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From wiki Damien Barrett ([censored]) Damien Barrett, often referred to as [censored], is a [censored] that began his career searching through sports people's garbage. On a few occasions he managed to stumble across some little nuggets of information that were deemed worthy of use in one of Australia's leading newspapers. From then on, his head - which resembles some sort of rotten onion, Elvis Costello and Ray Liotta's acne scars hybrid - grew to massive proportions. He thought his opinions on football mattered, and his giant purple head would spit forth wads of verbal diarrhoea that would splash upon unsuspecting readers and viewers making them repulsed and nauseous. He can often be found in gutters, rubbish bins, service station toilets and worst of all, the footy show.

Congratulations for the best rumour in 165 pages. Just enough believability (easy to picture Buddy being an arrogant knobhead) And Kennedy may follow the guy who helped make him the player he is 95% unlikely to happen but love it anyway

My source has confirmed that Roos is having a crack for Kennedy with pick 9 and a player, however, he thought the likelihood of success at less than 30%. He also said that this had come out of left field. As widely reported in the press MFC traded out for pick 2 for 9 as they were certain that one of the "ready made" players they would like to pick would still be available at 9. Therefore we essentially got Tyson for effectively nothing. MFC believe there is very little between pick 2 & 11 in this years draft. Kennedy would be a mega coup.

Lol at people wanting trade Toumpas..! Seriously go back to demonology!

Last year we needed mids and we got Gillies, Byrnes, Pedersen and a bloke who'd done his knee 16 times. Cross costs us NOTHING, has a legendary training ethic and averages 22+ possessions per game. The Dogs are opposite to us. With Libba, Wallis, Boyd, Griffen, Cooney and Koby Stevens they're well stocked for mids PLUS they want to get games into Smith, Hrovat, and Macrae. It made sense to move Cross on. They don't need him. But for a year, or maybe two he'd be handy for us. It's hard to be too displeased with this deal, but you found a way.

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2013-10-22/demon-deal-a-nice-surprise-tyson "Upon his return, Tyson was taken to the home of Melbourne's head of player development, Todd Viney, where he met the club's new coach Paul Roos, new assistant coach George Stone and football manager Josh Mahoney." At the rate its going the Viney house hold will become heritage listed

I can confirm that GWS were genuinely gob smacked by the Swans play on Franklin. They thought they had him, and we're completely blind sided by the offer. They had no idea. It was kept so secret by the Swans - they were actually impressed by how secretive it'd all been. BUT - here's the rub it seems. I also reckon the Swans players had no idea. And, I suspect, many of them were not, and are not, cool about it. Perhaps this rumour has legs.

No, not an option. Toumpas is going to be a player.

Madness

must have been on the ol' 5.30

I love Howe but you are kidding yourself if you wouldn't trade Howe for one of the best mids going around!

Must be serving up tripe!

Cross won't be warming the bench. The reason he was let go by the Dogs was purely because they have amassed a small army of inside mids, and he had slipped in the pecking order in a club that is rebuilding. But it's no shame being behind Griffen and Liberatore. He still was averaging 22 touches and will easily be one of our best midfielders from the get go. What he has lost in pace he more than makes up for in his desire to win the hard ball. Off field, his elite training standards are well known. Talking about the influence of Rodan or Byrnes off field was paying lip service in comparison to what Cross will bring to the club. He will be invaluable in that regard. Considering we're getting him for nothing, to question this decision is either extreme pessimism or ignorance. Cross is an excellent get.

A little thing I whipped up of Cross, looks good in the Red and Blue!

Are on holiday but I hear from a contact that Hogan is loving the direction of the club.

Apparently his family are from Melbourne.

