Newton offers us the hope you pin in Smith.

I know it's wishful thinking on my behalf, but we've stuck with him for this long, and it seems like a real shame if we let him go just as he stops getting himself injured.

Another solid pre-season, and you just never know. Neither Dutchy nor Neita are getting any younger. Not saying that Smith will be taking Dutchy's role in the backline, but he could fill a target up forward, if/when Miller establishes himself as the third tall down back. With Dunn playing as third tall.

..oh crap, i forgot that Whispering reads these forums, and will get angry with me for lifting the lid on Newton.

I better check my mailbox, no doubt there's a letter from his solicitors.

What Solicitors Finks? I am a Solicitor and this is your first and only warning. Keep the lid on or else ...

I know it's wishful thinking on my behalf, but we've stuck with him for this long, and it seems like a real shame if we let him go just as he stops getting himself injured.

Another solid pre-season, and you just never know. Neither Dutchy nor Neita are getting any younger. Not saying that Smith will be taking Dutchy's role in the backline, but he could fill a target up forward, if/when Miller establishes himself as the third tall down back. With Dunn playing as third tall.

I understand your thoughts but Smith has not shown he can play sustained quality football at VFL level. I just dont think he has shown enough to justify the continued investment.

Rod I've expressed concern before at the lack of opportunity that Newton has received as a result of the Sandy seniors having players like Sautner, Lamb and Crowe taking spots from people like Newton. That's Sandy's right, but it's nevertheless an issue for the MFC.

IMO Newton has great potential (I'll hold judgement as to whether he's the same skills as Flower and Hird) but he needs to play footy at VFL senior level to develop it. At present he isn't.

Newton has the option of putting himself into the draft in the hope of getting more opportunities elsewhere.

I just hope he picks us. I'm pretty confident he will, and I've no indication to the contrary. But it is, I believe, an issue.

Totally agree. If the progress of Melbouirne listed palyers is being held up by selfish interests of Sandy, then this is a ridculous situation. Bring back the the magoos

Newton has the option of putting himself into the draft in the hope of getting more opportunities elsewhere.

I just hope he picks us. I'm pretty confident he will, and I've no indication to the contrary. But it is, I believe, an issue.

Agreed Tim, it will ocme down to what Melbourne can offer Juice in the way of a career plan, whether he stays with us or puts himself in the draft, and with the madman from bomberland yelling for uncontracted players to present themselves to the bombers then anything is a chance to happen.

I understand your thoughts but Smith has not shown he can play sustained quality football at VFL level. I just dont think he has shown enough to justify the continued investment.

I think the investment in Smith is a cheap one. He would not be on much money and has developed physically at this stage where he is a 22year old fit, strong, giant, who can take a mark and have a spell in the ruck. They don't appear to be growing on trees. We have other players on our list who may be at the end of their careers, at least with our club, who can be delisted before him, to allow us some draft picks. I would definitely give Smith another season at least, to try and break into the Dees side. I would rather delist a couple of ageing defenders who have not played this year and an angry, slow onballer from another club, who doesn't add anything to our game. White is getting older and Jamar is the only real other ruckman at the club who is ready now. Neaves is a way off and PJ is not really a ruckman, though he could be a handy player used elsewhere. No, keep Smith and give him another season to try and make it, either up forward, in defence or in the ruck.

It's a pretty safe bet he'll be with us next year. Has been great at Sandy, and will start getting a shot at AFL level next year I think. With Neitz retiring in a year or two, Newton is the best and most logical replacement long term. Hopefully he will be eased into the team while Neitz is still around, so he can teach him, mentor him, etc.

He'll be staying with us, unless he gets selfish and decides some like the Hawks will give him a game now instead of waiting for a position with us. But that seems highly unlikely IMO.

I think the investment in Smith is a cheap one. He would not be on much money and has developed physically at this stage where he is a 22year old fit, strong, giant, who can take a mark and have a spell in the ruck. They don't appear to be growing on trees. We have other players on our list who may be at the end of their careers, at least with our club, who can be delisted before him, to allow us some draft picks. I would definitely give Smith another season at least, to try and break into the Dees side. I would rather delist a couple of ageing defenders who have not played this year and an angry, slow onballer from another club, who doesn't add anything to our game. White is getting older and Jamar is the only real other ruckman at the club who is ready now. Neaves is a way off and PJ is not really a ruckman, though he could be a handy player used elsewhere. No, keep Smith and give him another season to try and make it, either up forward, in defence or in the ruck.

