official - Adam McPhee leaves the bombers.

[Gooner 9]

I think Ball at 10 is a bit high.

I think they're a chance to take him with their 2nd round pick though.

Ball fits the age of their midfield well, but it depends if Essendon think they can build on their current side much, or if they require more rebuilding. I can see them trying to continue to achieve a mid-ladder result and Ball may help them do that.

[titan_uranus 25,176]

I think Ball at 10 is a bit high.

I think they're a chance to take him with their 2nd round pick though.

Ball fits the age of their midfield well, but it depends if Essendon think they can build on their current side much, or if they require more rebuilding. I can see them trying to continue to achieve a mid-ladder result and Ball may help them do that.

Yeah you're right. I can definitely see him going to Essendon at 24 or 26. More likely now that McPhee's gone too.

Which all just further perpetuates the idea that he isn't, and was never, going to get to Collingwood.

[JACKATTACK 17]

What role would McPhee play at MFC given our list?

He's a versatile player, and would add to our list. I think he is a better option than drafting a young kid at PSD1, difficult to say where he stands in relation to some of the others around, as I read it I would prefer Thorpe but there are a lot of unknowns with him. I wouldn't be writing home about him or putting his number on my jumper, but I wouldn't be upset either.

Why? (will Essendon go backwards this year)

Lloyd, Lucas (though he had little impact this year), Lovett, McPhee and they're about to lose Fletcher (even if knights thinks he can play until he's 78). Large structural changes to a club already in transition, I feel that as a list they are not heading in one direction. They are not without positives, Hurley, Watson and I rate Houli (even though he struggled this year), I do expect them to build over the next few years without the need to bottom out, just not next year.

[drdrake 3,203]

McPhee is a crab, I can't believe any one would entertain the idea of us picking him up. He is built like a brick shithouse and hates contact/contested footy. Unfortunately I've seen a fair bit of him play and he is no good and would add nothing to our club.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

He's a versatile player, and would add to our list. I think he is a better option than drafting a young kid at PSD1, difficult to say where he stands in relation to some of the others around, as I read it I would prefer Thorpe but there are a lot of unknowns with him. I wouldn't be writing home about him or putting his number on my jumper, but I wouldn't be upset either.

Still does not say where you would play McPhee given our list. He is no KPF and we have the backline set. Its moot antway as by all reports he's off to Freo.

Lloyd, Lucas (though he had little impact this year), Lovett, McPhee and they're about to lose Fletcher (even if knights thinks he can play until he's 78). Large structural changes to a club already in transition, I feel that as a list they are not heading in one direction. They are not without positives, Hurley, Watson and I rate Houli (even though he struggled this year), I do expect them to build over the next few years without the need to bottom out, just not next year.

Lloyd played a twlight season this year and was told he would struggle to get a spot in the Essendon side going forward. Lucas contribution is negligible and having him go would be a positive. Lovett did nothing in the 2nd half of the season when the real footy starts after a few cameos. In his current form, McPhee is coverable. Fletcher was only playing a third man tall and could continue to do that next year. Knights had key opposition players marked by younger players like Pears.

Hopefully, Essendon get Hille back which will allow them to use Ryder more broadly around the ground. I agree with Hurley and Watson. With McPhee gone, Ball would be a great pick up for them at 26. I think they can maintain their ground gained this year but I dont see them improving on it.

[Bonkers 994]

I'm not advocating the club draft McPhee in the PSD. However the club needs a marking option across half-forward and McPhee would give us a more highly skilled player than say Brad Miller. As it's already been stated by others in this thread he doesn't fit the criteria of our recruiting staff at the age of 27. If he was perhaps 2 or more years younger I think the club would have considered him as an option.

[beelzebub 23,390]

There are a number of issues I have with respect to McPhee:

His age. Hes 27...effectively looking for his last longish contract.

His form... not what it was a few back when named AA

His thinking.. he didnt want to accept ( i.e back himself in ) a 2 y deal with Essendon , apparently fearing his form might see him off the starting list maybe in 2 years and struggling to get games... maybe even the chop. So he wants a cushioned ride.

Ability..is he really that good? when surrounded by the likes of Hird Lucas Lloyd etc ...when not having to mark a really good opposition...when given largesse well, yes he was quite good... take away all of that...might be found wanting.

Essentially not what we're looking for going forward. So for McPhee its a McNO !!

