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It wasn't preseason and her articles about Martin have been littered with comments such as "someone should advise Martin and his management that they should back his talent and sign now for two years." She is far from fair. Not that long ago she said things such as: "Captain Trent Cotchin reportedly played host to Martin... [Marting was] something of a younger brother." - now she is saying that it will be a relief for Cotchin "the brilliant young player probably sits in the top five in the club's best and fairest, and near the top of the competition in score assists" - actually he doesnt even rank in the top 100. Rodan FFS ranked higher "he appears to have found a home at Tigerland where he feels secure, happy and well liked." She paints him as a great player who is back on track but the moment he goes to field other offers she has a go on FC and writes articles with no mention of his football abilities - just that he is deeply troubled and a burden on Richmond - essentially character bashing. It's weird - I thought you'd be able to relate to personal attacks.

I'd like to hear from those posters who defend Caro's principled journalism to comment on her silence about Martin up until the moment he thumbed his nose at her beloved Richmond.

Quite. And I'm hoping that when Melbourne talks about having interest in this ratbag, it's really doing so to deflect attention away from its search to attract some really solid citizens who can also play good football in the midfield. It's interesting also that Carro's finally decided to fully lift the lid on the Dustin Martin story and what an embarrassment he is to the Richmond Football Club. Of course, she still writes in complimentary terms of the work of Richmond officials like the hardworking club chiefs. At other clubs such people would be accused of covering up the club's poor culture and the misdeeds of its players and demanding the sacking of the board and CEO.

GREED AND ALTRUISM RULES THE AFL OVER DRAFT ASSISTANCE by Whispering Jack Last month, Hawthorn's president Andrew Newbold accompanied Andrew Demetriou and others to the US on an AFL-equalisation study tour. On his return, one of his first public comments was to slam the idea that the cash strapped and success-starved Melbourne Football Club should be the recipient of any financial or draft assistance from the AFL. I don't believe he mentioned anything about Melbourne, the Bulldogs or even North Melbourne being offered better fixtures along the lines that his club and the other big boys currently enjoy; no extra Friday night games to attract more sponsorship and supporters and no reduction in dead fixture times such as Sunday twilight and the like. In fact, Newbold offered no solutions in respect of the equalisation problem at all. On that basis, it's not difficult to conclude that Newbold is a hypocrite and that the AFL trip was indeed a junket, as many suggested at the time. Instead of helping clubs in need, we are witnessing a flexing of muscles by the president of one of the stronger clubs seeking to maintain the status quo. All this, despite the fact that we are often told that it's in the AFL's interests for all clubs to be more competitive. The fact that Demetriou himself has highlighted that the clubs oppose Melbourne's application suggests that the AFL constituent clubs are reverting to the selfish, greedy partisan politics that prevailed before the AFL Commission was formed - Clubs oppose priority draft pick for Melbourne . The AFL (then VFL) Commission was created in 1985 to administer the competition and its constitution. In the main, it has retained its independence from the constituent clubs (which was its raison d'être in the first place) but the authority of the Commission and its independence is now under attack over the issue of whether the Melbourne Football Club should receive a priority draft selection as a result of its consistently poor performances over the period 2007-2013. During this seven year period, the club's best efforts have been 8½ wins (twice) and otherwise, there have been five seasons in which it recorded between 2 and 5 wins per year. In the season just completed, the club won two matches and finished with a percentage of 54.07. This would have easily qualified Melbourne for a priority pick under the AFL rules that applied in most years prior to the 2012 season onwards but today, clubs can only receive such draft assistance at the discretion of the AFL Commission. The specific criteria have not been announced but it is understood that "a more complicated formula will be used, which takes into account premiership points, percentage, finals appearances and injury rates for a club over several seasons". - AFL overhauls priority pick system The reaction of the opposition clubs to Melbourne's application for assistance has been worrying. The problem I have with the objectors is that they are based on slanted opinions about Melbourne's recruiting performance and ignore the substantive points which the Commission is supposed to take into account in making its decision on draft assistance. And, they place too much weight on the controversy resulting from the AFL's selective "tanking investigation" into events that took place at one club during 2009 even though several others have had their own practices questioned without any scrutiny or investigation. There is little doubt that the club's recruiting performance over the past decade or so has been disappointing (the application for assistance would be unnecessary if it were otherwise) but these assessments fail to take into account several factors. They ignore serious injuries to early picks - for example, of the 2008 draft crop, both Sam Blease and James Strauss suffered broken legs that kept them out for the length of a season and hindered their development. Tom Scully was headhunted by GWS with a $1m plus bounty which the player could hardly resist and Melbourne was never going to match. They ignore facts such as the information in a recent Herald Sun article that place Melbourne close to the bottom of the list of father/son recruits. Compare this with Geelong, the most successful club of the recent era, which received an enormous boost with its sons of former players. The coaches, boards and recruiting officers in place at the time of the club's "bad" recruiting decisions have now moved on. Why make the task of returning the club to competitiveness more difficult for those now in charge? Surely, the fact that the club is overhauling its coaching and recruiting systems and personnel today should bear more weight on the Commission's decision to help out than the fact that it picked Cale Morton at pick four ahead of Cyril Rioli in 2007? The suggestion that Melbourne must suffer again as a result of the events of 2009 for which it was penalised in February with heavy financial sanctions and penalties for officials is risible. The Demons' application is made because the team needs assistance in the here and now and it is inappropriate that it be penalised twice (or three times if you include the Scully fiasco) to feed the greed and altruism of rival clubs who claim that a priority pick would upset the integrity of the AFL draft. The argument of the so-called "objecting" clubs comes across as rather hypocritical coming from some of them. It was only a year or two ago that the new franchises gained a swag of early draft picks (and not just the one that the Demons are requesting) which pushed struggling clubs like Melbourne off the map when it came to securing good draft picks in those years. Hawthorn faces the prospect of losing free agent Lance Franklin at the end of the year but is it likely that Newbold will knock back a compensation draft pick (most likely in the first round) if Buddy takes the money and runs? The same thing will happen with Collingwood if Dale Thomas heads off to Carlton. Coincidentally, Thomas was a priority pick taken by Collingwood which lost its last eight matches in 2005 to snaffle that pick. The Pies somehow managed to avoid the scrutiny of an AFL investigation into that effort. All of this begs the question of the purpose of the AFL rules relating to draft assistance which are designed to help teams in need to become more competitive. Melbourne is such a team and if the Commission refuses the Demons' request for help then the rule must be scrapped because the AFL would be giving into the greed and altruism of its own clubs as it did in years gone past and, on that basis, no other AFL club will ever qualify again.

