They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Well, that’s what I’m running with anyways.
The Sounding Board podcast does a weekly scorecard where the producer poses various, random statements, and the two hosts proceed to rate them out of 10 (1 being a harsh disagreement, 10 being in great support), and discuss their reasonings for each rating.
Now, before you accuse anyone of doing a Kane Cornes and voicing outlandish opinions to simply reel in the clicks, these statements are aimed at showcasing the differing opinions of the Mongrel fraternity, and not necessarily the opinion of the original author.
So without further ado, I present to you..
The Mongrel Scorecard
Ken Hinkley will not be the coach of Port Adelaide in Round 24, 2025.
Jimmy Day – 10
I think as soon as the hierarchy of the Pear opted to announce the succession plan before the season, it was clear that Ken was not seen as Kenough by the powers that be. What will ail the Power more, is the strong bond he has with Zak Butters. The termination of Hinkley will see Butters leave the Power in the next two years (the Prophet has spoken).
Justin Rake – 8
I’m grading this as more likely than unlikely, but I’m still giving Kenny a chance to see the year out. It all depends on how his side goes throughout the year, and while I don’t see them being too much of a genuine flag threat, I think the superstar midfield helps keep Kenny in his seat a while longer than expected.
JB Eddy – 10
Hinkley is dealing with a trifecta of problems; Extremely high expectations, a board highly willing to intervene so they can be seen doing something, and a successor ready, willing and able to take over. Three strikes and he’s out.
Trent Sheilds – 7
I did select Port to be one of two big sliders in 2025, but they do still have a good list, and Ken has always enjoyed the backs against the wall mentality. SPP is a great injection, but they’ll need some career best seasons from KF’s and KB’s to contend, but it is possible. So more likely he’ll step down in late Winter, but a slim chance they are in contention, hence the middling rating.
Timbo Higgins – 8
Has there ever been a succession plan that went the distance? It will only take a few losses or the look of missing out on finals for the board to pull the trigger and bring forward Hinkley’s departure.
Max Ford – 3
Think he lasts, to be honest. He’s managed to keep Port’s arsenal of role players in reasonable form for years on end. Outside of the midfield, the list is a tad dodgy in spots, so credit to him for that. September’s a different story though. My mild conspiracy theory that absolves Ken of his finals record: every September at Port, the Gatorade runs out and they have to revert to the bilge that they have the gall to call ‘water,’ obviously resulting in physical deterioration
HB Meyers – 9
I hate agreeing with this, and I’ll tell you why – all teams go through a bad patch. Last year, brisbane had a bad patch that lasted until Round 13, and they rallied to win the flag. If Port are in the same situation after 13 rounds (13th on the ladder), I can guarantee you they will not exercise the same patience with him as the Liosn did with Chris Fagan.
Likewise, entering his sixth season at the helm with only one season finish higher than 14th (10th in 2023), Hinkley’s crosstown counterpart in Matthew Nicks will not be the coach of the Adelaide Crows in Round 24, 2025.
Jimmy D – 17
Nicks may not last to Gather Round if the Crom doesn’t start well. Sure, their defence is a little suspect, but with the talent they have on their list, finals need to happen. If we get to the halfway mark of the season and Adelaide are bottom six, Nicks will be unceremoniously shown the door (if the Crows actually want to be a successful club).
Justin R – 9
This feels more likely than Hinkley getting the boot. Nicks has achieved a big fat zero in five seasons at Adelaide, and with three ready-made players added (Neale-Bullen, Peatling, Cumming) and a young gun (Draper), he’s out of both time and excuses. Unfortunately, I still think they’ll be rubbish, so uhhhh, ta-ta Nicksy!
JB Eddy – 5
I think he gets another year. Crows fans aren’t expecting a hell of a lot, and there are some exciting players coming through. 12th or better will get him through.
Trent S – 9
It feels like Nicks has been around forever, most likely because he has. The Crows are quickly becoming irrelevant in the modern era and it is now a long, long time since Blighty led them to the promised land. A club so rich in resources should not be approaching three decades without success.
