http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/dees...9839553721.html

This is no real surprise because it was something that we had to face at some stage over the next half a dozen games or so, however this part is what most interests me...

'Grimes is in no doubt to return having suffered several injuries over the summer that combined meant he had no pre-season and the club decided it was better to put him on the long-term injury and have him do the equivalent of a full-pre-season in his own that attempt to reach his fitness by playing. That was the best thing about yesterday was Colin Garland, James Frawley, Austin, and Cale Morton is going to be a beauty and they are going to be the future'

Now this gets me excited, from the reports I had heard (which were obviously wrong) Grimes was put on the long term injury list because of his back flaring up again, but now we find out that it was a calculated plan by the footy department to protect him and get him cheery ripe before playing.

Much respect to the footy department for this - it's great news because a fit Grimes will be an enormous boost to our midfield, I was just worried that it would never happen and I'm very, very glad to be proved wrong.

Well to be honest Im happy enough to moth ball Aussie . It wont really do him any harm. Might even allow him to consolidate. Neeta can come back...and play his Melba finales.

Ill be frank..whilst im happy for us to play more competively...I am rather keen to snare the best available pick at end of year. If that means putting Aussie back on the shelf later til next yer..So be it. ..and I like the guy !!

Good news about Grimes. I thought he was a write-off this year. CC said if Morton wasn't available at 4 they would have taken Grimes. Looking forward to seeing him play.

I agree Bub. It would be very disappointing to have to put Aussie on ice, especially after his performance against Freo, but is it really the end of the world if we do have to? If he continues his senior form and is able to keep it up at Sandy, then he will shore up his position on the senior list next year and there won't be a problem. IMO it's very important to start getting games (at Sandy) in to Grimes, and I really doubt they're going to block Neitz from playing in his last year.

What damage would be done if Aussie went back on the rookie list?

I agree with Nasher/bub.

If true, it's great news with regards Grimes.

That IS fantastic news... but I don't think he'll get a game straight away. Maybe 3 weeks at Sandy to get match fitness at least. Add to that the fact that at least for the Adelaide game there's a queue of about 6 players who need to be put in the side... and the perennial in-and-out guys ALL had games that deserve retention.

I'm thinking Garland, Warnock, Jamar etc etc. They did enough to keep their spots, so it'll be a short wait for Grimes to come in.

Still. GREAT news that...

Looking for Grimes, Morton and Wonna (maybe Maric if he stars) to get the nominations.

As with everyone, I am looking forward to seeing Grimes.

But have some concerns - from all I have read about Grimes he is an inside midfielder, on the slowish side with exceptional leadership skills. Can we have a future midfield of Jones, McLean, Moloney, Grimes, and Valenti?

Looking at St.Kilda and their embarrassingly one-paced midfield it seems that you have to have some quickness in midfield.

Looking ahead (and assuming Morton and Bate are groomed for a KP)

Centre line: Davey Grimes Moloney

Rucks: Johnson, McLean, Jones

That's alot of pressure on Davey, and it doesn't bode well for Valenti to find a position. Even in the forward line there would be Wonna, Maric, and possibly Davey as small forwards ahead of him.

I would like to give Valenti a run of games before the season is out but at the minute, his position is seemingly covered.

If Wonaemirri continues in this vein of form then keep developing him at the highest level, why would you have Yze on the list in front of him?

Its good for the player, its good for the playing list development...and the way Wonaemirri plays its going to be good for the turnstiles and hence the club coffers.

Excited to hear about Grimes recovering well. Is he one paced though as some posters have pointed out, haven't seen him play myself yet.

This might be an extremely stupid question but is there a possibility that next year a club other then us will be able to recruit Wonna with an earlier pick then us? Are we able to elevate him without having to re-draft him through the national or PSD? I'm a bit vague on the whole process.

If Yze or Holland (or whoever) were to retire during the year, would this allow Wonaeamirri to stay on the senior list when Grimes and Neitz return?

This might be an extremely stupid question but is there a possibility that next year a club other then us will be able to recruit Wonna with an earlier pick then us? Are we able to elevate him without having to re-draft him through the national or PSD? I'm a bit vague on the whole process.

No, we will be able to elevate him without using the drafts.

If Yze or Holland (or whoever) were to retire during the year, would this allow Wonaeamirri to stay on the snior list when Grimes and Neitz return?

Yes, but that won't happen.

From the AFL web site:

"Rookie Players

• All clubs can maintain a rookie list of up to six players. Participation at the NAB AFL Rookie Draft is voluntary. A player included on a club's rookie list cannot play for the club in the AFL except in the Pre-Season competition or if a rookie-listed player is promoted as a long term injury replacement player
• A rookie player must be 18 (and under 23) before December 31 in the year he is drafted.
• A club can retain a maximum of three players on its rookie list for a second season provided it nominates those players at the time of the compulsory list lodgement."

Once the player returns from a long-term injury, the rookie returns to the rookie list. A rookie could be promoted in the case of a mid-year retirement, but as Nasher says, it's unlikely.

Yes, but that won't happen.

