WELCOME TO THE MELBOURNE FOOTBALL CLUB - JIMMY TOUMPAS

[Arrow 1,257]

He does present pretty well.

Mature attitude with a pretty well focused plan

Not so concerned with the Bryce Gibbs alignment.

Would fit into the largest Greek city outside Greece but reckon he might like the West Coast connection and could end up back there.

He's from SA why in the world would he go back to WA? Just because his Adelaide jersey is an eagle doesn't mean he'll want to go back to The Eagles?!?!

[spirit of norm smith 16,588]

My crystal ball now says Toumpas is bound for GWS ...

1- Lachie Whitfield

2- Brodie Grundy

3- Jimmy Toumpas

Doesn't matter which order.

Good luck Jimmy. My attention will turn to Oliver Wines at pick 4 (IMO)

[dpositive 1,683]

He's from SA why in the world would he go back to WA? Just because his Adelaide jersey is an eagle doesn't mean he'll want to go back to The Eagles?!?!

Thanks DL7

It was the reference I thought he made to WA coaches and the eagle misled me

I did really jump to wrong conclusion the rest applies he does present really well and appears a good selection

[daisycutter 29,737]

[media=]

looks to a pocket billiards champ too

[Jordie_tackles 354]

Super professional sounding bloke, i dont think he is purely an outside player tbh and the MFC cannot be one dimensional.....If he is available at pick 3 then get him imo

What a draft, Viney, Hogan, Toumpas, maybe a Kennedy or simpson or Graham and Barry wow

[Redleg 41,427]

Super professional sounding bloke, i dont think he is purely an outside player tbh and the MFC cannot be one dimensional.....If he is available at pick 3 then get him imo

What a draft, Viney, Hogan, Toumpas, maybe a Kennedy or simpson or Graham and Barry wow

You do know we haven't got pick 3 anymore.

[Hobbits's 17]

Other than the footage of Toumpas kicking a goal in the SANFL 2011, does anyone here have any access to other highlights footage of him?

[Salems Lot 2,633]

I wonder if Tippett was to nominate for the ND whether this fellow could slip to us at 4?

[Sydney Pennski 299]

I wonder if Tippett was to nominate for the ND whether this fellow could slip to us at 4?

Not likely.

The AFL will look after its favourite child GWS and allow it to select Tippett in the PSD. That way the Giants won't have to sacrifice a top 3 National Draft pick on him.

[H_T 3,049]

Not likely.

The AFL will look after its favourite child GWS and allow it to select Tippett in the PSD. That way the Giants won't have to sacrifice a top 3 National Draft pick on him.

Not sure Jonathon Patton would be exactly thrilled with that if that eventuated.

[Whispering_Jack 30,641]

I must say that I had just about given up on the prospect of Melbourne having any chance of getting Jimmy Toumpas but that's changed a little in the last 24 hours. I heard yesterday from a former player (not MFC) who still has some interest (and contacts) in the AFL that GWS was looking at a varied selection of players with 1-2-3 and now this from Emma Quayle who has her ears close to the ground on draft matters:-

Emma Quayle's club-by-club guide to the 2012 national draft

MELBOURNE

In: Dom Barry, Shannon Byrnes, Chris Dawes, Cameron Pedersen, David Rodan, Jack Viney, Tom Gillies.

Out: Matthew Bate, Jamie Bennell, Lucas Cook, Brad Green, Jordan Gysberts, Liam Jurrah, Stefan Martin, Brent Moloney, Cale Morton, Ricky Petterd, Jared Rivers, Clint Bartram.

Rookie upgrades: Michael Evans, Daniel Nicholson.

Draft picks: 4, 27 (father-son Viney), 49, 53, 70, 73 (PR), 74 (PR).

DEPTH CHARTS

TALL FORWARDS: Mitch Clark, Chris Dawes, Cameron Pedersen (Jesse Hogan, chosen in the 17-year-old mini-draft, will come onto the list for 2014.).

TALL DEFENDERS: James Frawley, Colin Garland, Tom McDonald, Jack Watts, James Sellar, Troy Davis, Lynden Dunn, Tom Gillies.

[b[sMALL/MEDIUM FORWARDS: Jeremy Howe, Luke Tapscott, Shannon Byrnes, Neville Jetta.

