It's interesting that nearly everyone on here seems to think that Darling will play well for a year and then gradually disappear in to the ether. Have any actually considered the possibility that he may get better?

If he was playing with us the same ones would say this was his first year wait until he hits his straps he will only get better with a couple of pre seasons under his belt.

But he doesn't play for us so he's a dud who will probably struggle to get a game next year; how old is he again?

I think you have a habit of reading into things the wrong way, no one here was suggesting Darling was going to drop off, just that we believe Cook will eclipse him at some point in time.

I always lol a little bit at people who get up on a soapbox to scream condemnation when they misinterpreted the content of a thread. It must be a embarrassing

I think you have a habit of reading into things the wrong way, no one here was suggesting Darling was going to drop off, just that we believe Cook will eclipse him at some point in time.

I always lol a little bit at people who get up on a soapbox to scream condemnation when they misinterpreted the content of a thread. It must be a embarrassing

If you want to go back through the threads about Darling you will see many comparisons with Palmer and Rich and how they were stars in their first year and then fell in a heap.

And what point in time do you think this eclipsing will take place? Do you have a year or date in mind? Will it be after Darling has played in a couple of Grand Finals (AFL Ones) or do you think Cook will come out next year all guns blazing?

Is Darling going to be playing in a couple of grand finals is he?

Oh brilliant, so you do have a magic crystal ball... why don't you tell me when the eclipsing will take place. I'll give you a hint... shhh (It is only possible when Cook has the body to compete in the AFL, so maybe another couple of years..)

Nearly everyone Robbie F?? Really?? Not like you to make things up.

I dont think I have read that any one here has said he would drop away.

I am sure if you started a thread I believe that most would be predicting a strong future for a player who has been impressive in his first year.

Its stands to reason even if it clashes with your well researched straw poll.

Do you ever have an opinion on anything or do you just skim through other posters posts to see if you can pick holes in them?

I thought the job of a moderator was to prevent arguments but you seem to want to go out of your way to start them. Got an opinion on Cook, any idea when he will play his first game, any idea if he will be capable of playing AFL Standard?

Do you think we made the right choice selecting him?

Or do we get the company line; I leave that up to the club, I trust them to make those sort of decisions?

Is Darling going to be playing in a couple of grand finals is he?

Oh brilliant, so you do have a magic crystal ball... why don't you tell me when the eclipsing will take place. I'll give you a hint... shhh (It is only possible when Cook has the body to compete in the AFL, so maybe another couple of years..)

Good chance West cost have a pretty good team and will challenge over the next few years, don't you think? You don't have to have a crystal ball to answer that just a modicum of intelligence; you've got that haven't you?

just that we believe Cook will eclipse him at some point in time.

Let me get this straight you said that but you want me to give you a time frame as to when it's going to happen?

Talk about embarrassing yourself.

Not even going to bother arguing, it's just too taxing.

You're a real energy zapper RobbieF. And not in a fun way. I can actually feel my brain cells withering away as I engage in dialect with you.

Not even going to bother arguing, it's just too taxing.

You're a real energy zapper RobbieF. And not in a fun way. I can actually feel my brain cells withering away as I engage in dialect with you.

So you've got nothing, is that it? Don't engage and insult me unless you can go the journey.

You're right. I won't engage you again, lesson learned.

I can go the journey with anyone son, but sometimes it's better to go separate ways when you find out your fellow journeyman is a deluded inept plonk.

And that time has come. I suggest you read over the entire thread and see where things went bad for you.

You're right. I won't engage you again, lesson learned.

I can go the journey with anyone son, but sometimes it's better to go separate ways when you find out your fellow journeyman is a deluded inept plonk.

And that time has come. I suggest you read over the entire thread and see where things went bad for you.

If you have to resort to inane insults then i guess that confirms you've got nothing.

Can't wait to see this kid crack the team he's going to be a ripper! Screams class!

Be that as it may Darling is physically ready to play now, and Cook isn't.. so it is kind of hard to judge Cook at all right now. Will have to re-visit in a few years.

Well which one is it, you seem a bit confused there?

Perhaps you should have a re read?

Edited October 14, 201113 yr by RobbieF

I know where you are coming from Nasher

But I hate this crap.

How many years? I am running out of them.

Will he be good before I am back in Nappies?

Have you not learnt what development is about over the years of your watching

Was hoping for a bit of intel on cook from this thread.

Seriously fellas...move on ffs. Thread ruined

Was hoping for a bit of intel on cook from this thread.

Seriously fellas...move on ffs. Thread ruined

Hear here!

Like so many, too many threads, this has also degenerated into a slinging or slanging match between two intolerant egotists.

did a quick youtube on him. looks like a natural footballer, but my god he needs to put on some size! same height as Jack Watts, but 10kg lighter, and we are all still saying Jack needs to put on a few more kg. Cook is only a year younger but I guess Jack was drafted at an earlier age so he had a bit more time to develop ...

couple more preseasons and he could start doing some damage to opposition sides I reckon.

Very exciting prospect who looked promising in the NAB cup but I didn't watch much of Casey this year. Would like to see him get some senior opportunities sooner than later.

Got an opinion on Cook, any idea when he will play his first game, any idea if he will be capable of playing AFL Standard?

Do you think we made the right choice selecting him?

