please, please, no

is this some sort of sick joke

surely goodwin wouldn't expose himself like this

We probably threatened to sue AFL.com for libel for linking us to that dud, hence it's been removed, still expect a public apology and formal retraction.

My milkshakes bring all the boys to the yard...

Obviously Melksham is not the 'A-grade' midfield target we'd be hoping to land over the off-season, but as far as topping up the depth of our list goes, there are a number of things that appeal to me about him.

Firstly, I rate him higher than a host of plodders we currently have, some of whom are about to be off-loaded. Those names include Bail, McKenzie, Matt Jones, Terlich, Riley. He possesses more attributes than all of those guys. He'd be a much better 'depth' replacement which we'll actually need considering injuries hit every list hard during most years and we all witnessed shallow our depth is.

Secondly: As a former top 10 draft pick and with one consistent playing season in 2013 with a top 5 BnF finish, there is clearly something to work with. How many times have we as supporters seen players benefit from a new start at a different club? He fits the age bracket of games experience that we sorely miss. He sits at just above 100 games played.

Thirdly: We have to remember that the development of our really young guys in Stretch, Neal-Bullen etc is extremely important and players like Melksham can provide good cover for a year or two while our young kids develop the right way at the lower level. MFC have a history of playing their young guys too early and a in a side that doesn't give them enough support. Id be happy to give a fairly experienced and relatively young AFL player in Melksham a chance at showcasing himself for two years as a means of giving further time and development to our younger guys.

He's a hard runner, is tougher than some posts suggest and his skills are actually better than all of those names I mentioned in my first point.

Of course I wouldn't want to move heaven and earth to land him and I'm also not sure what the wada/asada deal is with him etc but if he were a third or fourth midfielder we landed this year and didn't have to give up much for him, I'd be pretty stoked.

Steve, you are one person on here who I constantly agree with......Having spent last night with a very passionate female Essendon supporter, we talked about Melksham and both like the way he goes about his football....some people on here say that Essendon supporters dislike him etc etc but that just isn't true.

He would easily be in our best 22... and as you say he would be a much better option than M Jones, Mckenzie etc

We need midfielders so why are people more interested in half forwards like Tom Lynch and not Melksham....

I trust the FD, but if they go after this guy, a lot of that trust will be broken. I don't care how much intimate knowledge Goodwin has of him, I've seen enough of him to trust my own judgement and we don't need another Grimes, but what's potentially even worse is that he could he banned from playing. Dumb, dumb, dumb if true.

Steve, you are one person on here who I constantly agree with......Having spent last night with a very passionate female Essendon supporter, we talked about Melksham and both like the way he goes about his football....some people on here say that Essendon supporters dislike him etc etc but that just isn't true.

He would easily be in our best 22... and as you say he would be a much better option than M Jones, Mckenzie etc

We need midfielders so why are people more interested in half forwards like Tom Lynch and not Melksham....

You're kidding, right?

I love how spending the night with a passionate Essendon supporter gives you the impression that Essendon supporters like him. Laughable.

We do need midfielders, but we can do a hell of a lot better than Melksham.

Edited September 12, 20159 yr by Wiseblood

I trust the FD, but if they go after this guy, a lot of that trust will be broken. I don't care how much intimate knowledge Goodwin has of him, I've seen enough of him to trust my own judgement and we don't need another Grimes, but what's potentially even worse is that he could he banned from playing. Dumb, dumb, dumb if true.

So that means you would prefer M. Jones getting games ahead of Melksham, you actually want us to win games of football don't you...? If he doesn't cost us much, then he is worth having on the list right? Even if he is just a depth player (which he wouldn't be btw)...

Edited September 12, 20159 yr by Henrietta Lumbago

I think what posters continually forget is that history suggests certain players respond really well to a change of clubs.

As an example, never in my wildest dreams did I think Stefan Martin would become a really consistent and valuable AFL ruckman let alone last this long on an AFL list. It's clear he needed a change.

The same can be said for many players. Jay Schulz from Richmond to Port. Kennedy from Hawthorn to Sydney. Conversely, I'm also aware that there a host of names who haven't 'come-on' even after changing clubs.

But looking at the Melksham case, we're talking about a former number 10 draft pick. Clearly, he was rated. He actually possesses attributes that our list lacks. I can't understand why the same posters who vehemently defend the development of Jack Watts are happy to completely write off a player who has been similarly frustrating for supporters.

Those saying that he's at the same level as Jones, McKenzie and Bail are kidding themselves. We are talking about a former number 10 draft pick who dominated a TAC grand final the year he was drafted and had a breakout AFL season in 2013.

