Opinion is the race for the Flag in 26 Already Over

[_Mike_]

Change your fk'n username

Dogmatic Dog?

 

[Sturty2Hurty]

People said the same thing about Essendon in 2001. Geelong in 2008, Collingwood in 2011 and Richmond in 2018 were all supposedly certainties to win in those seasons mentioned but did not. Calling the season over before a game has even been played is silly.

Yes but this situation is UNPRECEDENTED.

Brisbane have been given top 5 picks in 3 out of 4 years in row.. and they’ve made a grand final for the last 3 seasons.

On top of that they’ve somehow managed to have cash to bring in free agents for holes in the list.

I feel the same, Freo have a reasonable list but I compare to Brisbane and wonder if we really have a chance over our window.

 

[jim boy]

People said the same thing about Essendon in 2001. Geelong in 2008, Collingwood in 2011 and Richmond in 2018 were all supposedly certainties to win in those seasons mentioned but did not. Calling the season over before a game has even been played is silly.

None of those teams had a pick higher than 17 in the year they won the premiership - perhaps they all would have won the subsequent year if they'd been gifted a top 5 selection like Brisbane

 

[JasRulz63]

None of those teams had a pick higher than 17 in the year they won the premiership - perhaps they all would have won the subsequent year if they'd been gifted a top 5 selection like Brisbane

Neither did Brisbane.

Regardless of the semantics, and while he looks promising, never say never etc. I don't know if Annable will be a difference between winning a flag or not at this stage.

I think we're a Harris Andrews injury (especially with Payne out indefinitely) from coming back to the pack.

 

[Tom14]

One or two key players go down with injuries (W.Ashcroft in 2023) and they look like they're back in the pack.
Which team has ever had an injury free season?

Famously the lions season was ruined after will ashcroft got injured in 2023.

 

[Tom14]

Neither did Brisbane.

Regardless of the semantics, and while he looks promising, never say never etc. I don't know if Annable will be a difference between winning a flag or not at this stage.

I think we're a Harris Andrews injury (especially with Payne out indefinitely) from coming back to the pack.

Lions have never had a top 5 academy pick. Therefore using GWS' logic we deserve to have our free academy access preserved while everyone else loses it.

 

[kreuze_missile]

We have already beaten the lions. Comfortably. Without Weitering or Cripps.

What a weird thread.

 

[Tom14]

We have already beaten the lions. Comfortably. Without Weitering or Cripps.

What a weird thread.

The thread title is correct, but the team is wrong. The bluebaggers are odds on flag favourites.

 

[Chronz]

We have already beaten the lions. Comfortably. Without Weitering or Cripps.

What a weird thread.

It hurts to admit it, but the Blues are a premiership lock in 2026. Dare I say, a dynastic threat for years to come.

 

[Elixuh]

We have already beaten the lions. Comfortably. Without Weitering or Cripps.

What a weird thread.

If you win tonight, make the thread. You know you want to.

 

[Elixuh]

None of those teams had a pick higher than 17 in the year they won the premiership - perhaps they all would have won the subsequent year if they'd been gifted a top 5 selection like Brisbane

Winning a flag based on the contribution of, in this case an 18 year old draftee who doesn’t actually exist, is a lot to ask of someone, no?

 

[kreuze_missile]

It hurts to admit it, but the Blues are a premiership lock in 2026. Dare I say, a dynastic threat for years to come.

I can't believe we are going to win the flag and get Pick #1 Cody Walker.

And we have a stockpile of draft picks in years to come.

The dynasty might not end until 2038.

 

[kreuze_missile]

If you win tonight, make the thread. You know you want to.

Things have been drafted. Keep an eye out around 9pm tonight.

 

[jim boy]

Winning a flag based on the contribution of, in this case an 18 year old draftee who doesn’t actually exist, is a lot to ask of someone, no?

