No way Bandt is a Eels supporter all loosers are.

We are about to find out what America voted for, I hope it will not be too bad, but not my problem. 

We will find out what they voted for... But it is very clear what they voted against... And it has nothing to to do with gender or race... 

Biden was a crap president, but Trump could be worse.

Many Trump voters who are dependent on healthcare and welfare are very likely to lose that.

Trump's tariff plans are very likely to create inflation and/or a recession, as American government spending is slashed, American exports plummet, and tax cuts can't be funded by government revenue. 

I only replied cos I thought you didn't care and didn't think I'd wtva response...
Your talking points missed climate, abortion, drilling, and the inevitable March through Poland to name a few...

As I said,  not my problem but I have a hunch about how it might play out.

Generally the rich get richer and the poor get poorer is a fiar bet anytime in any civilisation. 

People have a stunning ability to ignore real world facts and consequences which will definitely impact on their lives  in a very bad way, while embracing nutjob conspiracy theories about immigrants eating pets when they live nowhere near where pets are not being eaten and have never owned a pet.

Plenty more where that came from,  but letting dumb people live with the consequences of their dumb ideas isn't a bad idea.

Same for covid vaccination optional, no vaccine take your chances with the disease and the fact that hospitals might be full.

Crowd support from Tongan fans is great, would be fantastic to experience it live.

Saw a few of Tongan lads at a wedding in NZ, big boys but great lads. They rocked up in a big black car with a chrome engine at the front and music you could hear miles away. They knew how to make an entrance. 

The atmosphere looked amazing... Tongans put up a good fight.. Aussies to classy in the end...

My take on the rep footy.
Games were a high standard, many players out performed the regular season.

In particular,  Dearden,  Turbo, Hoppa, all of the Katoa's.

And there are probably a few more that I haven't mentioned.

Burton was the only one of our guys involved in the big games and he got limited minutes.

Our team definitely needs to be fit and well drilled at the start of the season.  Teamwork and execution need to close the talent and experience gap.

Eventually all of this rep footy might count against players if they don't get a rest.

No rest - the player starts the season strongly, but might fade after say 10 weeks.

Rest - the player and their club start slowly.

There are always chances to win  early season games on the back of fitness, teamwork, completions,  kicking game and execution. 

Looking at the rep games and relatively low injury tolls, the standard could take a jump up in 2025.  I prepared for the fact that it might be a tougher season for us.  We need to be switched on from day 1 of training Nov 18.

So next Monday, enjoy the weekend guys...

Bit rough on Dearden... He was top class all year for mine...

Thu are already training the house down...

Dearden was good all year, but he did seem to go to higher level.

Doing it in rep footy gives a player more confidence.

Our system should improve players...

A lot of Panthers plays get a bit better each year in all grades, that is what we also need to do.

Alamotti is another big impover. I don't know what happened when he was playing for us in 2023, but I think that he could still be exposed playing in a weak team.

The Fins might be big improvers in 2025.

Tom Gilbert back, the young half Katoa is improving fast.

Patolo to Manly...

Paps rumours are heating up. I would love for us to sign him. Insane speed and skill and a genuine fullback. Also a great comeback story. 

Good player,  but his injury history is probably counting against him. 

I haven't read that rumour. 

I did read that we are a contender to sign Leo Thompson. 

We definitely have some cap space and a few free slots.

I definitely prefer Paps to Ben Hunt.

Too injury prone and too expensive for mine.

And a big NO to Ben Hunt also.

If you look at injury history it’s not too bad. And if he is past the worst of it, as it seems. He would be worth every cent. 

Agree with that one. He is way too old

Bulldogs 2025 Top 4 Prospects

I'll take Hunt happy to have someone control the middle and deserves a ring hint hint 

Happy with the draw from a quick look.

First 10 rounds ok, then round  short turnaround playing the Roosters after a bye.

Panthers and Broncos after SOO which should help us.

Tough sequence of games to end the season. 

Always tough to predict how the season will go at this stage. 

Top four draw. 

It makes me think. With Hunt we could push for an early premiership. As long as he held and us only here for a year or two. 

We need a couple of quality forwards. With a pack that can make room for the halves, Sexton and Burton would go great guns.

I have been watching Sexton for a few years. Can’t say he has improved greatly. He certainly is better with us but then any decent half would look good with our players putting in the efforts from last year. 

Sexton was  improved most of last season, faded at bit in the semi against Manly, but the whole team was a bit like that. 

People underestimate how long it  can take a halfback to peak. Some peak age 25, others age 30.

I noticed footage of Underhill training with the NRL squad, we were happy to let Patolo go. 

I think that we will have more presence in the middle. 

While he didn't play that many games, Fox showed an ability to ice trys, he might put in a few good performances for Parra.

2025 will be about starting well, maintaining the defensive standards of 2024, improving the attack and building the team - consolidation.

We haven't splashed the cash so far on a star player....

Gus is like me, goes shopping with a list, and only buys stuff on the list.

I imagine we have the cap space to buy additional players before June 30th and might keep a few slots open.

2025 is mostly the 2024 side with a bit more depth and some talented young players promoted. 

Perhaps using Marki and myself as Aussie net bowlers wasn't a genius move?

I did land the occasional ball on a cricket pitch, Labs kept batting on the wrong pitch.

Him and Smudge probably need to get back to going full weirdo, with light sabers, ridiculously loud 'no run there's, relentless box adjusting, and hugging the bowler after a good ball...

As great as out bowlers are, they can't score 500...