What are our chances ~ 2025

[SLORT]

If Condon comes and he’s half the player they believe he can be then that’ll strengthen us again moving forward
IMO the first 6-8 weeks will be vital

NBA draft is end of June. If he fails to get drafted it'd be doubtful he'd be playing afl till mid / end of July? And even then if we are bringing him into the firsts then our season must really be off the rails with the other ruck options all injured. To be honest I'd hope we wouldn't even be considering him till late 2026 / 27.

[The Black and White Lion]

Well despite strong words earlier this season it sounds like we’re in the gun for opening round again. I’m not sure that I like that or that we relented if true. I can only hope that if we play round 0 again it gives us a better draw and better time slots to watch the pies

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/blues- ... 15f4798af2

[Jezza]

^ Can't say I'm happy about it. I was hoping we were opting out of it.

Seems our stance has softened from what Browne said earlier in the year.

[SLORT]

Well despite strong words earlier this season it sounds like we’re in the gun for opening round again. I’m not sure that I like that or that we relented if true. I can only hope that if we play round 0 again it gives us a better draw and better time slots to watch the pies

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/blues- ... 15f4798af2

I'd think it'd be fine this time, considering we didn't play finals. It's only dumb for either of the previous grand finalists to be involved in, and that is what should be written in their scheduling rule book going forward.

[The Black and White Lion]

yeah I agree @SLORT but the naysayers will come back at us with the Brions won in 2024. Either way we need to perform better for longer in 2025.

I'm not a fan of deliberately advancing 8 teams chances by playing them first and giving them a different bye week early. I'd rather the AFL play all games in Round 1 split over 2 weeks so there is less disadvantage for all clubs. Still allows them to focus on the northern market, they could play non GWS, Swans, GC or Brion games in Albury, Canberra, Newcastle, Wagga Wagga and any other NSW regional centre with good facilities and play an extra game in Sydney to make up the 9. Not sure you want to go to north into Qld and NT at the time of year. Would even out the Gather Round impacts of extra home games played abroad.

[RudeBoy]

If Condon comes and he’s half the player they believe he can be then that’ll strengthen us again moving forward
IMO the first 6-8 weeks will be vital

NBA draft is end of June. If he fails to get drafted it'd be doubtful he'd be playing afl till mid / end of July? And even then if we are bringing him into the firsts then our season must really be off the rails with the other ruck options all injured. To be honest I'd hope we wouldn't even be considering him till late 2026 / 27.

IF....as expected, he fails to get drafted to the NBL in June, he would be expected to arrive at the Pies by the end of July. He should be physically ready to play, as he has been in the elite college basketball program for 3 yrs. He already has an extensive football background. Given all that, my guess is he could play 2-3 weeks in the VFL before coming straight into our senior side. If my mail is correct......he is that good. No ifs, no buts, no maybes.