In 2024, you were gifted Levi Ashcroft, if you had the player selected at pick 18 - the pick you would have had in theoretical ucompromised draft, you would have ended up Oliver Hannaford. While Levi was not the sole difference in you winning last you, he was still a key player and made a really significant contribution. Let's just say that an Oliver Hannaford would not have had the same impact if had pulled on a Lions jumper.

So was it a lot to ask of Levi Ashcroft? Is it a lot to ask of Annable? Would you really be hesitating to choose between Annable and Hannaford even though Annable has not yet had a chance to play to show us how good he really is?

 

[Supreme_Chancellor]

Suns vs Lions Granny, they can call it the Ross Lyon Cup.

 

[thistimeforsure]

Yes but this situation is UNPRECEDENTED.

Brisbane have been given top 5 picks in 3 out of 4 years in row.. and they’ve made a grand final for the last 3 seasons.

On top of that they’ve somehow managed to have cash to bring in free agents for holes in the list.

I feel the same, Freo have a reasonable list but I compare to Brisbane and wonder if we really have a chance over our window.

Same , it’s one thing to drop a bundle of early picks on clubs just starting out like GWS and GC were but a huge first rd bonanza for mature clubs like the Lions and Suns are now is something we have never really seen before , all the club specific pre loading you can put into academy picks before you pick them is also something that has to help them hit the ground running

I wonder if some of the posters scoffing in here will be thinking the same way in a couple of years

 

[Obeanie1]

I think everyone else are playing for runners up. The lions are so much better than anyone else they would need to have shocking run with injuries to not win it again. I look at my team the dogs who have a reasonable list but it is a long way behind the lions for skill and

As consolation I've tipped a Lions v Dogs GF.

 

[The Goon]

People said the same thing about Essendon in 2001. Geelong in 2008, Collingwood in 2011 and Richmond in 2018 were all supposedly certainties to win in those seasons mentioned but did not. Calling the season over before a game has even been played is silly.

Most pundits had the Tigers as lucky winners in 2017 and we weren't favourites in most (any?) betting heading into the 2018. It was only later in the season we firmed up, but of course fell short in the end. 2019 a different story, but of course we won that one so not relevant.

 

[rapidfire7]

I am hoping the Neale sage keeps on giving and ruins their season. Our only hope .

 

[Obeanie1]

What concessions? List them.

Cheap discounted access to academy and fathers sons whilst contending.

Lions have access to Hodge Jnr under their academy. You happy about that concession?

Why should the AFL allow discounts for lists who are super strong and playing and winning grand finals? That concession is plain crazy.

And the academy has been producing in the past few years plus landed the best pure mid in the 2025 draft after winning back to back flags. Again at a discount.

AFL rules allowed them to pick up a gun free agent Oscar Allen at no draft cost. And then force a trade for a FA to the team that finished last and had their captain poached.

In horse racing this is equivalent to increasing the weight for the horse finishing last. And reducing the weight carried by the horse winning the race by 5 lengths.

And some people feel these AFL rules and concessons are fine? It isn't. It's the AFL nepo expansion states getting fed by a silver spoon so the AFL makes more money and the fat cat executives get their bonuses.

 

[voorhees]

silly post..season is a long marathon with many up's and downs.
Brisbane have a great opportunity, along with many others.

 

[Obeanie1]

Yes but this situation is UNPRECEDENTED.

Brisbane have been given top 5 picks in 3 out of 4 years in row.. and they’ve made a grand final for the last 3 seasons.

On top of that they’ve somehow managed to have cash to bring in free agents for holes in the list.

I feel the same, Freo have a reasonable list but I compare to Brisbane and wonder if we really have a chance over our window.

Freo fans starting to understand the Eagles 4D chess rebuild time line.

 

[BrainOfMorbius]

Cheap discounted access to academy and fathers sons whilst contending.

Lions have access to Hodge Jnr under their academy. You happy about that concession?

Why should the AFL allow discounts for lists who are super strong and playing and winning grand finals? That concession is plain crazy.

