2 hours ago, Dr evil said:

• I can confirm now that one of the 2 players is Brodie Smith. Goody  has connections with him, Crows looking to rebuild and Goody feels he'd give us some speed and bounce off half back that we're lacking. we tried to fill that same role with Saad but it didn't pan out. he's contracted until 2021 but the crows aren't against moving him on if he'd like to chase success in the back end of his career. 

 

chase success....  with the Demons?  is this sarcasm or are we actually a semi-decent team now??

im overwhelmed

Just now, DubDee said:

chase success....  with the Demons?  is this sarcasm or are we actually a semi-decent team now??

im overwhelmed

Considering we missed finals by a sneeze and look like adding 3-5 upgraded best 22 players to the side there are definitely no excuses for us to not think we can not only make finals, but push deep into them. 

Just now, Dr evil said:

Considering we missed finals by a sneeze and look like adding 3-5 upgraded best 22 players to the side there are definitely no excuses for us to not think we can not only make finals, but push deep into them. 

That's all good and well but what about our inherent mental fragility from quarter to quarter.

Just now, RedFox said:

That's all good and well but what about our inherent mental fragility from quarter to quarter.

I'm not sure it's mental fragility. i am in the minority that thinks it has much more to do with the huge gap between the best and worst of our bottom 10 players that causes the team overall to fluctuate in game and in quarter. adding more quality and improving that bottom 10 players enables us to be more consistent overall. 

1 minute ago, Dr evil said:

I'm not sure it's mental fragility. i am in the minority that thinks it has much more to do with the huge gap between the best and worst of our bottom 10 players that causes the team overall to fluctuate in game and in quarter. adding more quality and improving that bottom 10 players enables us to be more consistent overall. 

It is an interesting theory, however it doesn't explain our top 10 players picking and choosing when to exert consistent effort, again, from quarter to quarter. 

Just now, RedFox said:

It is an interesting theory, however it doesn't explain our top 10 players picking and choosing when to exert consistent effort, again, from quarter to quarter. 

I'm not sure they do that any more than the top 10 do at other clubs, it just becomes much more obvious when the bottom 10 players aren't contributing much to the team.

1 minute ago, Dr evil said:

I'm not sure they do that any more than the top 10 do at other clubs, it just becomes much more obvious when the bottom 10 players aren't contributing much to the team.

This is well supported when you look at the Richmond BnF - role players ...

Jayden Short, taken as a rookie six years ago, edged out superstar Dustin Martin to win the Jack Dyer Medal.

 

Nick Vlastuin, Shai Bolton and Kamdyn McIntosh rounded out the top-five in another Tigers premiership season.

Just now, Dr evil said:

I'm not sure they do that any more than the top 10 do at other clubs, it just becomes much more obvious when the bottom 10 players aren't contributing much to the team.

Using Richmond as an example, it's the likes of Martin, Cotchin, Edwards, Lynch and Short that make their bottom 10 look better than they actually are. Their prime movers set the tone and carry the team on their back. If you look at our supposed prime movers in Oliver and Brayshaw for example, how often do we see them stuck in 1st or 2nd gear on transition? I'm sure it's not as simplistic as any of that, and probably a combination of various factors, my point is that whilst 5 new guys in the best 22 may elevate us it won't change the attitude problem of our top echelon players. Looking forward to seeing this coaching re-shuffle.

 

1 minute ago, RedFox said:

Using Richmond as an example, it's the likes of Martin, Cotchin, Edwards, Lynch and Short that make their bottom 10 look better than they actually are. Their prime movers set the tone and carry the team on their back. If you look at our supposed prime movers in Oliver and Brayshaw for example, how often do we see them stuck in 1st or 2nd gear on transition? I'm sure it's not as simplistic as any of that, and probably a combination of various factors, my point is that whilst 5 new guys in the best 22 may elevate us it won't change the attitude problem of our top echelon players. Looking forward to seeing this coaching re-shuffle.

i think you're reading into something that maybe isn't there. Richmonds bottom 10 are all consistent role players. right now that's the biggest difference between Richmond and Melbourne. it's why when everyone is on, we can beat anyone, when they're not we can lose to anyone. because 12 can't beat 22 in a league this even. 

i think also it's worth remembering that no player in the AFL is "on" 100% of the time. including the guys you mentioned. 

there are definitely some technical/game plan parts of our game that we can improve. but the biggest area is the bottom 6-10 players, which just need much more clearly defined roles, or to be replaced with guys who can play a role. 

