Australian-rules-football-afl-chatting-tipping-and-news

[AlexRRR]

9 hours ago, farmerjo said:

Watched the Roos v Hawks yesterday,scrappy affair.

Alex's man Tyson was a shining light for us but not much else i'm afraid.

There was a lot of (excuse the pun)chooks running around with no heads.

I'm going to be cursing all year how we didn't pick up McDonald in the draft????

 

Oscar Mac has been trying with the Blues....you could snare him...hes a decent defender would fit in easily sir.....like he was our centre half back after big bro Tom went forward you know....nothing wrong with Oscar its the coaching staff....

[Radar501]

On 3/7/2021 at 11:18 AM, AlexRRR said:

Freo.....could easily Finnish higher....why does my laptop make it a capital F men?

 

Three men in this picture......Wot are their nationalities?

 

1.  Him Russian         2.     Himalayan          3. Him Finnish

 

[Will27]

1 hour ago, Radar501 said:

 

Three men in this picture......Wot are their nationalities?

 

1.  Him Russian         2.     Himalayan          3. Him Finnish

 

Groan.

[AlexRRR]

Well men....if you have a puppy you dont want....an old scooter the kids dont use anymore but to good to through away a brother inlaw who plays for a burb club hitting 32 on his last legs and might throw himself off a bridge just direct him to the Case Fields Refuge run by Simone and Alan with the trade name Demons...well they should get sued ....i would i if i was Lucifer...id sue them, like that club is nothing like  Demons....something pretty like...Mayflowers....or Pretty in pink.....something like that.....Yes well the news hit town yesterday they signed up Magic Door....can you believe it? like Brown and Weiderman are out now not till mid season...heard there going to be ready to play from around round 3 to 5...Magic isnt ready yet...and Simone in a prodcast on youtube and dont ask me to explain it ok.....recons Magic might get a run in the next practice game ......the talk is hes weeks away from being ready to play so i WILL ask a stupid question why do we need him?

May got concussed in last weeks practice match but is expected to be ready for round 1, well we all hope so, just like up on the Gold Coast hes about the only decent player they and we have...so Magic could have got a run if May dont come good....BUT he aint ready yet....rolling eyes in sockets here.....ripping up and setting alight  imaginary membership card here men....

We have all heard of that saying "shooting yourself in the foot" right? My club have cut both feet off....like they rescued that other Brown fella big tall forward who ended up playing the magical sum of 2 games last year....and was poo too....and he still is on the list men......then silky Harry or wayward Harry spend a fortune on him to get him up and running then the lobster leaves his brains with the Mrs and goes out just to get told on and woooooooosh.....gone baby gone....you would have thought Simone and Alan would be walking a straight line this year considering there necks are on the block hey?

Id like to know what brother Bartlet does around my club......doesnt someone have to rubber stamp what these dills get up to?

Melbourne Victory got thumped 0-6 in the derby with Melb City with Del Pedro coming out and saying we are all behind the coach........hehehehe yes they are....with a 12 inch blade....in both hands.......Harry Kewel got the bullet this week too...and i did tell you Kev Muscat also got the bullet recently from his Belgium club...wasnt grizzling or anything but Kev let us know the club sold 3 of his best players while Kev was coach....and recons he could have turned it around given time......Kev Harry and Grant boys theres a gig coming up soon at Casey....like my club wouldnt know the difference between  a soccer ball or a rugby ball or a Sheridan....

You have missed out Fj, Oscar would have loved to have joined up with Ty again....Blues signed Oscar Mac....and the Demons are the poorer.....now hes not a big stat gatherer ho no...more in the mould of that other Dee reject Frawley, just a good stopper,, now id like to know why every one thinks Frawley is a good player when Oscar is thought of as a hack....there god dam fantasy stats are similar you know....and Oscar in my opinion is a better spoiler than Frawley.....

 

 

[AlexRRR]

Checking your browser before redirecting......thats what it says each time i try to log in here .....like this is a solid gold website and there trying to keep the riff raff out right? Maybe its Apple trying to save me from being followed....Well i have news for you today....some my die in anticipation of the news....The Bee Gees are getting a movie made about there lives...yes its true....there HBO doco which i missed by the way....and would have ignored as well did pretty good with the over the hill gang....so you know...to squeeze pennys out of pensioners the movie is on its way....I know Books WILL devour this sort of thing...stuck up there in the sunshine state getting drowned out every second week.....they had a lot of rain up there you know.....its a wonder Queensland is not under water and connected to the Pacific ocean....

