I don't know how you come to some of those conclusions, but each to their own.

I don't know if you watched the Geelong Hawthorn match on Sunday. Tom Hawkins. Drafted in 2006. It's now 2012.

Cook was AA CHF. He earned the right to go at pick 12, and he's earned the right to be given some time before we start passing judgement. If 6 years after he was drafted he can manage 12 marks and 22 disposals against a likely Grand Finalist - as Hawkins did on Sunday - fine with me.

On half of these threads we have people criticising us because we let the likes of Thompson and Jolly go too soon, and the other half we have people who can't wait to shunt everyone out the door after 2 or 3 seasons if they aren't already AA.

If you'd read my post you would see that I wasn't necessarily bagging Cook just wondering at the mentality of those who play down Darling's efforts to date and play up Cook's potential just on the mere fact that he is on the MFC list. Cook may turn into a champion but if you looked at their respective careers to date its clear who is in front and its also clear that Darling would have complemented our team more than Cook who from what I have seen and heard is a Watts clone.

I don't know how you come to some of those conclusions, but each to their own.

What??

Binman made his points quite clear and logical.

Fair go.

What??

Binman made his points quite clear and logical.

Fair go.

Not really.

At the time, Darling didn't have any exposed AFL form, so it's irrelevant to the decision.

Plenty of players have played for senior WAFL and SANFL teams as a junior.

It has no bearing on him being better than a kid playing in the TAC Cup who actually did the same in Victoria and produced better results.

Saying his top-age form was good enough for the WAFL, therefore it's enough proof that he'll perform BETTER in the AFL... drawing a long bow that I don't agree with.

I did say partly 'dl' with regards a rebuild . All clubs are at least in this phase . I reckon we will turn over at least 8 - 10 players at years end .

Cheers

That name is a dirty word that people are sick of.

It conjures up a 5 year plan. And we don't need 5 years to build our list.

We just need to continue as other clubs now,,, on a yearly basis at draft time. And we need to continue to teach our players & push them to build their frames. And the rest is attrition & good management/luck...

.

Pfft. If he can kick 4.25 goals a game and absolutely intimidate defenders, I'd have another Jako, even without team tendencies, in a heartbeat.

Love him as an entertainer & goal kicker as long as he chased & tackled 7 did the leadership things, Absolutely...

OUR Biggest task Now, is to Fix our leadership problems throughout the whole club... We can no longer afford to be behind the likes of the Cats & Hawks et al.

The head of every department has to be the best in League.

Darling is up there with the best players in that draft, forget about just comparing him to Lucas Cook.

I'll admit he gets a helping hand by being surrounded by Kennedy and Lynch + resting rucks, but on the flip side the WCE coaching staff have really rated him to bring in a 3rd tall forward into their starting line up?

He's strong, quick, tackles like a beast, takes good marks and kicks at goals very well.

If we had picked him up he would have been our Full forward and we wouldnt have traded for Mitch Clarke IMO

If you'd read my post you would see that I wasn't necessarily bagging Cook just wondering at the mentality of those who play down Darling's efforts to date and play up Cook's potential just on the mere fact that he is on the MFC list. Cook may turn into a champion but if you looked at their respective careers to date its clear who is in front and its also clear that Darling would have complemented our team more than Cook who from what I have seen and heard is a Watts clone.

He also wouldn't have anywhere near the impact he has had whilst at WC, as he'd almost certainly be attracting the 2nd/3rd best defender, as opposed to the 4th/5th behind Kennedy, Lynch, LeCras, Cox/Naitinui.......

He also wouldn't have anywhere near the impact he has had whilst at WC, as he'd almost certainly be attracting the 2nd/3rd best defender, as opposed to the 4th/5th behind Kennedy, Lynch, LeCras, Cox/Naitinui.......

So what he still would have been better than our other options.

So what he still would have been better than our other options.

Now.

But personally I'm not so concerned about now.

We have other players who fill that role as better or as good as Darling already.

If Cook fails to become a legitimate KPF, then I'll have cause to complain.

But it won't be over not selecting Darling.

Dr Who accusing others of being 'keyboard heroes'?

Now, that's funny. I almost feel tempted to click on one of those yellow smiley faces.

Who is this new Guru of Recruitment just announced.

Another lamb to the slaughter?

Dear moderators can we get our time clock right.

It's still DST

That name is a dirty word that people are sick of.

It conjures up a 5 year plan. And we don't need 5 years to build our list.

We just need to continue as other clubs now,,, on a yearly basis at draft time. And we need to continue to teach our players & push them to build their frames. And the rest is attrition & good management/luck...

.

Well I don't view the word "rebuild" the same way so it's more about interpretation of a word . Restructured list , list management , list adjustment - take your pick 'dl' .

Don't worry , I certainly wasn't thinking of another 5 year plan ! On the contrary , I was thinking of a 1 or 2 year period of bringing some experienced talent to our club through free agency or trading .

We have to do something yeah ? Or are you happy with our current list ?

Well I don't view the word "rebuild" the same way so it's more about interpretation of a word . Restructured list , list management , list adjustment - take your pick 'dl' .

