Just wondering what people think Melbourne team of 2012 will be.

I think

Be great if this team runs onto the MCG round 1 - 2012

B. C.Garland / M.Warnock / J.Bennell

HB. C.Morton/ J.Rivers / J.Frawley

C. T. Scully / B.Green / A.Davey

HF. M.Bate /L.Jurrah / C.Sylvia

F. A.Maric / J.Watts / A.Wonaeamirri

R. P.Johnson / B.McLean / J.Grimes

Int. J.Meesen / N Jones / S.Blease / B.Moloney

Retired (32+)

J.McDonald, R.Robertson, C.Bruce, M.Whelan, P.Wheatley

Possibles

Defenders:

S.Martin, R.Petterd, S.Buckley, J.Strauss, D.Bell, T.McNamara,

Midfielders/Rucks:

N.Jetta, R.Bail, M.Jamar, S. Valenti, C. Bartman, K. Cheney

Forwards:

B.Miller, L.Dunn, L.Jurrah, M.Newton

Just wondering what people think Melbourne team of 2012 will be.

I think

Be great if this team runs onto the MCG round 1 - 2012

B. C.Garland / M.Warnock / J.Bennell

HB. C.Morton/ J.Rivers / J.Frawley

C. T. Scully / B.Green / A.Davey

HF. M.Bate /L.Jurrah / C.Sylvia

F. A.Maric / J.Watts / A.Wonaeamirri

R. P.Johnson / B.McLean / J.Grimes

Int. J.Meesen / N Jones / S.Blease / B.Moloney

Retired (32+)

J.McDonald, R.Robertson, C.Bruce, M.Whelan, P.Wheatley

Possibles

Defenders:

S.Martin, R.Petterd, S.Buckley, J.Strauss, D.Bell, T.McNamara,

Midfielders/Rucks:

N.Jetta, R.Bail, M.Jamar, S. Valenti, C. Bartman, K. Cheney

Forwards:

B.Miller, L.Dunn, L.Jurrah, M.Newton

Not bad.

Jamar ahead of Johnson

Martin ahead of Meesen (we don't need two pure ruckmen)

Petterd ahead of Maric, move Morton to fwd line or keep Petterd there

Grimes on a wing, Scully in the guts

Not bad.

Jamar ahead of Johnson

Martin ahead of Meesen (we don't need two pure ruckmen)

Petterd ahead of Maric, move Morton to fwd line or keep Petterd there

Grimes on a wing, Scully in the guts

Neither Jamar nor Johnson will still be around.

Moloney doubtful also. And Green to come off the bench at best.

Edited August 17, 200915 yr by Enforcer25

Darn good!

Except that by 2012, Strauss will be at least what Gilbee is now, Blease will be one of the best outside mids in the comp, and Cale will be a (100kg!!) superstar KPP.

And Trengove? Did we miss out on the PP in 2009? Or did he go back to SA?

Why wouldn't that be the team that plays Round 1 2010?

Moloney doubtful also.

why would he be doubtful???

Darn good!

And Trengove? Did we miss out on the PP in 2009? Or did he go back to SA?

Did we get something good for him at least? or just the satisfaction of beating Carlton?

Moloney doubtful also.

Provided he can stay fit, there's absolutely no reason Moloney, now aged 25, would be doubtful in 2 years time.

Especially not if he's next captain of the club...

Provided he can stay fit, there's absolutely no reason Moloney, now aged 25, would be doubtful in 2 years time.

Especially not if he's next captain of the club...

I love Beama - he's a gem of a bloke.

But I just fear there may not be room for him in the side in a couple of years time -- I really hope he proves me wrong.

Just wondering what people think Melbourne team of 2012 will be.

I think

Be great if this team runs onto the MCG round 1 - 2012

B. C.Garland / M.Warnock / J.Bennell

HB. B.Green/ J.Rivers / J.Frawley

C. T. Scully /J Grimes / A.Davey

HF. M.Bate /L.Jurrah / C.Sylvia

F. A.Maric / J.Watts / A.Wonaeamirri

R. Jamar or Meesen / B.McLean / C.Morton

Int. S. Martin / N Jones / S.Blease / B.Moloney

Just a couple of changes to consider. I don't see Green holding a spot in that midfield, but as a general in the backline he'll be fine. Give that spot to Grimes. Morton to go on the ball and use that engine we all love. I don't think PJ will still be with us, so no to him in the ruck. I also think Stef martin will continue to improve and may well be holding a spot in the starting lineup by then, but that's pure speculation at this point.