 

I didnt mind the Gees of course, like they had there day, i wouldnt say there music stacks up well today but im know to sometimes regress.....like for 10 min a year....i do have a solid gold playlist on my phone you know...its not something i can listen to much in fact i i been listening to Spotify recently only because i managed to build for free a number of playlists with music i dont own...and now in the prime off life i decided not to support these artists any longer...they can go get a job like i did....so for free i WILL listen to you only...Spodify is annoying you know...the commercials are several cranks up on the dial louder than the music men....there i was yesterday fitting off bathroom accessory's (3 bathrooms 2 powder rooms) needing to pull the head phones off one ear every now and then or i would go blind....they kept reminding me that i could get commercial free if i took up one of there subscriber packages, Spodify trying to milk every last penny out of us men now allow you to team up with someone to cut costs on your subscription this is on top of the family package the student package and what ever other package there is....now if i teamed up with my 2 kids id still be paying the lot you know...though i know my son pays for Spotify since he pirates my Netflix i should pirate his Spotify no?

 

Im starting to think do i really want music on my phone? well its handy, streaming  is the go but i wont pay....been you know....looking to steal again....music....on pirate bay.....streaming has kinda dried up the pirates.....most of the good sites have been taken down and i been away from this sort of thing some years now so with dismay and disappointed about whats on offer starting to think......i payed 2 ys for a VPN for nothing....unfortunately im not the type that WILL sit on the same record for 30 ys like some people i know....ive always been a chaser of music....doesnt have to be the latest just the latest to me...so for ever scouring around looking looking looking....i get tired of listening to Let it Bleed men....i break up the cds and stick them in playlists....then after a few goes put that play list on shuffle to keep it interesting or i WILL die...these days i just go to the trusty iPhone and go to songs and press...so the 22 gigs of music i have just go on shuffle....thats great....My allergy has made me moody as far as music is concerned....could be old age too...though i use to have a  getto blaster at work these days it drives me insane if someone has a radio on.....well radio stations like triple M are ummm....say no more...then you have Fox....prefabricated smooth pop....that sends me to the site dunnie every time...

 

Magic Door is official a Dee...handsum strapping lad he is, Simone has a great track record of rescuing rejects no one else wants.....i say Magic WILL play no more than 3 games for the entire year....With Macdonald Weiderman, the 2 Browns Jackson and of course capitano Gawn he has to wait for a couple to go down......Now Tom and Max seldom get injured a hardy duo are they, Jet Jackson whom the Eagles WILL cough up 5 first round picks for eventually when he gets home sick seems on last year to go down 3 times a year....the Weed isnt much better and id say unless he turns up the pressure is looking at getting traded or a pee poor new contract....with Max and Chris out of contract Max this year and Chris next year only crumbs WILL be available for the Weed.....Bennie Brown is normally reliable to front most weeks and the other Brown well why is he on  the list pray tell....and id still but my money on this Brown over Magic.... 

Watching this i can see why he hasn't "made " it....actually watching the team during practice you can see why i placed them at 16....

Poor Rip WILL be sweating it out......Paddy McCartin in the Swans VFL side could get picked up in the mid season draft..... to join little bro...... https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2021-paddy-mccartin-concussion-issues-sydney-swans-brother-midseason-rookie-draft-list-spot/news-story/f484be8e8f734936a5bbeac46f133cb1

 

Next weeks selections.......

 

For now i like the Blues......over Tigers..

 

Dogs over the Pies...

 

Freo on the G over the Dee's

 

Cats over the Crows ....

 

hahaha...ho dear......???? Hawks or Bombers...have to think about this....

 

Lions over the Swans only because its up in the water logged state....

 

Port at Marvel only because its North there playing...

 

Saints away over the once Gaints now Pigmies

 

The mighty Eagles at home to the Suns.....what a way to start the season...poor Stew Dew....

[Will27]

Word on the Soi is that Sam Peppy was out on the squirt for 3 days.

BREAKING -

@pafc

forward Sam Powell-pepper is taking immediate personal leave from the club. "Along with the rehabilitation of my broken hand, there are other parts of my life that need some work right now".

 

 

[Will27]

Sorry for being off topic but one of the few highlights yesterday for WA in the Marsh cup.

 

 

[Thechook]

Those that didn't get an email (ALEX) for tipping starting next week, it's the same comp as last year.  Thailand Mob.  Just type in Thailand Mob.  I just clean up the vomit, dust it down and reactivate 

[Will27]

Gang

 

All 7 doco's are available now on RARBG.

 

 

[AlexRRR]

On 3/12/2021 at 3:26 PM, Thechook said:

Those that didn't get an email (ALEX) for tipping starting next week, it's the same comp as last year.  Thailand Mob.  Just type in Thailand Mob.  I just clean up the vomit, dust it down and reactivate 

Thank you sir......i did manage eventualy to break in to my old email account that is tied to the tipping and Thaivisa....

[AlexRRR]

In the news today .....North and Tasmania.....it was all doom and gloom when the Swans went north and later the merger of the lions to the bears....essentially a take over.....this is 2021 for heavens sake, i might add the Green Bay Packers one of the historical NFL power house teams still play out of two city’s during the season, small minded people.....at North....look Dees can go to the Alice...they love it up there...split between Alice and Darwin...whats the big deal? Most watch the footy on TV anyway.....

