is the latter, in which case he is demonstrating yet again he knows what he is doing, and won't be taken for a ride like we have been in the past.

Yes quite possible, but I doubt it would make all that much difference.

He was indeed and enjoyed it very much I understand. He really likes the Dees, but even then could see the weaknesses. The point of my last post was in response to WJ's question about finding a name of someone impartial to write the history of the MFC during the Cameron Schwab/Bailey/Neeld eras. Flanagan would be perfect.

Martin Flanagan. Has written extensively about the Demons, but is not a supporter, although he clearly has a great respect and affection for the club. Having spoken to him about the Dees, he also can see the weaknesses. I haven't seen any writings from him on the Dees since Roos took over. It would be interesting to hear what he thinks of the new regime and how it is going.

I agree Fitzy is a better overall player, but he is more a forward/ruck. I think there are very substantial advantages in having a "man-mountain" (which Max certainly is) as first ruck, particularly when we come up against the likes of WCE or Freo. Max will be a very important player for us in future I believe. Let's get game time into him now.

I'd have Gawn ahead of Jamar any day - he is our future. Needs hard competitive football which Roos will bring to the team.

I hope it is a dry day given the height of our FF line. I'd be inclined to swap Watts with Freeman, and put him in the pocket for Fitzpatrick, who goes to HFF.

I like this especially you have fully used our new Recruits. My only changes would be Lennon (pick 9) for Kent and put him on the bench for Evans who replaces Kent in the pocket, and swap Mckenzie for Cross

Well Tony, let's hope we are not a poor side next year. Most of us on here are anticipating with competent coaching and leadership we will at least be a competitive mid list combination. Some of us (like me) think we may even sneak into the 8. We certainly will be very much better than last year (which wouldn't be hard admittedly).

I did not suggest that WE should recruit them - simply thatbinwas surprised that the Lions didn't show any interest given their current challenges.

I hate to say it but can we get a bit of balance in this. I am sure we have all taken risks in our lives and for one reason or other they did not come off. I'm sure Jordon is devastated in being axed by North, and I am sure he in his own mind has done everything to develop his AFL career., The fact that we think he is a dud gets us nowhere except that we will never again let our club be taken over by mediocrity. Slamming Gysberts does not get us anywhere, except make us out to be the uncharitable shits that many of us are on this site.