Why not Nasher?...it could only be a financial decision, additional player payments to a Rookie etc, and Wonaemirri may make that up at the turnstiles.

Yze has been a fine player for the MFC, most of us have thoroughly enjoyed his career and he has given us many highlights. But his time has come!

A mid season retirement would be in the best interests of the club's list development.

Look i am Hoping Austen Keeps playing. Young kids may start going to Aus Kick wearing a Melbourne Jumper and become life long members because of him. Nietz is a legend whether he plays again or not. Give Nieta a Motorcade on Queens Birthday and put him on the coaching staff. Worth Considering. There is no Gain in Neita playing again, a neck injury is too serious.

if Auusie replaced J Grimes who was elevated for Neitz ?

if Auusie replaced J Grimes who was elevated for Neitz ?

No one. No need unless you were going to select them for the AFL straight away.

Why not Nasher?...it could only be a financial decision, additional player payments to a Rookie etc, and Wonaemirri may make that up at the turnstiles.

Yze has been a fine player for the MFC, most of us have thoroughly enjoyed his career and he has given us many highlights. But his time has come!

A mid season retirement would be in the best interests of the club's list development.

If you were in Yze's position, would you retire? Even if you ignore the fact that he is on huge money that he is never going to get outside footy, he is still an elite athlete who could not and will not consider his career over until he absolutely has to. If he's still fit and hungry, he's not going to close the door completely on his career until he's left with no other choice. As long as he's still on the list and under contract, which he is, he won't retire. The same goes for Holland.

End of year is a different story, and I'll be very surprised if both aren't gone then. Mid year though? Barring career ending injuries, it is not going to happen.

It's no sure thing that Neitz will even be able to take the field again. From his tone and the tone of Garry the night he was on FC, and the week after, there was a lot of "I hope" "we hope" in regards to him being able to get back to play his last few games.

Will it be worth it?

Neita loves the club, he would've been caught up as much as anyone with the enthusiasm Aussie generated on Sunday. If Aussie keeps it up (pretty big IF to maintain that level) personally I reckon Neita would take one for the team, especially if his injury doesn't come along smoothly. He'd do it way before Yze would anyway.

I've loved watching Aussie so far, and Sunday was the best, so I hope we see him all year. But like others have said, it won't be so bad if he has to be put back on ice until next year. Also opens the door for Maric.

As with everyone, I am looking forward to seeing Grimes.

But have some concerns - from all I have read about Grimes he is an inside midfielder, on the slowish side with exceptional leadership skills. Can we have a future midfield of Jones, McLean, Moloney, Grimes, and Valenti?

[/quote

Like everyone else, I'm delighted that Grimes debut is may not be too far away.

The MFC Website describes him as "a medium defender/midfielder who is an exceptional reader of the game and a very good decision maker. Captain of the Northern Knights TAC Cup team, Grimes averaged more than 28 possessions per match. Possesses excellent endurance and has recorded a beep test of 15.10 with the AIS-AFL Academy".

He may not have blistering pace, but if he has the attributes mentioned above, he will be an enormous asset to our midfield.

Aussie may be forced back around round 13-15, but I can see the dees bringing in a few "farewell games" during rounds 15-17, leaving a few games at seasons end to play the full list of kids including Aussie.

Holland will be playing his last game this year, so will Neita. I can see a big farewell game like what we witnessed last year with Pickett, Bizz.

This will leave a few tailend games for Aussie and perhaps another rookie.

Who knows what is planned.

In regards to Yze heard from one of his family members that MFC have told him he will not play again all year but will play round 22 in a farewell game.

He has no interest in retiring and why would you.

Honestly would you give up over 300k and a last chance to play on the G?

No one. No need unless you were going to select them for the AFL straight away.

thanks for that mate

If Neitz was to replace Aussie it would be a disgrace. This is the exact problem we have as a club. There are too many selfish players at the club, someone must put there egos aside and retire gracefully for the club to go forward. I would expect Yze to be as selfish as ever but I would be disappointed if Neitz was to go for one last shot of glory ahead of developing kids. How can the club talk about fast tracking kids and then do this? Keep Aussie in the seniors. The last thing we need is a repeat of last year having farewell games for club favorites costing us draft picks. Carlton didn't have one for Kouta and Lappin and now they have Judd and Kruezer. We played Pickett, Brown and Bizzell and won and got nothing. Time for Melbourne to start thinking with their head and not their heart.

If Neitz was to replace Aussie it would be a disgrace. This is the exact problem we have as a club. There are too many selfish players at the club, someone must put there egos aside and retire gracefully for the club to go forward. I would expect Yze to be as selfish as ever but I would be disappointed if Neitz was to go for one last shot of glory ahead of developing kids. How can the club talk about fast tracking kids and then do this? Keep Aussie in the seniors. The last thing we need is a repeat of last year having farewell games for club favorites costing us draft picks. Carlton didn't have one for Kouta and Lappin and now they have Judd and Kruezer. We played Pickett, Brown and Bizzell and won and got nothing. Time for Melbourne to start thinking with their head and not their heart.

CORRECT-Lap of Honour on Q Birthday is perfect