He sounds excited...

The likeable Brad Miller commenting on his appointment

A fluffy story with little on-field substance. What he really should have said was that 'this year is make or break for him'.

A fluffy story with little on-field substance. What he really should have said was that 'this year is make or break for him'.

I liked it - he's just defending his appointment. Sure, he needs to keep his position in the game in perspective, but can a pro athlete focus on the negatives, is that going to help his game?

It went a long way to explaining that his better qualities (work ethic) are a match to the club's new values, and he deserves a chance to explain that.

He's gone up a notch in my eyes - Good on you Brad!

Unless he proves to be an on-field asset, talk of his pre-season work ethic is fluff in my opinion. Hopefully his place in the leadership group doesn't guarantee him a spot in the side, because to date, he hasn't proven himself as an AFL footballer.

Good blokes with a good work ethic don't necessarily make good footballers.

Unless he proves to be an on-field asset, talk of his pre-season work ethic is fluff in my opinion. Hopefully his place in the leadership group doesn't guarantee him a spot in the side, because to date, he hasn't proven himself as an AFL footballer.

Good blokes with a good work ethic don't necessarily make good footballers.

No they don't - you're right

But they do help to set a precedence around the club, and that’s all that Brad is saying

You sound as if you feel strongly about this - do you believe he doesn't belong on the list? Or more to do with his appointment?

demonscoast, it might be worth you doing a search for brad miller threads from towards the end of last season, and trade time. it will give you the general feeling of this site RE brad miller. there does seem to be two distinct camps on the issue however.

No they don't - you're right

But they do help to set a precedence around the club, and that’s all that Brad is saying

You sound as if you feel strongly about this - do you believe he doesn't belong on the list? Or more to do with his appointment?

I would have loved to see Brad Miller make it as a fullback, because he hasn't got the football brain or talent to be a modern day CHF. For mine, Bate and Dunn could play the lead-up chf role more effectively than Miller. Opposition coaches wouldn't care if Miller took 10 marks during a game, because his decision making and disposal skills are poor.

As for his appointment, any player nominated for the leadership group should be considered an automatic selection before the season starts. Miller's deeds on the field haven't commanded that honour.

What Deanox means is that 98% of people on demonland want Miller gone and refuse to see any positives to his inclusion to the team.

I would have loved to see Brad Miller make it as a fullback, because he hasn't got the football brain or talent to be a modern day CHF. For mine, Bate and Dunn could play the lead-up chf role more effectively than Miller. Opposition coaches wouldn't care if Miller took 10 marks during a game, because his decision making and disposal skills are poor.

As for his appointment, any player nominated for the leadership group should be considered an automatic selection before the season starts. Miller's deeds on the field haven't commanded that honour.

Fair enough, I agree - He needs to be a certain starter and the jury is still out on him.

It was mentioned that leaders can go in and out of the group throughout the year, and there would be no reason why something couldn't change after the NAB cup if needed, so I want to give him the benefit of the doubt.

What Deanox means is that 98% of people on demonland want Miller gone and refuse to see any positives to his inclusion to the team.

That's a reasonable summary.

But people are fickle... if he plays well this year, 98% of people will all of sudden love Miller and claim that they supported him all along.

For someone relatively young, he has an incredibly stable head on his shoulders. He is mature and grounded beyond his years and he really does lead by example off the field. Hopefully this translates to on field success soon.

I just hope that we don't have fifty threads between now and the end of the year bashing Miller, because man did that get boring quickly!

That's a reasonable summary.

But people are fickle... if he plays well this year, 98% of people will all of sudden love Miller and claim that they supported him all along.

For someone relatively young, he has an incredibly stable head on his shoulders. He is mature and grounded beyond his years and he really does lead by example off the field. Hopefully this translates to on field success soon.

I just hope that we don't have fifty threads between now and the end of the year bashing Miller, because man did that get boring quickly!

Sorry, my mistake. I misunderstood this to be a forum on footballers, not about solid citizens.

Sorry, my mistake. I misunderstood this to be a forum on footballers, not about solid citizens.

A big part of being a leader, is setting a good example off the field.

There is no doubt that Miller needs to step up big time and start performing on the field, but you just cannot fault his character. Even when he is struggling, he is always in there trying and he is always positive. I have to say that I really do admire his positive outlook and the way he carries himself. He really did come from nowhere, picked very late in the draft, and it is a credit to him that his teammates see him as a leader even though he has struggled for a position.

Why can't we just concede that he has a lot of good points, and wait and see if he can start improving on the field? Why always take the negative route? I know we're Melbourne supporters and it's ingrained in us to be pessimistic, but it really is getting boring.

demonscoast, it might be worth you doing a search for brad miller threads from towards the end of last season, and trade time. it will give you the general feeling of this site RE brad miller. there does seem to be two distinct camps on the issue however.

Thanks Deanox,

I did see all of that debate, and I would probably fit into the 2% - I might revisit it...Naaa - Too depressing....Seeing as I didn't participate back then, here's my view:

At the very least Brad can hold his own and contribute something (even a bit of enthusiasm) until the next, more talented big guy comes along - Maybe that will be this year, Here's hoping.