Or do we get the company line; I leave that up to the club, I trust them to make those sort of decisions?

Skimming posts again Robbie. Tut tut.

Post 18 . That's my view on Cook.

And when it comes to arguments you're a real firelighter.

Keep going until you win one, slugger.

Skimming posts again Robbie. Tut tut.

Post 18 . That's my view on Cook.

And when it comes to arguments you're a real firelighter.

Keep going until you win one, slugger.

If that's your view then I don't know why I bothered to ask; you really don't have a view at all.

Arguments start when someone has a view on a player and others attack him instead of discussing the merits of the player concerned. You are a master at that you never seem to have a view on a player other than a motherhood type statement (big guys take longer to mature) and would rather attack anyone, particularly me, for their view.

Keep it up.

If that's your view then I don't know why I bothered to ask; you really don't have a view at all.

You need to quiz yourself Robbie about why you did it. Its ironic that you accuse someone of skimming and you are one of the key proponents.

Just because my take on things does not align with your narrow view of the world. Its how you operate universally to everyone on nearly each issue

I have seen him play one game at Casey. I am not sure how many you have seen if at all.

What i do know is that it does take time for taller/bigger players to mature physically and psychologically into their roles. I apply the same rule to Cook.

You have amply shown us what you do know.

With the addition of Clark does that mean Cook stays in his 2014 window as he has guys like Fitzpatrick, Mcdonald and even Bate in front of him?

Looks like spending a lot of time at Casey.

Not being smart just interested in everyone's thoughts.

With the addition of Clark does that mean Cook stays in his 2014 window as he has guys like Fitzpatrick, Mcdonald and even Bate in front of him?

Looks like spending a lot of time at Casey.

Not being smart just interested in everyone's thoughts.

I look forward to Cook getting games when his form warrants it, simple really, no reason he cant play next season if he adds value to the team, that is the only deciding factor imo. But yes most likely this will be 2013 imo

Firstly, let it be known that I am very happy with our signing of Mitch Clark. He is exactly what we need in a big bodied key forward.

My queries lie with what such a signing means for young Lucas Cook. By all reports he has not exactly set the world on fire down at Casey. Considering our abundance of talls with the likes of Watts, Clark, Martin and Jamar cycling through the forward line, will Cook get a look in?

Is trading him the best option and one that we may have missed out on? We could have approached a trade with Cook in a Josh Caddy-like manner. Whilst largely unproven at the AFL level his currency would be quite high as he was an U/18 AA CHF and does have some upside for teams looking to rebuild. We could surely offer him up as a trade and target a established midfielder in return.

Given what has been offered to Clark it seems that he will be our long term key forward player and Cook may simply not fit into our team. Making such a courageous trade and landing an established midfielder would cement MFC a finals position imo.

The trade window is over. Let's wait 12 months and decide.

I think he will be a good player in time. Tall with a good pair of hands. Skillful and makes good decisions. Just too skinny atm.

Firstly, let it be known that I am very happy with our signing of Mitch Clark. He is exactly what we need in a big bodied key forward.

My queries lie with what such a signing means for young Lucas Cook. By all reports he has not exactly set the world on fire down at Casey. Considering our abundance of talls with the likes of Watts, Clark, Martin and Jamar cycling through the forward line, will Cook get a look in?

Is trading him the best option and one that we may have missed out on? We could have approached a trade with Cook in a Josh Caddy-like manner. Whilst largely unproven at the AFL level his currency would be quite high as he was an U/18 AA CHF and does have some upside for teams looking to rebuild. We could surely offer him up as a trade and target a established midfielder in return.

Given what has been offered to Clark it seems that he will be our long term key forward player and Cook may simply not fit into our team. Making such a courageous trade and landing an established midfielder would cement MFC a finals position imo.

I don't believe your serious.

Are you trying a prehistoric method of motivating him? Or are you serious?

To me Cooky will take a little time after his first season, surely. Maybe needs more time playing on Men. Maybe needs to get physically stronger, but has a great frame, & poss' needs to toughen up?

But from what I saw of him, his footy was good to see. Looked intelligent and effective to my basic thoughts.

Jack watts didn't set Casey on fire either. Hardly reason after one year to off load him.

And what if god forbid Jack or Mitch go down for an extended period? Who is the player to replace them as a focal point.

Getting size on him over preseason will be very important and I believe it will make a huge difference next year.

The biggest thing will be getting rid of Fevola so Cook can be a focal point at Casey and develop better.

By all reports?

No, by some ill-informed reports he was unimpressive.

Those that know realise that he tapered off as the season went on, due to an immature body and injury.

Earlier in the season he was pushing for a senior berth as a skinny KPF that by all rights shouldn't be expected to show much until his 3rd season.

Abominable thread.

I don't believe your serious.

Are you trying a prehistoric method of motivating him? Or are you serious?

To me Cooky will take a little time after his first season, surely. Maybe needs more time playing on Men. Maybe needs to get physically stronger, but has a great frame, & poss' needs to toughen up?

But from what I saw of him, his footy was good to see. Looked intelligent and effective to my basic thoughts.

Dee-luded I believe you have missed the point of my post. Nice comprehension skills

I am not questioning "Cooky's" abilities. Rather I am asking how do you fit 'Cooky' into our team?

Is he best value to the MFC as a traded player where we can get good compensation from a team who needs a key position player?