2025 Pre-Season chat

[Pure_Ownage]

Not to mention Knevitt's been on the list a year longer than Dempsey... so he's effectively two years behind.

Knevitt was drafted the same year as Dempsey he just physically was very spindly. Has needed time to grow into his body and looks like its now ready.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Just don't think this will be their year.

Depends how aggressive we want to get with transition. If we think we are very close to a flag then maybe the older guys will get preferenced. But if we aren't guys like Clark especially and knevitt and Ted (plus obviously Conway if he's fit) could well become regulars this year (like Dempsey did last year) and guys like bews Duncan Guthrie (cam not zac) Atkins Bowes stanley oconnor etc will get moved aside for them (I'm not suggesting all those guys will get delisted some will just become depth players in the vfl). Scott has never been afraid to play young players if they bang sown the door enough.

 

[D BRIDGE]

the thing about Dempsey last year compared to some of these other younger guys like Clark, Knevitt and Closhey is that we knew Dempsey had insane talent.

Clark, Knevitt & Clohesy are very bland players… not saying they can’t improve and eventually break into the team, especially for some of the older guys Pure has named above.

I don’t think I’ll be blown away by any of them this season (yes I’m a downer) but there’s an opportunity for them if they are good enough.

Dempsey was good enough… but for me it was a matter of when and not if for him.

If Clark, Knevitt or Closhesy are good enough they’ll take that step up and force there way in.

I expect slow consistent improvement from them all rather than a big spike… but I’ll happily take a big spike.

Bring on the games so we can get a look at them.

Similar with Mullin (would love it to click for him).

 

[dangerwood]

Any word on Conway, everything crossed he gets a good run at it this year

Only thing I've heard is that the coach wants a more mobile ruckman for his game plan and he thinks that can be Dekoning.

I really like Conway and would work with what he can do (if he can stay fit).

 

[D BRIDGE]

Only thing I've heard is that the coach wants a more mobile ruckman for his game plan and he thinks that can be Dekoning.

I really like Conway and would work with what he can do (if he can stay fit).

Good move drafting Conway then.

It’s hard to disagree with what you say about Scott liking mobile rucks though.

Even Josh Jenkins confirmed it and he was on the inner sanctum.

+ we have drafted Edwards + Molier since picking up Conway with selection 24.

Conway seems to be injured more often than not anyway, so maybe he will never even get a chance to shine.

I couldn’t tell ya who will be out #1 ruck in a few years or even this year.

Interesting times ahead in the ruck area for us.

 

[My Tilly]

the thing about Dempsey last year compared to some of these other younger guys like Clark, Knevitt and Closhey is that we new Dempsey had insane talent.

Clark, Knevitt & Clohesy are very bland players… not saying they can’t improve and eventually break into the team, especially for some of the older guys Pure has named above.

I don’t think I’ll be blown away by any of them this season (yes I’m a downer) but there’s an opportunity for them if they are good enough.

Dempsey was good enough… but for me it was a matter of when and not if for him.

If Clark, Knevitt or Closhesy are good enough they’ll take that step up and force there way in.

I expect slow consistent improvement from them all rather than a big spike… but I’ll happily take a big spike.

Bring on the games so we can get a look at them.

Similar with Mullin (would love it to click for him).

I agree.
Dempsey has ridiculous athletic traits and you couple that with good size (6ft'2) and a desire to better oneself, it's no surprise he has burst onto the scene.

Knevitt looks fantastic going by the preseason videos and reports.
I guess his one issue will be lack of speed. That certainly has not held back Macrae throughout his career.

 

[dangerwood]

the thing about Dempsey last year compared to some of these other younger guys like Clark, Knevitt and Closhey is that we knew Dempsey had insane talent.

Clark, Knevitt & Clohesy are very bland players… not saying they can’t improve and eventually break into the team, especially for some of the older guys Pure has named above.

I don’t think I’ll be blown away by any of them this season (yes I’m a downer) but there’s an opportunity for them if they are good enough.

Dempsey was good enough… but for me it was a matter of when and not if for him.