Don't worry , I certainly wasn't thinking of another 5 year plan ! On the contrary , I was thinking of a 1 or 2 year period of bringing some experienced talent to our club through free agency or trading .

We have to do something yeah ? Or are you happy with our current list ?

No, not reaslly having a go at you personally Macca, but the folk here are struggling for belief & are following everything the papers put out. So when the rebuild word Arks up, It seems to send many into a tailspin of despair.

I just thought I'd mention it to you. Just to help.

# Re the list, Yes I'm excited by our list, but there is space to remove some who IMO have shown to be NQR.

Some have been on since 2005.

Some are still young, but must start to win some hot footy to prove they're worth persisting with.

So, if you went over our list I think you'd find 5 or 6 easy to remove come years end.

And some hard type, are just on the fringe, and maybe would be kept for just one more year, as some sort of reserve for the young player when he needs a rest.

No, not reaslly having a go at you personally Macca, but the folk here are struggling for belief & are following everything the papers put out. So when the rebuild word Arks up, It seems to send many into a tailspin of despair.

I just thought I'd mention it to you. Just to help.

# Re the list, Yes I'm excited by our list, but there is space to remove some who IMO have shown to be NQR.

Some have been on since 2005.

Some are still young, but must start to win some hot footy to prove they're worth persisting with.

So, if you went over our list I think you'd find 5 or 6 easy to remove come years end.

And some hard type, are just on the fringe, and maybe would be kept for just one more year, as some sort of reserve for the young player when he needs a rest.

Yeah , fair enough dl .

I liked the way Neeld and co. went after Mitch Clark . We need more of that sort of thing . If we went after a few free agents then obviously a midfielder or 2 would be high on the list . A top class running half back flanker would be handy as well . A gun CHF is also on my wish list !

Cheers

Edited April 12, 201213 yr by Macca

Yeah , fair enough dl .

I liked the way Neeld and co. went after Mitch Clark . We need more of that sort of thing . If we went after a few free agents then obviously a midfielder or 2 would be high on the list . A top class running half back flanker would be handy as well . A gun CHF is also on my wish list !

Cheers

I would like someone who could hit a target Macca.

Correct me if I am wrong but I thought one of the reasons Blease was recruited was because he was a good kick?

When I have seen him he struggles to hit the side of a barn at 20 metres.

I would like someone who could hit a target Macca.

Correct me if I am wrong but I thought one of the reasons Blease was recruited was because he was a good kick?

When I have seen him he struggles to hit the side of a barn at 20 metres.

They used to say that about John Wayne ! Apparently "The Duke" got better after getting a few pre-seasons under his belt .

Cheers

Edited April 12, 201213 yr by Macca

I would like someone who could hit a target Macca.

Correct me if I am wrong but I thought one of the reasons Blease was recruited was because he was a good kick?

When I have seen him he struggles to hit the side of a barn at 20 metres.

That's probably because his fitness is so poor. He's to tired to kick the ball properly.

That's probably because his fitness is so poor. He's to tired to kick the ball properly.

Now that I can believe

Edited April 12, 201213 yr by old dee

They used to say that about John Wayne ! Apparently "The Duke" got better after getting a few pre-seasons under his belt .

Cheers

Not sure we can blame everything on lack of pre season training Macca.

However is "I thought one of the reasons Blease was recruited was because he was a good kick" True?

Yeah , fair enough dl .

I liked the way Neeld and co. went after Mitch Clark . We need more of that sort of thing . If we went after a few free agents then obviously a midfielder or 2 would be high on the list . A top class running half back flanker would be handy as well . A gun CHF is also on my wish list !

Cheers

I think we have that CHF. He just hasn't shown his hand up Yet.

I hope we can get more topline Mids. our weakness atmo.

I think we've recruited well re Talls. We need tough mids & Elite smalls.

Not sure we can blame everything on lack of pre season training Macca.

However is "I thought one of the reasons Blease was recruited was because he was a good kick" True?

Well , Sam hasn't played much . He looked good on the back flank late last year . He was earmarked as a forward this year but the backline looks his go IMO . That spot allows him to use his pace , break the lines etc . He's still very young .

Those recruiters are always saying things like "He's a good kick" . Diamond Jim was a good kick . When he got it .

Cheers

Edited April 12, 201213 yr by Macca

Well , Sam hasn't played much . He looked good on the back flank late last year . He was earmarked as a forward this year but the backline looks his go IMO . That spot allows him to use his pace , break the lines etc . He's still very young .

Those recruiters are always saying things like "He's a good kick" . Diamond Jim was a good kick . When he got it .

Cheers

Funny you should mention him, we have bought some duds over the years

I have a good friend who played with the Dees in that period.

He claims when he came to the MFC he was getting 5 times more than the majority of players.

The attitude was if he is that bloody good let him get it himself.

Not too many passed the ball to him.

Edited April 12, 201213 yr by old dee

I think we have that CHF. He just hasn't shown his hand up Yet.

I hope we can get more topline Mids. our weakness atmo.

I think we've recruited well re Talls. We need tough mids & Elite smalls.

Spot on dl . And I hope you're right re the CHF position .

Gee, Cloke would be handy though . Double whammy too with the EE reaction . That would be priceless .

Ya just never know .