As thread title suggests, anyone due back?

I know there is tanking, and having an eye focussed entirely for 2008, but I thought it would've been wise to select an experienced player such as Holland over Garland (after bruce was out). After all Holland could've provided a key target up forward instead of constantly bombing it over Robbo's or Davey's head.

I know its great to promote the young kids, and good luck to Garland for his experience, but we're still playing out the season and I'm desperate for some experience to come back next week. I'm also desperate to beat the Roos after the heart-break of round 9 -It simply won't happen with the depleted team we put out last week.

Possible returns -

Neitz (295 odd games) - Was listed as a test last week. Makes a major difference to our structure.

Johnstone (150 odd games) - Was listed as 1-2 last week with an archillies. Has played his best footy this year at the Dome.

Bruce (150 odd games) - Would appear to be the bloke most likely to return. 30 odd possessions return to the side (hopefully not 15 shanks though )

Moloney - Interesting this one. I'm sure their desperate to play him (due to missing so many games), but they'll also want to be equally conservative. Played quite well for Sandy apparantly.

Bell - Was listed as 1-2 weeks with a hammy. As he's been in our top 5 this year, it would be very handy to get him back. Probably the least likely.

I know many posters have given up or lost interest in Melbourne, but we've still got matches at stake and a bit of credibilty to protect. Lets hope most of these blokes return, so we can make a better fist of competing!!

When is Green due back?

I'm desperate for a good pick, so as far as I'm concerned, Neita can have the rest of the year off to recover and the same goes for Bruce, Green and TJ.

It won't happen, but maybe we should consider it. Maybe Bruce can have whatever it is that has ruined his kicking, operated on?

Having said all that, Bruce and Neita are a chance to return this week. As is Moloney!

Green and Belly at least another week away.

Going by injuryupdate.com.au Neitz and Bruce may return this week, and TJ Green and Bell are due back round 17.

Bruce may miss 1 more week, and Neita is still in some doubt, therefore it doesnt look like we will be getting any experience back this week.

IMO it is better for the development of the younger players to have some of the older guys playing as they can lead and help show the kids what to do and where to stand etc etc.

Also how detrimental is tanking to the young guys devolpment? Sure we (the supporters) all want a good draft pick but I doubt any of the young guys go around thinking that. Melbourne has a soft enough culture as it is and I hope that losing the majority of the remaining games doesn't give these kids a step in the wrong direction.

I'm desperate for a good pick, so as far as I'm concerned, Neita can have the rest of the year off to recover and the same goes for Bruce, Green and TJ.

It won't happen, but maybe we should consider it. Maybe Bruce can have whatever it is that has ruined his kicking, operated on?

Having said all that, Bruce and Neita are a chance to return this week. As is Moloney!

Green and Belly at least another week away.

Agreed Jaded. We are better off taking short term pain for the chance of securing No. 1 draft pick. Matthew Kreuzer is just what we need with White coming to the end of his career. I still want to see a spirited effort from the team but keep the kids in and let the seasoned campaigners rest up for 2008. If we lose the last 7 games but are competitive and some of the kids develop then that is a positive.

Maybe Bruce can have whatever it is that has ruined his kicking, operated on?

I'm pretty sure it's a right brain thing.

If Neitz comes back this year it will be an absolute disgrace. His knee is stuffed Daniher said after the Essendon game he should have 6 weeks off. Neitz is Melbourne there is no need to risk further damage to his knee.

Bruce should not play he has just had over 1 week to get over a hamstring strain no need to risk him.

I would be surprised to see Nieta back in a hurry. He has stuffef his knee twice thise year already. Get it right and add a week or two extra off. Same with Bruce and others. We do not want recurring injury problems.

Need to have all players ok for pre season start. It paid off for Kangas and they are not playing Hansen (no. 3 pick in 06 Super draft).

I think best we will do is no. 2 pick, priority 18 and around pick 20 second round. Should get a couple of good players from those picks even if we have to wait a couple of years for them to become regulars.

Worst is Carlton do not win a game and we win a couple. We get pick 4 and second round pick 21.

Whatever i will not be happy if we trade away our early picks.