http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/146677/default.aspx

Apparently we gave David McKay a 4 year 2 million dollar deal, that's half a million per year.

Obviously he recently resigned with Adelaide for 3 years.

But are we that desperate?

Classy player with pace - he would have been a good pickup. Has the traits that most of our players don't.

http://www.afl.com.a...77/default.aspx

Apparently we gave David McKay a 4 year 2 million dollar deal, that's half a million per year.

Obviously he recently resigned with Adelaide for 3 years.

But are we that desperate?

Knowing what you want/need and being prepared to pay for it, are not the same as being "desperate".

Neeld has said they are looking to fill out the list with the right players, and will go for those who fit the need and culture/work ethic he's building.

Edited September 4, 201213 yr by PaulRB

Missed out on MacKay.

Some similar players to target for mine are Sharrod Wellingham, Clinton Young or failing them there's Paul Marschall and Dean Towers from the SANFL & VFL who we should target with later picks in the draft.

Xavier Ellis is another who we could target from Hawthorn, although I'm not sure his pace is equal to that of the above 4 mentioned or David Mackay which I think is one of the things Neeld and co are looking at.

Edit: Add Ellis.

Edited September 4, 201213 yr by Tall Defence

http://www.afl.com.a...77/default.aspx

Apparently we gave David McKay a 4 year 2 million dollar deal, that's half a million per year.

Obviously he recently resigned with Adelaide for 3 years.

But are we that desperate?

McKay would have been a missive in. There's a reason that the Crows gave him a three year deal and it's because he can play.

Still think that B Jacobs is the one we should aim for.

McKay would have been a missive in. There's a reason that the Crows gave him a three year deal and it's because he can play.

Still think that B Jacobs is the one we should aim for.

I reckon Pick 13 will get that done.

Throw in Pick 3 to GWS for MD Pick 1 to West Cost (Jack Martin) and Andrew Gaff to us and I'd be pretty happy with that!

For more years than I care to remember we have been 'less than ordinary' as a team.

How many of the players named in the above threads would really want to play at MFC?

I would suggest that if they had a choice of a Melbourne or a Geelong they would not come to Melbourne. Players want to play in successful teams. We are a long way off that.

How do we attract 'top' players? Throwing bags full of money might appeal to the more mercenary. Our likely winning record over the foreseeable future is not an attraction.

Apart from Clarke, we have had zilch success with recruiting 'top' players for many years. Realistically can we change this for next year?

I would suggest that our only chance of improving our list is intelligent and lucky drafting of kids. We would need to improve on our past efforts here, too.

For more years than I care to remember we have been 'less than ordinary' as a team.

How many of the players named in the above threads would really want to play at MFC?

I would suggest that if they had a choice of a Melbourne or a Geelong they would not come to Melbourne. Players want to play in successful teams. We are a long way off that.

How do we attract 'top' players? Throwing bags full of money might appeal to the more mercenary. Our likely winning record over the foreseeable future is not an attraction.

Apart from Clarke, we have had zilch success with recruiting 'top' players for many years. Realistically can we change this for next year?

I would suggest that our only chance of improving our list is intelligent and lucky drafting of kids. We would need to improve on our past efforts here, too.

That's a big 'apart from'...

He's our best player.

We recruited our best player.

That says two things - we can recruit good players, and we don't have many good players...

That's a big 'apart from'...

He's our best player.

We recruited our best player.

That says two things - we can recruit good players, and we don't have many good players...

You're right, RPFC, Clarke is our best player. But the point I was making is that at this time every year we hypothesize and drool over who we might recruit. With very little success. Who else have we recruited from other clubs in the past 10 years that has been any good?

Year after year we have been 'successful' in recruiting five eigths of f..k all, and that isn't much!

How can we turn this around?

I attended the 1964 Grand Final and don't expect to get to another one.

Or am just a pessimist?