These are the kinds of players that the club need to continue to give chances to in the hope that we can steer them on the right path. We have arguably three of the best development people/coaches within the AFL.

As I've previously said, of course he is not someone I'd be desperate to bring to the club, but if we could get him cheaply on a two year deal, I think it'd be a good move by the club.

You're kidding, right?

I love how spending the night with a passionate Essendon supporter gives you the impression that Essendon supporters like him. Laughable.

We do need midfielders, but we can do a hell of a lot better than Melksham.

Well done simpleton, is there something wrong with putting that out there?? Earlier posts say that he is Essendons whipping boy etc etc well I suppose that it depends on who you talk to..

Same like Jack Watts, some dislike him and some don't .....but who is right at the end of the day?

I think what posters continually forget is that history suggests certain players respond really well to a change of clubs.

As an example, never in my wildest dreams did I think Stefan Martin would become a really consistent and valuable AFL ruckman let alone last this long on an AFL list. It's clear he needed a change.

The same can be said for many players. Jay Schulz from Richmond to Port. Kennedy from Hawthorn to Sydney. Conversely, I'm also aware that there a host of names who haven't 'come-on' even after changing clubs.

But looking at the Melksham case, we're talking about a former number 10 draft pick. Clearly, he was rated. He actually possesses attributes that our list lacks. I can't understand why the same posters who vehemently defend the development of Jack Watts are happy to completely write off a player who has been similarly frustrating for supporters.

Those saying that he's at the same level as Jones, McKenzie and Bail are kidding themselves. We are talking about a former number 10 draft pick who dominated a TAC grand final the year he was drafted and had a breakout AFL season in 2013.

These are the kinds of players that the club need to continue to give chances to in the hope that we can steer them on the right path. We have arguably three of the best development people/coaches within the AFL.

As I've previously said, of course he is not someone I'd be desperate to bring to the club, but if we could get him cheaply on a two year deal, I think it'd be a good move by the club.

You're making sense STMJ, I hope people read your posts and learn a thing or two.

Well done simpleton, is there something wrong with putting that out there?? Earlier posts say that he is Essendons whipping boy etc etc well I suppose that it depends on who you talk to..

Same like Jack Watts, some dislike him and some don't .....but who is right at the end of the day?

FFS...

I'm sure there's probably some supporters out there who think Cale Morton got a raw deal, but it's hardly indicative of anything...

Your attempt to add credence to the idea of recruiting Melksham was beyond weak.

You're kidding, right?

I love how spending the night with a passionate Essendon supporter gives you the impression that Essendon supporters like him. Laughable.

We do need midfielders, but we can do a hell of a lot better than Melksham.

As someone who is happy to defend Colin Garland and his place within this team, I can't understand how or why you completely write off the possibility of bringing a player who'd help our depth at the very least and who could possibly be someone who responds really well to a change of clubs.

Do you really not think he'd be an upgrade on Matt Jones, McKenzie, Bail who are all likely gone?

No [censored] we can 'do better' than Melksham but there are number of ways you improve your list overall and targetting players like him are part of the equation.

Melksham has a very dark cloud hovering above him. A deluge of Biblical proportion will descend in a short while. Why anyone even contemplates him, or ANY of the '34' is beyond reason or sense.

Taking away the whole injection thing...

He is soft as butter. We absolutely do not want nor need players that arent gonna put in 100%.

Dont care how cheap, no thanks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qckpDspkDUo

Exactly the kind of bloke i dont want.

As someone who is happy to defend Colin Garland and his place within this team, I can't understand how or why you completely write off the possibility of bringing a player who'd help our depth at the very least and who could possibly be someone who responds really well to a change of clubs.

Do you really not think he'd be an upgrade on Matt Jones, McKenzie, Bail who are all likely gone?

No [censored] we can 'do better' than Melksham but there are number of ways you improve your list overall and targetting players like him are part of the equation.

Clearly our club values his place within the team and his contributions throughout the year. Guys like Lumumba, Dawes, Watts, Dunn etc all finished well below him, yet played close to the same amount of games as he did. The roles he is given within the system Roos implements are ones that he meets week in, week out. The man is no world beater, but you can't have a team of 22 world beaters. He does his job and has done for years. I know you don't rate him so what I'm saying will have no bearing on how you feel about him, but what I've said is fact.

He is, possibly, a slight upgrade on the players above. Nothing more, nothing less. There are PLENTY of players out there we could get who would do far more for our team than he would.

