http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/7415/newsid/128820/default.aspx

One thing that struck Mark Neeld on arrival was the age of our list and it's inexperience of games. Bolstering with mature age, stronger bodies was a strategic move. The taller brigade needed support so they got in Mitch Clark and James Sellar.

The same with the midfield in getting Tom Couch and James Magner. And for a key forward support, 21 yo Leigh Williams.

It's arguable if the previous FD had identified or had even planned to target 5 out of 8 mature draft recruits. Did BP have a say in each of these ? Or did Neeld have a greater influence ?

Each one of these recruits will be a must watch, one way or another

http://www.melbourne...20/default.aspx

One thing that struck Mark Neeld on arrival was the age of our list and it's inexperience of games. Bolstering with mature age, stronger bodies was a strategic move. The taller brigade needed support so they got in Mitch Clark and James Sellar.

The same with the midfield in getting Tom Couch and James Magner. And for a key forward support, 21 yo Leigh Williams.

It's arguable if the previous FD had identified or had even planned to target 5 out of 8 mature draft recruits. Did BP have a say in each of these ? Or did Neeld have a greater influence ?

Each one of these recruits will be a must watch, one way or another

Yes it is definately Phase 2...in all areas.

Not just that, from the sounds of Neeld's AGM story about Rory Taggert, it sounds like BP was usurped on that choice also, even though he wasn't mature-aged.

http://www.melbourne...20/default.aspx

One thing that struck Mark Neeld on arrival was the age of our list and it's inexperience of games. Bolstering with mature age, stronger bodies was a strategic move. The taller brigade needed support so they got in Mitch Clark and James Sellar.

The same with the midfield in getting Tom Couch and James Magner. And for a key forward support, 21 yo Leigh Williams.

It's arguable if the previous FD had identified or had even planned to target 5 out of 8 mature draft recruits. Did BP have a say in each of these ? Or did Neeld have a greater influence ?

Each one of these recruits will be a must watch, one way or another

Given where BP has gone to, I think the Coach influenced this.

Anyway, the conspiracy thread....

The current coach has a definate strategy. Its all good now, lets hope its successful. I see the recruitment this year as a strategy to enhance the existing group. But i feel Magner and Williams will be good choices. Magner as a good meat a potatoe type, competative, and Williams as a goal kicker. In lower leagues, but a goal kicker all the same. He was also injured as a TAC player. Maybe, hopefully he could not show his talents as a junior.

Sellar aint that experienced (20 games). I think a lot of people are doing a "Tuckers Daughter" here .

Given where BP has gone to, I think the Coach influenced this.

But perhaps just as much as the last coach and FD would have? Recruiting doesn't happen in a vacuum.

Interesting info, and goes to show just where we are when players over 21 are seen as "experienced" in comparison to the current list. Watts, Cook etc. (still) have quite a way to go.