A lot of players have been mentioned in this thread, and there's a lot of speculation about who's better than whom. To a certain extent that's immaterial. I find all this 'best 22' stuff a bit stupefying as there are probably 12 players vying fairly equally for the last 6 positions in the team, and in any case the best squad rarely takes the field for one reason or another - see below.

Judging from what I've seen in photos and read in the training reports, Maric has built up his physique and stamina and trained impressively. Irrespective of whether he or Wona or Jetta or Petterd or anyone else is the 'better' player in a conjectural comparison, Maric will get his chance and will deserve it. It's the very simple arithmetic derived from what we know is a normal run of injuries (and by this I don't mean a typical Melbourne run, just something like a long-term average for a club). Chances are, not all of the players discussed here will be available even in Round 1. Then there's form; this seems like a forgotten concept. No matter how good a player may be, he must show good form or be dropped.

If Maric doesn't play in Round 1, he will play quite soon rather than later in the season, as the openings appear in the side. It astounds me that anyone can express disillusion or disappointment in a young man who has experienced injuries and had very limited opportunities when fit. Coming into a very weak, seemingly chaotic, team must make even the most gifted young players nervous about their instructions and delivery, as the targets fail to materialise. From what I saw, he moved well, got his head over the ball, and seemed very nicely balanced. Balance under pressure, I think, is probably the chief characteristic of that over-used and misused word, 'talent' - something that Travis J. demonstrated abundantly, even if he lacked in other areas.

A lot of players have been mentioned in this thread, and there's a lot of speculation about who's better than whom. To a certain extent that's immaterial. I find all this 'best 22' stuff a bit stupefying as there are probably 12 players vying fairly equally for the last 6 positions in the team, and in any case the best squad rarely takes the field for one reason or another - see below.

Judging from what I've seen in photos and read in the training reports, Maric has built up his physique and stamina and trained impressively. Irrespective of whether he or Wona or Jetta or Petterd or anyone else is the 'better' player in a conjectural comparison, Maric will get his chance and will deserve it. It's the very simple arithmetic derived from what we know is a normal run of injuries (and by this I don't mean a typical Melbourne run, just something like a long-term average for a club). Chances are, not all of the players discussed here will be available even in Round 1. Then there's form; this seems like a forgotten concept. No matter how good a player may be, he must show good form or be dropped.

If Maric doesn't play in Round 1, he will play quite soon rather than later in the season, as the openings appear in the side. It astounds me that anyone can express disillusion or disappointment in a young man who has experienced injuries and had very limited opportunities when fit. Coming into a very weak, seemingly chaotic, team must make even the most gifted young players nervous about their instructions and delivery, as the targets fail to materialise. From what I saw, he moved well, got his head over the ball, and seemed very nicely balanced. Balance under pressure, I think, is probably the chief characteristic of that over-used and misused word, 'talent' - something that Travis J. demonstrated abundantly, even if he lacked in other areas.

Nicely put

The encouraging aspect to all of this is that there are more than a few quite talented guys who will be vying for positions. Theres nothing on a plate. Bails has reiterated that often. All positions to be earnt, just some are easier to award than others.

So out of this we get keeness to impress and perform...as well as depth to the list.

win/win

Nicely put

where's that quoute in your signature from, I like it

where's that quoute in your signature from, I like it

yeah...where is it from ? am curious too.. and its true...

Does anyone remember the Saints game on the Gold Coast when Maric played?

I certainly do because it had one of my most memorable plays from a Demon for last season.

The ball was in dispute on the wing, and Maric slid in low and hard for the ball and gathered it whilst taking out the legs of the Saints opponent and then quickly getting to his feet to dispose of the ball.

It may not sound that memorable, but it was absolutely beautiful to watch, and epitomizes to me how i would like our team to play in the future, and how others teams ahead of us play already.

It may have only been a small snap shot but it was enough for me, along with him outmuscling Baker in the F50 for a mark and goal, to tell me he is a player of the future.

where's that quoute in your signature from, I like it

50% a Richmond friend, 25% Collingwood friend, 25% My own flourishes.

Maric should be a much better and fitter footballer this year. He starting running with the main group in October. He was the designated target for the kickouts in December and he was completing all the drills in January. I haven't seen him in rehab and he looks much stronger than last year.

The other big difference this year is the competition for the forward pocket position from Wonna, Jetta and even Pettard. Maric must either take his chances and score goals or make himself useful in midfield. I'm looking forward to watching him this weekend at the intraclub match.

Does anyone remember the Saints game on the Gold Coast when Maric played?

I certainly do because it had one of my most memorable plays from a Demon for last season.

The ball was in dispute on the wing, and Maric slid in low and hard for the ball and gathered it whilst taking out the legs of the Saints opponent and then quickly getting to his feet to dispose of the ball.

It may not sound that memorable, but it was absolutely beautiful to watch, and epitomizes to me how i would like our team to play in the future, and how others teams ahead of us play already.

I remember that too, the player he beat to the ball was Baker, and IIRC Maric gave him a bath that day. If he could play that way more often we'll have ourselves a gem for the next decade.

Does anyone remember the Saints game on the Gold Coast when Maric played?

I certainly do because it had one of my most memorable plays from a Demon for last season.

Yep.

But it was that game in Late 08', against a rampant Geelong that did it for me.

Played brilliantly and gave us a real positive to take out of the match. (would've been in the best for us that day id guess)

Hasnt done since enough since due to circumstance.

But the signs are there. Has to make a single position his own, imo..

And it wont be in the already stacked midfield i wouldnt think, even tho Bails said it was a possibility, not now that we snagged 4 'more likely' mids in the draft (scully trenny gyzza and tappy)

A FP for mine, keep him close to goals.