Earl Hood

Exactly. In a functioning forward line with Dawes, Hogan, Pedo/Jamar/Gawn/Fitzpatrick causing some concern for the opposition I envisage Watts playing the mobile third forward option. Someone who is tall and mobile and drifts back and forward along with Howe. He has the skills but there is always the question marks over his desire. Let's hope this year it all comes together. And we have in other threads talked about his leads not being honoured by a fairly pedestrian midfield. If our midfield becomes competitive and more skilled, things could change markedly. Fingers crossed as usual for the last 8 seasons.

No just having a hit of your normal lawn tennis. Did I tell you that my backhand volley has been compared to Roger Federer's? Quite unfavourably I might add!

Not much footy happening worth discussing. I noticed that 2014 is officially the hottest year globally on record and adds to the 12 other hottest years this century, only surpassed by 1998. Any thoughts on whether there may be a disturbing trend here? And is there a problem that we should be dealing with? Total silence I notice from our "AWOL" environment ministe, I notice.

Where is the Moron avatar BBO? Have you gone as we say "underground"?

Expect the Hawks to be in the deal,big time, they will do anything to extend their reign at the top I think.

Thank you for the advice BBO. By the way tell me you are back on Australian soil and safe and sound in Romsey? These are troubled times we live in. But as I reported earlier there was an altercation involving my good self at Government House before Christmas that involvied a misunderstanding in the guestnlist and then an obnoxious ACA reporter chasing me down the street outside Government House as though I was some dodgey tradesman! There is now some doubt about the communications announcing my elevation to Earl by Sir Peter Cosgwell, President of Australia! There is a chance that I have been had but I doubt it!

Surprise packet means someone from left field with no runs on the board for us anyway. So we accept Jones, Tyson, Vince etc and Hogan will not surprise because of expectations. Based purely on a highlights reel I will go for Bert Newton! He looks like he has a good dose of mongrel and some ability, a good mix.

Oh they had a day off frolicking in the surf that is great but gee the 9 News is also reporting big sharks marauding in close to shore right up the east coast. You know our luck! I would get them the hell out of there if it was me in charge.

Me too I have zero warning points as well. I only wish I knew how to get some! I hate being zero, means I am not pushing the boundaries, the envelop if you know what I mean!

OK who got the kayak then? Can't we afford more than one for the midfield group?

Oh I hope you are correct GNF but in the modern world our biggest concern may be to not just to uncover a superstar but how do we keep these guys?

Is that "Run for your life" Ben?

Rather he goes to the cats than the Hawks! Don't want them lining up for a 4peat!!

heamaroids?

The Old Man and the Sea? The old man survived but Ernest put him through hell first in that little boat!

Slow learner it seems. Could be delisted before he realises he is in a professional environment. Begs the question, he probably did the same at MFC for nearly 10 pre seasons.

TGO I tried last season, the Suns game at the G likely to be pretty boring so myself and some mates thought we would introduce the Darts game day experience. I had dressed in a long sleeved tropical shirt, floral shorts with black skins underneath to combat the cold. All this was touched off with the Demon scarf and hat, pure class, I thought. However on trying to enter the G I had my white plastic chair and plastic table confiscated by security. What do you do? I was livid but then trying to have drinking games with low strength beer in small plastic cups....why bother! Stuffed the whole day up for me and the boys. Oh and we lost the game as usual!

Looking at his hairline I am comparing him to Robert Harvey. Very long and distinguished career ahead I predict.

I say we have a good look at the blueprint they are using for International Darts competitions. That is working a treat, imagine replicating the Etihad Darts experience at the G on a Saturday Arvo!

My sources tell me that BBO may be doing a Kurtz some time soon. He is getting [censored] in the tropical lowlands so far as we all know but his real mission is to go up river to engage the tribes and who knows what from there as he goes into the "Heart of Darkness". Oh the horror! He is a long way from Romsey that is all I will say.

Even if Frost struggles I believe our back half is OK. Jetta, TMac, Dunn, Grimes, Howe, the Prince, Garland, Watts I think we can work with down back. We have bigger offensive issues we need to deal with this season.

Extraordinary images from the storming of their hideout. Never seen so many armed police in one place. Let's hope it ends here.

The benchmark is the US NFL apparently. Even though the teams are privately owned by billionaires the NFL insists on equalisation policies hoping that every team can beat the other and there is a different Superbowl winner each year, so I am informed. What a far cry from our parochial league. The EPL inequity works because the players and supporters have so many other diversions, European cups, FA, League Cups, higher honours playing for your nation and in the World Cup and on and on. NRL has higher honours but AFL has nothing higher. So we do have a lot in common with the NFL, if only we could take on board some of their ideas for equalisation. Not sure how they do it but there is a draft and strict controls on free agency; I believe top teams can't rape bottom teams in FA but not sure how else they even things up.

Dunn is a sure starter for round 1 for me. He is mature, strong, fit and finally focused and ready to be a leader. I think he can run off half back this season and play a more attacking role along with the Prince on the other flank. I also see him swinging forward at times and Howe going back, all to create a more flexible and unpredictable lineup.i have Garland in a pocket along with Jetta and Frost at fullback.

Looks like a no go thread at the moment. Tensions are very high and I am struggling to follow the vitriolic responses. It is a sad day for all, no matter your beliefs except for those two or three well trained, mindless and godless perpetrators who are on the run. May they soon be dealt with by the French authorities.