And the academy has been producing in the past few years plus landed the best pure mid in the 2025 draft after winning back to back flags. Again at a discount.

AFL rules allowed them to pick up a gun free agent Oscar Allen at no draft cost. And then force a trade for a FA to the team that finished last and had their captain poached.

In horse racing this is equivalent to increasing the weight for the horse finishing last. And reducing the weight carried by the horse winning the race by 5 lengths.

And some people feel these AFL rules and concessons are fine? It isn't. It's the AFL nepo expansion states getting fed by a silver spoon so the AFL makes more money and the fat cat executives get their bonuses.

We've got the same access to father-sons and free agency as anyone else, how is that a concession exactly?

If Hodge Jnr was in the Saints academy he'd be eligible to be picked up by them, would that be a concession?

Come on now

 

[QuietB]

Cheap discounted access to academy and fathers sons whilst contending.

Lions have access to Hodge Jnr under their academy. You happy about that concession?

Why should the AFL allow discounts for lists who are super strong and playing and winning grand finals? That concession is plain crazy.

And the academy has been producing in the past few years plus landed the best pure mid in the 2025 draft after winning back to back flags. Again at a discount.

AFL rules allowed them to pick up a gun free agent Oscar Allen at no draft cost. And then force a trade for a FA to the team that finished last and had their captain poached.

In horse racing this is equivalent to increasing the weight for the horse finishing last. And reducing the weight carried by the horse winning the race by 5 lengths.

And some people feel these AFL rules and concessons are fine? It isn't. It's the AFL nepo expansion states getting fed by a silver spoon so the AFL makes more money and the fat cat executives get their bonuses.

1. Everyone gets access to father sons. Pies have benefitted massively, Geelong obviously, dogs have had a good run.
2. Hodge has not chosen a club yet so he is irrelevant to your argument. Nothing to do with Brisbanes current success.
3. 2025 draft picks have not played a single game yet. Academies are a positive for the game - as long as clubs have to pay fair price for their academy players. I don't even know what Brisbane paid for him but he has nothing to do with their current success.
4. West Coast wanted Oscar Allen out - they preferred the compensation pick. And again Oscar Allen has nothing to do with Brisbanes current success. He might not even get a game.

Brisbanes success is deserved. Daniel Annable is the only academy player on their list and he has not played a game yet.

Brisbane were a complete rabble when Chris Fagan arrived and now they are a juggernaut. And they have achieved this mostly through development, amazing trading (Charlie, Danniher, Dunkley, Neale, Zorko) and good management.

Sure they are on a run with father sons but ultimately the salary cap will restrict them.

 

[Obeanie1]

1. Everyone gets access to father sons. Pies have benefitted massively, Geelong obviously, dogs have had a good run.
2. Hodge has not chosen a club yet so he is irrelevant to your argument. Nothing to do with Brisbanes current success.
3. 2025 draft picks have not played a single game yet. Academies are a positive for the game - as long as clubs have to pay fair price for their academy players. I don't even know what Brisbane paid for him but he has nothing to do with their current success.
4. West Coast wanted Oscar Allen out - they

1. preferred the compensation pick. And again Oscar Allen has nothing to do with Brisbanes current success. He might not even get a game.

Brisbanes success is deserved. Daniel Annable is the only academy player on their list and he has not played a game yet.

Brisbane were a complete rabble when Chris Fagan arrived and now they are a juggernaut. And they have achieved this mostly through development, amazing trading (Charlie, Danniher, Dunkley, Neale, Zorko) and good management.

Sure they are on a run with father sons but ultimately the salary cap will restrict them.

The point is AFL concessions and rules are stacking gun teams who don't need help.

That's the issue.

And the only issue. Everything else is noise.

Why are the AFL helping the "fastest horses run even faster"?

That is not equalisation. That's the point.

The current rules and concessions do not assist equalisation when the back to back premiers can bend over the teams finish bottom and also get discounts on father sons and academy kids.

It's a crazy set up.

Doesn't pass the pub test.