"the failure of some players to even break into a chase."

Take particular notice of Frawley, Jones, Watts and Fitzpatrick: these guys did not chase. And apart from Jones, they give up on the chase very early. Frawley could have at least tried to get involved in several contests but simply gave up. Watch the replay. It's very, very obvious. Reminds me of his 186 performance.

Frawley will be 26 this year. Anyone who thinks we will be seriously contending in another 4 years is kidding themselves. So before we are even a real chance at hopefully winning a flag, he will be 30 years old, or entering the twilight of his career.

This is not a "get good pick for him whilst we can" type thread, look where we ended up on that basis. Rather, it is more an optimistic viewpoint if he goes. Should he go, one would think that we would get band 1 compensation, or straight after our first round pick. We could look to the draft (one that is strong on talls) and replace him with a young KPD (maybe one with good disposal), or we could do a Dom Tyson type trade, and get a good player plus a high pick in return for him.

My preference is for Frawley to stay, but he is also a too regular culprit of picking when to put in 100% and when not too. If he goes, we'll get over it (it may make us a better team in the long run...............i know, i know - long run), if he stays, we keep a good KPD, one who at the moment thinks he is better than what he is and who also needs a serious change in attitude.

I guess, what i'm trying to say is, we should not break the bank in trying to keep him, because at the moment, just about everyone on our list is expendable. Maybe it's time the players' truly started to understand this.

Edited April 1, 201412 yr by Demon Disciple

Caroline Wilson has her say. Though she gives advice rather than sneering criticism.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/time-for-paul-roos-to-commit-and-start-using-the-we-word-at-melbourne-20140331-zqp24.html

I think she's right. Roos needs to buy in a lot more in the "we" than "they" otherwise he'll risk alienating himself from the players, fans and then club.

The consultants role is a strange one at that and given performances such as round 2, the unwanted focus and spotlight will only shine brighter and the critics will run with it if poor displays continue.

And in this day and age, with surplus discussion on hot topics, it will wear thin on many if it continues to linger. Melbourne supporters only know too well from recent seasons.

Even brownlow med winners drop marks, swan dropped two easy marks one in the goal sq, and every photo ever taken of a; player taking a mark has their eyes closed.

Interesting POV in this article. Minimal to say on Melbourne though. Liked the comments on Adelaide. Gee they've lost a lot of large talent.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-fans-tell-their-clubs-what-they-want-to-resign-20140401-zqpd9.html

Everyone's entitled to their opinion and hacks like this bloke will keep.

Remember that Al Clarkson also copped plenty of stick from the media in days gone by when his team was at the bottom of the barrel.

Given what we've got running around at the moment, we just have to grin and bear it until our day comes.

As Mick Malthouse used to say, the Ox is patient or whatever ... or was it the Ox talking about Mick?

"The Ox is slow because he did the same knee three times"

Of course, there are different circumstances and the like but nevertheless the thought crossed my mind.

Ditto.

Daniel is actually a new journo at The Age. A top bloke, hard working with a good future.

Having said that, I disagree with his article.