Edited September 4, 201213 yr by jimmy sandral

Has Matt Rosa signed up with Meth Coast, would be a good get is underated in their side, gut runs and provides a lot of options to his team mates by being able to find space. Gaff and Kerr are explosive and do the occassional hard gut running to provide options but Rosa does it all day, biggest problem would be trying to pry him away from one of the contenders who's window will be open for a few more years.

Would take a fair bit of coin

We need to recruit a better midfield to be quite blunt, it's not at an AFL standard, plenty of potential, but Jones is our best player, and he's had a fantastic year but realistically he wouldn't be the best at very many other clubs so we need to recruit the right mature quality midfielders to rotate through with him, Goddard would be a huge pick up if we could manage it, his on and off field presence would do alot for our young players, would love to see them recruit Goddard, Q Lynch, Shannon Byrnes, Clinton Young and Travis boak if he decides to leave, add that to Grimes, Trengove, Viney, Jones, and it allows you to drift someone like howe forward a little bit more, and he could become even more dangerous

It’s so sad and embarrassing that this time of year is my most exciting as a Melbourne member. If it was a once off it would be palatable, however, it has been the case for far too long.

The reality is that year in year out we have to unearth immediate core team ingredients rather than adding cream.....we have a team, yes a team, of first round draft picks, most of whom can't run, won't work, get pushed over too easily AND don't hurt enough.

Enter;

1) Apatite for all contests

2) Absolute distain in a loss, both in a one on one contest and the teams end result

3) Willingness to work both ways

4) Sacrifice for the jumper and your mate

Enter J Viney and J Hogan to follow.

I’m 32 and look 42, during footy season I hate Monday’s even more so.

Mark Neeld was chosen for a reason, he has seen how the best do it, he’s methodical and uncompromising exactly what is required. Initially it got up a few people, but have a look at what we have been watching for the past 10 years. Frankly, I wouldn’t put up with anyone who didn’t stir things up, that would show a certain contentment.

I have faith that he will demand players whom will want to buy and take ownership of carrying the club forward, not content on getting buff (excludes a few) and having a kick on the weekend.

The fact that J Viney in round 1 2013 on debut will be one of our toughest and most uncompromising players should be an embarrassment to the club….but it will make the others learn very fast that this is the standard, not simply one out of the box.

Get the broom out, it hasn’t worked and let savages in.

Edited September 4, 201213 yr by Lace Out

That's a big 'apart from'...

He's our best player.

We recruited our best player.

That says two things - we can recruit good players, and we don't have many good players...

You're right, RPFC, Clarke is our best player. But the point I was making is that at this time every year we hypothesize and drool over who we might recruit. With very little success. Who else have we recruited from other clubs in the past 10 years that has been any good?

Year after year we have been 'successful' in recruiting five eigths of f..k all, and that isn't much!

How can we turn this around?

I attended the 1964 Grand Final and don't expect to get to another one.

Or am just a pessimist?

Maloney and Bizzell

And yes, you are a pessimist. But that doesn't mean you won't be accurate; I just hope that you aren't.

Maloney and Bizzell

And yes, you are a pessimist. But that doesn't mean you won't be accurate; I just hope that you aren't.

Actually, Brian Wilson, I have usually been optimistic about Melbourne. Having started barracking for them in 1955 I have experienced many great moments but also my fair share of bad ones.

Regarding our playing list I cannot remember it ever being as bare as it currently is. I can't see players flocking to express interest in joining us and I have negative views regarding our 2013 season.

I can only hope that my current dispair is in fact 'pessimism' and not 'realism'.

The sad thing is that with the more successful clubs their new recruits have good, experienced players to set the example and give support week in and week out. We, on the other hand, become disappointed when our new recruits do not become champions overnight and saviours of the club in their first or second season.

That's a big 'apart from'...

He's our best player.

We recruited our best player.

That says two things - we can recruit good players, and we don't have many good players...

A year ago we'd come off 8.5 wins and had a new coach from Collingwood. There was an air of expectancy and one can sell excitement in those circumstances.

