Does Anyone Here Watch The AFL?

[NinjaTurtle]

[quote name='George70' timestamp='1292934371' post='582436']
That's okay, NinjaTurtle, I understand; fortunately, I looked up that name on Yahoo!, and linked to the story from The Age, so now I know what happened.

All I can say is this shouldn't have happened.
[/quote]

It isn't a good situation for the AFL at all.

[George70]

Since 2011 rates as an expansion campaign, how does anyone rate the chances for the Melbourne Demons for 2011?

[NinjaTurtle]

[quote name='George70' timestamp='1293013750' post='583108']
Since 2011 rates as an expansion campaign, how does anyone rate the chances for the Melbourne Demons for 2011?
[/quote]

They have very little chance of winning the premiership, maybe in a few years but I think that they are in the same situation Carlton were a few years ago. They may make the finals but that would be about it.

[gumbleton]

[img]http://www.essendonfc.com.au/images/10/thompson-presser18.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.essendonfc.com.au/images/10/101222_opentrain_23.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.essendonfc.com.au/images/10/101129_imone_12.jpg[/img]

[George70]

I can honestly say that in that last photo from Windy Hill, James Hird looks a little bit like coach Kevin Sheedy. But we will have to wait until the home-and-away rounds to see if he's capable as coach.

[gumbleton]

If he's half as good as a coach as Sheedy was I'll be happy

[Mex]

This might be a good time for some of you who haven't seen much, or any, AFL to have a look. With the Ravens (and NFL) season over, a good form of footy is always welcome and this game, in my opinion, is one of the best going around. The rules can confuse and also detract from the game sometimes but all in all it's a great game. If anyone has any questions about the game/teams/players then ask away as I'm sure myself or one of the other AFL fans on here will be only happy to help out.

The pre-season competition starts in 3 days and the first round is split over 2 weeks. A new format has been introduced this year with a round-robin fixture of 3 teams in each "pool" for the first round. The new Gold Coast team and next years new team Greater Western Sydney both playing. Im not real sure on the round-robin set up with the 3 teams in each pool playing each other all in one night. Each game is shortened but I still have my doubts.

Anyway. The regular home and away season starts on March 24th. My Essendon Bombers will hopefully have a season of improvement after a few years of mediocrity. As (equal with Carlton) the most successful team in the games history, it has been hard times watching the team struggle on and off the field over the last few years. With big changes to the club's coaching structure in the off-season, I am hopeful of a turn around in fortunes. With a bit of luck on the injury front I would be hopeful of making the lower end of the top 8 (my guess is 6-8). I doubt we will win the big one this year but that won't stop me hoping and dreaming for it. There will hopefully be some exciting times ahead for us and I think we will be primed for a serious crack at the title in 2-3 years. Good time to get on board people!!

This year I think Collingwood (scum) Magpies will be up there again, unfortunately. St Kilda will drop off a little. Bulldogs, Hawks, Geelong, Fremantle and Carlton (also unfortunatley) will round out the battle. Melbourne and North Melbourne will improve. As will Richmond, Adelaide and hopefully Essendon. Sydney will be as consistent as usual. Port Adelaide, West Coast and Brisbane will struggle with Brisbane to take out the wooden spoon. The new Gold Coast franchise will struggle early but will show some form and some good talent but won't win too many in their first season and will finish 13-17th.

Should be a good season with any number of teams a good chance if injury and luck go their way. Get on board folks - it doesn't have to be your favourite game but it's a damn good one regardless!! Also, get on the Essendon bandwagon! You won't regret it!

GO BOMBERS!!

[NinjaTurtle]

I hope that this year will be a good year for Carlton. Another Elimination final loss would be heartbreaking, especially with how close the previous two have been. It will be good to see some of the younger players get a run during the NAB cup this weekend. I can't wait to see how Ablett and the Suns go, as well as watching Carlton's new draftees Watson, Duigan and Curnow.

Anyway Mex, do you by any chance play Supercoach? If you do I can give you the code to our league.

[George70]

Mex, your preview of the home-and-away campaign sounds good. I honestly believe that we may see some very good competition in the AFL for 2011. I have to hold out hope for my Essendon Bombers, as I have been a fan of the side from Windy Hill since 1983, however I truly believe that some good things are in store for Essendon this year.

In regard to - Jeez Laweez! - Carlton, the Blues have gone through some troubles, and have even faced their demise, so I understand, yet the Navy Blues are going to try for a good season this time around.

As for the Dees and the Roos, I will watch to see if there will be improvement from these two sides. I can only wonder how long the so-called "Curse of Norm Smith" will last in regard to the Dees.

[white lightning]

[quote name='George70' As for the Dees and the Roos, I will watch to see if there will be improvement from these two sides. I can only wonder how long the so-called "Curse of Norm Smith" will last in regard to the Dees.
[/quote]

Melbourne need to show its faithful some improvement this year, or there a re going to be questions raised. Cameron Bruce leaving the club doesn't really help their cause, but if their performances against Collingwood are anything to go by, they should push for a spot between 9-12.

However i am interested in Tom Scully there are rumors he is leaving the club, but then they are only rumors. I know that Melbourne are pretty desperate to keep him.

