Shane Valenti

[dee-luded 2,959]

Roost it

Read the post carefully and my previous post. No I am not putting Valenti in the same bracket as these guys,how the hell could you they have all established senior footy careers. My point is a lack of pace does not preclude a player from being a creative senior midfielder. There is no way that you can judge valenti either way from his handful of senior games.

And FWIW many of those players had to work hard to cement a regular spot in the ones.

Yes agreed, I've just posted similar before I read your post.

[H_T 3,049]

This is problem that I have. By the time we've developed a list that's capable of matching the style of game that this season's grand finalists are playing, the game would have evolved once again, and we may be stuck with a plethora of one "player type" that is no longer relevant. This is exactly what happened after the 2000 grand final, when Daniher felt that we needed in his words "fat-a#se midfielders". So in subsequent drafts, we acquired the likes of Thompson, Mclean, Sylvia, Moloney and Jones.

The point that AOB rightfully made is that the "fat a#sed" types are not suited to a counter attacking game style. I've been making this point since the start of the season, when I've been saying that our list isn't suited to Bailey's gameplan. I'm particularly interested to see how Nathan Jones plays this year, because I believe that he's been the biggest victim of Bailey's gameplan.

You've said in a number of posts Mo that our list isn't suited to Bailey's game plan. You've also stated previously that you don't really know what Bailey's game plan is. Hmmm.

You seem to be very negative with 1/ Our list and 2/ the game plan to suit our list. May I add that our list and game plan are evolving. It is never ending Mo. It is always evolving. Much like the game itself. No one can sit still. From the rule makers, the rule committee, to the coaches and development, fitness staff, recruiting. Everything Mo is evolving and moving with time.

Regarding the "fat arse types" that you say- and as AOB pointed out - are not suited to the counter attacking style. Mate look, a football side is made of many types. In and under types, to receivers, to line breakers, to fat arse types, to "hard at it" types to champions. There needs to be a team of a variety of players that will compliment one another. Prior to the draft we were - and you would acknowledge this Mo - lacking leg speed and skillful quality players that have great kicking skills and what I call quality football nous. They've identified this and picked the likes of Blease, Strauss, Bennell and Jetta. These types of players Mo will help with the counter attacking footy we want and when these guys blend into the team it will compliment the in and under "fat arse types" like the Jones' or McLeans or Moloneys.

Lets see with this injection of the ingredient the Mfc lacked in (speed & skill), how it compliments with the elements we know already exist. Sure there are still required needs like another tall forward (perhaps) and maybe a place for another ruckman. Which we know we need. But we have to wait on this. And I hope its not too long, because to have a good strong and vibrant list you need a list that plays alot of football together, ie similar age bracket (nucleus) with a mix of a few experienced players and good youngsters. Bailey & Co. are trying to do this Mo. You might not see it yourself yet, but the ball is rolling.

[montasaurus 0]

Give the boy a chance.

By being a rookie thats exactly what he will get as soon there is an injury. The fact is we are better keeping him for now on the rookie list and putting another player who shows more potential on the list proper. I have stated before that unfortunately valenti is not in our best 25 moving forward and think the club sees it the same way otherwise they would have already promoted him.

Who knows where he might be in 12 months, he does seem to be the sort of player that could grab any opportunity but if I was to look into my crystal ball I think he will wind up being a very good VFL level player.

[John Dee 445]

I attended a Sandy game early last year and spoke with Shane's parents. Apparently Shane was preasured to play TAC football rather than school football, he chose to play school football and was shafted by the TAC team. He then broke his leg and had to miss just about a full season when he was 18. When Bailey got to Melbourne, the first thing he said to Shane was that, at his age, he should have had two or three years of preseason training into him and therefore a much bigger fitness base.

This year is a big year for him; he is just doing his second AFL preseason. I hold more hope than expectation for him, and I wish him luck.

[e25 5]

I attended a Sandy game early last year and spoke with Shane's parents. Apparently Shane was preasured to play TAC football rather than school football, he chose to play school football and was shafted by the TAC team. He then broke his leg and had to miss just about a full season when he was 18. When Bailey got to Melbourne, the first thing he said to Shane was that, at his age, he should have had two or three years of preseason training into him and therefore a much bigger fitness base.

This year is a big year for him; he is just doing his second AFL preseason. I hold more hope than expectation for him, and I wish him luck.

Interesting to hear that.

A lot of kids play school and TAC football without getting blackballed though, sounds a little like sour grapes at not having the faith shown in him he felt he deserved. Doesn't mean its not true though.

Interesting to hear Bailey's feedback too.