The Tassie goverment WILL bankroll you for the next 20 years....free apples at half time....lots of apple juice for free some WILL have alcohol in it men....gees....

 

Money speaks but not in the AFL here in AU we love our period homes and football clubs to be stuck at 1945 but hey we all want a pay rise every year the lates VW or or Toyota..,..  the footy club can’t change.....

It’s called progress  you know.........like were still not listening to Sargent peppers lonley hearts club band you know...well i should hope not.....hope we have moved on men...John Lennon’s been dead for 41 years you know....Tassie want a team and we should give it to them.....and relocating an existing team makes a lot of sense.....im pretty sure if North took it on they could swing 10 games in Tassies two locations plus another 6 to 8 in Melbourne....which would leave up 6 to 8 games being played in other states...its not hard...its smart....i vote for North to go to Tassie ....

[Will27]

The Tackle: Mark Robinson reveals his likes, dislikes and season predictions for every club ahead of Round 1

The 2021 AFL season is only days away from the first bounce. Chief footy writer Mark Robinson has run the rule over every club and delivered his verdict.

ADELAIDE

LIKES

Firstly, I simply can’t look at the tips and select the team Adelaide is playing.

Did that for three quarters of last season before the Crows found their game plan and confidence. Won three of the last five, losing to Geelong (28 points) and Richmond (44).

It helped rescue a somewhat dreadful season.

You would hope that stretch was the turning point.

Let’s be honest, they won’t play finals, and the youth path will continue in earnest.

That’s OK. That’s where they are. Will Hamill, Lachlan Sholl, Ned McHenry, Harry Schoenberg, Chayce Jones, Fischer McAsey, Elliott Himmelberg and others will have their moments, if not matches, this season and that’s what Crows fans should be satisfied with.

Darcy Fogarty is 21.

It’s young for a key forward, but talent doesn’t know age. Fogarty looks good — and big, maybe too big — and this season looms large for him.

He could be king of the kids or be overtaken by them, it’s really in his court.

DISLIKES

When a team wins the wooden spoon, there’s usually a list of “dislikes” the length of Hindley St. Not so with the Crows.

The critics will come if the game plan falls apart, which will then shine the light on effort, intent and unity, and the losses will mount.

Don’t worry about who left (Brad Crouch), worry about who’s there and get excited about which kids will replace Crouch in the middle.

VERDICT

Will be in the vicinity of the spoon

BRISBANE LIONS

LIKES

Joe Daniher will take marks, it’s a matter of if he will kick goals.

If he does, the Lions straight away are a better team.

They lost the preliminary final last year so expectations are high.

Oscar “Big O” McInerney will ruck, which leaves Daniher and Eric Hipwood to roam the forward line, with Charlie Cameron, Dan McStay, Zac Bailey and maybe even Nakia Cockatoo in the mix.

They have two finals campaigns behind them, and history tells us shooting stars don’t win grand finals, rather teams who consistently play finals.

Not a lot to dislike about the Lions. Jarrod Berry, Brandon Starcevich, Bailey and Hugh McCluggage will get better again, Lachie Neale is a special player and Harris Andrews a star.

Still, they have to be tougher for longer, which is a marginal gain for a team that lost the preliminary.

DISLIKES

Played their worst half of football for the season against Geelong to lose the prelim and there were many reasons why.

Players went missing.

Dayne Zorko, Hipwood, Rayner, Berry, Jarryd Lyons — some of them young, some of them old, and the question is not about talent, it’s about mentality.

Where’s Zorko’s football? He needs to find his best after an average year.

So does Rayner, but we’ve said that for the past two years.

Who is the replacement ruckman if Big O goes down?

Suspect coach Chris Fagan will be even more demanding this year to get over the hump.

VERDICT

Top four.

 

CARLTON

LIKES

Added speed and talent (Adam Saad and Zac Williams) between the arcs — and they needed it.

Won seven games last year and lost 10, six by fewer than three goals.

So natural improvement in the youngsters, plus recruits, plus you would hope a more consistent brand of play and finals are not beyond the Blues.

Patrick Cripps had a shoulder operation over the off-season — let’s hope he gets back to his general status — and Sam Docherty will flourish if he doesn’t get the forward stopper, and with Saad there, Docherty might get relief.

Harry McKay has Travis Cloke-type traits and this season should see him elevate his game.

There’s a bit to like about the Blues, but not a lot to love and that has to change.

DISLIKES

Carlton fans have had enough.

I say finals football is not beyond them, but fans would say finals are a necessity.

The Blues have had time, they’ve had the picks, they’re bringing in free agents, so no excuses really.

