I think our forward line is starting to come together well with Watts maturing each week. I am not sure we should be spending picks on a "power forward". The most glaring problem we have up forward is the small crumbing forward. We dont have one. We need one and should seek to identify options in the draft.

And I would not touch Fevola with a 10 foot pole. With or without 11 goals against an undermanned, below standard Frankston outfit. Its a pity the opportunities that were presented to a 31yo hasbeen are not provided to the Cooks, McDonalds and Fitzs who actually have a future with the Club.

Jessie White could be a possibility. Even though he has all the hallmarks of a top forward, it just doesn't appear to be working for him at the Swans. Both parties may be open to a change of scenery (for the right deal).

I was a Jessie White proponent early last year when the same topic was raised, but it turned out the Swans had re-signed him... but I'm not sure how long a term that contract was for (and with Bradshaw now retired, I think they will want to retain him anyway). However, I went along to the Swans v Freo game yesterday, and apart from one of two good things, he was on the whole very ordinary; unfortunately he really seems to have lost his mojo - maybe a new club would see him improve, but it would be a bit of a risk.

I'd be chasing Butcher, right age, has talent (or at least did have talent) and wants to return to Vic.

Is that the Butcher (the bearded one) who was playing in the Claremont v Port Adelaide Foxtel Cup semi on the weekend? If so, I was thinking he really did appear to be someone who was at one time being touted as a number one draft pick (was it the same year as Watts and Nik Nat?) but has really failed to live up to expectations... maybe it was just an off day, but his reading of the play was hopeless and his set shot kicking for goal was terrible.

If we could construct a rookie list that looked like in a weak drafting year

1/ Evans - Next in line to get promoted

2/ Spencer - due to injury

3/ Ozzy - Giving him time

4/ Campbell - further ruck stock back-up

5/ Fevola - 50 goal full-forward dont grow on trees

6/ Lawrence - More time

7/ Johnstone - More time

Then upgrade Nicho ... would be the best rookie list in the league. Then trade out 1-2 players we would be in a very, very strong position next year to challenge for the big one.

Edited July 17, 201113 yr by hangon007

Its Butcher's 2nd year, same draft as Scully. He'll take time..

Cook and Fitzy have some talent but neither will become that big bodied forward. I like Cook but he's got a similar build to Watts.

We just missed on Lynch and didn't take Darling, they were the ones.

Edited July 18, 201113 yr by J-Riv

Its Butcher's 2nd year, same draft as Scully. He'll take time..

Ok, thanks. yeah, he'll take time, but for a player who was being touted for his goal kicking skills, he sure keeps them well hidden.

If people want Gawn to play many games in the next three years it will be as a FP...

And it won't work if we go out and get a big lumbering forward...

Gumbleton?

Was interested in watching Butcher on the weekend. He is tall but not exactly huge gorilla forward yet. Did some good things but his kicking wasn't great. Gave at least one goal off while straight in front. Surely Port should be giving him a few games soon to see how he is going, can't do any worse?

I reckon we need a 2-3 year big forward that can take some of the heat whilst Watts, Gawn, Cook, etc develop. You dont want those guys copping the best defender like they current do. Look at the success of Darling, as teams have to match up Kennedy, Lynch, Natanui/Cox and then Le Cras first.

I wouldnt pay much for him, but reckon Chad Cornes could not only play that role, but also give the guys a lesson in how to prepare. Also good to bring in some more experienced leadership having lost junior and bruce in the one year.

He is still ripped, wants to play and Port are going to delist him. I would then try and snag someone from Gold Coast next year as they all come out of contract... If Scully goes we will have plenty of salary cap up our sleeve. Tom Lynch would be handy...

One swallow does not a summer make - versus Frankston which is one of the weaker teams and with the likes of Davey, Warnock, Bartram, Dunn, Bate, Gawn etc. I suspect he had a perfect supply. Dont get me wrong I will look at him but I have strong reservations about the idea that one "saviour" will change things for us. Plus there is the consistency of his off field behaviour which would be of great concern.

I don't think this thread has started over the outcome of one game, nor he being a saviour. But he blends well with the young guys in the forward zone & shares & teaches. He looks to have won the players respect & confidence.

He could be worth a look.

One swallow does not a summer make - versus Frankston which is one of the weaker teams and with the likes of Davey, Warnock, Bartram, Dunn, Bate, Gawn etc. I suspect he had a perfect supply. Dont get me wrong I will look at him but I have strong reservations about the idea that one "saviour" will change things for us. Plus there is the consistency of his off field behaviour which would be of great concern.

