"I don't know about you lot, but I'm so worried he will disappoint that I don't want to jinx him."

I'm also a bit worried that Demon supporters are getting a bit too optimistic about Liam. Sure, he's had flashes of brilliance, but really, only about 5 per week. It seems he can't do a thing wrong in the view of some fans, and any good move is exaggerated in its worth.

I'm really hoping he develops into a Franklin-like player, and there's a chance he will. It probably does him no harm to pin our hopes that he's the new messiah for the mfc, but I've had so many disappointments over the last 45 years, I'm guarded about being too optimistic.

Go LJ!!! Show me my lack of optimism is unjustified!!!

He`s Delicious, clever and SPECIAL

Jaded, you have been eliminated.

You cannot claim the entire team. As you have claimed Brock, Jurrah, Martin, Rivers and Bell, you hereby yield Grimes to me.

Jaded, you have been eliminated.

You cannot claim the entire team. As you have claimed Brock, Jurrah, Martin, Rivers and Bell, you hereby yield Grimes to me.

Well I'm dropping Bell in favour of Scully next year

Although a fellow poster already claimed him about 3 months ago...

The problem with good players is that you can't claim them, because everyone wants a piece of the pie. Unless a player starts out as a dud, but you continually support them, in which case you have full rights to said player.

Generally claiming players should be left to obscure, semi-crap players that you just kind of feel sorry for, or unknowns. Therefore Grimes cannot be claim, even though his kicking action is flawed.

Where does my love, and claim over, Whelan fit in then?

Where does my love, and claim over, Whelan fit in then?

I think because you've stuck it out for so many years, the claim stays. Like me with Robbo.

I've been defending him for 10 years, hence I'm going to claim him as my own for the rest of his life. Same for you and Wheels, you have had a man crush on the guy for a long time

If in 10 years time you are still on the Grimes bandwagon then we'll reassess.

On a separate note, it's a bit sad to count how many texts and Facebook messages I got today after Robbo's announcement. People texted me to say that they hope I was OK

Yeah, it's crap hey!

I feel your pain.

To tell you the truth, I don't really think it's hit me yet.

He'll have played in two wins in his last 3 years.

[censored].... ha!

Sorry, had to be done.

Strangely enough, both the [censored] and the Booby are birds found in England. Of particular note is the Blue [censored]. Indeed, if you wander through the nightclub district of London in the winter, you see blue [censored] everywhere.

But seriously, what we've seen of LJ thus far is flashes of brilliance punctuated by moments of "bloody hell I'm stuffed" and stints on the bench. What I'm looking forward to in the next few years is a Liam who can keep going like the Energizer Bunny and not just perform in short bursts. When he can sustain the brilliance for a full 90 minutes we'll see some real magic.

Slight tangent: Does everyone remember Davey when he first appeared - quick and dangerous but very limited in what we thought he could do (and should do, considering some on here as late as a few months ago thought he had regressed since 2004 and should play FP all the time)?

He has blossomed into one of the best wingers in the game and easily our best player. His heavy tag will become lighter in a few short years and will become even more dangerous than he is now.

In many ways I see a correlation with LJ with regard to FF. Many questioned whether Davey could make the transition to midfield as many are saying that LJ is too slight or too short to play FF.

I know there aren't (m)any indigenous FFs.

I think he can do it; with help from Watts, Bate, Wonaeamirri, Sylvia, and Petterd.

And some decent delivery.

I'm also a bit worried that Demon supporters are getting a bit too optimistic about Liam. Sure, he's had flashes of brilliance, but really, only about 5 per week. It seems he can't do a thing wrong in the view of some fans, and any good move is exaggerated in its worth.

I'm really hoping he develops into a Franklin-like player, and there's a chance he will. It probably does him no harm to pin our hopes that he's the new messiah for the mfc, but I've had so many disappointments over the last 45 years, I'm guarded about being too optimistic.

Go LJ!!! Show me my lack of optimism is unjustified!!!

Perhaps it comes down to how starved we've been. eg, had LJ somehow ended up at Hawks, would the fans be as excited? Or would their level of enthusiasm be spread between he, Cyril and Buddy? Also, don't forget, our most gifted forward for the last 3 years has been Newton, so that's a long time between drinks.

I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm "Worried" demons supporters are getting over excited. I'm more relieved that there's some genuine enthusiasm. But just personally, I'll get excited when he kicks his customary 4 in a GF.

Bailey's said it.. Rudeboy has been shouting it..this lad is SSSPPPPPEEEEEEEECCCCCCCCCCCCCCCIIIIIIIIIAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL !!!!!!!!

He is not fazed in the slightest by the stage that theh G is..( or any game ) he takes the game on, he doesnt wait, he backs hmslef and has the commensurate skills to do it. He is a class above many players..and unfortunately quite a few are in our team...lol. But as the team evolves and various players come on, Liam will be part of a very dynamic unit.

The allegory of Davey is quite apt. Have no dount there will be quieter games from Liam as the various gorillas have a go at taming him but I feel quite positive he'll come out of it stronger and even cannier

Bloody hell..how often does a player like Liam come along...and how often are we lucky enough to claim them ??

Others lift around him..he even generates excitement within the team.....brilliant

Built like Michael O'Loughlin -Taller

Moves like Lance Franklin - Faster

Ground skills of Aaron Davey - Smoother

Aerial skills of Russell Robertson - Higher

Goal kicking skills of A. Jackovich - Freakier

sounds like a daft punk song.