Have to fix the obscene amount of run‑on goals they give up and that comes down to the coach implementing defensive strategies, more so defending the turnover.

For example, who’s their defensive mid, a la Trent Cotchin and Scott Pendlebury?

They won’t play finals if David Teague and the team don’t correct their defensive flaws.

A little concerned about their ability to score.

McKay kicked 21 in 13 games, Levi Casboult 16, Jack Newnes 13, Jack Martin 12 and Michael Gibbons 11.

Is that a qualifying final forward group?

VERDICT

Eighth.

COLLINGWOOD

LIKES

What will transpire at the Pies this year?

They have the nucleus, but maybe not all the answers and/or personnel.

This time last year we wrote about an unfit Jordan De Goey, but that’s not the case this year, which is welcome news. He is the key to their forward line.

Brody Mihocek (25) and Mason Cox (14) were the leading goalkickers last year.

Mihocek is solid and Cox hit and miss, and the F50 was a major headache.

What changes this year?

Jeremy Howe returns — perhaps be bold and send him forward.

The midfield remains strong. Brodie Grundy will flourish being out of hotel lockdown.

Josh Daicos on a wing will be better again.

They lost eight games last year, five by fewer than 16 points.

They have pluck, the Pies, but need to improve the workings forward of centre.

DISLIKES

Poor management led to change in the off‑season.

Dumped regular senior players because of salary cap issues and went big at the draft. It creates depth concerns.

Would be surprised if the blood‑letting affects the players, though.

There will be headlines about coach Nathan Buckley being in the final year of his contract and that might affect the players more.

If losses accumulate, so will the headlines.

And with Eddie McGuire falling on his sword, the intrigue off‑field will be a separate storyline.

On the field, they were competitive until the last game last year, but not sure they will suit up as competitive this season.

VERDICT

Ninth.

ESSENDON

LIKES

Finally, some collective direction, led by new president Paul Brasher off field and coach Ben Rutten on it.

Brasher’s talking tough and Rutten, in his sedate manner, is doing the same.

Where does that leave the team? Really, who knows, but at least there’s been a line in the sand.

It’s a team in semi‑rebuild and a finals appearance would be a glorious result.

If the top draftees are ready, they will each play a handful of games.

There is talent — Zach Merrett, Jordan Ridley, Andrew McGrath, Dylan Shiel, Darcy Parish, Jake Stringer — but there’s also a handful of players still to prove they can be consistent.

 

Sam Draper will be one to watch, defender Patrick Ambrose will be a welcome return and what else have you got, Peter Wright and Jye Caldwell?

Still, not even Bombers fans have liked what the club has dished up in recent years, so to look for “likes” as the season approaches is difficult. Best to look for hope as a starting point.

DISLIKES

Players need to get fit (Anthony McDonald‑Tipungwuti, Stringer), they need a game plan that is predictable to them and they need passion in their intent and aggression in their style.

It’s up to Rutten to set the game plan.

He says he has, but last year was a non‑entity in terms of what the team was trying to play.

Speed is lost in the back half (Conor McKenna and Adam Saad are gone), so will it be slow and steady from D50?

So many queries hang over players. Will Dyson Heppell’s body recover, will Jayden Laverde put his flag in the ground? Martin Gleeson? Mason Redman? There are others.

VERDICT

Bottom four.

FREMANTLE

LIKES

Build the defence first and then try to nail the offence.

It looked like Justin Longmuir implemented that plan in his first year. It worked pretty well.

The Dockers are a tough team. They lost the first four games in 2020 and won seven and lost six after that, all the while with a high injury list.

The transformation in the midfield, where Longmuir gave more time to the youth, will be an even bigger success this year. Adam Cerra, Andrew Brayshaw, Lachie Schultz, Taylin Duman and Caleb Serong are the “now” and not only the future.

The challenge is forward, and Longmuir knows that.

Ross Lyon was criticised for not being more attacking and Longmuir will face the same scrutiny if goals don’t come.

DISLIKES

The stats are there for all to see.

The Dockers were the third-worst scoring team in 2020, ranked 17th for scores inside-50 and 15th for points from turnovers.

And that’s with Michael Walters and Nat Fyfe hanging around the F50.

That has to change if the Dockers are to play finals unless, of course, Longmuir wants an eight-to-seven-goal type of contest.

Jesse Hogan’s gone, which was a good decision, but it means they need more from Rory Lobb (now injured) and even more from Fyfe if he is to be more a forward than midfielder.

Add a layer of dare with the pill and the Dockers could be this year’s bolter.

VERDICT

In the middle ranks.

GEELONG

LIKES

Will start 2021 in better nick than they left 2020, although Patrick Dangerfield’s groin is an issue, seeing as it apparently hampered him late last season.

Three months on it’s still not right. Hmmm.

Reckon Isaac Smith will be the best of the recruits, best because his run can put the Cats on the move.

