Where in the world is Heath Neville?

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

With all the talk of Newton, Buckley and Frawley hopefully making their debut this coming year, everyone seems to have forgotten that there's another kid taken in last year's draft that's still on MFC's senior list.

I realise he was badly injured last year, and missed the bulk of the season, but can anyone who's been to training report on whether he's going alright? Is he even there? I haven't seen his face pop up in any of the training photo pages. From what I heard early on last year he was pulling his weight in the reserves.

Any info would be welcome...

[dazzledavey36 54,951]

still there training. theres a pic on him in demonology with some a bit of facial growth. will be intresting to see how he goes this year.. would he be a chance to make his debut?

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

Yeah I saw that. Funny I should ask, and a day later up he pops on demonology.

Though I had to have a close look at his photo on mfc.com, I could barely recognise him.

[Demon Head 286]

Yeah I saw that. Funny I should ask, and a day later up he pops on demonology.

Though I had to have a close look at his photo on mfc.com, I could barely recognise him.

Given that he played about half a season last year with Sandy twos and was out injured the rest of the time, it's a wonder that anyone can recognise him!

[kryton 0]

still there training. theres a pic on him in demonology with some a bit of facial growth. will be intresting to see how he goes this year.. would he be a chance to make his debut?

I'd be surprised to see him in the regular season - but then I have not seen him play at any level. You'd thnink there are a few in front of him!

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

Yeah, but he's a small defender, which eliminates a few. The way I see it, there are a number of guys that are leagues ahead. Bell, Whelan, and Ward are my starting 3 on the field, with probably CJ on the bench if necessary. After that Brown, Yze (assuming he plays there for whole games) and Wheatley would be selected as the back-ups, or if they see good form (or the starting 4 see bad form). After that it's only really Weetra and Petterd to compete with.

Obviously there are players who'll rotate through the defence, like Green, Bruce and Bartram. But if you're selecting based on preferred position...

Actually. You may be right. There are a LOT of guys in front of him. All he needs is for Wheatley to play on a wing, Yze to play in a forward pocket, Brown to redo his hammy, Bell to have his OP flare up again, Whelan to be shot with a shotgun 3 or 4 times at close range and THEN he's a chance... but only assuming Petterd, Weetra, Ward, CJ and Buckley aren't playing by then.

[Jaded No More 68,958]

Actually. You may be right. There are a LOT of guys in front of him. All he needs is for Wheatley to play on a wing, Yze to play in a forward pocket, Brown to redo his hammy, Bell to have his OP flare up again, Whelan to be shot with a shotgun 3 or 4 times at close range and THEN he's a chance... but only assuming Petterd, Weetra, Ward, CJ and Buckley aren't playing by then.

I expect him to win the B&F in that case

BTW, he isn't in competition with Yze. The only one competing with Yze, is Yze.

Besides, Yze should never be allowed anywhere near the backline, where he is both lazy and unaccountable and makes my blood boil :D

[BAMF 4,353]

Whelan to be shot with a shotgun 3 or 4 times at close range

This is Mathew Whelan you are talking about? That wouldn't stop him.

[Bring-Back-Powell 14,846]

I expect him to win the B&F in that case

BTW, he isn't in competition with Yze. The only one competing with Yze, is Yze.

Besides, Yze should never be allowed anywhere near the backline, where he is both lazy and unaccountable and makes my blood boil :D

How did you come up with that conclusion

I know Yze kicked 2 out on the fulls, turned over the ball twice and didn't go in hard enough in the Freo final, while playing in the backline.....but still.

Nar seriously the OOZE belongs in the foward line. This is what happened when Yze played soley as a forward.

Round 4 - Sydney - 3 goals

Round 5 - Kangaroos - 4 goals

Round 11 - Collingwood - 4 goals

Round 17 - Bulldogs - 5 goals

Round 20 - Geelong - 3 Goals

ND - Play him in the forward pocket!!!

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

This is Mathew Whelan you are talking about? That wouldn't stop him.

Yes it was, and you're right. You'd still probably get a couple of quarters out of him.

What was it ND said about Ooze? If you play him too long in one position, he stagnates? That's gotta be the lamest excuse for a player's bad form I've heard. That's like saying, "Oh, he's a great player, but if he stays in one spot for long enough he gets bored."

