Nick's Collingwood Bulletin Board

That's what they believe.

I's not unheard of, where a team comes out of the bottom 4 to win a flag within a few seasons. But will this Essendon team be able to do it?

We know the club hasn't won a final of any kind since September 2004. The club was expected to do some big things in 2022, and the supporters have had enough.

Will they win a flag by the end of 2025? Will the win a final before it hits the 20 year mark?

They've found a player in Nic Martin, but have many issues on the list. McDonald-Tipungwuti has retired, Hurley is not far behind. There's rumours that McGrath has asked to be traded to the Hawks. Shiel has just about had it and Heppell is on the wrong side of 30.

Head coach, Ben Rutten would be a nervous man I reckon. The supporters will be calling for his head soon, if not already.

Presti35 wrote:^

Oh, how my heart bleeds for them - NOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!

Will they win a flag by the end of 2025? Will they win a final before it hits the 20 year mark, you ask? IT AIN'T LOOKING PROMISING FOR 'EM!

McDonald-Tipungwuti was absolutely their barometer and talisman combined. He was the spark that set alight any comeback for them, if they were trailing. His absence is telling.

Shiel certainly not reproducing what he previously delivered for GWS.
Stringer is all over the shop, but still has the tools.

Not sure if Dylan Smith is injured or rotting away in the VFL, but his best form is required if they are any chance to relaunch for the finals in 2023.

A bit harsh on Heppell; he's quite capable of playing that Luke Hodge type quarterback role for them for a few seasons yet, as is Pendles for us.
You don't have to be fast at their age - just smart and accurate.

They did well drafting Archie Perkins though; he already looks to be as good if not better than any of the mids we drafted in 2020.

Don't be shocked if they bring back Hird.

This whole club review they're undertaking will probably scapegoat Rutten.

Geelong and Collingwood have won both of Essendons flags so far.

They still have 2024 and 2025 though.

They don’t look like it this year. Could be a team with enough potential for improvement to challenge next season, but at this stage I’m much more worried about Carlton landing a 17th premiership than them.

^^^^
Same. It’s a nightmare scenario but we could play them in the GF, the nightmare part being the possibility that they could beat us to be the premiers

you mean 2035.

Essendons next flag isnt until say 2028 or 2029ish.

its carlton im fearing could happen 2024 or 2025.

Got a message earlier. This is their year.

Nah - they just helped us go back to back. A loss for the Giants and Melbourne and Geelong is exactly what we ordered.

Adrian Dodoro has been a massive problem.

Failing to trade for Bobby Hill. Failing to trade for Josh Dunkley. Failed to bring home Conor McKenna. Failed to trade for Lohman. Refused to trade Daniher to the Swans and forced him to stay and lost him to free agency the following year. Yes that is a big one because they had 2 first rounders on offer but asked for a Swans player too. Dont worry tho, they drafted Archie Perkins with the compo pick. Big win there Adrian!

Dodoro's history of making outlandish offers to other clubs, wether it be trading out or in, sees him with very little respect, if any at all, amongst the other recruitment teams. Yet they believe they need someone like this that doesnt bow down, doesnt take crap. He is a MASSIVE part of the problem at that club. His failures when trading, along with his guess-work recruiting need to be pointed out. You can't have someone like this running the show.

A part of trading is finding a fair deal for the clubs involved. Yes it's awkward. Yes there will be times where a club may receive unders for a player. But this guy just has no idea. His approach of coming out big in every deal is what has seen this club fail to land the players they've needed to succeed.

Oh but you got McKay, well done Adrian, you landed a player from North Melbourne that supported Essendon as a child via free agency. Well done! Just well done!!

I hope they keep him for life.