Narrowing in on either Grimes or Trengove for Captain

[Hannibal 5,814]

sorry, left out that i'd 100% respect giving Green another chance, his passion and effort can't be beaten, he'll end up like James McDonald, not the greatest player but gives his all and contributes

So when given the chance to captain his club he produces his worst year since 2003, misses only one game but can't make the top 10 in the B&F, and in fact averaged less votes per game than Wonaeamirri who played all of 5 ?

His passion and effort can't be beaten ? I'm afraid he wasn't up to the challenge.

[hardtack 10,851]

I still believe that if it isn't Green it will most likely be Moloney with Jones as VC. I doubt Neeld would be so immovable as to believe that Moloney's single indiscretion would preclude him from the captaincy... in fact I would think he would view Moloney's resolve to improve himself post-incident, that it may even improve Moloney's chances. If not Jones, then I would not be at all surprised to see Rivers fill the VC position.

[Hannibal 5,814]

My mate asked me about Jones today. Would be a great example as a leader I think. He puts in the hard yards on the track, he doesn't shirk away from the contest, and is young enough with enough experience. He may not have as much talent as others on our list, but he certainly gets the most out of his body.

Nathan Jones to captain the MFC ? Jones' stature seems to have grown legs this off-season. It wasn't long ago that many considered him border-line best 22. I acknowledge that he's coming off easily his best year, but I expect to see more improvement in his game. Jones' tackling exploits have left me cold for years. Some think he's hard at the coal face, but he's not nearly hard enough for me, although he's always had tremendous courage and will stand under that high ball knowing a crunch is imminent. Having courage and being hard in packs are two different things. Hawthorn's Brad Sewell is about the same height as Jones (181cms to 180 cms). Sewell has been pivotal to Hawthorn's midfield for years and I see no reason why he should have a better career than Nathan Jones. I'd argue that he's no more talented than Jones, who was a first round draft pick as opposed to Sewell who could only get rookie listed, but I'd also argue that Jones hasn't been as hard or physical as Sewell in the clinches. For the last 4 years Sewell has averaged 5 tackles per game with Jones averaging around half that. Sewell has also averaged more possessions over the same period of time and was instrumental in Hawthorn's famed unsociable football along with Hodge and Lewis. Yet some here think Jones is 'hard'. He can and should be a lot harder.

I accept that right now no-one stands out. All I can do is back the people around the club who have a far better idea than me or anyone that posts here to make the best choice. Trengove is obviously going to be a fantastic option and it's a pity that he's probably too young, but if the club goes down that path I'll be pleased. I'll be pleased because I know they'll be doing so having carefully weighed up the pitfalls. The only reason not to give it to Trengove is if it will burden, or impede his own playing development and that is clearly very difficult to assess and one would have to be within the club to have a sound view.

[hardtack 10,851]

Well, it looks like all will be revealed sooner than we may have been expecting, according this this article (http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/jcurve-takes-new-turn-for-injured-dees-20120111-1pvf7.html#ixzz1jBwZLg1D) in Real Footy:

"The new captain and leaders will be unveiled the week leading up to the Demons' first NAB Cup game on February 25, rather than in the lead-up to round one."

[Guest Jackie]

No way Grimes. Has to prove himself resilient enough to pay regular footy. As others have said his disposal is suspect which is a critical flaw for a defender and needs to speed up his decision making once he has the ball. Far too early a call for him to be considered as captain material.

I'd give it to Trengove. Tough, resilient, few weaknesses in his game and plays way above his age and experience level.

[La Dee-vina Comedia 17,009]

A question for all the Trengove-for-captain promoters. What does he offer as a leader that Jack Watts does not? I just wonder why he (JT) is seen as more "captain ready" than JW.

For what it's worth, I'll repeat what I've said elsewhere. It would be foolish to select a captain based solely, or even primarily, on on-field performance. Given I don't know enough about each player's off-field performance, I'm not prepared to nominate any player for captain.

