The top 10 mids at the Demons would be nowhere near the top 10 mids at Port.

I think that Newton would back himself to win a spot in our rotation...

1. N Jones

2. Tyson

3. Vince

4. Cross

5. Viney

From there it is M Jones, Bail, Michie, Riley, Toumpas, Trengove, McKenzie, Kent (Fwd?), JKH, Salem, Petracca, Brayshaw, Neal-Bullen, and Stretch. Some limited players and a bunch of kids.

Newton should back himself to play a few games...

I think that you have under-estimated Petracca and Brayshaw. I think that they will have an immediate impact in 2015.

I think that you have under-estimated Petracca and Brayshaw. I think that they will have an immediate impact in 2015.

They are in the mix.

Hell, for all you know I could rate them 6th and 7th best mids at the club.

But I haven't seen them play at AFL level yet, and until then - we have 5 mids and a number of auditions...

Newton, Riley and Michie have the opportunity to be the midfield depth/role players that are absolutely critical to every AFL-quality midfield.

I think with an eye on the future (next 2-3 years), the coaching staff would see our core midfield group as:

1. Jones

2. Tyson

3. Viney

4. Vince

5. Petracca

6. Brayshaw

7. Salem

8. Toumpas

(perhaps Neil-Bullen and Stretch, but not going to put any expectations on them)

The current depth is below AFL standard = McKenzie, Matt Jones, Bail, Cross (putting Cross in here because he'll retire in 12 months and his body means he can only play 15 games next year most likely). My hope is that Newton, Michie and Riley step up and be those 9th to 11th best midfielders that make the top teams great.

When injuries happen, and they will, the top teams are great because their versions of Newton, Michie and Riley are rock solid.

That's where these players fit in.

Newton, Riley and Michie have the opportunity to be the midfield depth/role players that are absolutely critical to every AFL-quality midfield.

I think with an eye on the future (next 2-3 years), the coaching staff would see our core midfield group as:

1. Jones

2. Tyson

3. Viney

4. Vince

5. Petracca

6. Brayshaw

7. Salem

8. Toumpas

(perhaps Neil-Bullen and Stretch, but not going to put any expectations on them)

The current depth is below AFL standard = McKenzie, Matt Jones, Bail, Cross (putting Cross in here because he'll retire in 12 months and his body means he can only play 15 games next year most likely). My hope is that Newton, Michie and Riley step up and be those 9th to 11th best midfielders that make the top teams great.

When injuries happen, and they will, the top teams are great because their versions of Newton, Michie and Riley are rock solid.

That's where these players fit in.

I hate to be the one to point this out but the thread title has '2015' in it.

If these kids usurp the older players as the 5th, 6th and 7th best mid and take on the commensurate workload in the first year I would be surprised. I am not one to believe that Roos would put that pressure on them.

Michie, Riley, McKenzie, and Newton will be given the chance with Matt Jones, Rohan Bail and Jimmy Toumpas. Then the kids will contribute as Roos sees fit.

I put no ceilings on players, but equally, there are no trap doors for players 4 months from Rd 1.

The current depth is below AFL standard = McKenzie, Matt Jones, Bail, Cross (putting Cross in here because he'll retire in 12 months and his body means he can only play 15 games next year most likely). My hope is that Newton, Michie and Riley step up and be those 9th to 11th best midfielders that make the top teams great.

Just interested why you think Cross's body will only let him play 15 games next year?

He missed a few games due to a small break in his leg last year, but that should't effect him going forward.

He seems to still be in good nick, and his body has held up over his career with no real history of injuries.

I wouldn't be surprised if his body held up for another 2 years, and if he goes on after next year having more to do with how the younger players have developed and if the club feels they still need him around to help them.

Just interested why you think Cross's body will only let him play 15 games next year?

He missed a few games due to a small break in his leg last year, but that should't effect him going forward.

He seems to still be in good nick, and his body has held up over his career with no real history of injuries.

I wouldn't be surprised if his body held up for another 2 years, and if he goes on after next year having more to do with how the younger players have developed and if the club feels they still need him around to help them.

Agree. Daniel Cross is a man you can't shoot, root or electrocute. He may well be indestructible.

I hate to be the one to point this out but the thread title has '2015' in it.

If these kids usurp the older players as the 5th, 6th and 7th best mid and take on the commensurate workload in the first year I would be surprised. I am not one to believe that Roos would put that pressure on them.

Michie, Riley, McKenzie, and Newton will be given the chance with Matt Jones, Rohan Bail and Jimmy Toumpas. Then the kids will contribute as Roos sees fit.

I put no ceilings on players, but equally, there are no trap doors for players 4 months from Rd 1.

Unfortunately it shows the state of our disgustingly bad midfield (currently only 4 AFL quality midfielders) that the 5th, 6th and 7th best midfielders are first or second year players.

Let's just be thankful we got lucky this draft and last year's 2 for 1 deal (Tyson and Salem) was so successful.