If he stays at richmond it will almost certainly force out a Conca or alike. If he heads up north somewhere on huge coin there will be collateral damage out of that too. And if he expresses an interest in Mebourne there is no downside to doing our due diligence. At the very least we are potentially pumping his price tag, and his ego upward When was the last time a prosepective suitor came out and gave up a dollar value through the media. I don't think Paul Roos and Josh Mahoney are throwing figures around off the cuff for fun this far out from drafting time. It would be foolish to take the words of any party on face value, there are plots afoot no doubt.

Worse than character assassination, she effectively admitted suppressing negative stories about a RICHMOND player in the off season. As some pointed out here at the start of the year, she did not show the same consideration to a certain COLLINGWOOD player. There was no shortage of rumours about what Dusty was up to in the off-season but none of them materialised in the press. And CW seems to be saying that she colluded with her club to keep those stories out of the public eye. Now that might be a good thing for the bloke's long term future, but she did not show that concern for Dane Swan. For mine, I hope that Roos is using this to signal our willingness to trade for midfielders. I really do hope we don't get this bloke. A no-ratbag policy is preferred. We can do better and I hope Roos' talk is all about letting others know we are in the game. No more.

wilson writes: "and the reason for that mess is crystal clear" It's clear to me what she's saying - we should ice any ideas of getting dusty.

Pretty sad to see supposed MFC supporters continue to dig in to Watts, even when he is on the verge of re-committing to the club

I would be more inclined in trading him than making him captain.

If Roos convinces any two players amongst Sloane, Martin, D.Swallow, S.Selwood, Shuey and or Rockliff to come to the Dees for 2014 I will buy myself the newest and latest Gillette razor, have a clean shave and then walk into the Melbourne FC and sign my partner up as a member (I'm already a member, I converted her a couple years ago, but will have to sign her up at some point).

In all honesty I find it hard to judge them individually from an outside perspective. I believe it's more so that Roos wants assistants that will already know or adapt easily to his game plan and style. As he's stated he "doesn't want to be coaching the coaches", and considering they were apart of the massive failure that was Melbourne under the likes of Neeld and Co. certainly doesn't help their situation.

