Leaderboard

My highlight was Jimmy. He's lean and has a shaven head but he's still Jimmy and in his adversity he's still looking strong and, as always, courageous. What a great leader! A few other heroes from bygone days were there - Ron Barassi, Brian Dixon, Noel Mahon and, of course, Stewie Spencer. The introduction of some of the recruits was terrific. Tom Scully is so cool for an 18 year old that I'm inclined to call him "the Ice Man". He answered the questions of The Ox and CC seriously and earnestly. You can tell that he's really driven and determined to succeed. However, I would like to see him lighten up and smile a bit. Surely, life isn't all serious? Jack Trengove is a bit more laid back and yet very cool in his own way. Joel McDonald is, of course, a more mature age player who looks a bit like Ben Stiller and who isn't a big fan of The Fev. The explanation by Bails about the injury situation was comforting. I think jayceebee has covered it pretty well. It seems that the only players who are longish term injured are PJ and John Meesen. He was quite positive about the ability of players like Matty Bate, Mark Jamar and Aussie to be ready to play at some stage during the NAB Cup series. And after the song was sung they showed film of the recruits. Max is going to be an imposing player one of these days.

There was no mention made of their jumper numbers. In question time Bails was asked about the players in rehab. In respect to Blease, he said that he was going well at training. He is running off the line and is showing good pace. He is kicking the ball and has also put on a couple of kgs. He recently had a bone scan and got the "all clear". He just needs to regain confidence in his ankle.

A lot. Standing room only. The Ox and CC interviewing some of the recruits.

5 Jordan Gysberts 9 Jack Trengove 28 Joel McDonald 31 Tom Scully 35 Luke Tapscott 37 Max Gawn 48 Jack Fitzpatrick Also Matthew Warnock gets # 1, Jordie McKenzie # 13, Liam Jurrah # 24 and Rohan Bail # 44.

Barry Prendergast spoke about the club's recruiting. The emphasis has been on finding players who can contest the ball and win in the middle. Tom Scully is an elite runner with a great work ethic - a committed professional. Jack Trengove moved from the national championships up to senior football. He finds space and puts the ball to his team's advantage. Jordan Gysberts has elite hands, plays inside and is tall for a midfielder. We wanted talls - especially Max Gawn and Jack Fitzpatrick but we wanted someone of quality. Luke Tapscott is a big bodied midfielder, has a bit of "prick" in him and has a great kick. Max is 207cm and Jack, another tall who won the repeat speed test at the draft camp. Joel McDonald has tremendous experience in the backline and that rounds off our drafting process. The jumper presentation is to follow.

Dean Bailey spoke of two years of significant changes, it's been tough but our membership is still growing. We need to show more improvement to reward those who showed their faith. We're here to provide an environment in which we can win games and premierships. This involves time and putting games into the young players at the club. With continuity comes success. Our recruiting has been focussed toward success. The young players recently drafted are exciting - not just the early picks. Everyone's working hard including a number from the group who have been around a little. Jared Rivers and Brent Moloney have had outstanding summers - they have had their best pre-seasons yet. Players must earn their places in the team. We need to sustain an attitude that will win us games. Pre season has been good with the players working hard - we need to get better at kicking and decision-making. We need to score, to defend better and win in the middle. Suggested we'll have some smiles on our faces as the season progresses

Cam Schwab spoke about the plan ie the red and blueprint which gained it's initial integrity and momentum from Jim. Spoke of the club's legacy - it's ethos which is the basis for decision making. We look at our brand, our team, our resources and our community. If Cam comes onto Demonland he can expand on this but I'm not worthy of expressing his words. Cam said it was an indictment that we're stil training at Junction Oval but the good news is we move into our new facilities in the Melbourne Park precinct. We have a 21 year lease at Casey Fields reviewable by us every five years. We will be looking at possibilities with a planned development at the Docklands. Cameron stated that we're becoming the club we want to be and we're on track! He finished by presenting Stuart Spencer with the 1956 Bluey Truscott Cup. Stuart was winner in 1955 and 56 but never collected his cup because he went to Tassie at the end of the season.

The club's accountant spoke. He was very entertaining for an accountant and there were no questions. Bottom line is that the club made a small operating profit and, thanks to debt demolition, club debt has been reduced to $1.5m. The situation is improving but we are still reliant on the AFL and the MCC so we're not out of the woods yet. AGM over. Now down to the MIN.

The way the four recipients (and the skipper who presented them) proved everything Jimmy said in his introduction.

Jimmy opened proceedings. "We have good people at the club - players, board and administration. We have a great coach who knows where we're going, we know how long it takes and we'll get there!" Cameron Bruce and Brad Green have just been awarded life memberships. Two more about to be awarded, my guess is Paul Wheatley and Matthew Whelan.

Yeah its unusual especially considering the like of blease and strauss didnt move and they have higher expection on them. I dare say we will see JM on the senior list as soon as there is an injury.