I'd hate to think of who we would have to play on a Hall or a Brown if Dutchy wasn't up and running. Takes the pressure of the young guys, and prevents them from being "thrown to the wolves".

Well said Jaded - Your obviously in the 2% also

A big part of being a leader, is setting a good example off the field.

There is no doubt that Miller needs to step up big time and start performing on the field, but you just cannot fault his character. Even when he is struggling, he is always in there trying and he is always positive. I have to say that I really do admire his positive outlook and the way he carries himself. He really did come from nowhere, picked very late in the draft, and it is a credit to him that his teammates see him as a leader even though he has struggled for a position.

Why can't we just concede that he has a lot of good points, and wait and see if he can start improving on the field? Why always take the negative route? I know we're Melbourne supporters and it's ingrained in us to be pessimistic, but it really is getting boring.

I always want to see our players succeed, but how long do we keep players on our list just because they are solid citizens? And I don't buy the 'picked very late in the draft' argument.

Simon Godfrey, Luke Williams and Alistair Nicholson were others that I felt were kept on because they trained hard and were good citizens.

Sometimes you just need to assess their football capabilities.

Sometimes you just need to assess their football capabilities.

I believe Jaded is making the same argument. She's simply pointing out where your conception of 'football capabilities' and hers diverge.

I don't normally post anything on the Miller bashing threads, but, put me in the 2% also.

demonscoast, it might be worth you doing a search for brad miller threads from towards the end of last season, and trade time. it will give you the general feeling of this site RE brad miller. there does seem to be two distinct camps on the issue however.

Agreed 'deanox', but Miller just Won't ever be a 'Schwartz, or 'Neitz', but what he can be is a hard working tall service technician type like 'McDonald' is to the mids.

I don't normally post anything on the Miller bashing threads, but, put me in the 2% also.

Put me in the 98% please.

Simon Godfrey, Luke Williams and Alistair Nicholson were others that I felt were kept on because they trained hard and were good citizens.

Sometimes you just need to assess their football capabilities.

I would love to Miller return to the form of the 06 final in Fremantle and hope that DB is able to bring the best out of him this season and beyond. However, if his place in the leadership group is based purely on values then Simon Godfrey would have been a great candidate.

I always want to see our players succeed, but how long do we keep players on our list just because they are solid citizens? And I don't buy the 'picked very late in the draft' argument.

Simon Godfrey, Luke Williams and Alistair Nicholson were others that I felt were kept on because they trained hard and were good citizens.

Sometimes you just need to assess their football capabilities.

Miller ain't no Jonathon Brown but that is an insult to put him in that category.

i have alawys been the in 2%, but think 08 is his last chance!

whether its full back, CHB CHF or whereever he can, i think his (past) aggression, size and mobility would be an asset, not every player will have the football brain and skills of james hird...

What Deanox means is that 98% of people on demonland want Miller gone and refuse to see any positives to his inclusion to the team.

lol interesting that between that post and this 3 people have claimed to be in the 2 and only 1 in the 98?

i like brad miller. i always have, and was one of his biggest advocates back in the day (when he could perform and looked promising). since then he has been abysmal. he has let himself down, and the club. he has all the right physical attributes. he has the maturity and the leadership. does he have the footballing skills and confidence? he hasnt the last few years. he has been terrible. he can't kick, his pack marking is questionable, and im not sure if he knows what decision making is. if he finds form, is utilised correctly and improves on key areass, he could be a valuable contributor.

i think he should be placed closer to goals (and newton at CHF) so that his kicking is not as much of an issue. at best he could hold down a position and be a solid contributor. at worst i think he has value in a bits and parts tall who will succeed benny holland. if we had of got a decent offer for him i wouldve traded him in a heartbeat, but he has more value to us as a 24ish strong tall than a 17 yo small-midfielder picked up at pick 55 would.

What Deanox means is that 98% of people on demonland want Miller gone and refuse to see any positives to his inclusion to the team.

btw, just in case you need to clarrify my position on brad miller:

%5burl="http://demonland.ugbox.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=8091&st=12#%5dsee%20post%20#13%5b/url%5d

and%20just%20in%20case%20you%20need%20reminding%20how%20much%20credibility%20you%20have%20around%20here:

%5burl="http://demonland.ugbox.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=7892&st=146#" target="_blank">see post 147

lol interesting that between that post and this 3 people have claimed to be in the 2 and only 1 in the 98?

Shows out the validity of the 2%/98% statement.

i like brad miller. i always have, and was one of his biggest advocates back in the day (when he could perform and looked promising). since then he has been abysmal. he has let himself down, and the club. he has all the right physical attributes. he has the maturity and the leadership. does he have the footballing skills and confidence? he hasnt the last few years. he has been terrible. he can't kick, his pack marking is questionable, and im not sure if he knows what decision making is. if he finds form, is utilised correctly and improves on key areass, he could be a valuable contributor.

Agree with your general comments. I dont think its a matter of finding form. Hopefully DB can get the best out of him.

i think he should be placed closer to goals (and newton at CHF) so that his kicking is not as much of an issue. at best he could hold down a position and be a solid contributor. at worst i think he has value in a bits and parts tall who will succeed benny holland. if we had of got a decent offer for him i wouldve traded him in a heartbeat,