A couple of thoughts for people:

- This side has Blease in it, but where do you see Straus fitting in?

- How does the side change if we get Trengrove or Morabito?

- How does the side change if we take Butcher, or indeed Panos or one of the other well-regarded KPFs?

Why wouldn't that be the team that plays Round 1 2010?

Yeah, you could be right (if we miss the PP). It's more like the 2010 team than the 2012 team.

We have so many kids with so much upside, it's possible that 2 or 3 of them (at the very least) will be elite AFL players by 2012. We can predict Grimes and Watts and Jurrah fairly safely. But Scully and Morton (and Trengove) could also be there too, and if they are, they won't be flankers, they'll be the key players around whom the team is built.

It's hard to imagine a team that's built around these young players instead of the central players of 2009 - Davey, McLean, Moloney, Warnock, Rivers et al. They'll still be good players in 2012, but they'll be fighting for top billing with the half dozen or so I've mentioned above.

Then there's my own predictions of Strauss, Blease & Martin (who could well be one of the best big men in the AFL by 2012). But it could just as well be Wona, Garland, McKenzie, Valenti, Jetta, Bennell ... who knows?

I honestly can't remember a list with so much young talent that will all bear fruit at around about the same time. I'd be interested to know who others think our 3 top players will be in 2012. Or who will win our first Norm Smith medal?

Jurrah for the norm smith. He has the freak factor to do something amazing on GF day.

I love Beama - he's a gem of a bloke.

But I just fear there may not be room for him in the side in a couple of years time -- I really hope he proves me wrong.

If there's anyone's future to worry about in the middle, it's gotta be McLean, or Jones.

Unless he can recapture his early career form and pace over the next 2 seasons (not that he was ever quick, just now he looks so slooooow), things might be shaky for McLean by 2012-2013. With Scully and possibly Trengove/Morabito/Rohan arriving at seasons end, spots for midfielders, especially those lacking pace, will be limited, and unfortunately McLean looks the slowest of our current lot. Moloney and Jones, while neither are quick, both have a better ability to run the lines and carry the footy than Brock, though Jones gets carried away sometimes and often gets caught. But he's always looking to take the game on, which can only be a good thing once team performance starts to lift, and he's still only 21 or thereabouts.

Brocky's game style is almost completely based around stoppage work these days and his inability to run freely has been clearly evident for 2 years now. Let's hope for an injury-free pre-season with lots of sprint work for Brock, because we know he can be a very good footballer if his body is right. If he can sort out his body, by 2012-2013, Brock will be 26 or so and in his prime. Big "if" though.

Anyway, I'll go the other way and predict* that in 2012 or 2013, when our 'premiership window' opens, Moloney will either receive All-Australian honours and/or win a B&F as the 'elder-statesman' of our midfield group along with Davey, and alongside star names like Scully, Grimes, Trengove(etc). I think he's under-rated now because we aren't a good side and our midfield has too many like-types, but in a good midfield with star quality and a bit of pace around him, he has the potential to produce some Sam Mitchell-like results. His work in close is 2nd to none at the club this year. Will be an important leader looking ahead.

*This prediction is based around us naturally improving ladder positions over time, hopefully to be around 8th-14th in 2010, bottom half of the 8-to-12th in 2011, top-8 and possible top-4 in 2012, top-4 and a real chance from 2013 onwards. "2013 Premiers!" (B)

I love Beama - he's a gem of a bloke.

But I just fear there may not be room for him in the side in a couple of years time -- I really hope he proves me wrong.

OK then.

Open your eyes.

He's doing it.

Yeah, you could be right (if we miss the PP). It's more like the 2010 team than the 2012 team.

We have so many kids with so much upside, it's possible that 2 or 3 of them (at the very least) will be elite AFL players by 2012. We can predict Grimes and Watts and Jurrah fairly safely. But Scully and Morton (and Trengove) could also be there too, and if they are, they won't be flankers, they'll be the key players around whom the team is built.

It's hard to imagine a team that's built around these young players instead of the central players of 2009 - Davey, McLean, Moloney, Warnock, Rivers et al. They'll still be good players in 2012, but they'll be fighting for top billing with the half dozen or so I've mentioned above.

Then there's my own predictions of Strauss, Blease & Martin (who could well be one of the best big men in the AFL by 2012). But it could just as well be Wona, Garland, McKenzie, Valenti, Jetta, Bennell ... who knows?

