What do you want out of season 24?

[Gadzorks]

I'm ok with losing more games IF our players hate it. Like really really viscerally hate it.

I want to see tantrums bad loser behavior (at things not people), generally being filthy every single time. Seriously filthy.

I want them to drag out all the inter personal problems that MAY or may NOT exist and sort them.

I want them to realize that the only way they reach the zenith is by committing to each other, and making those relationships their priority (yes families of elite sports people always suffer. Not great, but no one reaches the top without sacrificing).

Because that's the way we come back better next year.

None of this accepting the injuries and assuming the same old same old will turn the tide next year : it won't.

 

[luthor]

I'm ok with losing more games IF our players hate it. Like really really viscerally hate it.

I want to see tantrums bad loser behavior (at things not people), generally being filthy every single time. Seriously filthy.

I want them to drag out all the inter personal problems that MAY or may NOT exist and sort them.

I want them to realize that the only way they reach the zenith is by committing to each other, and making those relationships their priority (yes families of elite sports people always suffer. Not great, but no one reaches the top without sacrificing).

Because that's the way we come back better next year.

None of this accepting the injuries and assuming the same old same old will turn the tide next year : it won't.

I get what you're saying but I can't accept that our players are either "not hating" losing or have or will use injuries as a cop out for poor performances.

If they were demoralised or looking for excuses, they could have easily have turned up their toes after the GWS disaster and the terrible injury toll pre-game and in-game against the Suns.

Despite leading by 40 at half time against GC, I had grave concerns that we would be overrun in the second half. Instead they dug in bravely and recorded a meritorious win

We were underdogs against Adelaide .

Why?

Largely due to us having eight of our first choice players out , having to face an in form and virtually full strength Crows outfit AWAY and question marks about our ability to come up after that taxing outing against the Suns

These are facts rather than excuses .

Adelaide were very warm favourites in all the pregame betting markets

I told anyone who cared to listen that if we beat Adelaide it would be an epic win and that my own expectations were very low for that match. I would have taken a draw in a heartbeat.

We may well not even make the finals this year but I've seen enough in these last two matches to convince me of the dedication of the group.

Muppets like David King have been making noises about our premiership "window" slamming shut

What a croc.

Our list is still in good shape, we have FIVE top flight players to come back next season from ACL's including Coleman and Washcroft PLUS Lashcroft as a likely inclusion next year.

I don't want to see tantrums or bad behavior if we lose more matches this season

I want to see us play with the spirit and determination we've shown in the last two outings, win lose or draw

 

[western royboy]

Tough one.

If we had another win on the board, you bring in JL or Tunstill and give Lachie a rest.

We look pretty stupid though if we end up with the calamity of losing to the Tigers.

Season is on the line in the next two weeks

EDit: Two weeks ago Scott and Geelong were being hailed as geniuses for their player "management" programme.

All of a sudden they lose two on the trot, including the widely regarded "unlosable" home game against a determined Port.

Maybe just got a little too cute for their own good?

Geelong’s rest program is pre planned - they don’t waiver from it. Their list is ancient whether it works time will tell but unlike Richmond they haven’t fallen off a cliff.

 

[Gadzorks]

I get what you're saying but I can't accept that our players are either "not hating" losing or have or will use injuries as a cop out for poor performances.

If they were demoralised or looking for excuses, they could have easily have turned up their toes after the GWS disaster and the terrible injury toll pre-game and in-game against the Suns.

Despite leading by 40 at half time against GC, I had grave concerns that we would be overrun in the second half. Instead they dug in bravely and recorded a meritorious win

We were underdogs against Adelaide .

Why?

Largely due to us having eight of our first choice players out , having to face an in form and virtually full strength Crows outfit AWAY and question marks about our ability to come up after that taxing outing against the Suns

These are facts rather than excuses .

Adelaide were very warm favourites in all the pregame betting markets

I told anyone who cared to listen that if we beat Adelaide it would be an epic win and that my own expectations were very low for that match. I would have taken a draw in a heartbeat.

We may well not even make the finals this year but I've seen enough in these last two matches to convince me of the dedication of the group.

Muppets like David King have been making noises about our premiership "window" slamming shut

What a croc.

Our list is still in good shape, we have FIVE top flight players to come back next season from ACL's including Coleman and Washcroft PLUS Lashcroft as a likely inclusion next year.