Slight tangent: Does everyone remember Davey when he first appeared - quick and dangerous but very limited in what we thought he could do (and should do, considering some on here as late as a few months ago thought he had regressed since 2004 and should play FP all the time)?

He has blossomed into one of the best wingers in the game and easily our best player. His heavy tag will become lighter in a few short years and will become even more dangerous than he is now.

In many ways I see a correlation with LJ with regard to FF. Many questioned whether Davey could make the transition to midfield as many are saying that LJ is too slight or too short to play FF.

I know there aren't (m)any indigenous FFs.

I think he can do it; with help from Watts, Bate, Wonaeamirri, Sylvia, and Petterd.

And some decent delivery.

Good point you make rpfc. As RudeBoy has alluded to since LJ's arrival, with LJ the sky is the limit. Get a pre-season under his belt and whack on 5Kg of muscle and further development, this kid could well be anything. Let's keep a lid on it.

It will be very interesting to monitor his progress and see what the FD have in store for him - positional wise.

L COOL J :D

I'd say Franklin is a full forward.

To be honest RPFC, that comparison could be played with many, many players. It just seems more logical because they are both aboriginal - which is a link in itself in footy comparisons that I hate.

Built like Michael O'Loughlin -Taller

Moves like Lance Franklin - Faster

Ground skills of Aaron Davey - Smoother

Aerial skills of Russell Robertson - Higher

Goal kicking skills of A. Jackovich - Freakier

Anyone got a tissue - I just messed myself!!

To be honest RPFC, that comparison couIt just seems more logical because they are both aboriginal - which is a link in itself in footy comparisons that I hate.

Agreed.

People can't seem to get their heads around the fact that not all aboriginal players are the same and that their talents aren't there simply because they are aboriginal but because they are talented individuals.

I'd say Franklin is a full forward.

To be honest RPFC, that comparison could be played with many, many players. It just seems more logical because they are both aboriginal - which is a link in itself in footy comparisons that I hate.

I don't think Rpfc was making that link, if that is what you are insinuating. Has nothing to do whether they are both aboriginal.

I agree that the comparison could be played with many players, I can't speak for Rpfc, but I'm sure he would acknowledge this too.

I think Rpfc's overall point is that LJ is something special and he is capable of making the transition to Full Forward much the same as Davey from a forward to a midfielder.

I'd say Franklin is a full forward.

To be honest RPFC, that comparison could be played with many, many players. It just seems more logical because they are both aboriginal - which is a link in itself in footy comparisons that I hate.

I see Franklin as more of a CHF.

And your second point is what I was alluding to - it's not overt racism but when people are so dismissive of a 20 year old who is 192cm and averages 2 goals a game, then you have to ask questions as to why they are so dismissive.

The comparison I used was very deliberate because there seems to be an issue where if you are indigenous and talented you should be a FP because other roles are beyond you.

I was merely saying that being an elite winger is certainly not beyond Davey, just as Jurrah can progress to being a very dangerous FF.

I stand corrected then.

I see Franklin as more of a CHF.

And your second point is what I was alluding to - it's not overt racism but when people are so dismissive of a 20 year old who is 192cm and averages 2 goals a game, then you have to ask questions as to why they are so dismissive.

The comparison I used was very deliberate because there seems to be an issue where if you are indigenous and talented you should be a FP because other roles are beyond you.

I was merely saying that being an elite winger is certainly not beyond Davey, just as Jurrah can progress to being a very dangerous FF.

Fwiw re: Franklin I see him as a player that can adapt to FF or CHF no problem. This season has shown that.

IMO I don't think there is an issue that "if you are indigenous and talented you should be a FP because other roles are beyond you".

There are a few reasons why they maybe better suited to a FP: -

1/ More dangerous at ground level around goal

2/ More skilful in front of goal

3/ Might not have the engine for a midfield role

I think the likes of Aaron Davey, Leon Davis have shown by improving their engine and sustained excellence in working hard and recovery within the midfield, it bucks this so called 'issue'.

If you've got it, flaunt it.

I can't wait to see what this guy can do once he's had a pre-season, and once the rest of the team starts playing half-decent football. Already, with minimal fitness and pretty mediocre supply and support, he's kicking goals, taking marks, creating general excitement, and, overall, actually being a forward.

I think the likes of Aaron Davey, Leon Davis have shown by improving their engine and sustained excellence in working hard and recovery within the midfield, it bucks this so called 'issue'.

If you've got it, flaunt it.

Yes, however, both players have had to endure many of their supporters demanding that they abandon their delusions of becoming midfielders.

Both are now accepted mids, at 28 and 26...

Up until this year had people saying they should be tethered to the goalposts.

The AFL community very nearly didn't get to see LJ. It makes me wonder how many others are out there that will never get their chance

I'm totally biased, but I saw him kick 4 goals in 8 minutes of the first quarter to win a Grand final for Yuendumu last year. I reckon once he's had a pre season there's no reason he won't do it for the Dees on the MCG. Sit back, strap on your seat belt, and get ready for the ride of your life. The best is yet to come folks. Buddy who?

Buddy who?

Don't know him.......

I'm totally biased, but I saw him kick 4 goals in 8 minutes of the first quarter to win a Grand final for Yuendumu last year. I reckon once he's had a pre season there's no reason he won't do it for the Dees on the MCG. Sit back, strap on your seat belt, and get ready for the ride of your life. The best is yet to come folks. Buddy who?

Yes Rude Boy and thankyou for the talk you gave on him at the demonland function...inspiring stuff...cant wait