1 minute ago, Dr evil said:

 

i think you're reading into something that maybe isn't there. Richmonds bottom 10 are all consistent role players. right now that's the biggest difference between Richmond and Melbourne. it's why when everyone is on, we can beat anyone, when they're not we can lose to anyone. because 12 can't beat 22 in a league this even. 

i think also it's worth remembering that no player in the AFL is "on" 100% of the time. including the guys you mentioned. 

there are definitely some technical/game plan parts of our game that we can improve. but the biggest area is the bottom 6-10 players, which just need much more clearly defined roles, or to be replaced with guys who can play a role. 

I agree with that. Also would be nice to see our selectors punish poor form. To your point, we need contributing players on the park every single round. And, I know, how can you tell who is in form with no seconds comp? To have a vastly healthy list and Melksham not be dropped once is insanity in my book. Its one thing when you're bottom 10 isn't performing and it's another to keep picking them. 

2 minutes ago, RedFox said:

I agree with that. Also would be nice to see our selectors punish poor form. To your point, we need contributing players on the park every single round. And, I know, how can you tell who is in form with no seconds comp? To have a vastly healthy list and Melksham not be dropped once is insanity in my book. Its one thing when you're bottom 10 isn't performing and it's another to keep picking them. 

I think Fritsch has to play this connection role next year and Melksham plays elsewhere. Either off half back or in the 2s as depth.

3 hours ago, Dr evil said:

Update: 

I spoke to my contact again this morning and he has re-affirmed what i've already shared 

• Issac Smith will join the Dees on a 3 year deal - said announcement coming, not sure of the delay but not worried. 
• Ben Brown will join the Dees on a 4 year deal. 
• The Saints are looking at Oscar to re-enforce their Key defensive stocks. expect a straight swap for Hind should Oscar decide to nominate the Saints, otherwise it'll be a separate deal we look at. 
• I expect Tom McDonald will head to Essendon and fill a key defensive post in exchange for a token pick. although we have some interest in Brayden Ham. i think it'll be a 3rd round pick or something around there. and they'll take on most or all of his salary. 
• The Giants are actively looking for ready to go players. we're keen on their compo pick. don't rule out a surprise player being involved there. they have some interest in Vanders. but obviously Preuss also. and our future pick. 
• There is persistent interest from Fremantle (and others) in Angus Brayshaw that he's currently aware of, there is no expectation of a trade request, and no guarantee he'd be traded even if one came. 
• Plans are in place to get a long term extension in front of Oliver before round 1. all indications are they're willing to talk. 
• Some calls have been made re Christian Salem, MFC has said no. 
• James Harmes is not going anywhere, he's Melbourne through and through.
• I can confirm now that one of the 2 players is Brodie Smith. Goody  has connections with him, Crows looking to rebuild and Goody feels he'd give us some speed and bounce off half back that we're lacking. we tried to fill that same role with Saad but it didn't pan out. he's contracted until 2021 but the crows aren't against moving him on if he'd like to chase success in the back end of his career. 

Thanks Dr Evil, love what you're bringing to this off-season.

Seems we're aggressively targeting mature age players to have a genuine tilt at a premiership. I am absolutely on board with this as I believe our core "elite" talent is there and acquiring experienced role players will make us a far more consistent side.

Also love the fact that it seems we've kept one eye to the future by bringing in 3 quality players in Jackson, Kozzie and Rivers last year and allegedly targeting a quality ball user in McRae this year. Hopefully we can pull this off.

Looking forward to finding out who our 2nd target is and hopefully it comes to fruition.

1 hour ago, Dr evil said:

Considering we missed finals by a sneeze and look like adding 3-5 upgraded best 22 players to the side there are definitely no excuses for us to not think we can not only make finals, but push deep into them. 

