2025 season prospects

[dejavoodoo44]

Fremantle, GWS and Gold Coast winning this weekend has further narrowed the pathway. Need upsets, plus a percentage boost. And to win today.

Yes, a win today is the most important thing. I'd hate it if our season officially petered out, after losing to some sort of miserable, Ross Lyon, defensive stranglehold.

Then we need to keep winning. Lose one and we probably don't make the finals. If we make the finals and lose one, then we'd be out, because we would be coming from the bottom section. Win every game from here and we're premiers. Simple.

[MattW]

Fremantle, GWS and Gold Coast winning this weekend has further narrowed the pathway. Need upsets, plus a percentage boost. And to win today.

[Dow]

That’s understandable then, given his injury and no pre-season. Hope he can gain match fitness over the next few weeks and then maybe get a a game or two towards the end of the year. We sure could use a classy small forward!

Absolutely, I reckon he could provide a point of difference next season

[neilfws]

We’re not making finals.

We’ve had the season from hell. A horrendous injury run, suspensions, at least one coach short due to Horse’s late decision, a grand final hangover, loss four or five games by less than two goals, on and on it goes. Which is why I’m fairly phlegmatic about it and optimistic about next year.

Pretty good summary of a bad season. Right now I'm just happy to have Gulden back, apparently just as good as before, and if they put together a few good games in the back end of the season I'll be happy.

[Roadrunner]

He’s quick enough, just not fit enough and it really shows up in his defensive pressure/ability to stay involved for 4 quarters

That’s understandable then, given his injury and no pre-season. Hope he can gain match fitness over the next few weeks and then maybe get a a game or two towards the end of the year. We sure could use a classy small forward!

[Dow]

in other words you’re saying he’s not quick?

He’s quick enough, just not fit enough and it really shows up in his defensive pressure/ability to stay involved for 4 quarters

[Kafka's Ghost]

in other words you’re saying he’s not quick?

He’s quick when he’s got some gas, but likely due to his hampered season he runs out fast. He definitely has some class, though, and with a good pre-season should be a real chance for a spot.. Like most young players, he doesn’t have much of a defensive side to his game, but that might also be partly a function of his lack of fitness.

[Roadrunner]

Id be surprised if they played him this year, definitely next year and he looks a genuine goal scorer, at the moment he has zero defensive pressure in the 2s an after quarter time I have seen bags of flour move faster.

in other words you’re saying he’s not quick?

[Dow]

Well, I suspect that due to an interrupted start to the season, he's not 100% AFL level match fit. But that being said, he does appear to have a touch of class, and if the selectors decided to go with him as a replacement for Papley, then it wouldn't surprise me to see him kick a couple of quality goals on debut. Next season, I'd expect him to be regularly selected, spending most of the time as a forward pocket, but also having a bit of time in the middle, just to add a bit of spark.

Id be surprised if they played him this year, definitely next year and he looks a genuine goal scorer, at the moment he has zero defensive pressure in the 2s an after quarter time I have seen bags of flour move faster.

[dejavoodoo44]

Could some ressie watchers comment on Dettoli for us, please? I heard that his fitness is not yet up to scratch. Correct, or just a result of injury and a slow start?
And how does he look as a player? Thanks, guys.

Well, I suspect that due to an interrupted start to the season, he's not 100% AFL level match fit. But that being said, he does appear to have a touch of class, and if the selectors decided to go with him as a replacement for Papley, then it wouldn't surprise me to see him kick a couple of quality goals on debut. Next season, I'd expect him to be regularly selected, spending most of the time as a forward pocket, but also having a bit of time in the middle, just to add a bit of spark.

[royboy42]

Spot on Wolfie. It would take a miracle to make finals now so we should plan for next year by blooding s few young guys like Dettoli and Snell. As long as we play well for the rest of the year, I’ll be happy. Amartey and Paps are unfortunately injury prone and it looks like Joel’s body may not be up to the rigours of AFL footy. The reality is that some players are hardly ever injured while others are in and out of rehab all season.

Could some ressie watchers comment on Dettoli for us, please? I heard that his fitness is not yet up to scratch. Correct, or just a result of injury and a slow start?
And how does he look as a player? Thanks, guys.

[imuninformedtwo]

I assume Francis comes fin or Armarty, and will be given the Armarty role as a lead up forward. Probably will never kick 6 but could be 3.

Buller and McLean continue their roles from last week.

Papley needs replacing, and maybe Wicks could do that with Rampe returning.

We’re not moving Wicks back to the forward line. His season down back is a great vindication of the call Cox made on repurposing him and to Wicks’ embrace of the role, he’s got a great one two punch going with Harry right now, and he’ll romp it in for most improved at the end of season.

[KSAS]

Injury Update: Rampe a test to play

Test: Bice, Mitchell, Rampe
Training: Edwards (6-8 weeks), Fox (1), McDonald (5-7)
Rehab: Adams (2-4)
Injured: Amartey (8-12), Papley (2-3)

There may be other players not covered by this update.

Rampe's "test" is encouraging.

McDonald is intriguing. Seven home and away matches remain, and McDonald's time frame is 5 to 7 weeks. Could he return for one or two games at the end of the season?

Amartey's injury is listed as 8 to 12 weeks, but it's almost certain that his season is over.

Logan's only match for the entire season (including preseason) has been that sole game in the VFL. Can't seem him playing seniors this year, even if we happen to make finals as he'll be severely under done. Best if he can get some managed minutes in the VFL to prep for FULL preseason and hopefully a breakout 2026.

Whilst Armatey is prone to soft tissue injuries, can't help thinking that month he missed with suspension + bye, was detrimental to his match conditioning & body resilience. Like Logan, needs to now prep for big preseason.

Will Edwards also in the same boat . So frustrating his injury history has prevented him being considered for vital KPD role. Fingers crossed he can get his body right and Riak Andrew gets a good run from here on in the VFL to become selection option before the season is out.

In summary, hoping Dattoli. Riak and Snell get a crack at it in the remaining season if their form & fitness warrants it.

Pleasing Bice & Rampe are a test to return, with the latter not rushed back.

Concerned Fox has been under concussion protocols for a few weeks and how that will impact his future, considering he's also missed entire season.

[Mountain Man]

I assume Francis comes fin or Armarty, and will be given the Armarty role as a lead up forward. Probably will never kick 6 but could be 3.

Buller and McLean continue their roles from last week.

Papley needs replacing, and maybe Wicks could do that with Rampe returning.

[Thunder Shaker]

Injury Update: Rampe a test to play

Test: Bice, Mitchell, Rampe
Training: Edwards (6-8 weeks), Fox (1), McDonald (5-7)
Rehab: Adams (2-4)
Injured: Amartey (8-12), Papley (2-3)

There may be other players not covered by this update.

Rampe's "test" is encouraging.

McDonald is intriguing. Seven home and away matches remain, and McDonald's time frame is 5 to 7 weeks. Could he return for one or two games at the end of the season?

Amartey's injury is listed as 8 to 12 weeks, but it's almost certain that his season is over.