SMALL/MEDIUM DEFENDERS: Daniel Nicholson, James Strauss, Josh Tynan, Joel Macdonald.

MIDFIELDERS: Colin Sylvia, Jack Trengove, Nathan Jones, Jordie McKenzie, Jack Grimes, Jack Viney, Sam Blease, Rohan Bail, Aaron Davey, Michael Evans, Rory Taggert, Tom Couch (rookie), James Magner (rookie), Dominic Barry.

RUCKS: Mark Jamar, Max Gawn, Jake Spencer, Jack Fitzpatrick.

DRAFT DAY:Melbourne's clearance of recent first-round draft picks - Morton, Gysberts, Cook, and last year Tom Scully - means that while the Dees have recruited some ready-to-go types in Pedersen, Byrnes, Rodan, Dawes and Gillies, they really are starting over in terms of developing some top-end young talent. They have a pretty solid back-line group with Watts likely to start next year down there and, while he's been managing a groin problem this year, Viney can be expected to play a serious amount of senior footy should his pre-season go well. They have a big call on their hands at No.4; Ollie Wines, long linked to the club, is a ferocious competitor who always plays well, who leads and who will slot straight in and play a lot of games. But Jimmy Toumpas could be available and, with the Demons' midfield group in need of more pace and polish, would have to come under huge consideration if the Giants pass, as the recent rumour mill suggests they will.The Dees will most likely make four live picks.

If this is true then Melbourne would need to think long and hard before overlooking someone of Toumpas' class in favour of Oliver Wines.

[Whispering_Jack 30,641]

And ... there's this phantom draft issued yesterday by the Footy Tragic site -

Footy Tragic 2012 Phantom Draft

PICK 4 MELBOURNE: JIMMY TOUMPAS

Height: 182cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 2/1/1994

Recruited from: Woodville West Torrens

Late mail suggests Greater Western Sydney are going to pass on Jimmy Toumpas, leaving Melbourne to strike and possibly sending Ollie Wines down the draft order, although I wouldnt be surprised if Wines goes here and Toumpas goes to the Bulldogs.

In my opinion Jimmy is right up there neck and neck with Lachie Whitfield in number one status, so Im really surprised to find out GWS are considering over looking him.

Jimmy had a hip operation soon after the National Champs so we didnt get to see him finish out the year in the SANFL or test at the Combine but from his 5 senior games he averaged 10 kicks, 4 handballs, 14 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles, 2 clearances and kicked 7 goals and 3 behinds.

These are his National Championship stats;

Game 1: 20 kicks, 15 handballs, 35 disposals, 10 marks, 1 goal.

Game 2: 5 kicks, 3 handballs, 8 disposals, 1 goal from ONLY 32% game time.

Game 3: Did not play.

Game 4: 15 kicks, 5 handballs, 20 disposals, 80% efficiency, 4 marks.

Game 5: 20 kicks, 6 handballs, 26 disposals, 92% EFFICIENCY, 9 marks, 5 tackles.

As you can see, Toumpas rarely wastes a disposal. His kicking style is so clean. Unfortunately game 1 didnt have efficiency stats, but if Toumpas has 20 kicks in a game, at least 15 of those are hitting the direct target.

Unfortunately due to him not testing at the Combine, we didnt get a definitive figure of just how good his endurance is, but I can tell you now, its amazing. There are not many midfielders that will go toe to toe with him for an entire match. This is the reason why he has very high mark stats, because he doesnt stop at one play, hell gut run to the next one and impact that.

Purely, Toumpas will be an outside midfielder. Hes so effective in that that role, that I dont see why a club would try to mould him into something hes not. Hes not an Ollie Wines or Jack Viney that just crack in and get the contested ball. Sometimes people often think its a slight on a player when theyre purely outside, but its not. Toumpas will prove to be an elite midfielder, just not your standard bulldozing one. Hes much like Andrew Gaff in some ways, and I reckon theyll have a few awesome head to head battles in years to come.

Immediately, I can see Toumpas slotting into half back starting next season for whoever he plays for. Hes very versatile because of his endurance and ability to read the play and his precision ball use will be as asset for a club down back short term.

Toumpas speed is also very good. I think he was a bit hampered with that hip injury hes been carrying through the season and we didnt get to see his break away speed like he showed in the SANFL last season.