For the record, I love Ooze's work in the backline when he gets lots of it and sets up the plays further downfield. Likewise I love it when he's at his brilliant best kicking freaky goals and regularly putting away sides like the dogs and pies. But it's not his brilliance that defines where I'd play him. When he's good in the backline, he's unaccountable, but makes up for it with a lot of possessions and good attacking play. When he's bad in the backline, he's giving away frees, not getting touches and basically shirking the contest, which is a defender's primary goal. When he's good in the forward line he's unstoppable, when he's bad he may as well be a ghost. Yze's best is good enough to be AA in the forward line, backline, on a wing and even in the guts (at times). His worst is diabolical. Goals are more dazzling and pleasing, especially some of the freaky ones he kicks, but in the end he can win games at both ends of the ground, as long as HE PLAYS WELL! In other words it's not the position he plays in, but how he plays that position.

And just on the subject of a players best vs worst. This was the most pleasing thing about Green's year. He bridged the gap between his best and worst, and best of all he showed us that a player can do it well into his career. He may not have kicked the crazy goals, but he had a more lasting and profound effect on his team's year.

But I digress... again. Heath Neville, show us what you're made of!

[davey_magik 1]

As it has already been said, Yze has the potential to be AA FP and dominate all season, it's all up to his mental capacity.

[brey9186 102]

lol, potential being spoken about a veteran listed player is something new!!!

[old55 23,612]

Whelan to be shot with a shotgun 3 or 4 times at close range

This is Mathew Whelan you are talking about? That wouldn't stop him.

That's right, it would need to be a final to do that.

[9. David Neitz 0]

BTW, he isn't in competition with Yze. The only one competing with Yze, is Yze.

Besides, Yze should never be allowed anywhere near the backline, where he is both lazy and unaccountable and makes my blood boil :D

Your utter disrespect for Yze is starting to make my blood boil Jaded, aren't you a little tired of continually taking pot shots at him?. Show him a bit of respect, he has earnt it.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Your utter disrespect for Yze is starting to make my blood boil Jaded, aren't you a little tired of continually taking pot shots at him?. Show him a bit of respect, he has earnt it.

Jaded is right on the money.

Yze is a talented down hill skier who has perpetually refused to commit his body to a contest.

Yze revels against weak undisciplined defences that don't properly man up on him. He dissolves like a disprin when the play is pressured, defenders close checking and physical commitment is required. It is no surprise that August September have been lean times for him.

The examples of the Collingwood, Kangaroos, Bulldogs and Cats match highlight these attributes.

They were his best 5 games while his other games were negligible and he was frequently lazy and unaccountable.

Its a pity that it has been such a waste of his gifts.

Coming to the end of his career, his place in the side will be in jeopardy if he plays like he ended 2006.

[Jaded No More 68,958]

Jaded is right on the money.

Thanks RR.

Saved me two minutes of typing exactly what you just said.

DN, I'm a Melbourne supporter, and therefore I love and respect everyone who wears our jumper, but I'm also not blind to the players' faults, and Yze has plenty of them.

[9. David Neitz 0]

Thanks RR.

Saved me two minutes of typing exactly what you just said.

DN, I'm a Melbourne supporter, and therefore I love and respect everyone who wears our jumper, but I'm also not blind to the players' faults, and Yze has plenty of them.

I think alot of Melbourne supporters could do a bit better in the respect department when it comes to Adem Yze. I'd like to see you give him with the same amount of respect you give Brad Miller.

[Yze_Magic 3]

I have a feeling that Yzes consecutive game streak is already over

I dont see him lining up round 1, but I guess theres a lot of time til then so we will see

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

I think alot of Melbourne supporters could do a bit better in the respect department when it comes to Adem Yze. I'd like to see you give him with the same amount of respect you give Brad Miller.

I admire players who give their darnedest to be the best footballer they possibly can and make a contest.

I can name a string of MFC players who did not have anywhere near's Yze's talent but they give their all. Miller, Carroll, Whelan and Godfrey never take a step or hold back. All are varying certainties to be picked each week but they put in.

If he breaks Neitz's games record I'll feel honour of past champions has been let down. If you have respect for David Neitz you 'd feel likewise.

[Seekers SEECAMP 0]

I think alot of Melbourne supporters could do a bit better in the respect department when it comes to Adem Yze. I'd like to see you give him with the same amount of respect you give Brad Miller.

FWIW It'll never happen; put simply she is a Noah. Forget it..ignore it... An itch you can't scratch.

[Seekers SEECAMP 0]

If he breaks Neitz's games record I'll feel honour of past champions has been let down. If you have respect for David Neitz you 'd feel likewise.

I trust you must know how Neitz would feel should it happen.

[Jaded No More 68,958]

FWIW It'll never happen; put simply she is a Noah. Forget it..ignore it... An itch you can't scratch.

I'd thank you not to speak for me.

[Demon Head 286]

I'd thank you not to speak for me.

This thread makes interesting reading. It started off by someone asking "where in the world is Heath Neville?" and now it's about Brad Miller and Adem Yze. So where in the world is Heath Neville in all this?