Leaderboard

Gys and Good Times Grimes doing gut running around AAMI this AM. Good to see.

Dunno what it's about, but if he's offside with Harvey, he's OK in my book.

I now understand what tha FA in front of the word compensation means.

I recall the article Denham mentioned above and I also happened to be driving and listening to SEN yesterday when he delivered, not for the first time, his Melbourne Bears diatribe and I just wanted to make a few points. If Denham expected miracles from club which in 2011 was accused of playing "bruise-free" football, which capitulated by 186 points to another club, which had players who were said to be at odds with "two administrators in particular", which had the well-documented off field issues to which he referred in his article on top of a long injury list then he is as delusional as he comes across on radio and in print. Now, he's completely misreading the club's current recruiting strategies. He applauds the Bulldogs for keeping intact their early draft picks, congratulates Collingwood for accumulating picks 17, 18 and 20 and condemns Melbourne for giving away early picks to get the players its been targetting over recent weeks. That's bollocks for two reasons. Firstly, the free agency and trade periods aren't over yet and we all know that the situation with available picks can and will change all the way through to 26 October. Secondly, circumstances have conspired to give Melbourne what are currently pick 4 plus Jack Viney (a genuine 2012 top 5 player) plus an All Australian Under 18 KPP in Jesse Hogan (widely acknowledged as equal to at least a 2013 top) plus Dominic Barry who blitzed in the Draft Combine. Good luck to the Bulldogs with their picks and their $10m debt (compared to our substantial surplus thanks to Jimmy, his board and many loyal Demons who believe their club does stand for something) but will they top that with their three first round selections? And will Collingwood beat that with 17, 18 and 20? "Delusional Denham" might try to work that one out but I suspect his dislike of the club to blind him from coming to a knowledgeable conclusion on such a simple matter. But it's in the area where one would expect a journalist to be at his absolute best that Denham really made a fool of himself yesterday. He went on and on about Dawes not being worth the $500kpa that Melbourne was paying him. Those comments came less than 24 hours after Melbourne list manager Tim Harrington told Trade Week Radio that the figures being quoted on Dawes' contract were completely off the mark. One would expect a decent journalist to be aware of such things and not to cite dodgy figures when making his argument. Mind you, one would not expect that of Denham who is to journalism what the Brisbane Bears were to football.

How so many believe Dumm is tough beggars belief. Have seen him squib many times. Have also seen him niggle and throw elbows behind, not to mention his Bollywood acting. Disgraceful there. I don't mind Dumm, but it makes me shake my head in disbelief when people talk about aggression and willingness to compete in regards to him

true, but on the other hand you are ready to trade out Tom Mc.

Actually, if he had he wouldn't have done nearly as poorly.

This selection should be left up to the supporters, the football department have had their chance now it should be ours. All in favour of Wines?

If they have paired Gysberts up with Grimnes as a training partner that could be the best decision over summer. Grimmes is one of the most dedicated AFL footballers in the land with exceptional leadership ability. Gysberts IMO has huge upside if he is able to get himself supremely fit could be the player we a screaming out for I really really hope everything clicks for Gys.

