Who doesn't have them? A bit harsh. Your first comment about him being a superb kick of the ball was right.

sure, everybody has them, but i thought johnstone had a higher % than average, especially for a good natural kicker (and off both feet)

and as i said i thought he went for too many high risk "clever" kicks like steviej, but if you think that's too harsh it's just how i saw/remember it.

In my top 5 of players i would least want at the MFC

Anyone comparing him to our VFL level Z grades like Bail and M Jones are clueless... he is Bernie Vince like the way he can kick off both feet and get penetration on his opposite foot.

He will be a great pick up for us (WADA permitting).

Dissociative identity disorder or just bat-[censored] crazy?

Whichever way, you're truly one of a kind.

Edited September 30, 201510 yr by stevethemanjordan

You've changed your argument.

No, I described the potential trade as "meh" and suggested that the idea of a four year contract is unnecessary. To me, the issue of whether we recruit him and the offer we make are linked. A change that improves the list in the short term is a good thing in isolation. However a change that improves the list in the short term but holds you to ransom in the medium term is not.

Melksham is a dime a dozen midfielder. I'm not particularly offended about adding him to the list, however I am not particularly excited either and I just don't think we should be throwing 4 year contracts at players of his calibre.

Edited September 30, 201510 yr by Radar Detector

Im actually surprised 4 years is at all necessary...to get him to change clubs.

Youd have thought anyone who had enough of that environment would jump at any half way reasonable offer. 4 years seems excessive ...to me.

Yes I agree, although if the contract was only for say two years instead of four, those two seasons may be spent by him looking on from the stands while serving a two year ban.

I just can't see why the club would bother with someone of his standard, regardless of the term of his contract - there doesn't appear to be much upside from getting him, but a lot of potential downside.

If the club is really considering him, I'm concerned that they've been drawn in by the general local complacency about the WADA outcome, and this apparent local view that the players will either still get off, or only be banned for a few weeks or so.

Im actually surprised 4 years is at all necessary...to get him to change clubs.

Youd have thought anyone who had enough of that environment would jump at any half way reasonable offer. 4 years seems excessive ...to me.

You can add the reported 400k to that BB.

Yes I agree, although if the contract was only for say two years instead of four, those two seasons may be spent by him looking on from the stands while serving a two year ban.

I just can't see why the club would bother with someone of his standard, regardless of the term of his contract - there doesn't appear to be much upside from getting him, but a lot of potential downside.

If the club is really considering him, I'm concerned that they've been drawn in by the general local complacency about the WADA outcome, and this apparent local view that the players will either still get off, or only be banned for a few weeks or so.

As to his abilities/potential...as far as that goes Ill sit on the fence. Goody Macca ought to know the ins and outs of this bloke.

It's to the logic of entertaini the getting of a soon-to-be banned member of the illustrious 34 that has my head shaking !! I really think the club's being somewhat naive.

You can add the reported 400k to that BB.

What is he worth then?

What is he worth then?

nothing if banned

nothing if banned

Is Heppell worth nothing in that instance?

Is Heppell worth nothing in that instance?

none are worth anything ...if banned

Melksham is a dime a dozen midfielder. I'm not particularly offended about adding him to the list, however I am not particularly excited either and I just don't think we should be throwing 4 year contracts at players of his calibre.

I agree with you. Also agree with others that the 400k and the 4 years is odd for a player of this caliber. Has shown potential one season, steadied the next, then fell away a bit last year. Not exactly a booming recruit.

But he has worked closely with Goodwin and I'm sure Simon believes he can get the best of of Jake.

This isn't the recruit Melbourne fans want. But putting the details of the deal / trade aside, this isn't a bad recruit. For me he is like a Dom Tyson, perhaps less of a ball magnet but is able to play contested football through he middle. I don't mind adding more Dom Tysons to our list to create depth. Melksham is actually a bit quicker and a better mark then Tyson plus has had good experience as a run with player being of good size, length and height. I would hope that he can just work on his consistency.

Again not what we want first up this trade period, but something we need to keep adding depth to this club.

Edited September 30, 201510 yr by mongrel

Given WADA repercussions are hanging over this trade a second round pick shouldn't be mentioned. There is some quality kids around that mark.

I wonder with the WADA stuff; if a "guilty" player has elected to move from the toxic environment that saw them found guilty, to a brand new club, if WADA will offer leniency toward a potential sentence.