Timbo – 4
I’ve tipped the Crows to move up the ladder this year and play finals – although I made the same prediction last year and was made to look silly. I think they have added some good players in the off-season, Thilthorpe looks like he is ready for a big season, and if guys like Rankine can stay on the park then they should make finals, which would be enough for Nicks to keep his job.
Max – 5
Stubbornly sitting on the fence. The argument for is that the Crows’ list is coming together now, especially with some much-needed speed in the midfield and Thilthorpe’s return to health, and that goodwill from the board would allow him a decent chance to see the process through. The argument against is that he isn’t known for his gameday wizardry, and that fanbase trust is likely waning a bit
HB – 2
I’ve got the Crows as one of the big improvers of the season. Baby, they’re deeeeep! He won’t be fired this season. I’m all-in on Adelaide. they’re ready.
Tasmania requesting a reduction in games for their U18’s boys and girls sides in the Coates Talent League this season to reduce the travel load on players having to hit the road “every fortnight or so”, is counterintuitive to the rigours of regular interstate travel in the life of the majority of AFL footballers that don’t play in Victoria.
Jimmy D – 8.5
I haven’t read the reasoning, so I’ll preface this response with that. If you want to play in a national competition that requires regular travel, should you not be setting up your up and coming future stars for success? In my head, it seems a bit daft from footy Tasmania. However, maybe Tassie is like Smaug, and holding all the Apple Isle gold from thieves and plunderers from other states (recruiters finding good players). We won’t know the answer until they join the comp.
Justin R – 5
I’m on the fence here, but I do agree with Tassie in not placing huge travel burdens on young kids.
JB Eddy – 3
They’re still kids. Based on various Yr 12 trips I went on, the more time a bunch of lads spend together in hotels without 1-1 adult supervision, the more likely someone is to do something stupid. They’ll get eased into travel when they’re on an AFL list, and probably spend a year or so in the VFL anyway.
Trent S – 2
Again I haven’t read the full context, but there is a massive gulf between kids still completing school and professional athletes. Let’s give the talented youth of Tasmania every chance to succeed and thrive once more to build back that fertile recruiting ground in the southernmost state.
Timbo – 5
Firmly in the middle on this one. On one hand, they will have to travel alot if they make it on to an AFL list so why not get them used to it now? On the other hand these kids are just that – kids, and they’ll have plenty of time to adapt to travel in their AFL careers.
Max – 1
They’re still kids
HB – 5
Neither here, nor there on this one. I do hear a lot of supporters talking about the constant wear and tear on the bodies of players, travelling every couple of weeks, so if they can minimise it while the kids are in the feeder programs, and believe they’re doing the right thing, maybe they have a point.
Tom De Koning will not be playing for Carlton in 2026.
Jimmy D – 4
I reckon the Blues, with their brown paper bags, get the job done. I was talking with some Carlton experts over the summer (shout out to the Maringa Fence Bar lads) and they were hopeful of retaining him, and see him as important to a Carlton surge – which is correct. The big test for TDK is if it’s about money (hello St Kilda), loyalty (staying a bagger) or playing with his brother (welcome to the Cattery).
Justin R – 4
I just find it hard to see him going since Carlton have tabled a seven year offer. He’d be getting paid big bucks to live in Melbourne and play for a big prominent club that should be challenging for finals runs for quite some time. Not ready to rule it out though, so I’m going to “lean on the fence” on this one.
JB Eddy – 2
He’s a quality player, but I think Carlton love him enough to pay overs, even if it costs them some other players. They’ll stick with him, even if it’d be more practical to let him be traded to receive a bunch of stuff in trade, or clear some cap space.
Trent S – 3
Carlton have always managed to reward their favourite sons and best players, this won’t be any different. I feel Carlton will endure a tough season, but regroup for a better tilt in 2026, TDK will be a key member of that charge, and he’ll buy into the vision, with a very hefty bag of rea$on$.
Timbo – 2
I’m pretty confident he’ll stay at Carlton. Collingwood learnt the hard way about paying overs for ruckmen, but TDK is arguably more than just a ruckman prepared to Brodie Grundy as he can play forward to great affect also. I’m not sure how they keep him and not lose someone else, but they seem keen to keep him so I think it gets done.
