Bailey to groom young Demons

"New Melbourne coach Dean Bailey says the decision to bypass former West Coast Eagles' goalsneak Ashley Sampi in favour of youth at Tuesday's pre-season draft was done purely on a 'needs basis'."

Bailey to groom young Demons

"New Melbourne coach Dean Bailey says the decision to bypass former West Coast Eagles' goalsneak Ashley Sampi in favour of youth at Tuesday's pre-season draft was done purely on a 'needs basis'."

Of course there had to be the "could not believe our good fortune he was still available at pick three" angle (on Zomer).

Bailey to groom young Demons

"New Melbourne coach Dean Bailey says the decision to bypass former West Coast Eagles' goalsneak Ashley Sampi in favour of youth at Tuesday's pre-season draft was done purely on a 'needs basis'."

So apparently we don't need players with Sampi's attributes? OK with me.

Bailey to groom young Demons

"New Melbourne coach Dean Bailey says the decision to bypass former West Coast Eagles' goalsneak Ashley Sampi in favour of youth at Tuesday's pre-season draft was done purely on a 'needs basis'."

The Demons also went for height with another rookie in 202cm Queensland ruckman Jake Spencer while the club believes it may have unearthed two gems with its other two rookie selections in pocket rockets Shane Valenti and Austin Wonaeamirri, who both stand just 176cm.

"Shane is only 19 and he was runner-up in the Liston Trophy (in the VFL) this season," Bailey said.

"And Austin is an exciting player who certainly puts plenty of forward pressure on and has already played senior football in the WAFL and is playing senior football at the moment with St Marys (in the Northern Territory Football League)."

I didn't know that Norwood were in the WAFL, I thought they were in the SANFL

The Demons also went for height with another rookie in 202cm Queensland ruckman Jake Spencer while the club believes it may have unearthed two gems with its other two rookie selections in pocket rockets Shane Valenti and Austin Wonaeamirri, who both stand just 176cm.

"Shane is only 19 and he was runner-up in the Liston Trophy (in the VFL) this season," Bailey said.

"And Austin is an exciting player who certainly puts plenty of forward pressure on and has already played senior football in the WAFL and is playing senior football at the moment with St Marys (in the Northern Territory Football League)."

I didn't know that Norwood were in the WAFL, I thought they were in the SANFL

Give the guy a break. Coaches are allowed to waffle on.

The fact that so many rookie's are still coming through and surprising clubs is testament to just how much of an inexact science recruiting is. I like that we've taken three talls with our last picks, obviously not all will make it, but it's a low cost option for high risk "types". I also like that Valenti was at least given a spot on a list to try to take the next step. I know some don't rate him, but at least he's got an opportunity - who knows he may surprise a few.

The fact that so many rookie's are still coming through and surprising clubs is testament to just how much of an inexact science recruiting is. I like that we've taken three talls with our last picks, obviously not all will make it, but it's a low cost option for high risk "types". I also like that Valenti was at least given a spot on a list to try to take the next step. I know some don't rate him, but at least he's got an opportunity - who knows he may surprise a few.

and we took him up with a last pick which suprised me as i thought he would go 20 odd

I also like that Valenti was at least given a spot on a list to try to take the next step. I know some don't rate him, but at least he's got an opportunity - who knows he may surprise a few.

As mentioned elsewhere, it's a good message that hard work and good performances with Sandringham can pay off with opportunity, that's part of what the alliance should be about.

If Valenti was on the list last season I reckon he would have been a chance to get game for the dees for sure.

If Valenti was on the list last season I reckon he would have been a chance to get game for the dees for sure.

You are probably correct.

Its quite intersting.. I have noticed thought out the whole of the last months since Bails has taken charge that a single ( for purposes of this comment keeps permeating all things. If you put the hard work in and show committment 9 and of course if you have the goodies ) you WILL get a chance to wear the jumper. It will be performance based as per needs. if we need yo and your doing the right htings you WILL play. Constantly the idea of work and reward is there.

While this may have been a throw awayline inthe past it really seems the simple theme now . Any thing less than a 100% comittment wont , not so much be tolerated, it simply wont be rewarded.

You get people to do the exceptional , not by castigating them or punishing them but by praise and reward.

Danners seemed to have blind faith in many to come up with the chocolates, Bailey is putting in place a better structure.

if you do it , you will play, but show me the chocolates first !! )