I've just finished reading through most of the pre-season threads. I'm going to stop now but let's say I've scoured about 80% of what would constitute discussion on Brock v Hadley.
Here's a list of names that wanted Hadley in the mix ahead of Brock:
LozAzules
BV
latte thanks
tap in 79
Kruscendo (was 50/50 on Brock v Hadley)
Blue4ever
ABNS
Yourself
Psych
Plenty of people wanted both of them to play. Plenty felt he was always going to be behind Brock but acknowledged his form was close to selection and he was moving well (I was one of them).
Also, I saw blue4 mention he was a fan of the Brock trade.I note and acknowledge you felt Hadley was in better touch watching the two on the track and at the Sydney match. I also watched the Sydney match on TV, but attended every other pre-season game except the WC match, and Brock showed progress with every one. I'd wager he had an issue in the Sydney match, I certainly remember him being KO'd in another pre-season game, and now he has a hip issue from a decent knock in the Dons match.
What I noticed about Hadley when I was able to view him was that he didn't have another gear when the tempo of the game lifted; he became useless in the physical and running stakes. Brock only became useless in the running stakes, but still ran to better spots than Hadley did to present.
This appeared to be at an even worse state come the Bullants telecast on ABC, as Hadley rarely was involved in link play when it was apparent he should have been. Doc S has noted he has been read the riot act regarding this aspect of his game, and told it needs to improve for him to gain selection. He still nearly secured automatic selection in case McLean missed another game with his hip problem, and probably would be playing this weekend if he was fit.
I don't come on here looking to berate people, or single out people for anything other than a point of discussion. Maybe this place is getting to me like it has before, and does everyone at some point. Either way, I'll take the rest of this week off and pop up post-game.