Just found this on Foxsports.

``Meanwhile, Melbourne Demons will know in the next day or so whether Daniel Bell needs a pin inserted in his broken thumb.

He is out for at least round one after suffering the injury on Saturday against the Western Bulldogs. ``

Doesnt sound good at all. I would have thought a pin insert would mean he would be out for more than just a few weeks! Be a real shame for Belly, he is starting to show some good signs IMO. I`m loving his attack on the ball.

meh. people are dreaming if they think that the loss of Bell is significent

meh. people are dreaming if they think that the loss of Bell is significent

Well aren't you just a ray of sunshine <_<

agree with hell bent good attack and endevour at the ball doin pretty good in the midfeild.

He got knocked over on Saturday because he didnt see the Doggies player coming straight at him. His awareness is just so unbelievably below average it hurts to think about.

Either way, this is a good opportunity for some of the new guys to get game time in the middle. I'm looking at you, Jetta.

agree with hell bent good attack and endevour at the ball doin pretty good in the midfeild.

Midfield? Not so sure about his future in the midfield. Does he have the necessary engine for that? Hmmm.

A positive: Perhaps whilst he has a pin inserted, Bell can take the opportunity in rehabilitation to brush up on his awareness with the ball in his hands Ie. Peripheral vision.

That might do him some good.

edit: An injection of confidence might help him make decisions quicker when in possession and may prevent him getting caught so often.

He got knocked over on Saturday because he didnt see the Doggies player coming straight at him. His awareness is just so unbelievably below average it hurts to think about.

He's also not quick enough with his hands. This is trait that is necessary if he was able to play in the midfield.

He's not polished enough with his disposal and IMO he’s gone backwards. To be quite frank and he's not in our best 22.

He got knocked over on Saturday because he didnt see the Doggies player coming straight at him. His awareness is just so unbelievably below average it hurts to think about.

Ah. Typical Daniel Bell. And here I was thinking that he was improving and capable of holding down a spot in the team.

No big loss really. How long have we had him now for? Since woey left? If we all havent learnt how limited he is by now we have as slow awareness as he does.

No loss at all, i dont consider him part of our future, it will give someone like cheney or bennel a chance to play and develop.

Not in the best 22, probably not even in the best 40.

Bell, while not being blessed is a good ordinary player. I remember a game V Crows and he was outstanding as a defender.

Maybe a little positivity might just pump him up on his return.

Seriously, its the freaking preseason, lighten up.

Not in the best 22, probably not even in the best 40.

I concur

Bell, while not being blessed is a good ordinary player. I remember a game V Crows and he was outstanding as a defender.

Maybe a little positivity might just pump him up on his return.

Seriously, its the freaking preseason, lighten up.

Yeah that was over there about 3-4 years ago. Delivered a lightning boot pass into the forward line. Yes that was amazing. But the only good thing he has done.

In this list? Bell is easily in the 22. In the same way Wheatley is...

They would struggle to make the 22 of just about any other club, but in a transitional period, SOMEONE has to take the big body blows while Jack, Sam, Cale and others put on enough weight to be able to take the games on themselves.

He's unglamorous, this much has always been true, and is the perfect example of why internet posters know practically nothing about football.

Show me one team EVER that has had 22 Hirds, Voss', or Flowers. This isn't cricket.

Bell is the perfect second stringer. A guy that gives honest service and hard work. He's just not the guy that you rely on to win games off his own boot...

My only major concern with the kid is the age group he is part of. When our new recruits are between 20 and 24, where they will be doing SO much learning, Bell (if he's still on the list) will actually by default be one of the club's leaders. By then he'll have probably cracked 100-150 games at least, and in the same way Crawford left his mark on the current crop of Hawks, Bell will be one of the players who leaves a mark on the up and coming crop of dees.

Hopefully they look to Brock moreso. One of the reasons it's imperative he's made captain in the new decade.

Dappa I think you're right.

Bell is not going to be of our top 15 players. but he is going to be in and around our 16-30th for the next few years. Given that it is rare for you to have your best 22 on the park it is likely that he will play 10-15 games every year and probably finish his career as a servicable 150 game player. much like ward, or walsh before him, he will be a second string pocket/flanker who has some strengths, some flaws (that clearly stop im from being in the best), will play some great games, while other times his weaknesses will be exposed and we will feel like he caused us to lose.

He is our depth. But at the moment he plays while the kids are developing.

While everyone knows he does have some flaws (some major) he does have some upside, and if he ever manages to overcome his lack of awareness (not likely) he will be a much better player.

As for his decision making, I feel sorry for him, because many players are much maligned for grabbing the ball and bombing it long to no one. Bell seems to fall victim of getting the ball, running then realising that no one up ahead is either actually in the forward line, or moving for him, and he takes to long to find an option. Would like to see him kick long to contests occasionally if nothing presents straight away.

Dappa I think you're right.

Bell is not going to be of our top 15 players. but he is going to be in and around our 16-30th for the next few years. Given that it is rare for you to have your best 22 on the park it is likely that he will play 10-15 games every year and probably finish his career as a servicable 150 game player. much like ward, or walsh before him, he will be a second string pocket/flanker who has some strengths, some flaws (that clearly stop im from being in the best), will play some great games, while other times his weaknesses will be exposed and we will feel like he caused us to lose.

He is our depth. But at the moment he plays while the kids are developing.

While everyone knows he does have some flaws (some major) he does have some upside, and if he ever manages to overcome his lack of awareness (not likely) he will be a much better player.

As for his decision making, I feel sorry for him, because many players are much maligned for grabbing the ball and bombing it long to no one. Bell seems to fall victim of getting the ball, running then realising that no one up ahead is either actually in the forward line, or moving for him, and he takes to long to find an option. Would like to see him kick long to contests occasionally if nothing presents straight away.

Well put by both of you.

Bell, while not being blessed is a good ordinary player. I remember a game V Crows and he was outstanding as a defender.

Maybe a little positivity might just pump him up on his return.

Seriously, its the freaking preseason, lighten up.

Absoltuley agree...I recall the game vividly. Was our best player by far. Serioulsy everyone says that our team needs more balls! I don't know of a more couragoeus player on our team the D.Bell. Everyone ha a short memory about some of the instances he has gone thru. More often than not placing him in situations that other team members would not dare go. People see it as a peripheral problem, whereas I see it as a player that does not give up and is hungry for the ball to the extent that he endangers himself. I have thought for a while that he has been played in the wrong area of the ground. Too slow you think. Go do your homework and you will all find that he is actually very quick. Give Belly a go and let him find what position he suits best as I think he will prove you all wrong. Not saying he will be a star but he will be very valuable. Give the guy a go and instead of jumping on bandwagons sleadging the poor guy, how about give him a chance.

Absoltuley spot on Whitto.

....

great post. i could not have articulated it better.

and in the same way Crawford left his mark on the current crop of Hawks, Bell will be one of the players who leaves a mark on the up and coming crop of dees.

Whilst much of what you said carries weight..Bells isnt Crawfs bootstrap..

so essentially Bell is a possie warmer..and thats all. Be happier whenanother takes his place personaly as he justdoesnt really add to our team...just fills a spot.