There's a reason we were 17th last year. That reason was the midfield. Most teams and certainly the top 4 teams, have at least 10 high quality midfielders and usually 1 or 2 stars (we have none)

B: Garland frost dunn

Hb: jetta McDonald lamumba

C: Vince. Tyson. Kent

Hf: cross Hogan watts

F: Howe. Dawes garlett

R: jamar Jones viney

I/c: gawn grimes bail

Sub: petracca

Toumpas, salem, brayshaw and co to fight their way in

Unfortunately it shows the state of our disgustingly bad midfield (currently only 4 AFL quality midfielders) that the 5th, 6th and 7th best midfielders are first or second year players.

Let's just be thankful we got lucky this draft and last year's 2 for 1 deal (Tyson and Salem) was so successful.

There's a reason we were 17th last year. That reason was the midfield. Most teams and certainly the top 4 teams, have at least 10 high quality midfielders and usually 1 or 2 stars (we have none)

No it wasn't, that answer is way too simplistic. There were many more reasons than just the midfield.

For one even with a good midfield we had no quality forwards and would have struggled to kick goals.

Could we put [Pedersen] on the (censored) list?

Pedo remains an interesting one.

Having watched a replay of the Port game the other day, I forgot how well he played. He was dominant. I say that without exaggeration. Clunking contested marks, kicking goals and bringing his teammates into play. Everything you want from a tall forward. But generally speaking the teams needs to play well for him to play well.

I think Pedo's time is far from over. He isn't that genuine quality KPF we need but as a utility I can see him sticking around for a while yet.

P-man, I was just having a go at the persistent mis-spelling of his name - something Nasher has now fixed, rather sweetly.

Pedo certainly pulled his weight last year, and perhaps we've not yet seen the best of him.

Test: Pederson

Yep, working well.

Edited November 29, 201410 yr by P-man

P-man, I was just having a go at the persistent mis-spelling of his name - something Nasher has now fixed, rather sweetly.

Pedo certainly pulled his weight last year, and perhaps we've not yet seen the best of him.

What about Trengrove ET, would he be in your side if fit ?

A lot is made of speed and certainly its a bonus but there's a quality I like to see a bit more also and that tackle braking core strength whereby players are able to shrug off opposition and make a little time for themselves and them make a quality decisive movement ( kick, hand pass whatever)

This often results in the ball moving effectively and quickly. This is what ppl think speed is on occasions...its the ball moving quickly...not always the players....just saying

Agree with all of this and players like Sam Mitchell and Greg Williams show you don't have to have speed to do everything you mention.

But a couple of players with real speed create an X factor that is almost impossible to counter. Thinking of the impact Lewis Jetta had on the Swans whole game plan can't be underestimated. It allowed them to transform into a much more attacking team and therefore much more entertaining to watch. Oh for the day when we are not only competitive but great to watch as well.

Hi Graeme. I'm too biased to call it on Trenners. Very keen on him and I believe if fit he'll reclaim his spot - but then, I always thought he should have been drafted ahead of Voldemort, just a terrific natural footballer. I know nothing about the risk of a recurrence, just a matter of waiting and hoping.

Just interested why you think Cross's body will only let him play 15 games next year?

He missed a few games due to a small break in his leg last year, but that should't effect him going forward.

He seems to still be in good nick, and his body has held up over his career with no real history of injuries.

I wouldn't be surprised if his body held up for another 2 years, and if he goes on after next year having more to do with how the younger players have developed and if the club feels they still need him around to help them.

I agree entirely with you. The guy is super fit and the real pro. 2 years more at least.

Unfortunately it shows the state of our disgustingly bad midfield (currently only 4 AFL quality midfielders) that the 5th, 6th and 7th best midfielders are first or second year players.

Let's just be thankful we got lucky this draft and last year's 2 for 1 deal (Tyson and Salem) was so successful.

There's a reason we were 17th last year. That reason was the midfield. Most teams and certainly the top 4 teams, have at least 10 high quality midfielders and usually 1 or 2 stars (we have none)

Nathan Jones says hello.

At the end of 2015 I think trengove will be delisted and rookied

Lumumba McDonald & Grimes, none fill me with much confidence by foot.

Nathan Jones says hello.

That's nice of him.

Hi Nathan!

At the end of 2015 I think trengove will be delisted and rookied

At the end of 2015, I think Trengove will either retire or request a trade.

The poor kid needs a change of scenary. I think the failed trade to Richmond was the last straw.

Just my opinion.

Yep and next season could easily be his last at the MFC

I have said for some time that when he cannot get a game we will know we have improved.

2015 will be interesting on a number of fronts.

I agree with all of that. I don't get why someone who is a hardworking G&D player is talked about around here like he was pond scum.

Yep and next season could easily be his last at the MFC

I have said for some time that when he cannot get a game we will know we have improved.

2015 will be interesting on a number of fronts.

I actually think we need Mckenzie. We know he can tag, and tag well. It's his offensive game where there is an issue which cross is doing much better. But cross can't go on forever, who else will tag?

Given we haven't lost any of our 2014 backline team and with the inclusion of H and Frost, will this mean Howe will be bought Forward?

My preference is to see him up Forward.

Edited November 29, 201410 yr by Wormburner

I think Nathan Jones role will change a great deal with all these young inside players coming to the club he will become the outside player that we need who runs all day, the go to man so to speak.