Roger Mellie

AVB has spent a long time out of the game. When he first arrived at the club his disposal was more than adequate. It has steadily gone downhill ever since. Not surprisingly this coincided with a constant run of injuries with sporadic games (usually playing with an injured foot). With a decent run at it, I would expect his disposal to improve markedly. Just not sure he will get that continuity with his injury record.

Sad for Mitchell and wish him a speedy recovery. A year out is a huge blow. Having said that, I'd be very happy for a year out for Hawthorn too (no Mitchell, no Hawthorn).

In 2021 he should be a restricted FA

Salem and Kelly are best mates. I'm sure we'll be doing everything in our power to bring them together a la Lachie Neale and Lincoln McCarthy at Brisbane.

Melksham was Essendon's whipping boy. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if that played a big part in his form there. He comes to the mighty Dee's and after a brief stint as a potential whipping boy (to continue the tradition), the coaches put a whopping amount of faith into him (Goody, Jennings, Egan), he matures a little, gains confidence and hey presto - gun! If he can shake the injuries he'll go to another level again. Exciting stuff

There's no way you would take up a Saints membership in July even if it was only 2 games. Probably decided to add in the 'free' pet memberships. Very dodgy!

I briefly worked at the G in one of the many food stands many years ago. I was chip fryer extraordinaire and was constantly getting told off for waiting until the chips were golden before pulling out of the fryer. They didn't care how soggy they were - just get 'em out NOW! Way back then, the food was all packaged and arrived in microwaveable bags (burgers and hot dogs) - inedible! The pies etc were already in bags as was everything else. In other words, 90% the food could not be touched - apart from me slagging on the chips of course!

Ankle surgery in the offseason as has ben mentioned in the injury list post

You couldn't get much slower (cautious) than Docherty in his recovery. He could've played this season but Carlton didn't bother as they were so woeful. Had he been right to go round 1, Docherty's recovery would've been 16 months. This recurrence was just rotten luck rather than being rushed back to play. Feel for the bloke.

I'm not sure of the logic behind Preuss coming in to enable Max to spend more time up forward. Max is the best ruck in the league. Why would anyone want to change that? When Preuss is in the side, I would expect him (Preuss) to be the one up forward to a) provide another tall target, b) provide ruck relief and, c) act as ruck in the forward half (or third) to reduce the amount of ground coverage required by Gawn. It's not like Max is a goal kicker* and I'd still expect him to spend time resting in the forward line. *It remains to be seen whether Preuss is a better or worse in front of the big sticks.

I noticed that too and wondered why. I don't recall PJ being there in past drafts but could be wrong. He also was there in the front wave of the drooling throng when Natalie Portman swung past. He might be trying to get a handle on how the MFC works, or just a handle on Natalie Portman

FFS there's some ill-informed rubbish floating round. Petracca's issues are nothing more than: 1) He has / had no tank. Picture Jack Ziebell with loads more talent. It took North years to get Ziebell to run out a game. It's not an effing attitude issue. He's just building a tank - very slowly because that's his dna. He works incredibly hard but he'll never be an ANB on the track. 2) He had the goal kicking yips in 2018 Last year was a different picture IMO

Edit (function doesn't seem to be working): Just remembered C Wagner doesn't join training until 1st December

Thanks DS. Which Wagner are you referring to here?

I hope one day the AFL realise the draft is only followed by footy tragics. There's never going to be a big audience. Maybe then they'll give up on these lame attempts to trick it up. The coverage was excruciating and compounded by the laughable technology that resulted in a whopping time lag between submitting pick selection and said pick appearing on the screen.

I think the knock on him was his lack of speed. It would explain his drifting - but just a guess.

Not sure if this has had a run yet but some info on about 60 draft prospects here - worth a look: https://www.afldraftcentral.com.au/2018/11/12/afl-draft-central-final-2018-power-rankings/

Two aspects would translate directly beautifully to AFL: 1) The rule where you can deck your opponent if the footy is 1m or 80m away - nice! 2) The pantaloons, surely

Craig Jennings seems to be highly regarded in the industry for his footy iq and his left field approach. It therefore seems fitting that the question be asked. What sport is Craig Jennings studying? Craig Jennings (Japan) Nearest the Pin Competition - Nominations open. Sumo wrestling?

I watched a bit of the TAC GF and, it might've been a bad day but thought Bailey Williams kicking was tres ordinaire. Other than that was great mark and had quite a good game sense. The kicking reminded me a little of our very own Sam Frost, but like I said, might've been an off day.

I would be interested in Mahoney's role in the coaches box. Beyond this, his transitioning from coach to management - his reflections or thoughts on the matter. Does he still have an appetite for coaching (depending on his role in the coaches box). Does he enjoy the blend of footy and management? I believe he squeezed in an MBA in somewhere. Personally rate the guy very highly and, while I hoped he would get the CEO gig, I think he is perfectly suited to his role.

Nope that's definitely Levi Casboult! ?

Rivalled Col Garland for worst debut, but in shouldn't be held against him. Looks to have the goods as a KPD. Just needs time and size. I hope he earns a few more games in 2019. Personally more impressed with him than Baker, but it's early days. Played well in the VFL GF I thought.