Max – 2
Can’t see him in anyone else’s colours
HB – 5
Talk to me around the time of the bye rounds. That’s whe my alarm bells start ringing when there are unsigned players. This guy is worth a bomb, and whilst the Blues can likely pay a big sum (somehow, right?), I would not be surprised to see some genuine Godfather offers come for TDK, and they’ll get bigger the longer he remains unsigned.
Jake Stringer will kick 45+ goals for GWS this season.
Jimmy D – 7
I’m not quite gonna go all in on this – but, if Jake plays with a chip on his shoulder, and plays basically every game, he’s good enough to do it. The thing that possibly prevents it, is Jesse Hogan and Toby Greene and their input. The Giants probably want to see Aaron Cadman continue to develop as well. With all those cogs, its unlikely, but on potential, itd be a fun story. Imagine The Package getting an AA blazer in 2025?
Justin R – 2
While I reckon Stringer is an astute addition by the Giants, I don’t see him having the same production he did at the Bombers. At Essendon, he was competing against Kyle Langford and Peter Wright for goals… that’s a far cry from Jesse Hogan, Aaron Cadman, Toby Greene, Toby Bedford and Brent Daniels.
JB Eddy – 3
He’ll hit the scoreboard, but Hogan is the number one target, Cadman is coming along, and Green and Ricciardi will be into the side within a month or two.
I’d say 30 goals would be a more likely return, which is still more than one a game. He’ll have a few hauls of 3-4, but most of the time, I’d expect him to play wide and draw a player with him.
Trent S – 6
I’m keen to commit to this one, but just can’t trust Stringer’s body and conditioning. I think he slots in as their third best forward, and with a powerful midfield unit is likely to get plenty of opportunity, and mismatches. Would not be surprised if he turned back the clock and was a major contributor to a Giants surge in 2025.
Timbo – 2
I don’t rate Stringer that highly, I think his attitude and his fitness have let him down too many times over his career, and I don’t see that changing at his third club. He’s also in a forward line that contains the reigning Coleman medallist.
Max – 1
Nah. He might average close to two per game though, before his annual debilitation period sets in
HB – 1
Nup. I still think he can be very handy, but he doesn’t HAVE TO kick that many goals this season. GWS simply don’t need him to. Hogan, Greene, Cadman, and a host of smalls… he can kick 30 and still be very valuable
West Coast will see a rise in fortune under new coach Andrew McQualter and work their way out of the bottom four come season’s end.
Jimmy D – 0.5
They are missing experience through the middle (Yeo and Sheed), and Tim Kelly has been talking about losing love for the game. Sure, teams can often start with renewed vigour under a new coach, but I can’t see it being dramatic for the Eagles this year. They have talent, but only one summer implementing a game plan. I expect them to be more competitive, but not really win many games. Maybe the competitive side is enough?
Justin R – 1
How? The injury to Eliott Yeo means their midfield is pretty much Jack Graham, Tim Kelly and Harley Reid. Their defence looks worse than it was last year given the departure of Tom Barrass, and while Jake Waterman gave them a new focal point up front last year, we’re yet to see if he can repeat his breakout season. I’ll be surprised if they finish outside the bottom two, let alone the bottom four.
JB Eddy – 2
With Sheed and Yeo out, they look a little rudderless in the middle. Their forward line will adjust to their new structure, but they might struggle to get clean delivery at first. I don’t think Reid is quite ready to run the show just yet.
I don’t think they’ll get the spoon, but they won’t be too far away. They’ll be the serviette holder or something.
Trent S – 2
McQualter is highly rated in the AFL industry and deserves his shot as the main man, but the list is still a mess with the veterans injury prone. The injection of Owies, Baker and Graham is extremely important but they needed to be coupled with 2018 versions of MGovern, Yeo, Sheed etc to compliment the encouraging youth. At best they might creep out of the bottom 4, but it won’t be by much.
Timbo – 2:
I think Richmond wins the spoon, but West Coast won’t be too far away.
Max – 2
Too many teams in the cluster above them. Don’t be surprised if they leapfrog North though. Absolutely hapless mob, and I’m allowed to say that in good faith
HB – 4
It’s a big ask, but I like their midfield – it is tougher with Jack Graham in there. I like their forward line, as well… and maybe I’ll like their backline, but I don’t think I will.
