Stingray

I really struggle to see Dawes being the answer for goals, contests maybe at best, but goals no. I totally agree that if anyone excuses him kicking any less than 40 goals it really is letting him off the hook. I dont see him doing it - i doubt he'll kick more than 20 (his best last was 3 against freeo....) and offer up plenty of excuses as to why - but ultimately i think (but hope I am wrong wrong wrong) he just doesnt have the ability to send the pig skin soaring between the big sticks when it counts.

Funny you should ask if I've been away for 2 years as that is exactly correct! Which is why I've signed up here to catch up on where the d's are at with some genuine insight. It's also why my question was a genuine one. I totally agree Clark is a good player - I just feel for him as it seems he'll have to lift the weight alone again. One man a forward line is not. For despite all hi excuses about his poor year last year I'm afraid Dawes best days are well and truly done. But have taken some confidence that you all seem to believe otherwise. Hope I'm wrong! Be great to hear of any other young players that can genuinely stand up and be dangerous this year? Sellar's performance against port was definitely encouraging, anyone else?

What do you call a spear without a head? A stick. That's how i see the D's at present. Solid back line. Tick. Improving mid-field work ethic and effectiveness (although our tackle count yesterday didnt really reflect this). Tick. Dangerous forward line - erm.....what forward line?? Yesterday's stats speak volumes when we had more dipsosals and 12 more inside 50's yet had 10 less score shots on the board. The same theme happened against North. I know this is no surprise to any demons fan - we havent had a forward line for a very long time now - yet i struggle to see what the club has done about it or where we might develop some effectiveness this year or, more importantly, who is going to put their hand up this year and provide us with some weaponry? Stick's are pretty handy. You can beat plenty of things with a stick (Port Adelaide for example, and GWS I'm sure) but ultimately - like the Spartan's, effective warriors dont use sticks. They use a spear.