Oh, quick addition -

Trading draft picks for Fraser, Didak and Shaw?

A loser, a [censored], and a LIE-ability.

Let's get Jeff Bloody Kennett as the new CEO while we're at it.

....................................................

Final analysis of this scenario -

Four players from the first or second round of a highly regarded draft, plus the best available uncontracted player in the country, plus six rookie list additions.

-will replace-

Seven players who have, with due respect to their often illustrious careers, played an average of five games each this year.

How does that sound to you guys?

I reckon we might also want to hang on to Jake Spencer, probably for a second rookie year. It seems that they are very happy with his development to date, quality rucks are hard to come by, and, as we know, talls can take longer to develop.

Ok, I had written an even longer version but that was just ridiculous - here goes.

Ruck stocks low, as ever - keep Jamar even if he is once again a back-up ruckman. His performances have improved this year, and since White was dropped. Note tackling.

Sure retirements - Neitz, Yze, Holland. (3)

Probable retirements - White. (+1 =4)

Delisted kids - Bode, Weetra (+2 =6)

In some danger - Bell, Newton, Carroll, (lets say 1 goes = 7) (note that Carroll is contracted for 09, as is Meesen)

So, at present seven draft picks.

Valenti and Wonaeamirri promoted, five draft picks.

Obviously we keep one up our sleeve for pick 1 or 2 in the preseason. Four draft picks.

Assuming the ladder stays as it is, and we don't win 3 of our last four games, draft picks will be -

1, 17, 19, 35. Plus preseason 1. In moving on one of Bell, Newton or Carroll we may try to advance pick 35 to pick 20-something.

We will also then have six rookie list places minimum - two freed by delisted Veterans, two added by the 'compensation' rookie picks due to the compromised drafts to come, and two because Valenti and Wonaeamirri get promoted.

Final analysis of this scenario -

Four players from the first or second round of a highly regarded draft, plus the best available uncontracted player in the country, plus six rookie list additions.

-will replace-

Seven players who have, with due respect to their often illustrious careers, played an average of five games each this year.

How does that sound to you guys?

That's a post

I reckon we might also want to hang on to Jake Spencer, probably for a second rookie year. It seems that they are very happy with his development to date, quality rucks are hard to come by, and, as we know, talls can take longer to develop.

He got a 2 year rookie deal cos he's from interstate so he'll be at MFC in 09

I reckon we might also want to hang on to Jake Spencer, probably for a second rookie year. It seems that they are very happy with his development to date, quality rucks are hard to come by, and, as we know, talls can take longer to develop.

My count keeps both Zomer and Spencer - because of the changes we will be able to have a total of eight rookie selections, six of them being new.

Prendergast will have a ball with the speculative picks.

It still has me stuffed why people think Alwyn is better than Aaron?!?!?!

Essendon supporters!! Thats why. They would offer lovett for the almighty J.Brown without a quiver in their voice, and assume you were going away to think

about it when you walked away without saying a word. Idiots!

How does that sound to you guys?

Fwiw, Newton just signed a two year contract with the Club.

Well..without doubt we are going to see one very busy trade week this year. With 'meat market' aspects and te impetus to shore up picks its goingto be busy busy busy.

I dont understand why so many are keen to offer up 17..Id be using 19.

Jamar may well offer value elsewhere..hell..give some lucky team a two-for with Meeson packaged in as well..lol

If we do get Warnock..Jamar is compromised..tosay nothig of his very average awarenes etc.

A Davey duo ....Davey ...to Davey....to Auusssssiiieeeeee !!.. would be exciting

I can only imagine Sylvia is alread on trade lists. Well bring it on...come on down trade week Going to be very interesting to see who lines up in red and blue next year

Thanks for the clarifications Eastie and DD. I hope we can afford to carry a full list of rookies in '09, given that all MFC departments are likely to have to share the pain of any cost cutting initiatives.

Thanks for the clarifications Eastie and DD. I hope we can afford to carry a full list of rookies in '09, given that all MFC departments are likely to have to share the pain of any cost cutting initiatives.

The club made a commitment to not compromise on the football department. We're not throwing money away, but we are putting up the cash to give ourselves every chance - most visibly the two development coaches, a big step up on the resources we committed during the Daniher era.

Two development coaches is a big investment. But it could reap huge rewards too. Who knows, it may already be responsible for helping Garland, Warnock and Chris Johnson into regular AFL appearances. Jamar's improvement, Sylvia's improvement, Paul Johnson, Buckley, Valenti, Martin, Dunn - how many of these might not have made the progress they made this year if they hadn't had that dedicated support?

It's the right call, for sure. Can you imagine if the club had all these draft picks and young players but wasn't making big investments in development? We'd be a dead club walking.

Unless we decide to keep Aussie and Valenti on the rookie list and not promote them which I doubt Carroll and Meeson will have to get the chop they have both been pathetic this season and have been around for a while.We won't be giving away Sylvia, Bell or Jamar away for nothing and I would be surprised if Bode was given the sack even though he has been very ordinary at AFL level his form at Sandy hasn't been too bad he deserves another year ahead of those 2.

Neitz is already retired, White, Yze and Holland will retire and Weetra will be sacked giving us pick 1, 17, 19, 34 and 50 which will probably be passed so they have pick 1 in the PSD.

Carroll won't get the chop because his contract extends to next year, as I'm sure Meesen's does too

Didak is 25, so probably too old, although would fill that 24-27 year age-gap void on our list

You only want 24 to 27-year-olds if they show leadership qualities. That's not Didak, in fact quite the opposite.

Interesting to read Gerard Healy's Article in the Herald Sun stating Brad Green and the club are a long way apart in his contract negotiations. Brad has been great this year but if this is the case you would need at least a top 30 pick for him.

any senior player asking more than about average pay at this point in time is kidding themselves.

we are on the bottom of the lader, they are not the key to our success. they are going to take us to a flag. they are hanging around and playing footy until the next group is ready.

that being said, if he is made captain next year, he should be payed what a captain is worth.