The Shape of Things to Come

[Whispering_Jack 30,672]

The shape of things to come - internationals from various countries invited to the draft combine and I note that some of them are already being nurtured by other AFL clubs. Meanwhile, Melbourne seems to have given up on this area as a recruiting ground even though we once led the others when we recruited Jimmy Stynes and Sean Wight. Hawthorn and Richmond don't see it as a costly exercise - why do we?

Internationals named for Combine

[Number 2 13]

Ben Shearry ... he sounds like he would be worth a look.

Surely we can look toward an international player - we have a well equipped football department that should be able to develop an international.

[Red N Blue Society 165]

It can be hit & miss ... only some are good enough ... for instance ... Tommy Walsh the gun Gaelic player. Hows he going? Pretty ordinary & he was a gun from Ireland!

Couldn't cut it at Saints & not at the Swans either so far ... but to be fair he's been in two clubs with very good lists during his career.

[DemonWA 3,936]

Unfortunately, I think going for international recruits is somewhat of a luxury, the type of thing you would do if you had a strong list and were able take a punt on your rookie pics

I feel we will be trying to recruit football players (WAFL, SANFL & VFL) with these sort of picks, so have no room for speculative guys from overseas.

I don't resent the club for this, as I'd be p1ssed if the recruiters were looking for talent overseas when we struggle to make the most of the National Draft as it is!

[Rolling Stone 158]

Unfortunately, I think going for international recruits is somewhat of a luxury, the type of thing you would do if you had a strong list and were able take a punt on your rookie pics

I feel we will be trying to recruit football players (WAFL, SANFL & VFL) with these sort of picks, so have no room for speculative guys from overseas.

I don't resent the club for this, as I'd be p1ssed if the recruiters were looking for talent overseas when we struggle to make the most of the National Draft as it is!

But I thought that if you picked an international player it was in addition to your standard list so it doesn't cost you a draft pick. Therefore, it really is a matter of deciding whether it is worth the cost and not a matter of missing out on talent from the usual sources.

[DemonWA 3,936]

But I thought that if you picked an international player it was in addition to your standard list so it doesn't cost you a draft pick. Therefore, it really is a matter of deciding whether it is worth the cost and not a matter of missing out on talent from the usual sources.

righto, well i'll hang my hat on the last point only then! Lets focus on getting our draft pics and recruitment of AFL players right for a year or two and then turn our hand to finding the next Jim Stynes

[beelzebub 23,383]

Im somewhat disappointed we arent pursuing the China thing. Weve done so much of the ground work.

How hard can it be to have a couple of guys do preseason or similar.?

[Carlos Danger 380]

But I thought that if you picked an international player it was in addition to your standard list so it doesn't cost you a draft pick. Therefore, it really is a matter of deciding whether it is worth the cost and not a matter of missing out on talent from the usual sources.

Correct.

That's the beauty of international selections, they don't cost you spots on the list.

I am all for the club putting money into this, whether the prospects work out or not it's definitely worth trying.

[stuie 7,374]

Let's get some decent Australian footballers before we start working on other countries...

[rolly 149]

It can be hit & miss ... only some are good enough ... for instance ... Tommy Walsh the gun Gaelic player. Hows he going? Pretty ordinary & he was a gun from Ireland!

Couldn't cut it at Saints & not at the Swans either so far ... but to be fair he's been in two clubs with very good lists during his career.

he's not setting the world on fire at swans YET...watters wanted him to stay at saints but he wanted out.

The way he threw his body around in the international rules leads me to think once it clicks he will be good

[Carlos Danger 380]

Let's get some decent Australian footballers before we start working on other countries...

With the massive coaching structure now in place, how would it hurt putting extra guys through strenuous training and pre-seasons?

[stuie 7,374]

With the massive coaching structure now in place, how would it hurt putting extra guys through strenuous training and pre-seasons?

Just feel like we should learn to crawl before we walk ya know?

[Carlos Danger 380]

Spots on the list are precious, I can name at least 5 guys who were very stiff to miss out on selection last year.

Getting guys training and playing for the club who don't count on the list is a resource that seriously needs to be tapped! Despite the costs, it needs to be done. It's the best thing for this club.

[Little Goffy 14,643]

I was sure this was going to be about a Cylon-Human hybrid. Definitely draft if available. ACL injury, test, expected to play.

But HUGE credits to WJ if the title really is a reference to the HG Wells 'World State'.

[RalphiusMaximus 6,088]

I was under the impression that Melbourne were looking to establish ties with China and maybe look for recruits in that direction. Has that notion been discarded somewhere?

[monoccular 17,574]

I was under the impression that Melbourne were looking to establish ties with China and maybe look for recruits in that direction. Has that notion been discarded somewhere?

Maybe there are some gems on the back burner being hidden from the other clubs. :-)

Surely in a billion or so there will be someone is physically and mentally up to it, and who wants an opportunity to travel.

[Lil_red_fire_engine 11,233]

We have enough trouble picking who the good national players are. Once we get that right maybe consider international.

[demon-4-life 467]

I was under the impression that Melbourne were looking to establish ties with China and maybe look for recruits in that direction. Has that notion been discarded somewhere?

The club are definitely looking to establish ties with China. I can't comment on the recruiting of players side of things. But they're definitely making inroads to the local chinese community and establishing links over in China.

[H_T 3,049]

Let's get some decent Australian footballers before we start working on other countries...

When there's blokes like Pearce Hanley taking giant leaps forward in the game, you'd be neglectful and somewhat stupid not to be looking at what is available. It's an indication of poor management IMO not to look at all avenues in recruiting.

[stuie 7,374]

When there's blokes like Pearce Hanley taking giant leaps forward in the game, you'd be neglectful and somewhat stupid not to be looking at what is available. It's an indication of poor management IMO not to look at all avenues in recruiting.

I hear ya HT, and we need all the help we can get, I guess my worry is that we'd be spreading our resources a bit thin when the development of our players has been poor in recent times.

[Philthy 284]

Be happy with any of the US boys

[Whispering_Jack 30,672]

Hawks, Blues chase Irish star

[ILLDieADemon 804]

You would think if Melbourne are trying to get into China they would pick up a Chinese player to help.

[Carlos Danger 380]

Be happy with any of the US boys

Eric Wallace in particular.

[Carlos Danger 380]

Hawks, Blues chase Irish star

Unsurprisingly Hawthorn wins again...

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/148794/default.aspx