If Clark, Knevitt or Closhesy are good enough they’ll take that step up and force there way in.

I expect slow consistent improvement from them all rather than a big spike… but I’ll happily take a big spike.

Bring on the games so we can get a look at them.

Similar with Mullin (would love it to click for him).

Unfortunately I think Phillipou might blow away a few people this year.

 

[dangerwood]

Good move drafting Conway then.

It’s hard to disagree with what you say about Scott liking mobile rucks though.

Even Josh Jenkins confirmed it and he was on the inner sanctum.

+ we have drafted Edwards + Molier since picking up Conway with selection 24.

Conway seems to be injured more often than not anyway, so maybe he will never even get a chance to shine.

I couldn’t tell ya who will be out #1 ruck in a few years or even this year.

Interesting times ahead in the ruck area for us.

The other word I've heard is that in the coaches eyes Edwards is preferred ahead of Conway as well.

It disappoints me because from what I've seen in Conway, he is the ruck we've been hanging out for since Ottens (except for the durability but that still may come). Not saying as anywhere near as good, but a legitimately tall and competitive ruck with some footy smarts.

I wasn't that keen to draft Conway, I feared he looked better than he was because he was the only legitimate ruck in his year, he rucked against noone, but I've liked what I've seen since drafted.

 

[Turbocat]

Depends how aggressive we want to get with transition. If we think we are very close to a flag then maybe the older guys will get preferenced. But if we aren't guys like Clark especially and knevitt and Ted (plus obviously Conway if he's fit) could well become regulars this year (like Dempsey did last year) and guys like bews Duncan Guthrie (cam not zac) Atkins Bowes stanley oconnor etc will get moved aside for them (I'm not suggesting all those guys will get delisted some will just become depth players in the vfl). Scott has never been afraid to play young players if they bang sown the door enough.

Chicken and egg. I know what you mean but I suspect the way we get close to a flag is if we get one or two young players becoming a part of the side. Woudl it really surprise if Duncan (who looked cooked ) plays well past his 300? CS will go with who he knows if all if going well but if a young guy can show he can bring run etc then maybe one surprises.


It looks like the three Falcons are pushing themselves hard so if they come up short ot will not be froma lack of trying..and in the end its all you can ask. Im fine with letting it play out . Bottom line .. if its to be ..its up to ..thee

If we can see a more assertive Knevitt, someone more comfortable in his body and more happy to mix it up I suspect we find a spot for him somewhere. Would not mind giving him a go as a run with. Clrk on a few of the PS vids seems to be moving well … and Chlosey probably has the toughest task finding a spot … as we have several small forward types. …(Shame we didnt picks up the Gold Coast one as he would he would been and easier fit)

 

[Turbocat]

The other word I've heard is that in the coaches eyes Edwards is preferred ahead of Conway as well.

It disappoints me because from what I've seen in Conway, he is the ruck we've been hanging out for since Ottens (except for the durability but that still may come). Not saying as anywhere near as good, but a legitimately tall and competitive ruck with some footy smarts.

I wasn't that keen to draft Conway, I feared he looked better than he was because he was the only legitimate ruck in his year, he rucked against noone, but I've liked what I've seen since drafted.

Life isn't fair ..Conway still young and has had a bit of time to get fit and become robust. At a point in time someone will pop up under him. Edwards does sort of resonate the type. If he can add around the ground.. then might he get a go this year?

 

[D BRIDGE]

Unfortunately I think Phillipou might blow away a few people this year.

Same.

 

[MacStradbroke]

Why do people post so often about Mattaes Phiilipou? It’s like Grundy all over again. For what ever reason our recruiter did not call their names out, he’s no dif to any other player not in the hoops.

 

[small 4wards]

Why do people post so often about Mattaes Phiilipou? It’s like Grundy all over again. For what ever reason our recruiter did not call theirs name out, he’s no dif to any other player not in the hoops.