Lols at Clark to the backline

Guy with skulls tattooed on his hands, earns 500K but can't pay a phone bill, takes 'sleeping pills' on nights out. They are all subtle (ha!) indicators about what's really going on. I have posted in the past that we never draft 'mongrel'. This is more mongrel than the rest of the club combined. I'm not 100% against it, but the club needs to consider that on a personality level he is the diametric opposite of a guy like J Viney.

Ben Mathews; Hard working Professional Instills confidence throughout a team Amazing communicator, especially one-on-one Will give players some self belief, but also ensure they understand that they have to work for it Source: Me. Played footy with him in his life after Sydney. Stoked to have him on board at the MFC. He will be respected by our players from Day 1.

I'm being facetious, it's what Neeld described when they were all hired.

Absolutely love this

I see this as a win win situation. If we can obtain Martin so be it, it's a win. Although I would concerned about his off field misdemeanors. If he decides to re-sign with Richmond it's a win as we've driven his price up and subsequently tightened the Richmond salary cap, reducing their odds as a competitor over a couple trade periods. Ideally I would prefer the later and use the money on say a Rockcliff, Sloane, S. Selwood or even D. Swallow but if it eventuates I won't be complaining.

exactly, running around the outside of the oval shows he's no midfielder plus he only runs one way, and never lays a tackle

Why people get absorbed in and concerned by Wilson's articles are beyond me. They almost seem to take her views personally. I'll generally read them, sometimes I'll agree, sometimes I won't, but either way it's never a big deal.

Trying to build a culture of playing for the jumper, playing for your teammates, self sacrifice to be successful and we're talking about recruiting a bloke who is looking at leaving a strong successful team who has invested alot of money on and off field as well as time into giving him the opportunity to be an elite player, just to chase dollars. Good player, maybe Roos could sort him out but i think we have other options open to us that would be more constructive from a cultural sense, David Swallow, Luke Shuey, Rory Sloane, Taylor Adams

We had the same debate about Ben Cousins when he was available, and he gave good qualtiy service to the Tigers for the time he was there. Contrary to the judgemental hysteria of some. As Willie Nelson is meant to have said "I think it is just terrible and disgusting how everyone has treated Lance Armstrong, especially after what he achieved, winning seven Tour de France races while on drugs. When I was on drugs, I couldn't even find my bike."

he was interfering with club politics again in the press this morning making an impassioned plea to dusty martin to stay at ninthmond wtf has that got to do with him or the afl

I would much rather see the club go after Tom Rockliff, he has a similar game to Martin without the excess baggage off field.

The desperation by some here is out of control. Our club will look like prize turkeys if this tool go off the rails at the MFC. Do we need this? Hell no!

pick 2 and 20 for martin and 12. get it DONE.

Well i can announce that I haven't been approached. I don't normally comment on rumour and innuendo but I figure I may as well put an end to the scuttlebutt.

It'd take a bit to pay overs for him Billy. Imagine you could have any backman in the league - I reckon he'd be right up there in most people's calculations.

Are you mental?? He'll yes. Gun footballer. Would teach our midfield heaps for a couple of years.. Wake up and smell the coffee most guns that play footy are flogs.. They are footballers not talk show hosts!

Its so funny demonland, this guy average 20 possie a game and everyone is creaming their pants over this guy, trannes average a little more, and most are dissapointed in a fourth year player, u lot on this site hypocrites

We certainly shouldnt be mething around with any ideas of getting this guy.

no she is saying richmond would be better out of it and she's right. we're all very hopeful roosy can fix our cultural and psychological problems but dusty's are in another league.

i'd slot Jesse Hogan into Center half forward because he is a running machine, i feel he would add quite alot up the ground with the pace and big body he has Mitch Clark at Full forward because simply he is the best player we have for that position fitz and dawes sorta battle it out for the third tall position, dawes leadership probably gets him over the line howe and blease as half forwards, such different players, and both extremely dangerous when they're on, capable of taking a game away from the opposition Byrnes in the other pocket as he is a legitimate small forward, has the pace and smarts to sit at clark and dawes feet very well Dawes Clark Byrnes Blease Hogan Howe Toumpas Trengove Watts

Believe it or not but that was actually AFL assistance him leaving and what we got in return.

If thats what she is insinuating is his core issue, and saying it publicly, then her real intentions are to scare of any suitors for Martin so that he stays a Tiger. Gary Ablett Snr was a loose cannon with issues. God I wished he played for Melbourne. Bring it on!

