One would have to say that, due to injuries, Chris is yet to prove his value on the field for us, though his off field presence has been a boost.

What I think most of us here are looking forward to is the possibility of he, Mitch Clark and Hogan playing in the one forward line, with a boosted midfield through trades and maturing, and some canny coaching.

IF all the planets were to align, a big IF I know, we could improve far more quickly than many expect.

IF.....IF....IF.....

Every wavering Melbourne supporter should be made to watch that video. Love it, Chris speaks honestly and without sugar coating the problems but with considerable confidence in the future. Not everything about the Neeld era was a complete disaster.

Pretty much an insight into this amazing guy.

Love the Dawes Clark friendship!

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2013-10-01/we-had-to-get-roos-dawes

I know words are cheap, but he is without question my favourite player to listen to.

I know words are cheap, but he is without question my favourite player to listen to.

I live for the day you can replace with "watch play"

I just love the notion of his quiet unassuming self belief. Its not arrogance , its just a pretty good appreciation of his abilities and circumstance. it takes a while for this sort of team confidence to build and I do actually think it will and in no small way as a result of the influence of Dawes and his ilk.

Geez, imagine if we get Dawes and Mitch to play 22 games each in 2014 and Hogan plays 12-15. We need them on the park big time.

this is the big point that is lost on so many, barring more disaster our scoring firepower is about to go up about 250% immediately.

this is the big point that is lost on so many, barring more disaster our scoring firepower is about to go up about 250% immediately.

But the other point that does not get lost so easily is that that will be the case only if the ball is getting to them from the midfield.

Disappointing year for Chris injury-wise, and for the fact that he was probably under-done in most of his games. However, he 'organised' the forward line, led from the front and busted his gut each time he was out there, and for these qualities alone he has been a worthy pick-up imo. My feeling is that he would be an 'easy' player to coach, and I reckon Roosy will love his leadership and the team things he does. If he can get his body sound, he will repay us in spades, and like just about everyone else around here, I can't wait to see him as one of three quality talls in our forward half.

But the other point that does not get lost so easily is that that will be the case only if the ball is getting to them from the midfield.

yeah but the stats show we did kinda OK for most of the 2nd half of the year in that regard

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2013-10-01/we-had-to-get-roos-dawes

Very interesting chat with Chris. Damn he's well-spoken.

Hasn't had a proper run at it due to injury but has shown some promising glimpses.

Dawes and Clark in the same forward line is the great unknown, something that can hopefully be seen early next year.

class act.

Really good interview. Thinks very deeply, talks like an experienced media professional.

He's right, with Clark and Hogan firing and he as a strong role player our fwd line looks sooooooooo much better.

Future senior coach...and that's after winning a couple of Premierships as Melbourne's captain. Good investment? You betcha!

He is a pretty special person, and his value off field is absolutely enormous.

I admire his attitude and his positivity and I hope it rubs on our other senior players. Especially guys like Frawley.

Future senior coach...and that's after winning a couple of Premierships as Melbourne's captain. Good investment? You betcha!

Chook, totally agree. he doesnt need to be a star to provide benefit to the club. i know the case against is captaincy with his injury concerns but watch that video where he eyeballs all the players after the final siren. hes got leader written all over him.

he really is the type of bloke youd follow in to battle. his game is a solid to good role playing key position forward that straightens the side up and provides a target. ( still think he can be a 30goal forward). the rest of his attributes are more valuable i reckon

But the other point that does not get lost so easily is that that will be the case only if the ball is getting to them from the midfield.

No doubt about that, but we had games and patches this year where we were able to win clearances or win the ball off half back because our defence was getting on top, but our only forward target was Howe or Fitzy. We'd bring the ball in to nothing.

Even if we have less forward 50 entires than our opponents, and we will, our ability to convert will do a lot of damage when you have Clark, Dawes and Hogan competing in there.

Take a look at Freo on Saturday. Forward 50 entires wasted, game lost.