Man I love the off-season! 

there were no excuses the last two years either but screw it, why not be positive for once

6 hours ago, Dr evil said:

Richmonds bottom 10 are all consistent role players

Key term there isn't "role players", it's "consistent". If players can guarantee a certain level of performance and to play in a certain way, then a place can be found for them in the team, and in a way that doesn't compromise the team. 

7 hours ago, DubDee said:

chase success....  with the Demons?  is this sarcasm or are we actually a semi-decent team now??

im overwhelmed

Would be a very good get.

7 hours ago, RedFox said:

I agree with that. Also would be nice to see our selectors punish poor form. To your point, we need contributing players on the park every single round. And, I know, how can you tell who is in form with no seconds comp? To have a vastly healthy list and Melksham not be dropped once is insanity in my book. Its one thing when you're bottom 10 isn't performing and it's another to keep picking them. 

An issue is the stability in selection needed to achieve genuine team co-op and linkage for each other....that hasnt been established over the last 2 years for a number of reasons....injury and depth mainly imo.

10 hours ago, Dr evil said:

Update: 

I spoke to my contact again this morning and he has re-affirmed what i've already shared 

• Issac Smith will join the Dees on a 3 year deal - said announcement coming, not sure of the delay but not worried. 
• Ben Brown will join the Dees on a 4 year deal. 
• The Saints are looking at Oscar to re-enforce their Key defensive stocks. expect a straight swap for Hind should Oscar decide to nominate the Saints, otherwise it'll be a separate deal we look at. 
• I expect Tom McDonald will head to Essendon and fill a key defensive post in exchange for a token pick. although we have some interest in Brayden Ham. i think it'll be a 3rd round pick or something around there. and they'll take on most or all of his salary. 
• The Giants are actively looking for ready to go players. we're keen on their compo pick. don't rule out a surprise player being involved there. they have some interest in Vanders. but obviously Preuss also. and our future pick. 
• There is persistent interest from Fremantle (and others) in Angus Brayshaw that he's currently aware of, there is no expectation of a trade request, and no guarantee he'd be traded even if one came. 
• Plans are in place to get a long term extension in front of Oliver before round 1. all indications are they're willing to talk. 
• Some calls have been made re Christian Salem, MFC has said no. 
• James Harmes is not going anywhere, he's Melbourne through and through.
• I can confirm now that one of the 2 players is Brodie Smith. Goody  has connections with him, Crows looking to rebuild and Goody feels he'd give us some speed and bounce off half back that we're lacking. we tried to fill that same role with Saad but it didn't pan out. he's contracted until 2021 but the crows aren't against moving him on if he'd like to chase success in the back end of his career. 

 

 

Soon you will be a hero or villain.

1 minute ago, Pickett2Jackson said:

 

Soon you will be a hero or villain.

Or a Flanker.

 

10 hours ago, Dr evil said:

Update: 

I spoke to my contact again this morning and he has re-affirmed what i've already shared 

• Issac Smith will join the Dees on a 3 year deal - said announcement coming, not sure of the delay but not worried. 
• Ben Brown will join the Dees on a 4 year deal. 
• The Saints are looking at Oscar to re-enforce their Key defensive stocks. expect a straight swap for Hind should Oscar decide to nominate the Saints, otherwise it'll be a separate deal we look at. 
• I expect Tom McDonald will head to Essendon and fill a key defensive post in exchange for a token pick. although we have some interest in Brayden Ham. i think it'll be a 3rd round pick or something around there. and they'll take on most or all of his salary. 
• The Giants are actively looking for ready to go players. we're keen on their compo pick. don't rule out a surprise player being involved there. they have some interest in Vanders. but obviously Preuss also. and our future pick. 
• There is persistent interest from Fremantle (and others) in Angus Brayshaw that he's currently aware of, there is no expectation of a trade request, and no guarantee he'd be traded even if one came. 
• Plans are in place to get a long term extension in front of Oliver before round 1. all indications are they're willing to talk. 
• Some calls have been made re Christian Salem, MFC has said no. 
• James Harmes is not going anywhere, he's Melbourne through and through.
• I can confirm now that one of the 2 players is Brodie Smith. Goody  has connections with him, Crows looking to rebuild and Goody feels he'd give us some speed and bounce off half back that we're lacking. we tried to fill that same role with Saad but it didn't pan out. he's contracted until 2021 but the crows aren't against moving him on if he'd like to chase success in the back end of his career. 