Good to hear. Without wishing to sound trite, once we'd secured Hogan and Viney in the second round this trade period was always going to be a monumental success from my point of view. Posters here and everywhere often talk about young players that are yet to play a game as "unproven", but in the main the real quality "unproven" kids stand out. There will always be a Tambling or Morton, but the top 5 also delivers Riewoldt, Judd, Murphy, Buddy, Pendlebury, Cotchin, Griffen, Thomas, etc. Not to mention top 10 - Selwood, Rich, Bartel, ... I stuffed up majorly when it came to Watts. I watched him a few times as a junior and he never seemed to do much, but what he did was all class. Class that was in a class of its own for a tall. I became intoxicated with his upside. He moved beautifully, he could take a nice mark, he made really good decisions and his kicking skills were sublime. I'd grown up watching talls butcher the ball by foot. When one factored in his draft camp, which highlighted his pace, agility,etc. this 196cm forward was the bees knees. The only knock on him that I'd seen was that he wasn't great one-on-one in a strength contest with a decent backman. He didn't outmark them and couldn't push them off the ball. In fact, it was the other way around. But I pushed that to one side, because once his body developed it was obvious he'd establish that side of his game. I won't fast forward and rehash hundreds of my posts that elaborate on my disappointments regarding Watts, but when I saw him not committing his body in aerial contests for the Scorpions in his first year, as well as pick and choose his marking contests the alarm bells started ringing. I drove home one day with a sick pit in my stomach. I thought maybe it was an aberration. But it wasn't. He didn't contest physically, he noticeably avoided contests and the same theme happened every time I watched him at any level year after year. And for interstate supporters, I acknowledge that you don't always notice it on tv. It's the reason he's now a "plus one" backman and the forward-line is presently shelved. I don't come down hard on Watts for the sake of it. But don't fall into the trap of doubting Hogan because of Watts' failings. Hogan is aggressive, Hogan loves physical contact, Hogan has courage in aerial contests, Hogan is a strong mark, Hogan weighs more than Tom Hawkins did when he was first drafted despite being 2cm smaller and younger. Does anyone remember the lump of a lad Hawkins was for Vic Metro ? Hogan weighs 97kg compared to Joe Daniher, who is 211cm and weighs 89kg. Hogan is also fast for a key forward. James Frawley ran 2.98 seconds for the 20 metre sprint at his DC and was lauded for his pace - especially as a tall, Hogan ran 3.02, which shows there's nothing in it, even though Hogan is taller and weighs more as a 17 year old than Frawley does now. And this isn't some mythical pressure on Hogan, it's just stating facts. And clearly Melbourne agrees to have made the investment it has. Put simply, Hogan is the antithesis of Watts when it comes to key forwards. Add the undeniable will and sheer determination of Viney, who virtually any footy watcher says is the hardest junior they've seen - with pace, skills, a great sidestep, quality leadership, and this could never be considered anything but a good draft. No matter what else happened. Two potential stars. And not your garden variety star. And the Gods will surely think it's about time ? Dawes, and others, ice the cake. I really like the structure this team is going to have next year. Importantly it gives the players a hell of a lot to buy into. And that's half the battle.

Playing port round 1 is not good. If we win which we should I will drink too much and start running my mouth stating we are a top 8 certainty. If we lose I will drink too much and claim the year is over already.

I'm a Demon and all my offspring will be Demons. I'm not the type to allow free choice on the issue. They can experiment with drugs and their sexuality if they want. Some decisions are too important to be left to minors.

Could not be happier with landing a player like Dawes. Neeld is tempering youth with experience, which in recent years where we have relied primarily on the ND to rebuild, is a breath of fresh air. Slightly off topic but my old man works in the same industry as a close family member to Dawes. A few years ago he asked how much it would cost the dees to get him to Melbourne and he got laughed at. They bumped into eachother yesterday and he reminded this family member of the conversation. One of the things said was how genuinely happy Chris was to be coming to the Dees and how much he was looking forward to proving himself after a year down on form. Another year into our existing group of mids + two ready to go talents in Viney and (hopefully) Wines, could be all the difference to provide some decent delivery to our forwards. I'm definitely biased but I can't wait to see Melbourne rd 1 next year!

And in the black and white extreme world that is Demonland, Gysberts will now be viewed as having officially seen the light and is now working hard to stay on the list after the cleverly orchestrated and public kick up the backside given to him by our ruthless footy department.

DC and CB covered the offer issue. With team balance - you have got to be joking? Rivers was playing forward for much of the year. Jared effing Rivers... Dawes is our FF, Clark is our CHF, Martin/Pedersen is the 2nd ruck, Hogan is 17 and shouldn't be asked to hold down any of these positions for a few years yet, and Howe should be doing what Sylvia seems incapable of doing and that is becoming a goal scoring mid with toughness. Both Colin and Jeremy should watch tapes of Ryan O'Keefe if they want to reach their potential. To sum up - we have finally got a structure in our forward line and I don't have to wait for a lanky draft pick to come on. It's ready to go right now.

I'm always happy to see a good player quit the Hawks. On the other hand, I hate seeing good players join the filth. It's hard hating so many other clubs...

When's the match preview going up?

We're going to absolutely demolish them. Norm Smith is back. The G is ours. Every other club can G&GF.

Swings & Roundabouts. We got Viney @ 26!!! Move on

Does the name Morton sound at all like Sheahan?

Everytime I hear people (or read posts) saying Dunn is tough and competitive I always picture them saying in that tone that some girls use when they have an upward inflection? Like they are asking a question? Even though it's a statement? Because they have no confidence in what they are saying? Jumper punching is not touhgness. Sledging is not toughness. You want to see toughness - watch what Jack Viney will do to get the pill. Then MFC supporters will know what toughness is.