I don't want to see tantrums or bad behavior if we lose more matches this season

I want to see us play with the spirit and determination we've shown in the last two outings, win lose or draw

And I also think I get what you are saying and tantrums was poor words.

Afl players are insane - they put everything on the line, their physical health, the short and long term mental health because they have a burning desire to be their best and to be the very best.

The gf seemed to destroy a bit of that 'all' - Can't blame them, but it looked like they were saving themselves for later.

I don't care if we win or lose this year, I just want them to find that burning desire again, as individuals and as a team.

I'm the last two weeks they seem to be getting that energy back. Helped no doubt by young players trying to cement their careers and lifting the team.

We can lose and still grow that energy and that's what I want to see.

 

[western royboy]

I was pessimistic about this season - despite being one kick away from a flag I never thought we were anywhere near the best - so I went into the season not overly confident, particularly given some of the alleged goings on.

At 1/4 time in the Carlton game I was thinking that I was an idiot. As I rolled a cricket pitch in an usually warm March evening I briefly toyed with hanging shit on sone Carlton folk.

How lucky was I that I didn’t. I just want to know why we can go from brilliant to poor in the blink of an eye and why when it does appear to be heading south we have no means of stopping it.

 

[FootyLad0]

Geelong’s rest program is pre planned - they don’t waiver from it. Their list is ancient whether it works time will tell but unlike Richmond they haven’t fallen off a cliff.

We had a younger average age than you when we played you at the Gabba LOL

 

[martinson]

I was pessimistic about this season - despite being one kick away from a flag I never thought we were anywhere near the best - so I went into the season not overly confident, particularly given some of the alleged goings on.

At 1/4 time in the Carlton game I was thinking that I was an idiot. As I rolled a cricket pitch in an usually warm March evening I briefly toyed with hanging s**t on sone Carlton folk.

How lucky was I that I didn’t. I just want to know why we can go from brilliant to poor in the blink of an eye and why when it does appear to be heading south we have no means of stopping it.

Carlton never turned up in the first 40 minutes of that match . It was free flowing park footy.

Once it got tougher and a contest we lost the momentum and being a bit underprepared weren't ready for the hardness of it.

Still should've won easily.

We're mentally soft. Its been an issue with this group ever since we emerged as a force. We turned the corner at the end of last year and almost pinched a flag in what was in hindsight a very winnable year. Haven't really recovered from the effort and now copping injuries on top.

Still have the basis of a good team though. Just need to clear out the weak links and hope the youngsters step up. Also wouldn't mind a fresh voice in the coaching group to re energise the group.

 

[martinson]

We had a younger average age than you when we played you at the Gabba LOL

I know.

You're an awesome team with a great batch of youngsters and a good draw.

Glad we're not playing you again.

 

[FootyLad0]

I know.

You're an awesome team with a great batch of youngsters and a good draw.

Glad we're not playing you again.

We are kind of at a weird spot though…lots of old old guys, lots of young young guys.

BIIIIIG gap in middle age group.

Like this Thursday will most likely be no Hawkins, Cameron, Dangerfield, Stanley, Duncan.
Maybe one of the youngest Cats teams we’ve put out in the last decade.

Brisbane have the right group and players, they just need synergy.
It’ll click, I haven’t wavered that you guys with your core will be a Finals team and a danger to anyone who plays them.
My fiancé is a Lions gal so always happy for your success.

 

[McIvor]

I get what you're saying but I can't accept that our players are either "not hating" losing or have or will use injuries as a cop out for poor performances.

If they were demoralised or looking for excuses, they could have easily have turned up their toes after the GWS disaster and the terrible injury toll pre-game and in-game against the Suns.

Despite leading by 40 at half time against GC, I had grave concerns that we would be overrun in the second half. Instead they dug in bravely and recorded a meritorious win

We were underdogs against Adelaide .

Why?

Largely due to us having eight of our first choice players out , having to face an in form and virtually full strength Crows outfit AWAY and question marks about our ability to come up after that taxing outing against the Suns

These are facts rather than excuses .

Adelaide were very warm favourites in all the pregame betting markets

I told anyone who cared to listen that if we beat Adelaide it would be an epic win and that my own expectations were very low for that match. I would have taken a draw in a heartbeat.

We may well not even make the finals this year but I've seen enough in these last two matches to convince me of the dedication of the group.

Muppets like David King have been making noises about our premiership "window" slamming shut

What a croc.

