Reporter to Saints: "What type of player are you after?"

Saints: "Well we need a tall who could play down back and maybe pinch hit in the ruck, like Michael Johnson from Fremantle"

Reporter jots in notebook ... "Saints interested in Chris Johnson".

Ward, Brown dog and Bizz are now out of the picture. Cj has a coach who will be pushing young talent. Seems like the best thing to do is hold on to him, he has the talent to be a player, now with a chance at building form and a coach who has some faith, things could turn around for CJ.

Keep him.

get rid of johnson. as much as i would like for him to become a good player, he just hasnt got it, even when playing for sandy.

replace him with another running defender, kane tenace maybe (is tenace out of contract?)

get rid of johnson. as much as i would like for him to become a good player, he just hasnt got it, even when playing for sandy.

replace him with another running defender, kane tenace maybe (is tenace out of contract?)

tenace would make a damn good sprinter, just don't ask him to get a football.

I think that CJ's biggest problem is lack of confidence. He doesn't believe that he belongs, which combined with being dropped every second week, makes for a very unsure player.

I've been advocating the same, but in a reasonable run in the latter part of 2007 he failed to cement a spot in the team. However, in the one or two games I saw ground time % for, it was pretty low for CJ. Unfortunately, he doesn't go back to Sandringham and dominate, which is what I think he needs to start doing when he's not playing for Melbourne.

i think folk just feel they don't need to say it anymore, but wheatley is soft as butter which is not a great quality in a backman. if he had any value at all i'd trade him in a heartbeat.

I wouldn't trade Wheatley.

However, I would stop playing him in the backline.

Wheatley on a wing from 2008.

I wouldn't trade Wheatley.

However, I would stop playing him in the backline.

Wheatley on a wing from 2008.

amen. he will be a very very damaging player on the wing if left their permanently. it doesn matter if brad miller plays CHF, cos if wheatley gets the pill he will kick it past miller to whoevers at FF

Reminds me of Darren Kowal only taller.

Green.

He is now one of the first players to go dive on the football.

A few years ago, he wouldn't go near it.

does anyone remember the 1998 qualifying final against carlton when young green kicked like 4 goals in the last quarter to win us the game in his first season...what potential he showed, we have so many players that we think will be absolute superstars but lose faith in them because they dont turn out to be what they promised....miller, green, TJ.....

I'm not sure what your point is.

If you're saying we have a history of not developing potential into actual then I agree.

does anyone remember the 1998 qualifying final against carlton when young green kicked like 4 goals in the last quarter to win us the game in his first season...what potential he showed, we have so many players that we think will be absolute superstars but lose faith in them because they dont turn out to be what they promised....miller, green, TJ.....

Green kicked those 4 goals as a leading medium forward. Thats still his best position despite Daniher playing him as a winger or sweeper.

Chris Johnson is 21. He seems to have the the tools to be a good player - athletic, runs well, good build (188cm/87kgs), kicks long, but has not yet been able to put it together at AFL level.

Keep him I say and see if Bailey can get him to fire.

I think that was 2000

oh yeah...thanks tata bang goal

Doesnt sound like he is going anywhere

New Coach New Start for CJ

If he stays, I think Bailey will turn this kid into a real weapon

If he stays, I think Bailey will turn this kid into a real weapon

I agree......I reckon Johnson is an untapped talent, and could become a very good player.

Definitely agree with his assessment. He was stiff a few times this season, being dropped after a loss when realistically 21 other players were just as poor.

He needs a sustained run in the seniors and he needs the confidence of his coach. Feeling like you belong is very important.

I'm happy that he is staying put, especially given he was a F/S selection. You'd hate to just throw these kids away when they have such a good connection with the club.

Definitely agree with his assessment.

I don't. The interview to me seemed to smack of a bloke making excuses. While I'd love to see him do well, being a son of a player I greatly admired, I can't see it happening. He's shown nothing.

Glad he is staying and hasn't got shitty with the club, love the little dig at ND

next year will be make or break for CJ

heres hoping!

According to Healy on 3AW just before 8pm, Chris Johnson to St Kilda. No mention of what for in return.

apperently on AW that cj is to be traded to saints for pick 43.. ??

thoughts

or shud we say

Just on SEN

Melbourne's Chris Johnson will be a saint next year and a deal should be done 2morrow

apperently on AW that cj is to be traded to saints for pick 43.. ??

thoughts

Pick 43 has little to no value.

Given all the recent publicity and the fact that he's going to the China tour, I highly doubt we'll let him go.

Pick 43 has little to no value.

Given all the recent publicity and the fact that he's going to the China tour, I highly doubt we'll let him go.

SEN reported the same thing. Two different sources... I'd say it's more probable than not.

BTW Jaded - players on our list picked after pick 43.

Bartram (60)

Bruce (64)

Buckley (53)

Carroll (RD)

Davey (RD)

Ferguson (66)

Garland (46)

Jamar (RD)

McDonald (RD)

Miller (55)

your boy Robbo (68 - then RD)

Warnock (RD)

Weetra (62)

Whelan (50)

Bode (RD)

There's talk this draft is weak and even to the point where people don't think a good player will be available at 14 let alone 43. I dare say none of these people are club recruiters.

as a saints fan i would be happy to get him.. could be a decent player for us if given time. i heard our pick 42 was what you will get in return.

SEN reported the same thing. Two different sources... I'd say it's more probable than not.

Stupid trade if it goes through.

The chances of getting a player who is better than CJ with such a high pick are minimal.

It can be done, and has been done by us before (e.g.- Bartram), but it's a risk.

Why would we include him in a leadership tour if we're also willing to throw him away for a fourth round pick?

Didn't SEN report that we're getting Judd?

Considering he is meant to be heading off to China next Monday, and participate in a personal development program with a group of other young players, I find it hard to believe he is now being traded from the club

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/com...5E19769,00.html

And an article on the MFC website today saying he was looking forward to 2008 and for better opportunites under Dean Bailey.

Might be a beat up this story!