 

Hey Doc,

Cheers for the update.

But I am interested in the Brodie Smith talk you mentioned.. You said there is a connection with Goodwin? Goodwin retired at end of 2010. Brodie Smith was selected in the 2010 National Draft in November. At that stage Goodwin had already signed as an assistant coach at Essendon...?

Have I missed something here...?

10 hours ago, Dr evil said:

Update: 

I spoke to my contact again this morning and he has re-affirmed what i've already shared 

• Issac Smith will join the Dees on a 3 year deal - said announcement coming, not sure of the delay but not worried. 
• Ben Brown will join the Dees on a 4 year deal. 
• The Saints are looking at Oscar to re-enforce their Key defensive stocks. expect a straight swap for Hind should Oscar decide to nominate the Saints, otherwise it'll be a separate deal we look at. 
• I expect Tom McDonald will head to Essendon and fill a key defensive post in exchange for a token pick. although we have some interest in Brayden Ham. i think it'll be a 3rd round pick or something around there. and they'll take on most or all of his salary. 
• The Giants are actively looking for ready to go players. we're keen on their compo pick. don't rule out a surprise player being involved there. they have some interest in Vanders. but obviously Preuss also. and our future pick. 
• There is persistent interest from Fremantle (and others) in Angus Brayshaw that he's currently aware of, there is no expectation of a trade request, and no guarantee he'd be traded even if one came. 
• Plans are in place to get a long term extension in front of Oliver before round 1. all indications are they're willing to talk. 
• Some calls have been made re Christian Salem, MFC has said no. 
• James Harmes is not going anywhere, he's Melbourne through and through.
• I can confirm now that one of the 2 players is Brodie Smith. Goody  has connections with him, Crows looking to rebuild and Goody feels he'd give us some speed and bounce off half back that we're lacking. we tried to fill that same role with Saad but it didn't pan out. he's contracted until 2021 but the crows aren't against moving him on if he'd like to chase success in the back end of his career. 

 

Whether you're right or wrong time will tell.

You'll either be Dr. evil or Dr No.

Always a fun time of year. Thanks for sharing regardless 

 

6 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Hey Doc,

Cheers for the update.

But I am interested in the Brodie Smith talk you mentioned.. You said there is a connection with Goodwin? Goodwin retired at end of 2010. Brodie Smith was selected in the 2010 National Draft in November. At that stage Goodwin had already signed as an assistant coach at Essendon...?

Have I missed something here...?

More connection with Ricciuto.

7 minutes ago, Pickett2Jackson said:

 

Soon you will be a hero or villain.

Yes, but Dr Evil has a laugh at it as well. Doesnt take himself or the topic too seriously, which is an important distinction. If wrong, no doubt he'll cop it, but I can't imagine Dr Evil retracting or get cut when wrong

3 minutes ago, RDBhero said:

More connection with Ricciuto.

It has been told, by a friend of a friend of a friend, that  Brodie, Tex, (best mate) Jake, Roo and Goody go for beers frequently in Glenelg circa xmas time.

As seen with a range of players that have been brought in, connections go back to junior days, friendliness and kindness happen external from the clubs walls, if you've had an eye on someone for a long time.

Just take my wife and I...yadda yadda yadda....

Edited October 27, 20204 yr by Engorged Onion

Is another trade thread with a vague title that doesn't mean anything necessary? I can't keep up with all these new trade threads.

1 hour ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Hey Doc,

Cheers for the update.

But I am interested in the Brodie Smith talk you mentioned.. You said there is a connection with Goodwin? Goodwin retired at end of 2010. Brodie Smith was selected in the 2010 National Draft in November. At that stage Goodwin had already signed as an assistant coach at Essendon...?

Have I missed something here...?

Goody was a mentor for many of the young adelaide players post his retirement due to his Crows connections, Brodie was one of them. so particularly early days the two were in contact and were still right up until he took over the senior reins at Melbourne really. 

it's really quite common for former players to still provide a level of mentoring to players of their former club.