Numbers come and go. The top players are always remembered by their numbers - 12, 4, 35, 3, 5 etc. but there are very few of them. Let Nick decide who he would like his number to be passed on to next year and then it goes into normal player rotation.

From a recent television mike-up, Gears had a fair bit to say whilst on the field. Not sure whether that's intelligent/tactical advice or not, but he must have respect from the playing group, to be appointed captain. None of the others, except Carlisle, show leadership qualities. Carlisle seems to b...

The situation with Paddy is becoming a real concern for all involved. There is obviously something medically, that is holding him back. That's a serious concern for him and his family. It also puts a lot of pressure on the medicos to make the right long term call for Paddy. I wish him well. Life is ...

Thanks. That's good to know.

Agree. It's definitely the recruiters. Firstly and for years now, we have recruited a team of deplorable kicks, Several still can't kick with their opposite foot! I watched Hawthorn take the Swans apart on Friday night, with "precise" kicking - something that they have recruited for. Last ...

SAMOHT said : "Longer may have had many more hitouts than his opponent and even if 17 hitouts of his hitouts may have been to our advantage, but we still lost the clearances by a significant margin!!! We need ruckmen who get 15 or so kicks around the ground and take 8 or more marks per game - 1...

A good first outing. Inserted himself into the game and deserves to stay in for next week. Rest Rooey.

The Richmond game gave us false expectations. We are simply just an average side. The Swans confirmed that last night.

We must get a couple of top mids out of in this year's trades.

I have had a real concern about our Recruiters for several years now. I understand that picking future stars is not easy, but we have none in the making, which is what you need for GF's. Most are deplorable kicks under pressure, most are mid-size, few have any great speed. These traits are clearly e...

Gilbo was our best chance. It will now have to be Jake.

Brown doesn't have the speed or flexibility at ground level. Buddy is not great overhead - could Webster be a fit??

I just hope that they give Buddy's knee a rest this week.

It's Acres for me. He was withdrawn at half time at Sandy, which points to his definite inclusion.

His kicking skills worry me - not a patch on Membrey.

The Richmond match was the key to how well we would finish the year. The boys should now be full of adrenalin. It will be a match of the racehorses and providing our tactics are right, I think that we have a better mix of skilled players. We will miss Membery, but at Etihad, we play well. Go saints :D

Has good pace (which we need) and lots of endeavour. Poor disposal and lack of composure is clearly impairing his impact. The several dropped marks last night indicate composure issues to me. His great grab on the outer wing in the last few minute, show that he has something to offer. Needs more gam...

The Freo match is a must win for our confidence going forward. If we cannot win that, our confidence will bottom out. If we win, we stand a chance against tough opposition. Unfortunately, our kicking efficiency into the forward 50 and our goal kicking, is again going to let us down. :evil: Rd 16: Ri...

It's time for some serious re-assessment of our tactical strategy, before taking on the fast breakaway North, next week. The Coach needs to lead the change. Brown, Carlisle and Wellar could be doubtful. Joey limping last night also. Unfortunately, not much quality in the two's that will make much of...

I think that we have to give Shinner and the Club, the benefit of any doubt on this one. I have seen him get many bad knocks, so concussion implication are certainly in play.

Sean has been a great and loyal player for many years, so let's support him.

Yep. The best set of steak knives ever for us. Great to see him at the Club for another year. His experience sets a great example, both on and off the field.

It's now looking more doubtful for Sam.

Who said ?

What - barrack for Boomer in a Saints jumper :!: :!: We are not yet playing for a flag and can do without him. I doubt that he would settle in well for a one year stint and we already have other experienced guys - Rooey, Joey, Dempster and if he is still there next year, Fisher. Give our younger dev...

Yep, you could see him playing himself into the game, as we got right on top. It will be good for his confidence. He will need it next week.

Thanks for the link. Saintbrat.

Not much in that interview- nothing new and nothing about the Swans match.

At the end of the day, it's called "foot" ball. We have been poor in this area for years now and it costs the team dearly on a weekly basis.

Close-in shots should be quite simple for these guys, so it must be very frustrating for those flogging themselves on the backline.

Yep, it's just "noise." I like to have a chat about the game with my footy mates before the game starts, but there is no chance of that - right up until the first bounce !

It's the frees that "we do not get" that annoys me, particularly the scragging that Rooey cops each week. Also, the differences in approach by umpires. Often, what is paid a free at one end, is not paid at the other, by a different umpire. Consistency is the key - let the game run and redu...

First quarter will tell.