Shaun Higgins gave up last year and he will be much better performed this season. And who knows what Jeremy Cameron can do.

Jezza likes the ball inside fast and in space, and can gallop around wherever Tom Hawkins plants himself.

Harry Taylor was a champ, but cumbersome at the end, and so, too, was Lachie Henderson. The remainder of the team looks top notch.

DISLIKES

Agree with Tom Stewart’s comments, it’s not “premiership or bust”, but there are very high expectations on Geelong. When isn’t there? The Cats contend almost every year and this won’t be any different.

Not sure Gary Rohan remains a best‑22 player. He just doesn’t get it done when needed. Higgins can replace him in the F50 and more goals from the other small forwards would be handy.

A little concerned at the back. Taylor was slow but experienced and now someone has to take the big boys. Is that Henderson?

VERDICT

See you in September.

GOLD COAST SUNS

LIKES

The obvious answer here is the kids, though I feel like I’ve been writing that in the pre-season for too many years.

This year shapes to be different. Let’s hope so. Still need more talent and grunt, but it’s coming along nicely, albeit slowly.

Eyes will be on Matt Rowell, Ben King, Noah Anderson, Izak Rankine, Sam Flanders, Connor Budarick, Will Brodie, Wil Powell and Jack Lukosius, and when you list them like that, you do realise half the team is so, so young. But like them we do.

Their veterans are solid footballers without being superstars, and they will help guide the kids.

DISLIKES

From 2015, the Suns have won four, six, six, four, three and five games.

It’s a grim win‑loss record. The past couple of years are similar: Start with punch, end up in the punch.

Had two wins and a draw from their last 13 games after winning three of their first four. It doesn’t so much fall apart after the first month, but by the end, it is a mess. What is it? Personnel? Mentality? Stuart Dew’s game plan? As always, it’s a bit of everything.

Getting tired of writing they are young, exciting and plucky, because youth, excitement and pluckiness does not win them enough games.

Time to plant the flag, Stuey, with the aim to be eight wins.

VERDICT

Won’t make the eight.

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

LIKES

Giants still have top-range talent and if coach Leon Cameron can change the mechanics and mentality of his team, then finals would not surprise.

It’s a big “if” because they went from grand finalists to 10th and commentators struggled to understand the Giants’ mode of football. Something has to change.

Stephen Coniglio will be better placed, so will Tim Taranto, two gun mids who had poor 2020 seasons.

Like Braydon Preuss in the ruck if he can get back from shoulder surgery, not sure about Jesse Hogan forward, and somehow the Giants need to work on keeping the pill in the forward half.

And surely the game plan can’t solely focus on stoppages.

Look forward to seeing the strategy changes and seeing the development of Tom Green, Jake Riccardi, Lachie Ash and Taranto.

DISLIKES

There’s hope more than confidence in the “likes” because so many questions hang over the coaching staff and the players.

With Jeremy Cameron gone, the F50 contest falls to Jeremy Finlayson, Riccardi and Hogan and Harry Himmelberg. Not sure there’s a consistent match winner in that group.

Experts want their small forwards to work harder defensively, but it’s more than that.

The whole team has to work and think about their roles, which automatically demands selfless football.

It’s time for Josh Kelly, Toby Greene, Coniglio and Lachie Whitfield to lead the team, not simply play in it.

VERDICT

Miss the eight.

HAWTHORN

LIKES

Horrible season after entering hub life in South Australia, and winning two games from their final 13 matches.

The Hawks hated hub life, but that’s not to say they will charge into September this year, either. Simply, they are not as dysfunctional as last season suggested.

List changes see new faces and the Hawks needed them.

Recruit Tom Phillips takes Isaac Smith’s role, Kyle Hartigan will be given an opportunity and so will draftee defender Denver Grainger-Barras, while boom youngster Will Day could be in All-Australian discussions if he improves on his 2020.

Familiar surrounds will help the Hawks, but the list will hold them back.

DISLIKES

This is a club, at this point anyhow, with its back against the wall.

On the field, let’s point the finger: Mitch Lewis has to impact, Chad Wingard needs consistency, James Worpel needs to find himself and Jonathon Patton needs to look at himself, that’s if he plays another AFL game.

Off the field, football boss Graham Wright departed, which will change the dynamics, and, really, where are Alastair Clarkson and Jeff Kennett in terms of the future? The Hawks look unsteady with a list that needs attention.

They will be competitive, but not sure it will equate to many wins.

And best and fairest winner Jack Gunston is already behind time because of injury.

VERDICT

Bottom four.

MELBOURNE

LIKES

Turned the corner somewhat last season, but losses to Sydney (Round 15) and Fremantle (Round 16) ended the Demons’ plucky run to the finals.

Overall, they won six of the last nine games.