Our list is still in good shape, we have FIVE top flight players to come back next season from ACL's including Coleman and Washcroft PLUS Lashcroft as a likely inclusion next year.

I don't want to see tantrums or bad behavior if we lose more matches this season

I want to see us play with the spirit and determination we've shown in the last two outings, win lose or draw

What are you seriously expecting of five players coming back from ACLs at the same time next year? An awful lot by the sounds of it and if you think they’re all coming back in pre ACL form I think you’re going to be surprised. Hell, I’m seriously doubting Doedee even gets back let alone to what he did two pre ACLs ago.

 

[martinson]

What are you seriously expecting of five players coming back from ACLs at the same time next year? An awful lot by the sounds of it and if you think they’re all coming back in pre ACL form I think you’re going to be surprised. Hell, I’m seriously doubting Doedee even gets back let alone to what he did two pre ACLs ago.

Likewise if Doedee can get through his rehab and all the training and even get into the team any time in 2025 it'll be a great effort.

Darce I think is probably done tbh , just one thing after another. Linc won't be back till mid year probably and will be 31.

We're hanging our hat on Coleman and Ashcroft that all goes well and they can get back to their best.

 

[rye]

i want to have the midfield rotation for 2025 sorted in the back end of this season

we have 2 locked in centre bounce mids in neale and dunkley. these guys are very high quality midfielders who demand on ball or bench. this might have to change based on what i am going to describe below. dunkley we know from his time at footscray can make an impact up forward. maybe 70-30 split between mid and forward for his minutes. neale im not so sure... maybe we just give him longer stints on the bench to ensure he is always at maximum impact when on field. perhaps 70% tog from next season?

will ashcroft comes back and he should be our sam walsh

18

Sam Walsh

Age

23

Ht

184cm

Wt

84kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

25.1

5star

K

13.5

5star

HB

11.6

5star

M

5.1

5star

T

3.2

5star

CL

3.4

5star

No current season stats available

D

26.2

5star

K

15.4

5star

HB

10.8

5star

M

6.0

5star

T

3.2

5star

CL

4.8

5star

type. just above average to elite at everything. he will also be demanding time on ball... ease him back into things this season but should be given at least 60% time on ball in 2025. this guys ceiling is tremendous and i hope he reminds the afl world how good he is.

assuming we retain both mccluggage and berry is where things get interesting.

mccluggage can play to a very high level as a balanced inside/out mid as well as a pure wing. he should be able to give some flexibility and maybe split half of his time between wing and mid. it is hard as wing tends to be a highly specialised, high TOG role these days where a lot of the role is around positioning and defensive running so it may be difficult to rotate properly with an inside mid.

berry has moved back into more inside mid time and looks naturally suited to it. he is kind of like diet coke dunkley in my eyes... another who can also play on the wing albeit not to the same level as mccluggage. i think it would be a mistake to not give him more time inside. he has had some of his best games in there and really helps our defensive set up at stoppages imo. definitely one of the better two way runners in the side which would help us use some of the more front running players in the midfield mix without being hurt too badly.

then we have rayner and bailey. both are more forwards than midfielders imo, but each add something different to the midfield.

rayner is frustrating as he still seemingly has the problems that rookie players do.... you see the glimpses and the ceiling of what he is capable of but week to week consistency is an issue. thought he was close to finding that at the start of this year but hasnt kicked on. im a believer still. i dont know what the end product really is but you cant imagine it is one without midfield time

bailey doesnt have a defensive bone in his body but when he runs onto a tap or loose ball theres very few who can stop him. very dangerous in the 6-6-6 era. has to get midfield time of some description. a genuine matchwinner on his day. might need him more permanently forward given mccarthy's injury and charlie looking worse for wear

assuming zorko is done for onball time but you cant really discount the possibility of him spending 5-10 minute bursts as a midfielder if hes up to it. certainly adds a point of difference with his kicking, and has always been great defensively. i think he plays on next year.

this is not even mentioning fletcher of levi ashcroft. fletcher has found a home on the wing for now but projects long term as a player who will move on ball. very composed and moves well through traffic, should strive to be a mccluggage like player. if levi comes into the system readymade like will did, it would be silly to not give him time on ball.

that is by my count 10 players who will be in the best 23 who could be putting their hands up for midfield minutes and not considering players like tunstill or marshall. i think the coaches will have their hands full sorting this out. i dont want to just see neale and dunkley getting 80%+ onfield time next season. as good as these guys are, the capacity to have this many genuine midfield options in one team should be treated as an advantage to constantly keep our mids fresh and running at full steam. the back end of this year is a perfect chance to experiment with the mix a bit and see if we can reach a new level with this group.