Agree with your preferences to delist. However I am not sure that after 4 years on the list Smith is going to make it. And for MFC's sakes he is no value playing in the ruck when he is fifth in line behind White, Jamar, Neaves and PJ. I do not expect all four to be at the Club next year and I think Neaves will be with us. That might ease some scope for Smith. But I still dont think he will make it.

Up forward we have a problem with Newton kicking bags in the seconds, screaming for opportunity and Nick Saunter blocking his path at Sandy. Smith makes it all the more difficult.

My gripe with Smith is his inability to produce beyond the odd cameo. He has to demand a spot in the AFL team and I think we have seen what we are going to get from him. IMO its not enough.

Trade Newton?

I don't think so.

Newton kicked 7 in the Sandy Reserves at the weekend. Will get promoted to Sandy seniors next week me thinks with Miller coming up to the Dees...i hope

tata bang the seniors had a bye, both miller and newton have been playing in the seniors.

its a strange problem to have. neitz and robbo pick themselves. then miller dunn newton holland are all fighting for the third tall. holland has found a niche in the back line. i still think millers best footy will be forward, although i think he needs to be the thrid tall, and we cant rely on him to score. i think dunn is a definite CHF.

newton will replace neitz no doubt, however he has to wait for a spot. its hard but i think he will be a ready made replacement and i hope we dont lose him now.

meanwhile, why was dunn left out? injury? does this pave the way for newton to get a game next week at CHF?

meanwhile, why was dunn left out? injury? does this pave the way for newton to get a game next week at CHF?

No.

As unfortunate as the Newton situation is, he needs to consistently perform at senior VFL level before he steps up to AFL.

I think one of Dunn or Miller should be included this week, my preference is for Dunn but its really good to see Miller stepping up in the VFL and dominating at CHF.

I actually think picking Newton wouldn't be bad idea, he has some sensational form. I don't think it will happen but I would like it to show him some reward for playing so well in the reserves, it would be pretty disappointing and frustrating for him to play every week in a competition below your level. Half a game at AFL level would be just sending him a message on the how we think he is performing this year.

Agree Melon in that I'd be happy to see him picked as a taster. Given how vital our next few rounds are though, the chances of it happening are zip.

I'd be earmarking him for a full pre-season cup (I can't even remember what it is called now) itinerary next year.

he has played great and dominated when in the sandy 2's yeah?

and has shown good form in the ones, bu has always been behind sauntner dunn miller smith for positions meaning he doesnt get the chance to dominate.

if dunn is injured. i believe he should be ahead of miller in the pecking order. he kicked 7. thats a big haul. miller kicked 3. miller has played an excelent game at sandy and a reasonable one for their seconds in the last two weeks. most people would say the only two games he has stood out in all year. newton has impressed many.

giving him a run couldnt be a bad thing, but as you said nasher, important games might keep him out. watch out for next year.

This one is a no-brainer. CAC mentioned to us at the start of the year that he considered Newton had the greatest physical talent of the 2004 draftees. He is still only 19, I think. Will definately be retained.

He might be right

I'm glad you said that 'undeeniable', because thats exactly what I think of him. I've watched him play numerous times & in my estimation he is the most naturally gifted with natural skills of balance, poise, timing, leaping ability, kicking, marking & so on & so forth.

Bate & Dunn have arrived early for kids, Bate is physically advanced for his age & Dunn talented & clever & a Key Posi was open for him even though he's still a little raw as a footballer.

Newton is a kid who's not pre advanced for his age & is 'ripening' naturally on the tree. I think he has the gifts that could possibly develope into 'Robert Floweresque' or 'James Hirdesque', hopefully. We should under no circumstances let him go...

Whats this then?

Whats this then?

I think the lid is slowly lifting.

Well i am pulling on the lid as hard as i can