You’ve got to be kidding me. The AFL had the opportunity to make Rowan Marshall’s game against us into an epic R1 fixture at their place or ours. Instead we are shoved out to a wine park in front of 12,000? Might as well have played it at Moorabbin.

If Mitch fixes his ball drop and learns to kick correctly, he could be one of the AFL’s best third forwards.

Thank you for your services Jack. One of the genuinely good people. Had plenty of talent & ability but the AFL level was just a fraction above him - might have been different if some injuries didn’t curtail his progress. Smashed the VFL. Hope he dominates country footy now ❤️

Contracted to end of 2027 - and coming off a club-best year. Yeah, Hilly drives me nuts when he misses easy passes. And he does turn 34 in July. And yet, he’s such a leader. We delegate so much to him. Our First Nations program should be called the Brad Hill program. 2028?

Heads up. We’re going to delist a stack of players at the end of 2027. Retirements: Wood, Macrae & Butler. Young enough but probably not good enough: Caminiti, Collard, Byrnes & Henry. That’s 7 alone. Need big years: Clark, Barrat, Hastie, Lake, O’Connoll, Stocker & Stringer.

Good question, as it’s the obvious need. Both share one thing I strongly dislike: low on-field presence Lord: skills OK, but not aggressive nor physical enough. Williams: good hands and a good kick but isn’t powerful, quick or dynamic. Must transform his strength & fitness.

Suddenly, everything is back on the table. Got to wonder if we’re now going to offer deals to JUH & Bobby Hill. We’re risking it for the biscuit. Maybe we have to with our 2027 #1 Pick gone. This is not what I expected. But…maybe we’re just sick of finishing 11th. Game on.

RESCUE PACKAGE 🛟 I hope we’re adding the 40+ goals that we couldn’t find in 2026 He’s now our #1 forward based on this past season. It could backfire, but the contract terms are minimal. A bold statement of intent or an unnecessary risk? Time will tell. Please deliver 📦

Nick Riewoldt sums it all up best. It’s only a small outlay for Jake Stringer, but symbolically it feels like (and looks like) the last stand of Ross, SOS & Gubby. They’re putting all their chips on red. Hang on to your hats.

Looks like the mild interest has escalated into something more concrete. Thoughts?

The club has mild interest in Jake. Doing checks atm but my gut feel is no because Mitchito does the same role. I’d prefer Jamarra because it’s all upside. Stupidly optimistic, but he + Max together fit (100-1 but worth a try) would actually solve our *entire* structural issue

No to SOS forward. But there are possibilities. Brady Wright - still there at #41? Unlikely. Big fan. 22yo & ready. Jamarra? I know, I know But he wants to be in Melb. Finished his VFL year with bags of 5.1 & 4.0. Some risk but we are now *beyond* desperate - a risk I’d take.

Truth is that Ross + Lenny believe King will recover and that Sharman, Caminiti & Owens is enough to make finals. The fanbase might not share the view, but it might explain why we never draft pure big tall forwards. Tauru & Barrat touted as swingmen but seem natural defenders.