Their forward dilemmas will be fixed or fixated on getting Ben Brown back from injury.

If he can return to being a 60-goal player and Luke Jackson finds his feet, maybe the forward line will be less dysfunctional. It also depends on teammates up the ground.

Kysaiah Pickett is the one to watch and I liked that Jordan Lewis said he saw Cyril Rioli-like traits in Kossie, and reckon Bayley Fritsch is set to boom.

The Demons have stars, experience and rawness, and probably need some finesse and calm amid the rampage to take the next step.

Assistants Mark Williams and Adem Yze also add craft to the coaching box and development areas. It was a busy off-season.

DISLIKES

The Demons are hard-nosed, but could they be too hard-nosed?

They love the contested ball but not sure they are as adept on the outside.

They dominate via Max Gawn but there’s not overwhelming capitalisation from it. If that changes, the Demons will play finals.

Was all over them coming home last year before the Swans/Dockers losses. Flaky? You could argue that.

Improved ball movement, improved connection with forwards and improved footy nous with the ball will clearly improve performance.

It would want to happen because Simon Goodwin is in that horrible phase — he needs a successful season or the club will consider a change.

VERDICT

10th, missing by percentage.

NORTH MELBOURNE

LIKES

It’s such a cliche but a new coach brings renewed hope, optimism and game styles, and David Noble was not the only significant change.

The other, of course, was the harvest of the playing list. It had to happen. And even Roos fans knew that.

It means youth is on the rampage, which Noble will continue the build on the momentum that Rhyce Shaw set rolling in his brief time at the club.

Kangas fans know the kids, so we don’t have to list them here, and the fans also know they can’t expect immediate results.

A fit Ben Cunnington will be enormous, but so, too, will be a less arduous game style.

This mob under Noble needs to gain respect, competitiveness and, with it, the joy of young players making their mark. And Jy Simpkin is an AA smoky.

DISLIKES

The Kangas must find the passion, leadership and competitiveness that deserted the club about Round 14 last year.

It ended a truly unremarkable, if not distressing season.

Of course, they have problem areas, which they have tried to alleviate: running players, such as draftee Will Phillips, are exhibit A.

A major problem is finding a game plan to aid personnel to kick goals. Cam Zurhaar (18) and Nick Larkey (14) were the only two players to kick 11 or more last year. Defence, too, is going through a rebuild.

VERDICT

Bottom four.

PORT ADELAIDE

LIKES

It’s so close you can feel it. The energy. The belief. The club. Port is riding a wave and it would be foolish to suggest it will break before September.

A losing preliminary finalist to a generational team such as Richmond is no shame.

The shame would come if the wheels fell off in 2021. They surely won’t.

The Power plays the modern game with aplomb.

It is tough, together, wins the ball, moves the ball, defends the ball and has ageing stars and young tearaways.

Orazio Fantasia could be a boom recruit and I’m still surprised Aliir Aliir departed Sydney. Both should be in the best 22. And Connor Rozee will find more consistency.

For Kenny Hinkley, it’s time to make hay as the sun shines.

DISLIKES

So close last year to the GF — it lost by six points to the Tigers — there’s always a fear the opportunity might not present itself again.

The challenge, which it failed last year, was being tough for long enough.

Externally, the expectation is Port will be top four again, but right now Hinkley is not looking beyond Round 1.

Do Travis Boak and Robbie Gray continue their output, Boak especially? And do they need to be less predictable in regards to Charlie Dixon?

That’s not a home and away issue, that’s a finals issue, because when the pressure is there, Dixon always seems to be the target. Over to you Todd Marshall.

VERDICT

Have to be top four.

RICHMOND

LIKES

What’s not to like? What a team the Tigers are. Tough. Mentally robust. And what a player Dustin Martin is.

Yep, someone one day will find a strategy and a player to quell him, but if that doesn’t work, really who will complain? We are amid historical greatness.

Still, the Tigers have weapons everywhere.

Their back six is the best in the comp, and their back running three — Bachar Houli, Jayden Short and Liam Baker — are the best of their breed. Midfield remains disciplined and key forward Tommy Lynch is in his prime.

Jack Riewoldt will continue to play his role, which allows Lynch more freedom from two‑on‑ones.

DISLIKES

The so‑called relationship counsellors in footy media are tipping an implosion.

If the team slumps, they opine, it will be because coach Damien Hardwick went looking for greater happiness in his life. What rubbish.

If the Tigers slump it will because of hunger, or Martin is injured, or the opposition simply gets better.

This Tigers outfit looks out for each other and just maybe they go to another level this season. Four from five is better than that famous dental advert that spruiked “fwee from fwee”.

Hard to beat again.

VERDICT

Book them into the preliminary final.

ST KILDA

LIKES

Jack Higgins comes in for Nick Hind, Brad Crouch adds class to the midfield, Max King is a year older, Bradley Hill won’t be as poor and belief can only help.