They’re better than they were last season (five wins) and will play better at home with the injection of experience. Stay healthy, and I reckon 6-7 wins is a possibility.
In spite of the outcry in certain media circles, preseason match-sim games against rival clubs are providing a far greater pathway for SSP selection hopefuls, by gaining public exposure in the closest thing to ‘the big time’ that a lot of these players would have experienced in their careers to date.
Jimmy D – 10
There’s only so much a player can show on a training track, or a scratch match against teammates. Any level of exposure at the top flight is good exposure, in my books. We have seen some high intensity and reasonably well skilled match simulations so far, and being able to hold your own or standout as a SSP player – I’m looking at you Tom Edwards – leads to success.
Justin R – 10
Yep, not sure how this could be debated, clubs are obviously using match-sim to get a gauge on SSP train-ons.
JB Eddy – 9
As a skinny guy from Detroit once said: “If you had one shot, or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted, in one moment, would you capture it, or just let it slip?
I’d much rather SSP players get their shot at making it. If they can hang with the guys on the list over a preseason game, they’ll have more options than if they’d just submitted some grainy phone footage of a regional game.
There’s also something kind of appealing about someone running out onto the field knowing that this is the make or break moment for their footy future.
Trent S – 5
I’m sitting on the fence partially to even out the numbers which are strongly in agreement, but also from the perspective that 96.8% of draft decisions made are on players who are strutting their stuff outside the biggest stage.
Timbo – 7
I agree, I mean if clubs need to make a decision on a SSP hopeful without seeing them in action in match sim then I am sure they will, but I think it is a good thing for both players and clubs if they can get a shot to show what they are about in a competitive AFL-standard game.
Max – 10
Yessir. Very much enjoying the unique sourcing of players that’s taken place in recent years
HB – 9
I loved watching the match sims, as you see the stuff the casual footy supporter doesn’t give a toss about. Positional changes, emerging guns, and yes, players making a case for a place on the list. Some may say these games are unimportant, but tell that to Jack Henderson, or Jai Culley. Hell, ask Nic Martin while you’re at it.
Bailey Smith will finish top-five in the Brownlow in his first season at new club; Geelong. (His previous highest finish to a season came in 2022, finishing equal 15th on 10 votes whilst playing for the Bulldogs).
Jimmy D – 3
I’m a big believer in words having power and declaring the truth to words. So, I hope this comes to fruition. As a fan of any club, you obviously want your players to succeed. I’d love him to get through the year unscathed, contribute, and find his love for the game again. Anything beyond that is a bonus. That said, it’d be a hell of a story … almost Hollywood movie worthy if he did win it …
Justin R – 0
Is this a serious question or have we chucked in some comic relief at the back end? No way this happens. He might still have a very impressive season, and be a big plus for the Cats, but Smith is fresh off a year out of footy and in a brand new system. Top five in their B+F? Maybe. Top five in the Brownlow? Big. Fat. Zero.
JB Eddy – 1
To be honest, I’m not certain he’ll be top 5 in the Geelong B&F. He wasn’t at the Dogs, where his best was 7th in 2021 and 2020, and he’ll be coming off a season-long injury. There’s also teammates taking votes off him, and Dangerfield, Dunkley, Cameron, Holmes, Dempsey and Henry will all likely have multiple games where they poll votes as well.
He’ll get some votes, no argument there, but he’d have to poll more than 20 for a chance at the top 5, and I don’t see him getting more than a vote per game. If he ends up with more than 15 votes on the night, he should be very happy with himself.
Trent S – 9
The way Scott and Danger pull the puppet strings of Dillon and co, nothing would surprise. And as has been proven time and time again, nothing is more valued down Geelong than individual awards.
Timbo – 1
No, just no.
Max – 1
Lol
HB – 2
This is a longshot. He is coming back from an ACL – there will be points where it gives hism trouble… of not physically, then mentally. It’s not just a “yeah, she’s right mate” type of recovery. You’re always second-guessing your body after it lets you down like that, so I reckon this will be a season of becoming accustomed to a new team/coach, and rebuilding himself into the player he was back in 2021/22 – yep, it’s been THAT long since he has been at the top of his game.
