Nothing like taking things slightly out of context.

I said, "who probably haven't even played football, let alone AFL".

Get it right.

I think you're playing at semantics - his point still stands.

Whether you're any good at footy's irrelevant IMO, I mean everyone criticises films but no one I know has created a film featured at Cannes or starred in a hollywood blockbuster.

I guess I'm loathe to say much about Liam in a public forum as he's a close friend, but I will say that he's settled in wonderfully at the Dees, and importantly, in terms of living in Melbourne. He had a bit of an injury set back for 2-3 weeks, but is now fighting fit, is putting on weight/muscle and is gaining fitness. Unlike all other draftees, he's never been through traditional development squads, and hasn't even had a full pre-season yet. What you see is raw talent. For that reason, I see the potential improvement in Liam as a footballer as being huge. This kid could be anything. Once he bulks up a bit and learns to play to the Dees game plan, the sky is the limit.

The Melbourne football department are to be congratulated for the terrific job they've done, helping him settle in and providing a very supportive environment. Obviously he gets homesick, but he was able to see all his old Yuendumu teammates in the last few days, as they were in Melbourne playing in Sunday's curtain raiser game at the MCG. I guess I'd love him to kick the winning goal against the Pies on Monday, but that would be a fairy tale. Realistically, I'm hoping he gets to play a couple of senior games this year, and uses that experience as a springboard for a year of senior football in 2010.

As for the cold weather - right now I'm trying to organise someone to fix his central heating!

Thanks for the update Rude Boy. Keep them coming. He is an exciting and challenging prospect.

I guess I'm loathe to say much about Liam in a public forum as he's a close friend, but I will say that he's settled in wonderfully at the Dees, and importantly, in terms of living in Melbourne. He had a bit of an injury set back for 2-3 weeks, but is now fighting fit, is putting on weight/muscle and is gaining fitness. Unlike all other draftees, he's never been through traditional development squads, and hasn't even had a full pre-season yet. What you see is raw talent. For that reason, I see the potential improvement in Liam as a footballer as being huge. This kid could be anything. Once he bulks up a bit and learns to play to the Dees game plan, the sky is the limit.

The Melbourne football department are to be congratulated for the terrific job they've done, helping him settle in and providing a very supportive environment. Obviously he gets homesick, but he was able to see all his old Yuendumu teammates in the last few days, as they were in Melbourne playing in Sunday's curtain raiser game at the MCG. I guess I'd love him to kick the winning goal against the Pies on Monday, but that would be a fairy tale. Realistically, I'm hoping he gets to play a couple of senior games this year, and uses that experience as a springboard for a year of senior football in 2010.

As for the cold weather - right now I'm trying to organise someone to fix his central heating!

Thanks for the information, Rude.

I witnessed Liam for the first time on Sunday and was very impressed. He started a little slowly, but his last half was excellent, particularly the last quarter. He needs to practise weighting his short-passes a little better as a few fell short, but his 'raw talent' - as you put it, is obvious. His pace really surprised me, but it was his amazing upright vertical leap with one contested mark in the last that had my Brother and I looking at each other. As a third tall he'll be a very difficult match-up in years to come.

Could you just clarify his height ? Reports range from 188 to 191 cms.

As for the cold weather - right now I'm trying to organise someone to fix his central heating!

Get it done!!

You people calling for Martin to be dropped are pathetic.

And you have no idea how difficult it is to play fwd when you have little or no experience. And before you say "put him back to Casey to learn how to play fwd" forget it. It won't happen. Unless he plays 4-6 poor games against instructions.

I guess I'm loathe to say much about Liam in a public forum as he's a close friend, but I will say that he's settled in wonderfully at the Dees, and importantly, in terms of living in Melbourne. He had a bit of an injury set back for 2-3 weeks, but is now fighting fit, is putting on weight/muscle and is gaining fitness. Unlike all other draftees, he's never been through traditional development squads, and hasn't even had a full pre-season yet. What you see is raw talent. For that reason, I see the potential improvement in Liam as a footballer as being huge. This kid could be anything. Once he bulks up a bit and learns to play to the Dees game plan, the sky is the limit.

The Melbourne football department are to be congratulated for the terrific job they've done, helping him settle in and providing a very supportive environment. Obviously he gets homesick, but he was able to see all his old Yuendumu teammates in the last few days, as they were in Melbourne playing in Sunday's curtain raiser game at the MCG. I guess I'd love him to kick the winning goal against the Pies on Monday, but that would be a fairy tale. Realistically, I'm hoping he gets to play a couple of senior games this year, and uses that experience as a springboard for a year of senior football in 2010.