I reckon it's similar to people assuming if we'd beaten Brisbane then Sydney would be a rollover. So many factors going into a kid's development even if we had taken him, there's no guarantee he'd be the same player.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

the thing about Dempsey last year compared to some of these other younger guys like Clark, Knevitt and Closhey is that we knew Dempsey had insane talent.

Clark, Knevitt & Clohesy are very bland players… not saying they can’t improve and eventually break into the team, especially for some of the older guys Pure has named above.

I don’t think I’ll be blown away by any of them this season (yes I’m a downer) but there’s an opportunity for them if they are good enough.

Dempsey was good enough… but for me it was a matter of when and not if for him.

If Clark, Knevitt or Closhesy are good enough they’ll take that step up and force there way in.

I expect slow consistent improvement from them all rather than a big spike… but I’ll happily take a big spike.

Bring on the games so we can get a look at them.

Similar with Mullin (would love it to click for him).

Dempsey is too high a bar to compare these kids to we've only had 2 rising star winners in 20 years.
A more realistic bar is compare them to what say kids like miers, close (even though drafted as an overager), Zac g etc had output in their first 20 games or so.
Everything I've seen from Clark tells me he's at least as good as that level IF he ups his fitness (tank is the issue) and knevitt shows real signs at vfl level. Clohesy I'm not as sure on but again he is tracking well. Not all kids are instant A graders like Dempsey they just have to be an upgrade on who they are replacing.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Only thing I've heard is that the coach wants a more mobile ruckman for his game plan and he thinks that can be Dekoning.

I really like Conway and would work with what he can do (if he can stay fit).

The other word I've heard is that in the coaches eyes Edwards is preferred ahead of Conway as well.

It disappoints me because from what I've seen in Conway, he is the ruck we've been hanging out for since Ottens (except for the durability but that still may come). Not saying as anywhere near as good, but a legitimately tall and competitive ruck with some footy smarts.

I wasn't that keen to draft Conway, I feared he looked better than he was because he was the only legitimate ruck in his year, he rucked against noone, but I've liked what I've seen since drafted.

Edwards is a very good ruck and I was very impressed with him at the champs. I doubt he is physically ready to play afl yet though. Long term he may end up ahead of Conway (if both become afl standard that's a good problem to have) as he has a higher ceiling imo.

On sdk I'd love to know what position his preference is to play in. I have said before that i think he's going to end up being our lead ruck at times this year simply because of our lack of any other ready options.

 

[ShadowCat]

A few things reading the past few pages of discussion:

Knevitt isn't slow, I don't know where that narrative keeps coming from. He was Top 5 in the combine for sprints. Rookie me literally talks about his athletic prowess - speed, endurance, leap etc.

In regards to Clark and Clohesy, there's a spot for one of them are this stage, but not both. Knevitt is in front of both at this stage, IMO.

Mullin's scope is huge, and he showed some real promise in cutthroat finals last year.

I did a mock 23 a month or so ago, that I'd like to see midway through the year and had the following (SDK rucking allowing O'Sullivan into the side too):

B: Z. Guthrie, C. O'Sullivan, J. Henry
HB: T. Stewart, Kolo, L. Humphries
C: Dempsey, Danger, Blics
FO: SDK, Holmes, B. Smith
HF: O. Henry, J. Cameron, Miers
F: Stengle, S. Neale, Close
INT: Mannagh, C. Guthrie, Bruhn, Knevitt
Sub: J. Clark

EMG: Duncan, Stanley, Clohesy, Mullin

Depth -

Bowes
J. Martin
T. Atkins
Bews
Conway
O'Connor

Can easily see Duncan, Atkins and Bowes being passed by some of the young guys. Would say Mullin is next in line from the emergencies, and then Clohesy. Conway the only other young guy I can see cracking this side at some point...maybe Mitch Edwards.

Not outside the realm of possibility to see Guthrie passed as well, if he's lost a step from all the injuries. Definitely spots for the taking, just will be determined by if the young guys are good enough to take them.