I honestly can't remember a list with so much young talent that will all bear fruit at around about the same time. I'd be interested to know who others think our 3 top players will be in 2012. Or who will win our first Norm Smith medal?

Good post, it's a nice position for the club to be in for once. I can't remember the last time i truly believed we had players capable of being the truly elite in the league.

Top 3 by 2012 i'm hoping would be Garland - best defender (although Frawley will be right on his heels), Jurrah - best forward (Jack Watts also calls to say hi), Scully - best mid (Grimes anyone?).

There really is the opportunity to develop these kids into some real quality players. Very exciting times ahead for us Dees faithful.

Just wondering what people think Melbourne team of 2012 will be.

I think

Be great if this team runs onto the MCG round 1 - 2012

B. C.Garland / M.Warnock / J.Bennell

HB. C.Morton/ J.Rivers / J.Frawley

C. T. Scully / B.Green / A.Davey

HF. M.Bate /L.Jurrah / C.Sylvia

F. A.Maric / J.Watts / A.Wonaeamirri

R. P.Johnson / B.McLean / J.Grimes

Int. J.Meesen / N Jones / S.Blease / B.Moloney

Considering bodies will develop in that time and some will progress quicker than others.. There might be a few surprises... (EDIT: Positional surprises. This team could also seriously run out RD.1 next year - in different possies..)

B: Frawley / Warnock / Bennell

HB: McKenzie / Martin / Strauss

C: Bate / Blease / Davey

HF: Jurrah / Watts / Garland

F: Slyvia / Morton / Petterd

R: Spencer / Grimes / Scully

INT: Jones / Wonaemirri / Valenti / Green

EMG: Jetta / Dunn / Moloney

*Wouldn't trust Rivers body to hold up for another 3 or so years.. ..Moloney too, to a lesser degree.

*Bruce will have just retired

*Morton might also be another worry- he still looks 15! Might not see the best of him until 2015!

*Martin back-up ruck- if needed

*Slyvia resting up forward (From midfield)

*Morton resting up forward (from midfield)

*Petterd resting up forward (from midfield)

*Didn't include this years 2nd pick. (In case its not Trengove...)

*Blease will be the fastest player in the league by 2012 -and Our Best Mid!

*Davey, Matty Bate and Blease- we'll want them delivering the ball into the forward 50- if not kicking goals

(Does Matty Bate ever go to ground?? He is as strong thru the hips as G.Ablett jr - no doubt!)

*Finally.. WHAT a HALF- FORWARD LINE!! 2x 'possible' James Hirds!!! And Watts!!!!!!!!

*Sorry, I've exclaimated all over the place

Edited August 17, 200915 yr by DemonDan...

Ok. This is my 2012 Premiership side.

B. C.Garland / M.Warnock / J.Strauss

HB. C.Morton/ J.Rivers / J.Frawley

C. T. Scully / B.Green / A.Davey

HF. M.Bate /L.Jurrah / C.Sylvia

F. A.Maric / J.Watts / A.Wonaeamirri

R. Jamar / B.McLean / J.Grimes

Int. S.Martin/ N Jones / S.Blease / B.Moloney

Emg or changes for match-up resons

T.McNamara, D.Bell, R.Petterd, S.Buckley

Any changes with my emg and I wouldn't mind.

We look good!

...

B. C.Garland / M.Warnock / J.Bennell

HB. C.Morton/ J.Rivers / J.Frawley

C. T. Scully / B.Green / A.Davey

HF. M.Bate /L.Jurrah / C.Sylvia

F. A.Maric / J.Watts / A.Wonaeamirri

R. P.Johnson / B.McLean / J.Grimes

Int. J.Meesen / N Jones / S.Blease / B.Moloney

Retired (32+) J.McDonald, R.Robertson, C.Bruce, M.Whelan, P.Wheatley

Possibles

Defenders:S.Martin, R.Petterd, S.Buckley, J.Strauss, D.Bell, T.McNamara,

Midfielders/Rucks:N.Jetta, R.Bail, M.Jamar, S. Valenti, C. Bartman, K. Cheney

Forwards:B.Miller, L.Dunn, L.Jurrah, M.Newton

If we're looking atthree years hence then :

Doubt Rivers willbe holding down a position ..if still at club

Doubt PJ will be aroundI too..what happened to Trengove ?

there will be two more years of drafts ( even if shallow ) and likelyhood of one of say 4-6 picks will be in lineup...theres always one !! lol

Might have thought Spencer had some of age by then

Many listed as possibles will be gone.