As for the cold weather - right now I'm trying to organise someone to fix his central heating!

Awesome thnks for the update mate. Great to hear the positives from someone close to him.

I'll be around in a jiffy with my furniture to burn to keep him warm!!!

Likely changes

In:Robbo, cheeney.

Out:Miller, Bell

What i would like to see

In:Watts, Jurrah, Hughes

Out:miller,bell,???

I really think we should blood more players.

But i no very wishfull thinking.

This week must see Robbo in, along with Cheney, Watts and Jurrah, lets give the fans what they want against the old enemy, and lets give them hell. Im all for developing players but just once this year win lose or draw lets see the players of the future wearing the red and blue. Oh and if we dump Miller I want to see Newton in, I think once the penny drops he will give us a handy option(I know this will stir a few up). Why not put in Spencer as well. Would also love to see Wona if not injured.

Just give us a look at next years line up 2 to 3 times this year.

We can handle losses we just want to see hope.

Parma

Can everone stop saying the word 'Pathetic ' .....

So you want to drop Bate twice?

IN: Jurrah and Watts

OUT: Bate and Bate

You know, I thought Matty was getting better these last three weeks, but for two people his output just isn't there.

Send him back to Casey and tell him to stop trying to be two different people...

If you read the sentence after the one you highlighted it would make more sense. Either Watts or Jurrah to take Bate's spot.

I will probably get crucified for suggesting we drop Wheels, but to be honest he is just not accountable enough these days and I think Cheney desperately deserves a game.

Agree with this. I see Cheney as the longterm replacement for Wheels in the backline. He's been impressive so far. Whether it happens now or later, I think it's only a matter of time.

Martin is not a forward and Collingwood have a small forward line so he is not needed down back.

I think Martin has been one of the finds for us..as a backman.. not p :angry: inch hitting as a ruckman or stop-gap forward. Leave him there to play on a tall.

Agree. Martin is a defender. Not a forward. As it stands right now in terms of his development, he is more a raw but gifted athlete than he is a footballer. Could he develop into a forward? I have my doubts. I think he is more naturally suited to playing in defence. I'm frustrated with his being thrown forward of late. We're currently loaded with potential defenders with a shortage of forward prospects. But even that being the case, I'd prefer to see Martin develop into a quality defender than be merely a pinch hitting forward option.

I can't see Jurrah getting an AFL game any time soon.

He only just started playing Casey seniors again after returning from injury, so I would agree he is likley a distance off from playing on the G anytime soon. But he is an exciting prospect. All signs are good.

I guess I'm loathe to say much about Liam in a public forum as he's a close friend, but I will say that he's settled in wonderfully at the Dees, and importantly, in terms of living in Melbourne.

Realistically, I'm hoping he gets to play a couple of senior games this year, and uses that experience as a springboard for a year of senior football in 2010.

Thanks for the update Rudeboy. Great news all round. Hope we can see him bouncing around the forward line some stage this season.

Thanks for the information, Rude.

I witnessed Liam for the first time on Sunday and was very impressed. He started a little slowly, but his last half was excellent, particularly the last quarter. He needs to practise weighting his short-passes a little better as a few fell short, but his 'raw talent' - as you put it, is obvious. His pace really surprised me, but it was his amazing upright vertical leap with one contested mark in the last that had my Brother and I looking at each other. As a third tall he'll be a very difficult match-up in years to come.

Could you just clarify his height ? Reports range from 188 to 191 cms.

Hannabal I am 184 and I keep running into Liam at the footy and am always staggered by his height for a player that was not supposed to be a tall.

There is no way he is 188cm, I'd say around 191 at least!

In: Watts, Robertson and Newton

Outs: McDonald (injured and form), Miller and Jones.

I'm not Bates biggest fan but over the last couple of weeks he's shown a bit

I think Bate and Miller should both pay the consequences for contributing a grand total of 1 goal between them for the game.

That's more Miller's fault than Bate's. Bate's improving, his work rate is up on the first 6 weeks of the year.

I guess I'm loathe to say much about Liam in a public forum as he's a close friend, but I will say that he's settled in wonderfully at the Dees, and importantly, in terms of living in Melbourne. He had a bit of an injury set back for 2-3 weeks, but is now fighting fit, is putting on weight/muscle and is gaining fitness. Unlike all other draftees, he's never been through traditional development squads, and hasn't even had a full pre-season yet. What you see is raw talent. For that reason, I see the potential improvement in Liam as a footballer as being huge. This kid could be anything. Once he bulks up a bit and learns to play to the Dees game plan, the sky is the limit.

