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92
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: Trumpled (Alternative Leading)
Last post by PaulP -
Trump admin lifting sanctions on Russian and Iranian oil, if only temporarily. Good to help your enemies make a small fortune while prices are sky high. A very generous administration, led from the top obvs.
94
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: Nick Stevens
Last post by LP -
These are all complex issues, in professional and social media we are only ever presented with cherry-picked information to support someone's specific perspective.

We must not be arbitrary in our assessment.

It's a fatal mistake by the general public to build bridges to unrelated issues, I doubt the lawyers or courts would allow it, which then typically leads to public outrage. So even though the rules of evidence are strict why do lawyers do the other stuff? Because they know public opinion does matter in areas of doubt when the evidence is lacking. Settlements are made based on opinions, risk and chance.
95
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: Nick Stevens
Last post by DJC -
It seems that the lawyers are feeling their way with the concussion case.  Eight players have now joined Max Rooke as plaintiffs and the AFL and eleven clubs have been named as defendants.  However, it’s likely that Rooke’s case against the AFL and Geelong will proceed as a pilot.

I have no doubt that Stevens has a legitimate basis for joining the action; the lawyers wouldn’t touch him without solid medical evidence.  Furthermore, his defence in the swimming pool case is that he never intended to rip people off.  No mention has been made of concussion issues.

That doesn’t mean he isn’t lower than shark sh1t as a convicted woman basher and, on the evidence presented in the current case, ripping families off.
96
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Pre Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Last post by Lods -


I do think it's different
Would you say someone like Matthew Watson was elite at u/18 level.
Good mark excellent long kick.
He was a man-child and had probably jumped ahead of his peers at that level.
He was an All Australian at that level...but it didn't translate to senior football and he became a much maligned player.
For some it works in reverse. They struggle to make an impact as a youngster just scraping onto a list but blossom once they get the opportunity and proper training and guidance.

I can't comment too much on Watson specifically as i didn't watch his u18 stuff.
He certainly was a man child though.
He was AA u18 chb iirc, but that doesn't say much because Paul Bower shared that same honour in his individual draft year.

Theres always outliers for every example which I've happily admitted. That's also part of statistics. But the more data you get the clearer it all becomes, even if there are outliers.

We'll agree to disagree.
Statistically it's harder for a late draft pick to succeed
But we shouldn't be influenced by where they were picked, but by what they produce...and at 18-19 few have reached their full poential.
I coached athletes of all ages for around 30 years across a range of disciplines
The 18-19 year old was either not in the same league as the same athlete at 22-23...or life commitments had taken over and athletics took a back seat as Uni and work took over..,and the athlete is lost.

I just can't see it being any different for footballers...either the best is yet to come, or they will get cut before they reach their full potential.
Life will then take over from football because it becomes difficult to juggle work and football when you lose the benefits in terms of training and coaching... and importantly financially.
I suspect that once cut it becomes very difficult to find your way back on a senior list...but some do.
97
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Pre Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Last post by kruddler -


I don't think he specified that specifically, but are they not one and the same?
If someone has elite speed at U18 level, will he not have elite speed at AFL level? et al.

I do think it's different
Would you say someone like Matthew Watson was elite at u/18 level.
Good mark excellent long kick.
He was a man-child and had probably jumped ahead of his peers at that level.
He was an All Australian at that level...but it didn't translate to senior football and he became a much maligned player.
For some it works in reverse. They struggle to make an impact as a youngster just scraping onto a list but blossom once they get the opportunity and proper training and guidance.

I can't comment too much on Watson specifically as i didn't watch his u18 stuff.
He certainly was a man child though.
He was AA u18 chb iirc, but that doesn't say much because Paul Bower shared that same honour in his individual draft year.

Theres always outliers for every example which I've happily admitted. That's also part of statistics. But the more data you get the clearer it all becomes, even if there are outliers.
98
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Pre Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Last post by Lods -
\@Kruddler-When Sheahan made his comment about players having to have at least one 'elite' quality was he talking about at AFL level or at under 18 level.
Because deep into the draft those picked up would probably register one elite aspect to their play at that u/18 level.
And at AFL level there would be plenty of footsoldiers who wouldn't register as elite in any category.

I don't think he specified that specifically, but are they not one and the same?
If someone has elite speed at U18 level, will he not have elite speed at AFL level? et al.

I do think it's different
Would you say someone like Matthew Watson was elite at u/18 level.
Good mark excellent long kick.
He was a man-child and had probably jumped ahead of his peers at that level.
He was an All Australian at that level...but it didn't translate to senior football and he became a much maligned player.
For some it works in reverse. They struggle to make an impact as a youngster just scraping onto a list but blossom once they get the opportunity and proper training and guidance.
99
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: Nick Stevens
Last post by Gointocarlton -
Is it only pure coincidence that the former Port Adelaide player N Stevens has just put in a claim relating to concussion issues during his playing days, while down the corridor he is fighting to clear his name due to some alleged shady dealings a few years ago. 'It wasn't my fault your honour, it was the concussion!' 
Its akin to playing the mental health card when you're just flat out on the nose beers.
100
Blah-Blah Bar / Nick Stevens
Last post by townsendcalling -
Is it only pure coincidence that the former Port Adelaide player N Stevens has just put in a claim relating to concussion issues during his playing days, while down the corridor he is fighting to clear his name due to some alleged shady dealings a few years ago. 'It wasn't my fault your honour, it was the concussion!'