[Lutz 76]

I still believe that if it isn't Green it will most likely be Moloney with Jones as VC. I doubt Neeld would be so immovable as to believe that Moloney's single indiscretion would preclude him from the captaincy... in fact I would think he would view Moloney's resolve to improve himself post-incident, that it may even improve Moloney's chances. If not Jones, then I would not be at all surprised to see Rivers fill the VC position.

Considering communication is such a key element to the captaincy, do you really think Moloney is the best choice..?

[hardtack 10,851]

Considering communication is such a key element to the captaincy, do you really think Moloney is the best choice..?

From what I have seen of him, he seems to be very vocal and he certainly leads by example - he also has a 100% record as captain - in Shanghai ;-)

[Nasher 33,617]

Does anyone wonder about Clark tweeting his thoughts about Greeny to the world. I wonder how Brad feels about his "skipper days prob. over". Alternatively has Brad indicated that he would prefer not to be captain. Has anyone seen any tweets from Brad to indicate this.

Don't make Jack T Captain. All the world knows that it is his for the taking when the time is ripe. Just not now. Let him concentrate on his game this year and if necessary step in if Grimsey is injured. I still believe that Jamar is the smokey. He is held in high regard by FD.

I doubt Green gives a fat rat's clacker about what Jay Clark thinks. I certainly don't.

[Lutz 76]

From what I have seen of him, he seems to be very vocal and he certainly leads by example - he also has a 100% record as captain - in Shanghai ;-)

I'm not sure being vocal is quite the same thing.

Ever seen an interview with him?

[hardtack 10,851]

I'm not sure being vocal is quite the same thing.

Ever seen an interview with him?

What is this obsession people have with media performance? I really don't care about how he presents himself in interviews as long as he is getting the message across to his team mates on the field of play and at training. I'm sure that he would be "groomed" if the club wanted him to be captain and were concerned about such things as media performance.

[Lutz 76]

What is this obsession people have with media performance? I really don't care about how he presents himself in interviews as long as he is getting the message across to his team mates on the field of play and at training. I'm sure that he would be "groomed" if the club wanted him to be captain and were concerned about such things as media performance.

I'm not talking about media performance - I'm more concerned with how he articulates his thoughts, gets points across and absorbs what other people say.

Instead, maybe I should have asked - ever spoken to him in person?

[Demon Disciple 12,452]

My votes go to Moloney or Jamar, with smaller ones going to Jones and Grimes, even though Moloney had the one slip up last year, he is an outstanding player and leader and will thrive even more under Neeld's control.

I'm sorry but how do you so easily dismiss Trengove, whilst giving a small vote to Grimes??? Trengove has played more games than Grimes has

[Demonator 93]

From what I have seen of him, he seems to be very vocal and he certainly leads by example - he also has a 100% record as captain - in Shanghai ;-)

He's certainly a good pointer!

[savoydee 6]

Aaah the old Grimes for captain malarkey again.

Frawley would be my pick. Who will get the job? Probably Green again.

I agree with this post.Chip surely will be included in the leadership group.

[dee-luded 2,959]

According to recent tweet from Clark at herald sun "Gut feel is dees race down to youngsters Trengove and Grimes. Green's days as skipper prob over. Frawley a smokey. Either way new era."

Bring it on I say!

I think the New Coaching Admin will want to 'Build a leadership group as they build the Team & gameplan with 2014 in their sights.

So IMO, Trenners & Grimes should & will be in the leadership group along with Jones, Moloney, Chip, ++++. PS: add Jamar of course.

I think we need a Captain for 2 Years prior to these young fellas being ready to skipper the side.

So for mine Moloney should be given the Honor as Skip.

Green is a year to year option with his footy & hopefully will be pushed hard for his spot this year & next. PS: Maybe Green could carry on for one more (2012) prior to Moloney for (2013/14)?

Edited January 12, 2012 by dee-luded

[hardtack 10,851]

I'm not talking about media performance - I'm more concerned with how he articulates his thoughts, gets points across and absorbs what other people say.