The Melbourne football department are to be congratulated for the terrific job they've done, helping him settle in and providing a very supportive environment. Obviously he gets homesick, but he was able to see all his old Yuendumu teammates in the last few days, as they were in Melbourne playing in Sunday's curtain raiser game at the MCG. I guess I'd love him to kick the winning goal against the Pies on Monday, but that would be a fairy tale. Realistically, I'm hoping he gets to play a couple of senior games this year, and uses that experience as a springboard for a year of senior football in 2010.

As for the cold weather - right now I'm trying to organise someone to fix his central heating!

Thanks Rudeboy. Better stop wasting your time on Demonland and get to fixing that heating mate.

As for Jurrah, well, I haven't been as excited about a player at Melbourne in years (read ever).

And you have no idea how difficult it is to play fwd when you have little or no experience. And before you say "put him back to Casey to learn how to play fwd" forget it. It won't happen. Unless he plays 4-6 poor games against instructions.

Totally agree. Martin's been switched around all year. He isn't getting the time he needs to develop in one position. So far he's played all of FB, CHB, ruck and FF. He needs to be put somewhere (preferably in defence, because that's where he plays best) and stuck there for more than a week.

In: Robertson, Cheney, Newton

Out: Miller, Whelan, Bell

Sorry Wheels. Love your work but we need to play the kids.

Miller and Bell i just don't see you having what it takes. Should make very good 2nds players, though.

I'd like to think that Daniel Bell gets another week to settle and have a crack at it.

Bell has had years to settle down and have a crack it it I'm afraid Sleeve. How many years has he been around now? I thought he was woeful the other night. Coughed it up and just doesnt have a good footy brain. Unfortunately for Bell I think he is destined to be an average AFL footballer but a star at VFL level. Hasnt taken the next step and doesnt look loike he will. IMHO he can go back to the magoos.

I think you're playing at semantics - his point still stands.

Whether you're any good at footy's irrelevant IMO, I mean everyone criticises films but no one I know has created a film featured at Cannes or starred in a hollywood blockbuster.

Rogue. It's not a play on meaning of words at all. ie. 'never' / 'probably'. There's a difference.

Let's not divert.

The point/issue is using the term "dud(s)" in reference to Mfc/AFL players. In this case Brad Miller and Michael Newton.

I asked if there were any chance at all, he could refrain from calling them "dud(s)", even suggesting 'NQR' as an alternative. To me "duds" is derogatory (intentionally offensive), and out of line.

Brockstars5 could of simply replied "No" for all I care.

Going on about starring at lower levels and not at AFL level is irrelevant IMO. That's pathetic reasoning to be able to use the term "duds".

Obviously it sits well with Brockstars in referring to our players in that way. It doesn't sit well with me fwiw. But I guess that's just me and some others.

I'd be quite interested to know Mod's stance, and if "the point" still stands. IMO it comes under 'Indecent.'

maybe they should have said elma fudds?

Just kidding HT before you jump all over me!

maybe they should have said elma fudds?

Either or either.

Kevin Rudd.

NQR isn't great either though if you're going to have a go at "dud."

Desrcibing a player as Not Quite Right isn't far off calling them a dud

NQR isn't great either though if you're going to have a go at "dud."

Desrcibing a player as Not Quite Right isn't far off calling them a dud

So where do you draw the line?

I think there is a difference. NQR can be described as someone who lacks footy nous or lacks pace, or whatever - almost a polite way of putting it. A "dud" I believe is more derogatory..ie Intentionally offensive.

TBH I don't know if there is a way around it without describing which areas you feel a player is lacking in every time you mention their ability - otherwise it becomes an oversimplified, derogatory comment.

It's not something that phases me to be honest, people will always talk footy straight down the line - though I agree this isn't always a good thing (especially when you consider most people wouldn't dare say to a player what they write on here).

In - Robertson

Out - Martin

Miller stays in because of a god record against the pies. He dominated in the last meeting up until he knocked himself out on the HFF late in the first qtr.

Bell is just regaining full fitness and should get a few weeks to prove his worth before being stamped.

Cheney's chance will come, I would consider him coming in for Bennel this week.

Hannabal I am 184 and I keep running into Liam at the footy and am always staggered by his height for a player that was not supposed to be a tall.

There is no way he is 188cm, I'd say around 191 at least!

Yes, I'm 188 and he's taller than me by at least 3cm.

I hope we can find room for Newton and Cheney. I wouldn't be too upset if Robbo has played his last AFL game. Perhaps Maric could do with a game back with Casey.