Well done simpleton, is there something wrong with putting that out there?? Earlier posts say that he is Essendons whipping boy etc etc well I suppose that it depends on who you talk to..

Same like Jack Watts, some dislike him and some don't .....but who is right at the end of the day?

Childish.

Nothing wrong with putting it out there, but to suggest that he isn't a whipping boy based on one Essendon supporters opinion is a drawing a bow of great lengths.

Clearly our club values his place within the team and his contributions throughout the year. Guys like Lumumba, Dawes, Watts, Dunn etc all finished well below him, yet played close to the same amount of games as he did. The roles he is given within the system Roos implements are ones that he meets week in, week out. The man is no world beater, but you can't have a team of 22 world beaters. He does his job and has done for years. I know you don't rate him so what I'm saying will have no bearing on how you feel about him, but what I've said is fact.

He is, possibly, a slight upgrade on the players above. Nothing more, nothing less. There are PLENTY of players out there we could get who would do far more for our team than he would.

Childish.

Nothing wrong with putting it out there, but to suggest that he isn't a whipping boy based on one Essendon supporters opinion is a drawing a bow of great lengths.

You don't know how many a Essendon supporters I have spoke to about Melksham....you're assuming I based my comments on just one Essendon supporters opinion....you're wrong.

I think what posters continually forget is that history suggests certain players respond really well to a change of clubs.

As an example, never in my wildest dreams did I think Stefan Martin would become a really consistent and valuable AFL ruckman let alone last this long on an AFL list. It's clear he needed a change.

The same can be said for many players. Jay Schulz from Richmond to Port. Kennedy from Hawthorn to Sydney. Conversely, I'm also aware that there a host of names who haven't 'come-on' even after changing clubs.

But looking at the Melksham case, we're talking about a former number 10 draft pick. Clearly, he was rated. He actually possesses attributes that our list lacks. I can't understand why the same posters who vehemently defend the development of Jack Watts are happy to completely write off a player who has been similarly frustrating for supporters.

Those saying that he's at the same level as Jones, McKenzie and Bail are kidding themselves. We are talking about a former number 10 draft pick who dominated a TAC grand final the year he was drafted and had a breakout AFL season in 2013.

These are the kinds of players that the club need to continue to give chances to in the hope that we can steer them on the right path. We have arguably three of the best development people/coaches within the AFL.

As I've previously said, of course he is not someone I'd be desperate to bring to the club, but if we could get him cheaply on a two year deal, I think it'd be a good move by the club.

History also suggests that changing clubs has no effect. Exhibit A, James Frawley. Are we seriously saying if Jack Grimes switched clubs, all of a sudden his horrid decision-making and disposal would improve? Come on. It's the same with The Milk Man.

You don't know how many a Essendon supporters I have spoke to about Melksham....you're assuming I based my comments on just one Essendon supporters opinion....you're wrong.

Well why didn't you say that? You mentioned the supporter you were with and then formed a basis of an opinion from that. Unfortunately I can't assume what's going on in your head from my computer.

Bombers fans call him milkshake. That's all I need to hear. Move on nothing to see here. Couldn't bear it based only on the fact that his nickname is milkshake

He is the Essendon supporter whipping boy and for good reason. A turn over merchant in the Jack Grimes mould. Need I say more?

FFS...

I'm sure there's probably some supporters out there who think Cale Morton got a raw deal, but it's hardly indicative of anything...

Your attempt to add credence to the idea of recruiting Melksham was beyond weak.

Ok Machsy....I just wanted to mention that some Essendon supporters actually do rate Melksham, as you can see in the posts above some are calling him their whipping boy etc I just wanted to share the opinion of Essendon supporters that I have spoken to about him...I don't really see how or why you would have a problem with that...? But hey nothing has changed apart from your name right?

I can't stand Melksham, I truly hope we go nowhere near him.

I can't stand Melksham, I truly hope we go nowhere near him.

yep, one my most disliked bummers

Just heard Paul Connors Melksham's manager on SEN.

Basically Goodwin wants Melksham, Melksham loves Goodwin from his time at the bombers.

It's either Essendon or Melbourne for Melksham.

Just heard Paul Connors Melksham's manager on SEN.

Basically Goodwin wants Melksham, Melksham loves Goodwin from his time at the bombers.

It's either Essendon or Melbourne for Melksham.

Oh, goody....

Just heard Paul Connors Melksham's manager on SEN.

Basically Goodwin wants Melksham, Melksham loves Goodwin from his time at the bombers.

It's either Essendon or Melbourne for Melksham.

Essendon had better up their offer quickly then!!