[JACKATTACK 17]

Still does not say where you would play McPhee given our list. He is no KPF and we have the backline set. Its moot antway as by all reports he's off to Freo.

Yes the point is moot, but isn't it always on here? Anyway, he is a versatile player, which means his position is where he is most needed. He does kick goals (near one a game), and can play defensively. He will never hold down one position on the ground, but modern football, or at least Bailey's football demands the exact opposite. The fact that he has played the largest portion of his career as a half back certainly detracts from his value , but overall I would be content with his selection at PSD1 over a new kid. Keep in mind that McPhee, unlike Thorpe and McDonald was not delisted (unwanted) he just wasn't wanted that much.

[beelzebub 23,390]

I think we need to hire players whos careers are either at their zenith..or in ascendency...not decline. Doesnt really matter where they can or cant play

[jacey 333]

I think we need to hire players whos careers are either at their zenith..or in ascendency...not decline. Doesnt really matter where they can or cant play

or someone who will help our team. Mcphee won't.

He has been tried forward many times from two coaches already and has was been less then impressive.

His best position is in the back half but has been burnt by tall KPP or fast forwards. He won't really add anything to what we've got.

Freo wants to play him midfield. Anyone seen exposed form of Mcphee the midfielder?

[gOLLy 401]

Looks like Tarzan...plays like Jane.

[45HG 1,559]

Looks like Riewoldt...plays like Koschitzke.

Sorry, I know they are different types of players, but I just don't rate Kosi. You get the drift.

[beelzebub 23,390]

McPhee sweats on Demons

Adam Adam Adam... Tim has to say these things...to keep all on their toes... Sleep soundly and dream of bunny rabbits my friend... youre not good enough

[Bring-Back-Powell 15,257]

I wouldn't be upset if we got him on the cheap at PSD pick 1.

It's not as if we're sacrifising a valuable draft pick and he's more proven than Thorpe and to a lesser extent MacDonald.

However you'd imagine the Dees will take the common sense approach and let him head to Freo.

[Damo 3,437]

I wouldn't be upset if we got him on the cheap at PSD pick 1.

It's not as if we're sacrifising a valuable draft pick and he's more proven than Thorpe and to a lesser extent MacDonald.

However you'd imagine the Dees will take the common sense approach and let him head to Freo.

McPhee just will not go in to a pack to get the ball. He is Ok on his own but most Bomber supporters are very happy to see him go.

Why then he wants to play under Mark Harvey is a bit baffling.

[drdrake 3,203]

The Dockers will never learn, they start to build a list, then they get a few hacks in to ensure there young players sit in the WAFL and slow down the development. At least when we did this we were playing finals, it's stuffed us for the last 3 years but the Dockers are financially strong they need to just build a list stop picking up Essendon players.

I like the dockers, Mark Harvey, Essendon have been rubbish for 6 years, last year was a good year but prior to that nothing since Brisbane beat them in 2001.

[45HG 1,559]

Solomon, M Johnson, Bradley, Mcphee. A fair recruitment policy it would seem.

[Fat Tony 5,306]

I think most of you are being narrow minded. The facts are that McPhee finished 9th in Essendon's 2009 Best and Fairest and that he is only 27. McPhee would clearly make us a better side and he probably has at least three years left at the top level (given there are two new sides coming in).

The McPhee hate is because he is ugly and does not appear to be a very nice person and because it is not clear where he would fit into the side. These reasons are irrational. Moreover, the game is not played on paper and I think his versatility is a major strength.

[45HG 1,559]

Whose spot in the 18 would you give him?

[beelzebub 23,390]

there is no 'hate' of McPhee... we're just not that impressed by him. I cant see the club taking anyone of this 'vintage'...or "varietal'

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

The McPhee hate is because he is ugly and does not appear to be a very nice person and because it is not clear where he would fit into the side. These reasons are irrational.

So must be your reasons be for posting such garbage. Amazing.

[1858 285]

If the club took on McPhee I would not be impressed, not to mention the fact that he is chasing a 3 yr deal.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Nice quote from Yes Minister.

[H_T 3,049]

Solomon, M Johnson, Bradley, Mcphee. A fair recruitment policy it would seem.

If in doubt, "raid" the Bombers.

Pun not intended....initially.

[The Emblem 1]

Solomon, M Johnson, Bradley, Mcphee. A fair recruitment policy it would seem.

Any truth in the rumour that Freo are renaming their social club "the hanger"?