Kind of the player saying "The club gave me something that I didn't know was illegal, so instead of remaining "loyal" with said club, I got out at my earliest convenience".

Not clutching at straws, just thinking out loud. Surely the MFC has done their due diligence on potential outcomes in November.

none are worth anything ...if banned

So Heppell has a small holiday and so he is worth nothing?

Does anyone think they are going to get 2 years? Pfft.

Their knuckles are about to be rapped.

These players might have diminished value in their contract and a possible trade - but they would not be worth 'nothing.'

A good throwaway line 'ManDee'...obviously its not possible to make a future event fact.

My hypothesis was: there is a miniscule chance JM will not be available for rnd 1, 2016 because:

- Not all 34 players will get the same ban...some will get a lighter ban eg 6/12 mnths

- JM is one with a lighter ban (MFC would have checked if he was one of the 2 with 'abnormal' TB4)

- He has served 6 months already.

- He can serve 6 more months if he takes another 'voluntary' suspension thru this off-season.

Where is the fault in the rationale?

The point really is that the CAS related risk of taking JM is very low.

Not saying it applies to you but lots of generalisations on here about player suspensions often based on wishful thinking and are looking at time banned rather than games missed.

Out of interest, how many games do you think JM will miss?

My issue was not with your reasoning or conclusions.

Your argument that if anyone disagreed they should re read your post as if you could not be wrong, that was my point.

Your conclusion being that your assumptions are beyond reproach. In order to reach your conclusions you have made educated guesses. You may well be right.

Your "If you think otherwise, please read this post again." does not leave room for a contrary point of view and reeks of arrogance.

The problem with guessing the WADA outcome is the lack of precedent.

The issue that many MFC supporters seem to have is that there is an unknown risk associated with Melksham and a desire that we are not disadvantaged for another clubs wrong doing.

Edit: spelling

Edited September 30, 201510 yr by ManDee

So Heppell has a small holiday and so he is worth nothing?

Does anyone think they are going to get 2 years? Pfft.

Their knuckles are about to be rapped.

These players might have diminished value in their contract and a possible trade - but they would not be worth 'nothing.'

that is only your opinion rpfc.

there is no precedent for knuckle rapping from CAS

wont be 2years...im going with 18months with allowances for voluntary suspensions. Bans enforced from m judgement

that puts them out for this preseason..next season and following preseason

yeah.,.. theyre worth heaps !!

Edited September 30, 201510 yr by beelzebub

Anyone comparing him to our VFL level Z grades like Bail and M Jones are clueless... he is Bernie Vince like the way he can kick off both feet and get penetration on his opposite foot.

He will be a great pick up for us (WADA permitting).

Wow, Olympic level back-peddling, HH.

Considering the outstanding recruiting in the last 2 seasons since Roos & co took over I trust that Melksham will be a wonderful recruit. Roos has a long, strong record of rejuvenating players. He knows what he is doing. Personally I am excited about the prospect.

Considering the outstanding recruiting in the last 2 seasons since Roos & co took over I trust that Melksham will be a wonderful recruit. Roos has a long, strong record of rejuvenating players. He knows what he is doing. Personally I am excited about the prospect.

Agree.

Any news on the trade front, great oracle?

Considering the outstanding recruiting in the last 2 seasons since Roos & co took over I trust that Melksham will be a wonderful recruit. Roos has a long, strong record of rejuvenating players. He knows what he is doing. Personally I am excited about the prospect.

of that ...id agree... its the other

Considering the outstanding recruiting in the last 2 seasons since Roos & co took over I trust that Melksham will be a wonderful recruit. Roos has a long, strong record of rejuvenating players. He knows what he is doing. Personally I am excited about the prospect.

Have to agree.

Did anyone see what Ted Richards was like before he went to Sydney?

Ugh.

Agree.

Any news on the trade front, great oracle?

Strawberry, chocolate & banana are flavours of these.

Looks like a hot tuna he does.

Strawberry, chocolate & banana are flavours of these.

Looks like a hot tuna he does.

Edited September 30, 201510 yr by Ethan Tremblay

Considering the outstanding recruiting in the last 2 seasons since Roos & co took over I trust that Melksham will be a wonderful recruit. Roos has a long, strong record of rejuvenating players. He knows what he is doing. Personally I am excited about the prospect.

Great to have you back GNF. Don't let the haters dissuade you from posting trade rumours or personal musings.

Edited September 30, 201510 yr by binman

Yes like Castor Oil and Senega and Ammonia combined