He got his hip operation out of the way nice and early, and from all reports he should be ready to start some type of modified program as soon as hes drafted so from that end he seems to have come out OK.

Hes going to have a very fine career, and his leadership is second to none, so we might even have a future AFL captain on our hands here.

Melbourne desperately needs any type of midfield class they can get, and Toumpas is the perfect start.

This has GWS going for Whitfield, Menzel and Plowman but I'm staggered that they would be overlooking Grundy.

In any event, it doesn't matter as I will be over the moon if they leave Jimmy to us. I think he is close to par with Whitfield but seems to have a bit more maturity and the added advantage of having already played with and against men in the SANFL competition (including the 2011 premiership with Woodville-West Torrens). That should do us very nicely thank you.

... and in one fell swoop it will, for once and for all, overcome this:http://youtu.be/oFGGD_d9GnQ

[mdemonski2 403]

The guy that does footy tragic is a mad keen tigers supporter. How ironic that in his draft wines slips down to the tiges pick!

Doubt it will happen.

[Little Richard 6,265]

I actually think we'll still pick up Wines if Toumpas is available.

[andrewlamprill37 24]

Jimmy Toumpas is a serious talent, a leader, hard and has elite endurance, pace and skills... Sign him!!

Wines will be a great player but Toumpas has some x-factor that we need! Especially with with a midfield shaping up as Jones, Viney, McKenzie, Trengove, Grimes and hopefully Evans and Taggert.

Watch that video and tell me he isn't exactly what we need, if he slips to 4 could be steal of the draft.

[Forest Demon 4,681]

I also get the feeling that, if available, we will be taking Wines regardless of who else is on the table. I haven't watched enough junior footy to make an informed opinion of the two, but must admit that Toumpas' skill set appeals to our needs.

[picket fence 17,500]

Toumpas a big NO from me.

Far too much probability of go home factor against this kid if my mail is right!

WINES WINES AND WINES without a moment's hesitation.

[dee-luded 2,959]

And ... there's this phantom draft issued yesterday by the Footy Tragic site -

Footy Tragic 2012 Phantom Draft

This has GWS going for Whitfield, Menzel and Plowman but I'm staggered that they would be overlooking Grundy.

Interesting read, & almost seemingly a change of direction re this years draft. Could this coincide with Leon Cameron arriving at the GWS recently, & his ideas on footy.

It could make our decision harder than it was?

Wines? Toumpas? Stringer?

sure is an interesting draft this one.

[Jordie_tackles 354]

Toumpas a big NO from me

Far too much probability of go home factor against this kid if my mail is right!

WINES WINES AND WINES without a moments hesitation.

What mail is this?

[Hannibal 5,814]

I actually think we'll still pick up Wines if Toumpas is available.

Prendergast is gone, mate.

The days of the club making stupid decisions are also gone.

If Toumpas is available at pick 4 I don't believe Melbourne would overlook him. It would be sheer madness.

[Lord Travis 10,763]

If Toumpas is available and we overlook him I'll be very very disappointed.

[Geddy Lee 582]

If we get Jimmy I'll be absolutely over the moon. People here are WAY too obsessed with Wines, group-think is out of control.

[Yeats8 21]

There is a lot of love for Wines on this site but if the rumours are true and Toumpas is available...we must select Toumpas.

He is highly skilled with great foot skills, something we lack.

Wouldn't be disappointed to get Wines but with Jones, Viney, Sylvia, Tapscott, Jordie, Magner, Taggert and Couch....I cant see MFC selecting Wines over Toumpas.

[Old Man Rivers 326]

If JT sneaks through this is a no brainer.

If he does not Wines is a great Plan B

Whatever outcome on Thursday we will win bigtime.

[Whispering_Jack 30,641]

I'm thinking along the lines of the balance of the team and the need for different midfield types. Wines would no doubt fit in well but Toumpas would give us an extra dimension in terms of outside pace and brilliance.

If you take into account the fact that Toumpas was carrying a hip injury throughout most of the Under 18 championships it doesn't even become a close call. He's well ahead of Wines in my estimation on what I've seen of each of them (which admittedly is only a handful of under 18 carnival games and highlights clips).