Instead, maybe I should have asked - ever spoken to him in person?

Ok, I suppose the comment about "interviews" threw me... but I would contend that onfield barking instructions/giving encouragement to players he is comfortable with and knows intimately (not in the biblical sense), is a very different situation than having to speak into a microphone and even speak casually with someone you aren't familiar with.

I think I once stated a long time ago in a similar thread, that appointing Moloney would probably see him becoming far more focused as being a Dees supporter as a child, this would no doubt have been a lifelong dream... I know that applies to others as well (Grime?) but Moloney strikes me as someone who would benefit from the added pressure rather than buckle as Green seems to have done.

[savoydee 6]

I doubt Green gives a fat rat's clacker about what Jay Clark thinks. I certainly don't.

However, note Jay Clark has been attending training several times, and would have more insight that you Nasher whom has not even been seen at training, naturally due to your Tasmanian abode.

[La Dee-vina Comedia 17,009]

What is this obsession people have with media performance? I really don't care about how he presents himself in interviews as long as he is getting the message across to his team mates on the field of play and at training. I'm sure that he would be "groomed" if the club wanted him to be captain and were concerned about such things as media performance.

I think media performance is an essential component of the role. One of the captain's responsibilities is to be the face of the club in the media. A good media performer will avoid answering problematic questions. Poor responses to the media can lead to greater scrutiny and ongoing problems for the club. In short, a captain must be a good media performer.

[Guest Jackie]

A question for all the Trengove-for-captain promoters. What does he offer as a leader that Jack Watts does not? I just wonder why he (JT) is seen as more "captain ready" than JW.

For what it's worth, I'll repeat what I've said elsewhere. It would be foolish to select a captain based solely, or even primarily, on on-field performance. Given I don't know enough about each player's off-field performance, I'm not prepared to nominate any player for captain.

Yes we don't know much about their off field character but common perception as has been suggested in the media and elsewhere has JW as being perhaps a little flaky and immature at the moment whilst JT is more perceived as rock solid. Haven't heard a bad thing about him.

Edited January 12, 2012 by Jackie

[DemonWA 3,940]

why is no one mentioning Jones in relation to any of this?

full time super professional - tick

110% every game - tick

inspirational footy - maybe not the most talented but always goes hard and puts his body on the line - half tick

surely in the mix?

Jones is a meat head though, hes a leader amounst the group for sure, but keep him away from the media

[Dr. Gonzo 24,437]

Those that say Trengove is too young but want Grimes consider the fact that Trengove has played more AFL games. Anyone that says that it is either Trengove and Grimes for sure next time consider that you are pretty much saying they are our best leaders now. Why not let them grow into the role. Anyone who says Grimes is eternally injured whose to say the new captain won't go down with a season ending injury in round 1. Anyone that thinks the captaincy so young may hinder their football development - maybe it will do the opposite and push them to new heights. I personally have gone have questioned all of the above at some point over the summer.

Choosing either of the two would be a ballsy move, very non- Melbourne. Where I sit now I for one would love it of either of them lead us out in 2012.

Exactly didn't seem to hurt Kernahan or Carey to be given the captaincy at an early age. I think JT is the kind of kid who would relish the opportunity/challenge and not fall under the weight of it.

[Sir Why You Little 37,302]

Jones is a meat head though, hes a leader amounst the group for sure, but keep him away from the media

Big call there....

[GRUN DEE 69]

Jack Trengove will be Captain! Grimes his Vice.

[nutbean 8,838]

Would not be surprised to see JT get the nod. Is he too young ? Probably. From all reports he has shown leadership qualities from day one and looking at him onfield, he never drops the head, always chases and does the team things.

It would be a brave move and quite un-Melbourne like. If we were to be brave my feeling is that JT would not be the wrong choice to be brave about.

If Grimes wasnt so fragile ( to date) he would have been a monty.