 

[dazbroncos]

I just watch Clohesy and he plays bigger and harder than his body allows.
He's not the highest ceiling talent wise - but the relentlessness of his demeanor and that "im gonna drag you ****ers all along with me regardless of what happens to me in the process" is rare - and I could see him being the next Ruggles into Atkins into Clohesy type. There is some Rooke to him too.

Where on the field, defensive forward type as he can kick a goal but also , god forbid, he plays a tagger or in the MF.

The MF list is full and he aint getting an easy spot there - we could use a small defender in training - a Bews type replacement - and he's pretty nifty speed wise and the intent is beyond question.

His added size will help him too.
Its easy to shoot holes in all this and I cant give definitive places he will land and make it - And he's got Knevitt, Clark, COS and company in fornt of him.

Just dont sleep on him either.

GO Catters

 

[Mr Meow]

Dempsey is too high a bar to compare these kids to we've only had 2 rising star winners in 20 years.
A more realistic bar is compare them to what say kids like miers, close (even though drafted as an overager), Zac g etc had output in their first 20 games or so.
Everything I've seen from Clark tells me he's at least as good as that level IF he ups his fitness (tank is the issue) and knevitt shows real signs at vfl level. Clohesy I'm not as sure on but again he is tracking well. Not all kids are instant A graders like Dempsey they just have to be an upgrade on who they are replacing.

I hope you're right. I'd be ecstatic if Clark reached the level for his position that Miers has - who is pretty much elite as a creative half forward.

I agree with the sentiment of not ruling out youngsters early. It's fine to just leave them as a question mark until we get more information, which is probably earning and playing 50 senior games in their preferred position. That's a level Bruhn will hit in 2025. With Clark it would be the end of 2026 at the earliest.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

Why do people post so often about Mattaes Phiilipou? It’s like Grundy all over again. For what ever reason our recruiter did not call their names out, he’s no dif to any other player not in the hoops.

Everyone expects us to be perfect so we're admonished for getting something only 90% correct

 

[CatToTheFuture]

A few things reading the past few pages of discussion:

Knevitt isn't slow, I don't know where that narrative keeps coming from. He was Top 5 in the combine for sprints. Rookie me literally talks about his athletic prowess - speed, endurance, leap etc.

In regards to Clark and Clohesy, there's a spot for one of them are this stage, but not both. Knevitt is in front of both at this stage, IMO.

Mullin's scope is huge, and he showed some real promise in cutthroat finals last year.

I did a mock 23 a month or so ago, that I'd like to see midway through the year and had the following (SDK rucking allowing O'Sullivan into the side too):

B: Z. Guthrie, C. O'Sullivan, J. Henry
HB: T. Stewart, Kolo, L. Humphries
C: Dempsey, Danger, Blics
FO: SDK, Holmes, B. Smith
HF: O. Henry, J. Cameron, Miers
F: Stengle, S. Neale, Close
INT: Mannagh, C. Guthrie, Bruhn, Knevitt
Sub: J. Clark

EMG: Duncan, Stanley, Clohesy, Mullin

Depth -

Bowes
J. Martin
T. Atkins
Bews
Conway
O'Connor

Can easily see Duncan, Atkins and Bowes being passed by some of the young guys. Would say Mullin is next in line from the emergencies, and then Clohesy. Conway the only other young guy I can see cracking this side at some point...maybe Mitch Edwards.

Not outside the realm of possibility to see Guthrie passed as well, if he's lost a step from all the injuries. Definitely spots for the taking, just will be determined by if the young guys are good enough to take them.

There's a peculiar thing about a players kpis there. If Knevitt was being measured by a metric we couldn't see last year then who is to say he didn't meet or exceed it?

 

[CatToTheFuture]

I just watch Clohesy and he plays bigger and harder than his body allows.
He's not the highest ceiling talent wise - but the relentlessness of his demeanor and that "im gonna drag you ****ers all along with me regardless of what happens to me in the process" is rare - and I could see him being the next Ruggles into Atkins into Clohesy type. There is some Rooke to him too.

Where on the field, defensive forward type as he can kick a goal but also , god forbid, he plays a tagger or in the MF.