Davey, Bartram, Bate and Gawn didn't play and Warnock was hardly delivering to him out of full back…

11 goals is 11 goals no matter what and only a fevola-like player could kick a bag like that! His football talent and ability to make us a better side on field is undoubted

The issues are his age, mental application (and fitness) and off-field behaviour

-Fevola would be 2 years max

-Play the role Lynch does at WC, not an amazing player but allows le cras and Darling to shine

-Hasnt kicked goals ta Casey because he draws players away from space for Petterds, Bates etc,has been very team orientated

-there is alot of water to go under the bridge but he may have a use

-I dont think Cook will get alot of time next year atm anyway, although i am i real fan and he is why we only need 2 years from a FF

I reckon we need a 2-3 year big forward that can take some of the heat whilst Watts, Gawn, Cook, etc develop. You dont want those guys copping the best defender like they current do. Look at the success of Darling, as teams have to match up Kennedy, Lynch, Natanui/Cox and then Le Cras first.

I wouldnt pay much for him, but reckon Chad Cornes could not only play that role, but also give the guys a lesson in how to prepare. Also good to bring in some more experienced leadership having lost junior and bruce in the one year.

He is still ripped, wants to play and Port are going to delist him. I would then try and snag someone from Gold Coast next year as they all come out of contract... If Scully goes we will have plenty of salary cap up our sleeve. Tom Lynch would be handy...

Lynch would be great. I was so keen for us to nab him on draft day, I remember counting down the picks until ours and sure enough he went at 11 one pick before ours. He's exactly what we needed and still need!

Fevola would be 2 years max

We should consider him for 2 milliseconds max.

Lynch would be great. I was so keen for us to nab him on draft day, I remember counting down the picks until ours and sure enough he went at 11 one pick before ours. He's exactly what we needed and still need!

What you said is true, i like Cook, the lynch referred to is however the WC one

Lucas Cook was drafted for this sole purpose, yet you want to trade willy nilly for outcast kpf, makes me wonder sometimes

I doubt he will have any impact of the type we need before 2014 at the earliest ( if he makes it )

In the mean time we have approx 70 games of football to win.

We need a strong seasoned player to help win a large share of that 70 games.

having a forward line full of kids will not get it done over the next 3 years.

A 30 year old Barry Hall is exactly what we need while the kids develop.

Given the MFC FD has had a year to check out Fev, if they went with him to fill the FF hole for a couple of years, I'd be happy that they have done the due dilligence required and know how to continue the dev of Cook and Fitzy with him in the team...

Given the MFC FD has had a year to check out Fev, if they went with him to fill the FF hole for a couple of years, I'd be happy that they have done the due dilligence required and know how to continue the dev of Cook and Fitzy with him in the team...

The MFC FD have done enough due diligence on Fev before he had come to Casey. They were not happy with Casey for getting him and I doubt much has changed since then. I would have thought Fev takes away opportunities for younger players not creates them.

Brad Miller kicked 10 in the VFL last year we should chase him.

Seriously I believe that we have other needs just as pressing ie skilled half backs who can break through a forward press and speedy small forwards.

Brad Miller kicked 10 in the VFL last year we should chase him.

Seriously I believe that we have other needs just as pressing ie skilled half backs who can break through a forward press and speedy small forwards.

Has Miller also kicked 99 in an AFL season?? Not saying we should get him but worth looking at…

But nonetheless, point taken on the skilled half backs point

I don't understand the Fev hate.

Think about what we'd give up for him. NOTHING.

Take him late in the draft, give him a 1 year deal where we can sack him after any off-field crap.

bring Fev in fo 2 years. Yes he has been a bit of a [censored] but he has never really done anything too bad. Give the bloke a break. As long as there is a clause that if he even looks silly hes gone.

Cant see the footy club doing it though.

Has Miller also kicked 99 in an AFL season?? Not saying we should get him but worth looking at…

But nonetheless, point taken on the skilled half backs point

MFC won't be recruiting Fevola in any circumstances, nor should they.

While footy clubs are in the business of winning flags, they are also in the business of entertaining and providing wins for their fans.

If Fev can help win games, not retard our young teams development, not cost much, not push a potential star of the list, and only for a year while Lucas Cooks and Fitzy grow, then maybe it's time the MFC switched to vaudeville for 2012.

I know I'll be entertained watching Fev roll out in the Red & Blue in 2012...

The "watch the team grow and develop over 50 games and then..." variety of entertainment the MFC has been dishing out over the last few years has to continue, it can be wearisome viewing when it's all us fans are being served for 3+ years now... with more to come.