THE TRADING CHRONICLES 2007: DAY FIVE

[deanox 9,896]

"you four have 4 months to impress me. you are all on equal starting positions. work hard get fit. learn to mark, learn to kick. at the start of the nab cup i will pick you based on preseason training form. you then get first chance to impress me in the ruck. fail in the nab cup and you lose your spot for the next practice match. it is a battle, the prize is the rucking positions for round 1." dean bailey (if he says what i think he should say lol)

[jacey 333]

What I want to see is a new coach giving White no more than 50% time in the ruck.

0% for me.

[censored] both Jamar and Meesan preseason and who ever is still standing gets first ruck.

PJ's second ruck.

It's gonna be interesting to see what role White plays in the 22.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

Jamar is actually a good tap ruckman

I think that is one of the biggest MFC myths.

Jamar consistently jumps for the ball almost half a second too early.

[Diablo 1]

I think that is one of the biggest MFC myths.

Jamar consistently jumps for the ball almost half a second too early.

Got to agree with that, Run and Carry. He is a big body in the ruck contest, nothing more. If he could actually time his jump well, then his size would probably give him a reasonable chance at winning the tap, but he always seems over eager.

[Demons 32 235]

I think we should just throw Meesen to the wolves round 1.

Name White starting ruck with Meesen 2nd up.

He got two games at the Crows and no doubt his confidence would be down. Throwing him in first up will give him confidence that he is good enough and may take that next step we all hope he will.

I would love to see PJ play as a forward pocket as well.

Much like Greg Stafford did for Richmond when Simmonds became very much like White (never comes off).

I think having a big man sitting at forward pocket is fantastic, with PJ, Neitz and Miller busting open packs for players like Davey, Robbo and Yze crumbing the loose ball. Also PJ at forward pocket gives us a much stronger presence in pack marks with Neitz loosing some touch.

[Rogue 585]

I think we should just throw Meesen to the wolves round 1.

Name White starting ruck with Meesen 2nd up.

He got two games at the Crows and no doubt his confidence would be down. Throwing him in first up will give him confidence that he is good enough and may take that next step we all hope he will.

Why not reward the guys that show the best form, fitness, and attitude? I don't think we should give Meesen a gig just because he's only played a couple of games and therefore his confidence might be down. If PJ/Jamar have done more to earn a spot in the team then they should get it.

I think having a big man sitting at forward pocket is fantastic, with PJ, Neitz and Miller busting open packs for players like Davey, Robbo and Yze crumbing the loose ball. Also PJ at forward pocket gives us a much stronger presence in pack marks with Neitz loosing some touch.

Where do Newton and Bate fit in? I would have thought they could contribute up forward - particularly Newton.

Has PJ taken pack marks? I thought one criticism was that he doesn't use 'throw his body around' enough for a big guy.

[mo64 5,853]

Much like Greg Stafford did for Richmond when Simmonds became very much like White (never comes off).

I think having a big man sitting at forward pocket is fantastic, with PJ, Neitz and Miller busting open packs for players like Davey, Robbo and Yze crumbing the loose ball. Also PJ at forward pocket gives us a much stronger presence in pack marks with Neitz loosing some touch.

Jeez we must be scraping the bottom of the barrel if we're modelling our gameplan on Richmond.

And I can just see opposition backlines creating havoc with our forwardline pressure coming from PJ, Neitz, Robbo, Miller and Yze. God help else!!!!!!!!!

[Pello 1]

Jamar is 24 and been around long enough for everyone to see that he is simply not up to AFL standard. PJ is 23 and only been around the MFC 3 years which really equates to 2 years given his injury last year.

PJ is not a natural ruckman and he needs plenty of work in that area. He is however, a natural forward who knows when and where to lead. He is an exciting prospect if he can settle down on the forward line. I am sure there will be a few opposition backmen that would dread trying to spoil around his big body when he is on a lead.

[Demons 32 235]

Why not reward the guys that show the best form, fitness, and attitude? I don't think we should give Meesen a gig just because he's only played a couple of games and therefore his confidence might be down. If PJ/Jamar have done more to earn a spot in the team then they should get it.

Where do Newton and Bate fit in? I would have thought they could contribute up forward - particularly Newton.

Has PJ taken pack marks? I thought one criticism was that he doesn't use 'throw his body around' enough for a big guy.

Jamar, lets face it, isn't up to it.

PJ obviously won't be a number 1 ruck. He Just looks like a big bodied forward.

Meesen is a ruck. Thats it, game time is the number one way to improve a player.

As for Newton, you would expect him in.

Neitz will stay where he is, as will Robbo, everyone can get over there Miller hate and face facts he is in Baileys plans so assume he will be leading CHF like Ash Hansen. Yze im not to sure about but of course he will move on, off, free man etc.

I know why we all love Bate in forward line cause of those strong hands. But if we are going on strong hands Sylvia should be Full Forward, I expect him as Sylv to be more on the ball/wing.

[Guest redandbluethruandthru]

easily fit the 4 in the team at once. PJ in foward line, Meeson as ruck (ffs cant be worse than white hitting majority of taps to opposition in 07) Jamar as 2nd ruck and cameo down back and white will be invaluable in his role as club runner

[Jaded No More 68,855]

We need to get a full time ruck coach.

[Yencks 8]

do we have a ruck coach???

i dont think we do as of yet. weve had a number of different ones in the past. sam newman taking the job part time last year. id like to see stynes take on the role..has he done it b4?