There are more positives, such as Nick Coffield and Hunter Clark — and Rowan Marshall when he overcomes injury — young fellas who are playing huge roles but will be required to become better leaders.

The Saints are a good team, but the jury is out about whether they can be a great team. The midfield depth will be a weapon and Brett Ratten will continue to oversee a fast brand of football.

The development of King will be a key.

He needs to develop stickier fingers and, when that happens, it will give him more shots at goal. Fifty goals is not beyond him.

DISLIKES

Nothing screams out about the Saints and how they go about it.

Speed is their key, but with that comes turnover issues.

But as the game plan and discipline continues to evolve, the Saints become harder to beat. They will compete, there’s no doubt about it.

Lost four games by six points or fewer last year, so they are ready to challenge.

It’s a team effort, of course, but it’s up to the midfielders to stamp themselves on the competition.

The midfield is good without being great and Hill, for one, and Sebastian Ross and Jack Billings need to go to another level again. Ross is a defence‑minded mid, a la Scott Pendlebury, and could be a go.

VERDICT

September beckons.

SYDNEY

LIKES

Smoky for the eight with the big guy to return — that’s Lance Franklin — and Isaac Heeney, who only managed five games in 2020.

Really noticeable the team tried to move the ball quicker and central, and with Franklin and Heeney forward, this quicker style should pay off.

Games from this duo will be a bonus on top of what John Longmire has been developing.

Probably won’t crack September, but have more youth through the door in draftees Logan McDonald (pick 4), Braeden Campbell (5) and Errol Gulden (32).

Plus Tom Hickey, Dylan Stephens, James Rowbottom and Nick Blakey between the arcs will be exciting.

DISLIKES

It takes time to find pace and capability in the midfield. Before the 2020 season, the Swans were concerned about their ability to get from contest to contest in the midfield.

It’s still a work in progress. Ollie Florent has to elevate in that area if he’s going to reach the levels expected of him.

As said, the Swans are a work in progress, and need injury-plagued Franklin’s 55 goals now Tom McCartin is in defence.

They will worry teams because every time they step out, they give their all.

VERDICT

Need Buddy to stay on the park.

WEST COAST

LIKES

After a restless year in the hub and with injuries, I think the band is back together for 2021 and the Eagles will be strong contenders.

List changes were minimal, so the Eagles are confident with their squad.

Elliot Yeo back for a full season (hopefully) is a huge plus because he is a warrior and (hopefully again) Liam Ryan gets even better as a forward‑mid. Keep ’em out of a hub and the Eagles will be tough to beat.

DISLIKES

They would love another small forward because they didn’t find a consistent replacement for Willie Rioli.

The Eagles get enough of the ball inside 50, but are there enough scroungers underneath Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Oscar Allen? Is three talls still the right mix?

Probably, because the Eagles like to go long.

Age is on them and with that can come injuries, so that could be an issue.

But that’s the case for most clubs.

Expect the Eagles to be rocking at home.

VERDICT

A contender for top four.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

LIKES

Arguably had the best midfield in the competition in 2020 and have added ball magnet Adam Treloar and ruckman Stef Martin.

And Bailey Smith will be better again, which is super exciting.

The roll‑on move by recruiting Martin allows Tim English to play more minutes as a key forward, which straight away stretches the opposition defences.

Martin, too, will play forward, and the kid, Jamarra Ugle‑Hagan, will see time, so questions will be asked of Josh Bruce.

If he rescues his career and becomes a threat then maybe Aaron Naughton heads back to D50. Am excited about the Dogs, but have been saying that every March since 2017.

DISLIKES

The time’s come to stop calling them the young Dogs and, anyway, the age profile lifts with Martin and Treloar.

Three Saints talls — Paddy Ryder, Tim Membrey, Max King — kicked six of their team’s 10 goals in the elimination final, so there is concern at the back.

Does the coach persevere with Ryan Gardner or pull the trigger on Naughton? Maybe Bruce back. Maybe Bruce doesn’t play at all.

They’re the biggest tease in the comp, the Dogs, and only have consecutive elimination finals losses to their name in the past two seasons.

Time to play consistent big‑boys footy again, not that circle work we saw against the Saints at the Gabba.

VERDICT

Yep, like them. Push top four.

[Radar501]

 

 

[AlexRRR]

25 minutes ago, Radar501 said:

 

 

To think once we use to see that week in week out....who could forget North’s Baker and Hawks  Knights taking screamers in the same game at each  end of  the ground... .....Not i...

[Will27]

On 3/12/2021 at 5:03 PM, Will27 said:

Gang

 

All 7 doco's are available now on RARBG.

 

 

Well people

 

Five episodes in and some observations:

* How Leon Cameron still has a job is amazing

* Rory Sloan is an impressive individual

* Hardwick comes across really well.