Do you think the 'sell' to Clark may have been far more difficult 12 months on ?

Money talks though. So we'll wait and see.

Money, opportunity and and easier path to get to us is all we offer.

I explained my post, and you have had time to apologize for calling me a [censored] and you haven't....... all class!

Father in law died late last week and have had little Demonland time. This is my first time re-visiting this thread.

How about we reserve our vitriol for Scully, the Pies and the Bombers?

Anyway - internet forums are all about anonymous vindictive spewing without accountability. (tongue firmly planted in cheek)

Maloney and Bizzell

And yes, you are a pessimist. But that doesn't mean you won't be accurate; I just hope that you aren't.

Actually, Brian Wilson, I have usually been optimistic about Melbourne. Having started barracking for them in 1955 I have experienced many great moments but also my fair share of bad ones.

Regarding our playing list I cannot remember it ever being as bare as it currently is. I can't see players flocking to express interest in joining us and I have negative views regarding our 2013 season.

I can only hope that my current dispair is in fact 'pessimism' and not 'realism'.

The sad thing is that with the more successful clubs their new recruits have good, experienced players to set the example and give support week in and week out. We, on the other hand, become disappointed when our new recruits do not become champions overnight and saviours of the club in their first or second season.

I'm thoroughly jealous that you saw the last golden era. I'm 34, so the best years have been under Northey and Daniher in my time following the Dees. Still, I've enjoyed some fantastic days supporting the team. I can recall vividly every single final in my lifetime and I think the complete lack of finals is what really hurts now. What's been memorable since Daniher?

Is this team worse than the teams of the late 70s / early 80s? Those must have been particularly bleak times. The big ticket item that gives me confidence now is that the club has twice staved off its demise (merger and debt) and the immediate future of the club is now secure. It's up to the FD now.

I agree that there needs to be senior players to lead the way for the youngsters. Neeld will have to manage the group very carefully to overcome this problem.

Which brings me back to the thread (sorry for the tangent). Attracting the right personalities from other clubs (not necessarily stars) could make a massive difference over the next couple of years. Which personalities would you like to see? I'm thinking of training and motivation, rather than just output on the field. Part of Clarke's success was achieved prior to playing a game when he was appointed to the leadership group based on his preseason.

I am quite happy to use all of our picks in the draft. But if we are going too fast track up the ladder, I would try for something like this;

Pick 3 - Brodie Grundy

Pick 4 & Jamie Bennell - too West Coast for Andrew Gaff & Koby Stevens. West Coast too use Pick 4 on U/17.

Pick 13 & Mark Jamar - too GWS for Dom Tyson

Pick 23 - Jack Viney

Trade Jordan Gysberts too Geelong for Josh Walker & Shannon Byrnes

We would be so dumb to trade Jamar, he is more than an asset to Melbourne.

As for the westcoast trade it looks good, but they wont accept it. They can Have Bennell for free though!

Dont want Shannon Brynes.

Should seriously look at getting Wellingham and Young

Pick 4 & Jamie Bennell - too West Coast for Andrew Gaff & Koby Stevens. West Coast too use Pick 4 on U/17.

I dont think you realise how good Gaff is. Averaged 24.5 dsposals and 5 tackles this seaosn, just his 2nd season in the AFL.

the Eagles would REALLY want to be into Jack Martin or Jesse Hogan to do this trade.

We should split into :

1st tier: Travis Boak, Brendon Goddard

(we offer $$$$$$$$$ and pick 3,4)

2nd tier: Chris Knights, Ben Jacobs, Brett Meredith, Koby Stevens, Jared Moore

(we can offer a game & come home factor)

Boak has now signed with Port. Mackay has signed with Adelaide. The list is shrinking, and there isn't much left that's worth chasing to be honest. This off season may be as disappointing as the season we've just had!

You have to realise we were never getting boak. Mackay is unlucky but dont worry just because a player isnt a free agent doesnt mean we canst trade to get them

Danyle PEarce and Chris Knight