Garland, Warnock, Rivers, Frawley is too tall IMO. I think that once Garland is back in next year and Martin continues to improve all-around (and can pinch-hit on the really big FFs ala B. Holland did) then Warnock will be on the outer.

OK then.

Open your eyes.

He's doing it.

This is now - in 2 years' time we shall see.

I guess I also have fears he may break down with injury again.

Like I said, I hope he is there, but I'm not worried about Jones or McLean, they are gimmes in my mind.

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

There really is the opportunity to develop these kids into some real quality players. Very exciting times ahead for us Dees faithful.

Hard to disagree with that assessment. I've been an avid Dees fan through thick and (mostly) thin starting from the 1950's, but I don't think I have ever seen so much potential on our list. Like many of us, I've frequently been guilty of wearing rose coloured glasses when it comes to our footy club, but I'm starting to think that this time my optimism might be warranted. If the '08 crop of draftees (particularly Watts, Strauss and Blease) go on to justify their early selections, and we choose well in the upcoming draft, we should have a star studded list in a few years time. All we will need then is a modicum of good luck with injuries, and we will press deep into September. ......................... Bugger! Am I guilty (once again) of wearing those bloody glasses?

The team I like:

B. Bennell / Warnock / Garland

HB. Strauss / Frawley / Green

C. Blease / Trengove / Morton

HF. Sylvia / Watts / Davey

F. Wonaeamirri / Jurrah / Bate

R. Meesen* / Grimes / Scully

I/C Martin / Moloney / Maric / Jones

* I've got no idea who'll be ruck.

** There'll be at least half dozen changes to this team as that's just the evolution of footy sides.

*** We'll probably be one big body in the forward line short, but Martin is still an unknown quantity.

There are 14 top 21 picks in that team and we need a similar number of players to become A graders to win a flag.

It's a very solid foundation.

Edited August 18, 200915 yr by Hannibal

The team I like:

B. Bennell / Warnock / Garland

HB. Strauss / Frawley / Green

C. Blease / Trengove / Morton

HF. Sylvia / Watts / Davey

F. Wonaeamirri / Jurrah / Bate

R. Meesen* / Grimes / Scully

I/C Martin / Moloney / Maric / Jones

* I've got no idea who'll be ruck.

** There'll be at least half dozen changes to this team as that's just the evolution of footy sides.

*** We'll probably be one big body in the forward line short, but Martin is still an unknown quantity.

There are 14 top 21 picks in that team and we need a similar number of players to become A graders to win a flag.

It's a very solid foundation.

I concur with the team you've named Hannibal.

Although I do have a question, and it seems it's inevitable the more I come accross it, that is my view of Brock McLean, Brent Moloney, Nathan Jones. "IF" we obtain picks 1 & 2 (Scully & Trengove), whilst it's a good problem to have - we may have alot of 'one kind' of midfielder ie. Scully, Moloney, McLean & Jones. Clearly Scully is considered to be the standout of these.

Is there room for all, or do you think one might get squeezed out? I know you can never have enough midfielders, but I note your one 'omission' or 'absentee' is McLean from the above side. I often wonder if he or Jones may be considered for trade in order to help obtain a KPF - whether that be achieved through draft pick or swap of players.

Edited August 18, 200915 yr by High Tower

Jack Viney will probably get a game

The team I like:

B. Bennell / Warnock / Garland

HB. Strauss / Frawley / Green

C. Blease / Trengove / Morton

HF. Sylvia / Watts / Davey

F. Wonaeamirri / Jurrah / Bate

R. Meesen* / Grimes / Scully

I/C Martin / Moloney / Maric / Jones

* I've got no idea who'll be ruck.

** There'll be at least half dozen changes to this team as that's just the evolution of footy sides.

*** We'll probably be one big body in the forward line short, but Martin is still an unknown quantity.

There are 14 top 21 picks in that team and we need a similar number of players to become A graders to win a flag.

It's a very solid foundation.

Not bad Interestig you dont have Brocky...strangely I find it awkward to get him in too, unless Jones' gives way. Understandably the forward area ia a bit fluid but Id like kto keep Jurrah out of the square and give him some largese..Probably Bater at FF in that scenario. All in all with some miles in their legs.... its not too shabby at all

....and who knows who might come along to add