 

[finn]

I’d like Fagan to run Cameron on the ball to use his speed and ability to move in close (well-at least give it a go with about a 30% load a la Rankine).I reckon his field kicking is generally pretty good and he’s relatively two sided and it may help him get early game confidence.

 

[M Malice]

I’d like Fagan to run Cameron on the ball to use his speed and ability to move in close (well-at least give it a go with about a 30% load a la Rankine).I reckon his field kicking is generally pretty good and he’s relatively two sided and it may help him get early game confidence.

Charlie has extreme high end pace but his endurance is to say the least questionable.

 

[lionsrules]

watched last years qualifying final and prelim again.
Jeez what happened to us? We were amazing when you look at those games compared to the stuff we have dished up this year. To answer the question .... I still think we can make a run purely based on what we have achieved over the last few seasons and our age bracket.
I think with Bailey, Robertson, Answerth, Ashcroft to return this year and touchwood (no more injuries) we can still make finals and cause havoc in september.

 

[Elixuh]

I have no idea what his capacity is but I want to build a portion of our midfield around Cam. Just put it on him to perform. He will make mistakes which is fine, but he needs a sink or swim moment to push through the barriers that are holding him back.

Don’t @ me.

 

[Elixuh]

We don’t need to make top 4.
If we could manage 5th or 6th would be fantastic from here.
1 home final after a bye would be ideal.

Can you imagine beating a spud team week 1 and then getting the Bombers in a Semi. You’re basically strolling into a prelim where anything can happen.

 

[knaf]

I have no idea what his capacity is but I want to build a portion of our midfield around Cam. Just put it on him to perform. He will make mistakes which is fine, but he needs a sink or swim moment to push through the barriers that are holding him back.

Don’t @ me.

I agree. Hasn’t shown the capacity to impact the game as a forward ( mainly). Doesn’t seem to have the craft. See ball, get ball seems to be his best attribute. I think we need to keep it simple.

If Neale is still carrying something I would live with resting him and giving Rayner an on ball role as the most offensive player. Might cost a game or might make us a player.

 

[martinson]

I agree. Hasn’t shown the capacity to impact the game as a forward ( mainly). Doesn’t seem to have the craft. See ball, get ball seems to be his best attribute. I think we need to keep it simple.

If Neale is still carrying something I would live with resting him and giving Rayner an on ball role as the most offensive player. Might cost a game or might make us a player.

I've been thinking this for yonks. Seeing we haven't done it when we've lost more than half our games at least try it out in the reserves.

 

[Cuzz09]

Just looking at the next fortnight alone.

Lions should beat Rich and Haw

The teams above you will pretty much be underdogs in all their next 2 games.

I reckon by your bye you will be just outside the 8 by a game and/or %

Still in it



On SM-S908E using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Grasshopper17]

Just looking at the next fortnight alone.

Lions should beat Rich and Haw

The teams above you will pretty much be underdogs in all their next 2 games.

I reckon by your bye you will be just outside the 8 by a game and/or %

Still in it



On SM-S908E using BigFooty.com mobile app

We haven't beaten Hawthorn for 5 years. And now they're in form. More than just a "danger game".

 

[Elixuh]

Just looking at the next fortnight alone.

Lions should beat Rich and Haw

The teams above you will pretty much be underdogs in all their next 2 games.

I reckon by your bye you will be just outside the 8 by a game and/or %

Still in it



On SM-S908E using BigFooty.com mobile app

We basically need to go on a run of wins between now and Sydney in late July.

 

[Elixuh]

We haven't beaten Hawthorn for 5 years. And now they're in form. More than just a "danger game".

Hawks are a young team. Young teams can generally only stay up for a month or so. I’m hoping we are getting them at the perfect time as they come off their run of form.

 

[Grasshopper17]

Hawks are a young team. Young teams can generally only stay up for a month or so. I’m hoping we are getting them at the perfect time as they come off their run of form.

Perhaps. But they have that secret weapon, Jack Gunston.

 

[Nathan Barley]

Perhaps. But they have that secret weapon, Jack Gunston.

I know you weren’t being serious but can you imagine Harris playing on him in a couple of weeks