TOPIC:

I'm more positive this year than last. We have a recognised ruckman in Edwards who can at least compete with monsters like Jones and perhaps release Eaton to play down back, another tall forward in May who can pinch hit in the ruck, Clarke is on the mend to come back and lead the mids along with the return of Giro & Hayden, bolstering the current mids group of Schofield, the Hickmonts, Golding and new recruit Cooley. Down back we get Locks back who, if he can stay fit, will be vital along with the other backs lead by Savigni, Foley, Henderson, Corbett, Mullane, C. Faraone & Berenger. Up forward we will have 3 good talls in Mayo, Borchet and May and plenty of smalls in Evitt, Robbins, J. Faraone, Ash and Franceschini, so feeling reasonably optimistic that we can challenge for top 5 in what will be a very even comp, it all depends on keeping our best 22 on the paddock consistently.

Also, a couple of unknowns including Richards who could be good and if we can get Braut and Stainsby back in, that will be a bonus as well SS.

Yes forgot Stains and the Beast, will be big ins if they are fit and ready to go. Braut brings some extra grunt to the mids or backs and Stains adds some genuine pace down back or on the wing.

Mmmm, just spoke to a reliable club insider who said that Hayden has pulled the pin, chronic injuries prevent him from playing at WAFL level, apparently he advised this well before Christmas, if so the clubs contact with their members leaves a lot to be desired. He is a huge loss as apart from Clark we don't have that many midfield "bulls". Made worse with Alone gone as well as Stergiou who was really a depth player and former club F & B Stainsby has also pulled the pin a couple of months ago after reportedly committing to coming back. 1 bit of light is that Braut is training well and and a possible starter in round 1 fingers crossed as he adds shedloads of strength and aggression which all teams need.

The club needs to do much better with keeping their members up to date with the comings and goings, something they were always very good at but recently that has not happened. We were looking at being n the hunt for finals chance but with these additional losses after Kitch, Gus, Sok etc I think we may struggle. Lets wait n see.

Agreed SS. You may recall I emailed the club a while ago when our few recruits disappeared of the playing list. Didn't get a reply but in saying that, they reappeared a few days later with numbers allocated.  Also, there's a couple of updates on the club website which are worth reading.

Losing Hayden is a bummer, but I guess we never had him in the first place given his absence through injury. I feel for the young bloke though as he was a very promising prospect.

Bad luck for Hayden. Frustrating. Best to move on. 

I gather wafl games will be shown shown Saturday night. Hence our fixture. 

Can't see subi rating that well but gee it's a chance to get some coverage.

this is just supposition. But makes sense since there won't be much afl on Saturday night free to air. 

From the club's website.

Below is an update on some of the Club’s prime movers: -

Stef Giro – after playing no footy in 2024, Stef has been extremely professional in his rehab and should be ready to hit the ground running early in the season providing some speed to break the lines and strength inside the contest.

Greg Clark – tried to push through some groin issues in the middle of the season but is back into full training now and will again showcase the explosive side of his game in 2025. His leadership continues to grow and been a significant catalyst in the professional approach of the group over summer.

Taj Schofield – Had some injury concerns in the first half of 2024 and looks to be training hard and well placed for his best year of WAFL footy so far. He has completed a lot of work away from the club to get his body ready and is confident heading into 2025.

Michael Braut – Returns after a tough couple of years on-field with his body. He has completed more training across this pre-season than the preceding 3 years and we are confident of a big 2025 for Michael across half back.

Luke Foley – Luke has been hitting the training track hard and looks set to improve sharply in his second year back in the WAFL system. He has improved speed and cut significant time off his endurance testing benchmarks.

Jack Mayo – Jack continues to gain confidence in his body following some serious injury and should improve again on his 2024 season. He had a breakout start to 2024 and will look to replicate this in 2025.

Shame about Hayden, I was looking forward to seeing what he's got.
The web list is a shit show.
Anyone know if May is actually training?
Losses look to outweigh gains substantially but Giro is key to our chances.
I see young Toby Jones from Esperance is no longer on our list either, a bit of a gun I hear.

Scratchy at Freo oval 11am Saturday. Might go and have a look.

Hayden finally taken off the web list today.
Apparently May is a gun and should be one of the top power key forwards in the Wafl.
Richards will be used mainly as a hard at it pressure forward, something we need badly. He is versatile so can be used elsewhere when needed