* Nic Nat....legend.

* Stewie Dew looks like a really good coach.

* GWS should never have appointed Cogniglio as captain.

Not a natural leader and looks out of his depth (at this stage).

* Eddie Betts, a great fella.

 

Don't forget your tips.

 

[Radar501]

2 hours ago, Will27 said:

Stewie Dew looks like a really good coach

Stewie Dew looks like a really big beach ball

[sceadugenga]

The tipping line up is looking a bit poor this year with only eight contenders so far.

[Will27]

41 minutes ago, sceadugenga said:

The tipping line up is looking a bit poor this year with only eight contenders so far.

Yep

And out of that 8, two don't even post on TV.

 

[AlexRRR]

1 hour ago, sceadugenga said:

The tipping line up is looking a bit poor this year with only eight contenders so far.

we should be able to have A and B teams men

hehehe

[AlexRRR]

23 minutes ago, Will27 said:

Yep

And out of that 8, two don't even post on TV.

 

Chooks is a slack moderator......

[AlexRRR]

Dee's fav against Freo.......my my.....i haven't picked them.....  83% to 17%......what have i missed?.....watched 20 min version of them on kayo the other night against the strays, wouldnt say we were awful but gees Williams still hasn't taught a few how to kick well.....do you think im being pessimistic? lot of scribes are tipping us to do a lot better than me....mind you i watch them every week....must be the new trackie dakkie top no?

GWS...pick them at your peril.....though i like Hogan in anybody's side.....in fact getting rid of your so called best players hasn't hurt GWS in the past...

I really want to pick the Blues tonight....but my finger wont let me click on them....its time men......its time....Whitlems Blues only got belted once....in the 7 or so games to date....its not a forgone conclusion.....but ....but....

OMG Bombers and Hawks... 54% to 46%...im backing Clarkson here.......

 

And whats that new rule again? 23 in the team now....5th sup is for what? concussion as well as injured player who cant play on no more? is such confusion.......ive said it all along...expand the interchange bench, should be 10 on it....28 players....or how many fit players u have...i dont know....

 

[Will27]

5 minutes ago, AlexRRR said:

Dee's fav against Freo.......my my.....i haven't picked them.....  83% to 17%......what have i missed?.....watched 20 min version of them on kayo the other night against the strays, wouldnt say we were awful but gees Williams still hasn't taught a few how to kick well.....do you think im being pessimistic? lot of scribes are tipping us to do a lot better than me....mind you i watch them every week....must be the new trackie dakkie top no?

GWS...pick them at your peril.....though i like Hogan in anybody's side.....in fact getting rid of your so called best players hasn't hurt GWS in the past...

I really want to pick the Blues tonight....but my finger wont let me click on them....its time men......its time....Whitlems Blues only got belted once....in the 7 or so games to date....its not a forgone conclusion.....but ....but....

OMG Bombers and Hawks... 54% to 46%...im backing Clarkson here.......

 

And whats that new rule again? 23 in the team now....5th sup is for what? concussion as well as injured player who cant play on no more? is such confusion.......ive said it all along...expand the interchange bench, should be 10 on it....28 players....or how many fit players u have...i dont know....

 

Agree Uncle Alex

I don't know why Melbourne are such heavy favourites.

Think it should be 55/45 Melbourne's way.

 

I don't want to upset our Radar and I hope Carlton get the choccies tonight, but surely

the AFL have to start giving us a blockbuster for a season opener.

 

I'm also with you about the sub rule.

I don't get it.

The AFL lengthen the game, reduce rotations and then give a sub?

Like you said, just extend the bench.

Have 5 and don't worry about the sub.

 

[Radar501]

2 hours ago, sceadugenga said:

The tipping line up is looking a bit poor this year with only eight contenders so far.

Means I'm a good chance to make the final eight for the first time this year. ☘️

[Will27]

Woah

Richmond by 25 points.

Who would've guessed.

What do you guys think of the season opener being the GF replay?

While I'm at it, I don't like the sub rule either.

Edited March 18, 2021 by Will27

[sceadugenga]

I had them by 72 points which puts me in second last place.  ????

[ripstanley]

1 hour ago, Will27 said:

Woah

Richmond by 25 points.

Who would've guessed.

What do you guys think of the season opener being the GF replay?

While I'm at it, I don't like the sub rule either.

I forgot the game was on. Old age setting in.

[Thechook]

How good am I,,perfect margin 

[Thechook]

17 hours ago, sceadugenga said:

I had them by 72 points which puts me in second last place.  ????

Tipped them by 25 so that puts me in 1st place

[Will27]

13 minutes ago, Thechook said:

How good am I,,perfect margin 

Nice work Chooks.

[ozzydom]

1 hour ago, Will27 said:

Nice work Chooks.

I tippedthe winners but am showing up as last place,did I do something wrong?