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Joined February 2016
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Adrian loves to settle into an elevated seat looking down on the wing and regularly commutes between Docklands and the MCG. You can follow him on twitter at @adrian_poly where he complains too much about how bad footy is on TV. He likes to rank things.
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After the zombie season that was 2020 and the shocker of a year that went with it, it’s amazing how much comfort normal can…
For all the weirdness that was footy in 2020, here we are in a familiar place, with the seemingly indestructible Tigers ready to unveil…
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I agree with that Cam, but as you said, Stratton spoiled the ball. Duncan never made a play on the ball at all – I think what he did was pretty weak actually.
Duncan deserves a suspension for breaking Hodge's arm
Thanks Samantha, I should have seen that. It doesn’t change the action though. To be clear, I’m not saying he should be suspended (I know the headline does say that), I think it was dismissed too quickly by commentators though.
Duncan deserves a suspension for breaking Hodge's arm
“Look what he did.” Is not a defence.
Duncan deserves a suspension for breaking Hodge's arm
I don’t think these actions do happen every game. In fact, this is the only time I saw it happen in the nine games this round.
Duncan deserves a suspension for breaking Hodge's arm
“Ruining the game”? Read the piece or just the headline?
Duncan deserves a suspension for breaking Hodge's arm
He’s almost the perfect modern half forward. Hogan’s eyes would light up every time Watts sends it in his direction. Just need to see him stand up in a game of higher intensity though.
AFL Round 1 losers should take solace in 2015 turnarounds
So 1993 system was great when 6 of 14 teams played finals (44%) but 2016 system is stupid because 8 of 18 teams (43%) play finals?
AFL's top eight is a joke and everyone knows it
That’s a pretty convenient number you’ve chosen Len. I also have 3 in the top 15 and 5 in the top 26. Considering there are 18 teams, those are pretty high percentages.
Move over Experts, here's my AFL top 50
I was originally only going to do a top-25, which was easy. 50 is brutal. I already have regrets about leaving a couple out, but there are about 40 guys that you could make a case for from 40-50, as I’m sure you know.
Move over Experts, here's my AFL top 50
I’m sure I’ll get in trouble for a lot of players. Though I didn’t expect Puopolo to be one of them …
Move over Experts, here's my AFL top 50
Very kind TomC. Thank you.
Ain't no reason: Hawthorn are still the team to beat in 2016
You made me dizzy Samantha! But I think we’re on the same page. I think they’re the favourites. In terms of talent, I wax and wane over whether the Hawks or the Eagles have more talent and in the end I went with my gut that West Coast will be better.
Ain't no reason: Hawthorn are still the team to beat in 2016
Tom Boyd was a pretty bold recruting decision, and Matt Suckling this offseason is indicative of a team with belief, not one without.
The Tigers went hard at Adam Treloar – really hard. And when that fell through they went and got Chris Yarran, even sticking to their guns over the cost until Carlton relented.
Does the swagger lead to the winning or the winning lead to the swagger? Or does not much change other than our perception?
When will it all fall into place for the Tigers and Dogs?
I don’t have those stats Don Freo – and you’re right about the flaw in the 1v1 numbers – but I’d be willing to bet he’s not good there either. He’s a nice kick for goal, but that’s about his only above-average AFL skill.
AFL preview series: Western Bulldogs
You wouldn’t be alone. I’ve seen others make such predictions. Very similar to the Cats, actually.
Port Adelaide’s power play
I’d rather filter too much info than try to make sense of too little.
AFL preview series: Western Bulldogs
I think for the most part the CD stuff is useful, but I’d like more explanation for their player rankings.
Port 2 elite, 10 above avg, 8 avg – 5th-rated list
Dogs 4 elite, 8 above avg, 9 avg – 10th list
Adelaide 3 elite, 8 above avg, 7 avg – 12th list
Not to mention them rating Sam Gray (who’s played 17 games over two season and about six good ones) as an above average player.
AFL preview series: Western Bulldogs
Won 18.4% of 1v1s last season (which is terrible) and lost 35% of 1v1s (league average 29%).
FYI, Boyd wasn’t much better at 21% and 31%, but he has much more room to grow.
AFL preview series: Western Bulldogs
That’s a pretty convenient statistic considering the Dogs played five of the other six top seven teams in the first five rounds and won four of them. How is it their fault when they played those teams?
AFL preview series: Western Bulldogs
mattyb, I don’t think the Jong call is crazy, but he’s more suited around the footy. I think McLean is probably the guy that fills his role by mid-season, but I love the Murphy call. He’s a classic case of a guy they’d love to have two of. Murphy actually spent a bit of time forward in the second half of last year, so I wouldn’t rule it out. But teams (and Beveridge in particular) place so much value on run and disposal out of defence, and he’s as good as there is in that role.
Wallis proved a handy forward last season, so he’ll spend a bit of time there. Same goes for Dahlhaus and Stevens. The Dogs’ mids are pretty versatile for the most part, with the exception of Libba, who’s a pure mid and mid only – will be interesting to see if he upsets the balance at all.
AFL preview series: Western Bulldogs
Might be strong, but has no idea how to use that strength. One of the worst one-on-one players in the comp.
AFL preview series: Western Bulldogs
I like McLean, but it’s not an easy side to break into. He’ll get his chance at some point and then it’ll be up to him to cement his spot.
Roughead’s not up to it as a key defender. Too slow and not agile enough. His best role is as the No.2 fwd/No.2 ruckman, but with Boyd and/or Redpath ahead of him, that’s probably ruled out as well. I think he’s just a depth player now.
FWIW, this is what I had in a preview from earlier in the week:
B: Dale Morris – Marcus Adams – Easton Wood
HB: Bob Murphy – Joel Hamling – Matthew Boyd
C: Jason Johannisen – Tom Liberatore – Lachie Hunter
HF: Mitch Walis – Jake Stringer – Liam Picken
F: Tory Dickson – Tom Boyd – Luke Dahlhaus
Foll: Will Minson – Marcus Bontempelli – Jack Macrae
Int: Matthew Suckling – Shane Biggs – Koby Stevens – Caleb Daniel
AFL preview series: Western Bulldogs
Good stuff Cam. I don’t think they’ll play both Boyd and Redpath together. I expect if they want another big man it’ll be the more versatile Roughead, but Beveridge has shown he’s not afraid to experiment in the ruck, so I expect it’ll mostly be Campbell/Minson with help from Boyd (he should be ahead of Redpath, who’s not good) and a lot of third man up.
AFL preview series: Western Bulldogs
“Enough said”? So that’s the end of the discussion then? Plenty of people watch West Coast in the eastern states. Those who don’t probably don’t watch many teams other than the one they barrack for. I doubt that’s the case for the guys who’ve collaborated on this list. It’s possible for LeCras to be both underrated and not in the top-50 players in the competition.
The Roar's Top 50 AFL players: 31-40
Not sure why it matters who I barrack for. Not sure why it matters what Hodge has done in the past. I’m talking about one specific incident, an incident in which one player wasn’t going for the ball and injured a player who was.
How on Earth would you know what logic I applied to those other incidents?
Duncan deserves a suspension for breaking Hodge's arm