The MF list is full and he aint getting an easy spot there - we could use a small defender in training - a Bews type replacement - and he's pretty nifty speed wise and the intent is beyond question.

His added size will help him too.
Its easy to shoot holes in all this and I cant give definitive places he will land and make it - And he's got Knevitt, Clark, COS and company in fornt of him.

Just dont sleep on him either.

GO Catters

You cannot teach intent

I don't care what position he ends up in, give him one

Yes I've had 10 beers, what's your point?

 

[Footy Smarts]

Clohesy's problem is I don't really see any area he's better than Clark. They're both brutal with their attack on the footy and desire to compete. But Clark does the odd thing that oozes class too.

I'm not saying he can't make it but I'd be stunned if Clohesy carves out a good career while Clark doesn't. And between him being behind Clark in the queue and our small forwards being stacked I really don't see how he makes it into the team regularly.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

I hope you're right. I'd be ecstatic if Clark reached the level for his position that Miers has - who is pretty much elite as a creative half forward.

I agree with the sentiment of not ruling out youngsters early. It's fine to just leave them as a question mark until we get more information, which is probably earning and playing 50 senior games in their preferred position. That's a level Bruhn will hit in 2025. With Clark it would be the end of 2026 at the earliest.

To clarify i wasn't talking about the level miers is at now (obviously pretty much AA level) but more the lower level he was at in his first couple of years and then he developed well from there. Similar with Guthrie etc. Clark can match that trajectory and yes I agree players need a good 30-50 games to judge them (notwithstanding pressure for list spots).

On Clark there's two things I see in almost all his games. 1 he has an innate will to win contests and then try and impact defensively to get it back when he doesn't win it (this is hard to teach re defensive intent you either have it or you dont) and 2 he had a good football brain-he does 2 or 3 things each game that make you see he has footy IQ. Unfortunately he isn't strong enough for an inside mid role (body wise) and he lacks a tank. Now if he doesn't develop the tank like constable he will be a bust. But if he does those other 2 things tell me he will be a very good player and have a long career (note I'm not saying he will be elite as that's rare I'm simply saying he will be a good middle tier player that plays 200 + games for us and that's a perfectly good result).

 

[Mr Meow]

To clarify i wasn't talking about the level miers is at now (obviously pretty much AA level) but more the lower level he was at in his first couple of years and then he developed well from there. Similar with Guthrie etc. Clark can match that trajectory and yes I agree players need a good 30-50 games to judge them (notwithstanding pressure for list spots).

On Clark there's two things I see in almost all his games. 1 he has an innate will to win contests and then try and impact defensively to get it back when he doesn't win it (this is hard to teach re defensive intent you either have it or you dont) and 2 he had a good football brain-he does 2 or 3 things each game that make you see he has footy IQ. Unfortunately he isn't strong enough for an inside mid role (body wise) and he lacks a tank. Now if he doesn't develop the tank like constable he will be a bust. But if he does those other 2 things tell me he will be a very good player and have a long career (note I'm not saying he will be elite as that's rare I'm simply saying he will be a good middle tier player that plays 200 + games for us and that's a perfectly good result).

I actually thought Miers was good early, he just started as a goal sneak and then really transformed into a more well rounded player.

Zuthrie is a good comparison though. Undersized but with some grit. Hopefully Clark works as hard as he did and puts on a good amount of size as well.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Clohesy's problem is I don't really see any area he's better than Clark. They're both brutal with their attack on the footy and desire to compete. But Clark does the odd thing that oozes class too.

I'm not saying he can't make it but I'd be stunned if Clohesy carves out a good career while Clark doesn't. And between him being behind Clark in the queue and our small forwards being stacked I really don't see how he makes it into the team regularly.

I do agree they are similar in terms of size and they play a similar role. And I agree if it comes to it the club would preference Clark higher. I do agree with dazbroncos though in that I think clohesy could make it with the right run at it. Whether this means he needs to find another role to get into the team (eg in defence) or he needs to find another club I'm not sure.