I'd love for us to get our hands on pick 27 and keep it. We should get a really good player at 27 in this draft.

Yeah, we agree on most stuff truthfully. I see people hide behind process when they don't want responsibility. However, let's do a little thought experiment. The same process had Schwab sacked and Bailey re-signed before 186. Imagine if we'd 'only' lost by 125 points that day. Bailey would have kept his job and be coaching still. Schwab would be gone. Neil Craig would likely be at Carlton with Mick Malthouse. The leadership group would be unchanged. No mitch clarke. 7.5 wins. Steady as she goes but going no-where, with a brooding discontent as G Lyon finds his backroon voice after recovering from the death of his good friend Jimmy. Yes, I'm guessing about a future that did not happen. I'm not being unreasonable IMO. I too prefer substance over form. What I would say to that is that the substance and form are intrinsically linked and that the Neeld appointment is neither - it is outcome. Anyway, despite a shocking year, I like him and like what he is doing.

You're way out of line. I genuinely believe he left to chase success, and having served us for most of his football career, he is definitely one who has earned that right! Save your misdirected vitriol for someone who actually deserves it. Someone who leaves after no time served and no buy in. Someone with a fat dad Your views on Jared's departure are moronic and immature. wake up to yourself

Next year we could have Howe, Watts and Wines. Just missing Where and Who.

I will be there....Man made God worshipping will not be part of my day.

Thats bs mate. Your family only has 6 months to give you a reason good enough not to go. You are gunna miss seeing the first person ever to be charged with Grievous bodily harm on a football field. Oh well, you can read about it the next day, if your family is ok with you reading a newspaper.

Relax! We've got this. lol

This was my post yesterday on the Gysberts thread " I would put it on him to work his arse off to improve his size and fitness and help him gain a yard in speed. We have the people to do it so it is up to him. I would also pair him with another player with the right attitude like Grimes or Trengove or Jones for the whole pre season. " Looks like the Footy Department read Demonland.

The tooth pick, rubber bands and half tyre IS the time machine

Once compo picks are handed out tonight we will know more. He's expected to be a Demon. If our compo pick is band 4 or 5 that should do straight up but if we end up with pick 28 I can't see that being a straight swap.

I just saw someone say play Frawley in the midfield, so not the dumbest thing today anyway

Play hardball... Rich or no deal.

I'll be kind and assume you've never seen Pedersen play. He's far better than Sellar.

My take is that it will be the other way around.

I guarantee you that being kept out of the ruck will result in him having a better year in 2013 than he had in 2012.

RM I do not care who we play, where we play them, what day or at whatever time of the Day or night. If we win then it is a great time and place. Just win games in 2013.

I would love it if people casually referred to Dawes as 'Jim Morrison'.

I have "bought in" to the Wines/Viney partnership and I am invested emotionally in this duo eventuating. I will actually be very sad if Wines gets taken before our pick. In my mind it's Viney with his mate kicking arse for us for a decade. Please nobody take him! Take that photo of him with his muscles down. Stop promoting him let's keep this under wraps!

Why struggle when you can do what any normal person would do and investigate him. Start with a website called youtube.com there's a few clips on there and it's all we can go by since he hasn't had many games. FWIW he looks quite a good player. He can take a grab, is courageous, has good skills. I know it's a clip against Port adelaid but if he can reproduce that form for us he will be extremely handy. Better than Martin and Sellar so for me that is a good thing.

Tom McDonald does not get overrated on these boards. He has deserved the applause and admiration of supporters this year due to his significant improvement in just one season. For you to classify him as a Fletcher or Scarlett type in his "twilight years" which is like a minimum of 13 fricken years away tells me you have no idea mate.

I still struggle to understand all the love for a bloke who managed 3 AFL games this year. He won Werribee's B&F. Couch won ours. Big deal! Far prefer Sellar.

Hope not.

Que?

Just glad it's at the G! Hate interstate games first up.

We said the same last year about the Lions, I don't care who we play we just need to improve ourselves and the results will come

Yep.....Lets get in a unproven 18 year old and trade away a top ten in our b&f and a player that is in his third year and looks to be a long term player for us.......Do you really think about the propersitions you put up?????......

I think it would be great if we drafted that Chinese kid who attended the combine. Has a good build for an outside mid and would come as a freebie. Wouldn't even take up a spot on our senior list as he would go onto our international list. Also could help raise interest in the club from some Chinese living in Melbourne.

Easily Sean Wight