I've said before on here that JW will be a very good player in a couple of years when he matures a bit, not that I'm saying he's immature but I think he will realise it's serious and his body will become a bit more battle hardened. Roosy may be able to bring him on a bit quicker and with a few bigger forwards it takes a bit of pressure off him; we are not building a team around him any more, he is now going to fit in to the team we are building. I've seen Jack at club functions almost holding court with the older ladies surrounding him and hanging off his every word, like every mums dream son; it's not a game any more Jack time to prove your worth.

I'm writing this regardless of if we get Martin or not, but Wilson's comments last night on FC were pretty rough. She mentioned: How reporters have been told by the AFL to go easy on him because he fragile Richmond is tired of baby sitting him (listed players he has stayed with and how they will be relieved) Told how he has a minder ect. Didn't mention his football, development or as Hutchy pointed out his bad manager - just personal attacks. Not that long ago she wrote an article basically addressed to him listing the reasons why he should stay. I found myself recently liking her articles and wanting someone like her on panels - but that was just disgusting journalism focused on character bashing with no comment about football

It is everything that the other threads aren't. It also allows for discussion of any topic except one, all in the same thread. It is Nirvana and Utopia rolled into one.

It is becoming clear that Roos and his assistants are the confidence instilling type of person. That is the direct opposite of MN. makes a lot of sense. The word coming out from those that have met Roos, is that they are just lifting in hope and self belief, as he talks to them. One aspect of a winning culture, is a positive self belief in your ability.

Dustins agent was seen purchasing a house on Pun Road just across from Gosch Paddock. Word is so Dustin can roll straight out of bed and skip across the road to Dees training while Dees officials can stick camera's on his place 24/7 to monitor his activites.

You can't put Cross into this to make your argument look better, are you in politics? Cross will have nothing to do with trading pick 2 he is in no way related to your scenario. The question is are Adams and the potential of Docherty worth pick 2?

Tigerland might have a lazy $500000 by the sounds of things.

That's what 5aa do in adelaide anyway.

In their case they will be dee-vastated...

Trade it for Adams from GWS Then bring in Cross via Free Agency. Martin, Adams, Cross all into the midfield for 2014 and we look a whole lot better!

your argument has problems: We have failed to produce a genuine league elite player in 7 years. There are a few notable 'nearly' types in Clark, Jones, Frawley and Garland.. that's it There are 6 of the 44 from 2007 left, meaning 38 changes, plus 5 or 10 others that came and went in between (Maric, Cheney, Bennell etc) How is it possible we recruited about 45 players over 6 drafts and ALL of them just underperformed? It makes no sense at all The only logical conclusion is that the club has been at fault in its development of these players You don't just get unlucky 45 times in a row

WJ, any possibility of getting that published on a news site? That side of the argument is never presented fully. You only ever see them poorly used as straw man points, never expanded upon and always countered.

Maybe the answer to all of this, is to come out and say, we don't want the PP, but what we want is a TRULY FAIR competition. Friday nights shared equally among the teams, all teams to go to Skilled stadium, all Melbourne teams to travel the same amount, clash jumpers to be worn by all teams, sunday 4.40 to be shared by all teams, mothers day at 4.40 to be shared by all teams etc. The effect of this is an equal opportunity at getting exposure, therefore more chance of sponsorship, more money, stronger football departments, more desire of players to come to the club as then seen as on the big stage etc. Chance of this happening, NIL. WHY, because the game is about money and not fairness. So those advantaged clubs can not have their cake and eat it. If they get advantages one way, other clubs get advantages in other ways. So to the agitating clubs I say STFU and let the AFL govern without your hypocritical interference, which only brings the game into disrepute, when it appears that a cartel of clubs control the AFL.

I thought it was pretty poor that the AFL even mention that other clubs weren't happy and that that should not even be an issue. As if any other club is going to want to compormise their own draft position for another side. The AFL should grow some and forget what anyone else says and make their own decisions. When AD was talking about that he also mentioned that the AFL were set to lose over 1 million because of the way certain games went week 1 of the finals. This seemed to me like a very strange thing to say and could be heavily scrutinised. Why should money even be mentioned with the winners of finals. Those teams have just as much right to be in the finals as the ones that lost. It stinks of bias from the AFL and it seems they would do any thing to make a buck.

Call me petty but I didn't like some of the things that came from Jolly's mouth after he left Melbourne.