North Melbourne were only out of the top 8 last year on percentage, however, their performances against the top 6 teams last year was very average. This would need to improve substantially if they were to make the top 8.

[Mex]

[quote name='NinjaTurtle' timestamp='1297153687' post='635515']
I hope that this year will be a good year for Carlton. Another Elimination final loss would be heartbreaking, especially with how close the previous two have been. It will be good to see some of the younger players get a run during the NAB cup this weekend. I can't wait to see how Ablett and the Suns go, as well as watching Carlton's new draftees Watson, Duigan and Curnow.

[b]Anyway Mex, do you by any chance play Supercoach? If you do I can give you the code to our league.[/b][/quote]

Certainly do and would be happy to jump in your league if there's any room.

[gumbleton]

Just one more day until the NAB cup starts.

Looking forward to this Foxtel Cup thing also

[NinjaTurtle]

[quote name='Mex' timestamp='1297291883' post='636848']
Certainly do and would be happy to jump in your league if there's any room.
[/quote]

Alright, the code is 968313. There are only three people in the league at the moment. (Gumbleton, White Lightning and Me) So there are plenty of positions left, with a few more still to join.

Good Luck anyway.

[NinjaTurtle]

Why Gumby, why?

Baltimore aren't that bad. I am disappointed in you.

[gumbleton]

[quote name='NinjaTurtle' timestamp='1297318849' post='637169']
Why Gumby, why?

Baltimore aren't that bad. I am disappointed in you.
[/quote]

Deep down I've always been a Green Bay supporter, I just didn't realize it until the weekend.

Also, the new AFL game is looking pretty good:
[img]http://content.ebgames.com.au/website/videos/images/screenshots/152512_screenshot_01_l.jpg[/img]
Gumby?

[NinjaTurtle]

[quote name='gumbleton' timestamp='1297319414' post='637172']
Deep down I've always been a Green Bay supporter, I just didn't realize it until the weekend.

Also, the new AFL game is looking pretty good:
[img]http://content.ebgames.com.au/website/videos/images/screenshots/152512_screenshot_01_l.jpg[/img]
Gumby?
[/quote]

It is starting to look good isn't it? The likeness of McVeigh is amazing, although I have no idea who is taking that speccie.

You don't go for Green Bay, deep down I know that you are a Baltimore supporter.

[Mex]

[quote name='NinjaTurtle' timestamp='1297318788' post='637167']
Alright, the code is 968313. There are only three people in the league at the moment. (Gumbleton, White Lightning and Me) So there are plenty of positions left, with a few more still to join.

Good Luck anyway.
[/quote]

Cheers mate. Is it through the AFL website Dreamteam comp or Herald Sun Supercoach?

[NinjaTurtle]

[quote name='Mex' timestamp='1297322264' post='637183']
Cheers mate. Is it through the AFL website Dreamteam comp or Herald Sun Supercoach?
[/quote]

Herald Sun Supercoach, haven't really ever done dreamteam, their scoring system annoys me.

[Mex]

[quote name='NinjaTurtle' timestamp='1297322592' post='637184']
Herald Sun Supercoach, haven't really ever done dreamteam, their scoring system annoys me.
[/quote]

Will get it done. Ta.

[white lightning]

[quote name='Mex' timestamp='1297322998' post='637187']
Will get it done. Ta.
[/quote]

Welcome to the league Mex

[Mex]

[quote name='white lightning' timestamp='1297336630' post='637203']
Welcome to the league Mex
[/quote]

Game on!

[NinjaTurtle]

It was good to see some of the younger player in action last night. I was impressed with Duigan and Watson,they showed signs that they could contribute early. Although we didn't beat Collingwood, at least we didn't lose to Richmond.

Got to hope that we have enough percentage to go through to the next round, but it seems unlikely.

[NinjaTurtle]

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gdvertXL_E[/media]

I can't wait for the season to start.

(That's part 2, part 1 was 10 minutes long)

[NinjaTurtle]

I have a question about Supercoach. Should I downgrade Kieran Jack to Liam Anthony to save 100K, then upgrade Petrie to Cox as my second ruck.

[gumbleton]

[quote name='NinjaTurtle' timestamp='1297664315' post='639426']
I have a question about Supercoach. Should I downgrade Kieran Jack to Liam Anthony to save 100K, then upgrade Petrie to Cox as my second ruck.
[/quote]

Yes. Yes you should.

[NinjaTurtle]

[quote name='gumbleton' timestamp='1297664785' post='639431']
Yes. Yes you should.
[/quote]

Thank you for your help, you have been very helpful.

[gumbleton]

Should I get Josh Fraser? He's cheap and will be GC's no.1 ruckman next year.

But he's pretty useless.

[NinjaTurtle]

[quote name='gumbleton' timestamp='1297665023' post='639437']
Should I get Josh Fraser? He's cheap and will be GC's no.1 ruckman next year.

But he's pretty useless.
[/quote]

As a bench player or as your 2nd ruckman?

[gumbleton]

2nd ruckman

[NinjaTurtle]

[quote name='gumbleton' timestamp='1297665187' post='639439']
2nd ruckman
[/quote]

It is risky because that would mean that you would be down two players in the ruck round 1 (assuming you have Z. Smith). He could pull big numbers but he did look pretty terrible for Collingwood last year, I would go with a safer option like Petrie.