THE TRADING CHRONICLES by The Oracle TICKS AND CROSSES On 4 October 2007, a young schoolgirl attempted to take her life by leaping into the waters of Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour. Two Australian footballers touring the area as part of their post season break heard the screams of bystanders and dived in after her. Although she didn't want to be saved, the two men dragged her safely out of the waters suffering cuts and bruises themselves. Daniel Cross and Tom Williams were later awarded certificates by the local authorities for their bravery. Cross went on to complete a distinguished career with the Western Bulldogs which encompassed 210 games (33 goals) in a number of positions but is generally known for his exploits in the midfield. The 187cm, 86kg "Crossy" as he was known at the Bulldogs, was drafted at number 56 in the 2000 AFL national draft from the Murray Bushrangers, played his first game in 2002, was an AFL Rising Star nominee in 2004, won the Charles Sutton Medal (Western Bulldogs best and fairest) in 2008, finishing ahead of that year's Brownlow Medallist, Adam Cooney and finished second in the same award in each of the following two seasons. We can see from the above that the thirty year old Cross is a hero in every sense of the word both on and off the field. That the Demons were anxious to secure his signature even after recruiting three midfielders with varying amounts of experience in the week leading up to this announcement is significant. Soon after the 2013 season ended, Cross was informed by his old club that he would not be offered a contract for next year. The critics will no doubt point to Cross' age and the fact that he was let go by another club in the process of building its list but the reality is that the Doggies have their share of veterans going around and Melbourne does not. The Demons' list is light on for players in the thirty plus age group who can still lead by example and, as Cross demonstrated in his last game for the Western Bulldogs in round 23, ironically against Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, his cool head would have been an invaluable asset in that game and might even have made a difference had he worn the Demon colours (his old team won by just 20 points). That Cross is a player who engenders courage and respect is a matter beyond doubt. Leaving aside the heroics in Hong Kong, he is a three time winner of the Bulldogs' Scott West Award for most courageous player. He won the first of such awards in the year he won the best and fairest. That year he was also recognised with the Bruce Wilkinson Award as voted by the trainers. He was praised at the presentation by his skipper Brad Johnson with these words, "His determination and drive is just massive and that's why he's become one of the elite midfielders in the competition". Perhaps he is no longer in the elite category for midfielders but it's clear that coach Paul Roos has a plan in place and that is for Cross to spread his qualities through the youngsters on the club's list to the point where they will also one day be regarded as heroes of their club. To be continued

Franklin for 9 years in the dumbest deal in the history of the game. I simply cannot see how it won't have a negative flow on effect in terms of their list management going forward.

Ok, Now don't take this as gospel, as it was posted on BF and I never really believe any of the rumors there.. but this one I had to share. Rumours in Melbourne that Josh Kennedy is a massive chance to become a demon by the end of trade week. Well known fact Buddy almost "bullied" him at Hawthorn. Kennedy is filthy at the swans and wants out. Paul Roos is a big player in this, Watch this space

Dogs problems aren't in the midfield.

Jed Lamb has just walked out on the club to GWS. Now Since Buddy has come on board, Mumford, White, Lamb have walked out, Everitt, Armstrong set to be traded and plus a week ago I spoke to a friend recently who is mates with some of the Melbourne born Sydney players and he told me Hannabery was told to take a pay cut which he was happy only to find out his pay cut was paying for buddy. Apparently not a very happy camper is Daniel. Could there legendary bloods culture that the great Paul Roos starting to crack? And to think they have to put up with this for the next 9 years..

Those that wouldn't trade Howe for one of the best mids in the game need to take those rose coloured glasses off and get a spine. These are the sorts of tough decisions we need to start making if we're to be successful. Either way, if we don't get him, I'm already stoked by this trade period.

A hell of a lot better than he would have been if we'd stuck with the old FD. Christ! We have two of the best development coaches and environment builders in the comp! Have some faith. Toumpas could be anything. He's played one year in the worst team in the AFL with the worst midfield in the AFL. CONTEXT.

anyone listening to trade radio? Apparently Terry Wallace is absolutely giving it to Barrett for criticism the Tyson deal when hes never even seen Tyson play

Very immature attitude. It's so evident that the Bulldogs only strength at the club is inside ball winners. Liberators, Wallis, Koby Stevens, Boyd, Clay Smith to an extent, Hrovat, Picken. He's best 22 for them but they also now need to develop their young mids to save themselves a StKilda situation where their whole list just flops. Very smart list management. But if you think cross isn't going to help our team next year- and more so on the training track than on the field you've got rocks in your head.

Weestrup is a required player!

Kennedy is currently in Melbourne.

Have to compliment the club on their discretion this draft period. Aside from Vince which has been quite public and Cross which was blindingly obvious, they have kept the pundits guessing. Brilliant, Hope it continues and they snare a biggy this week.

Once again, a perplexing reaction from you!You defend the general ineptitude of the past with absolute ferocity... then pour cold water on positive moves by the footy club now. Do you fear change..?

I think we have completed our trades for this year.I rate it as excellent- a grat mix of maturity with potential. To complete our list, we need the best pick for our Ist pick in the National Draft.--No.9 then we need to try to grab another tall back to develop.Congrats to Todd and the team

Matt Burgan ‏@MattBurgan 1m Welcome @DomTyson29 to @melbournefc - getting his pic taken a by @MattyGoodrope pic.twitter.com/x88aajGV7K

Understandably most Melbourne supporters will be cautious when it comes to their expectations for the coming season, however we really only need a bit of luck on the injury front to be a completely different outfit to next year. We know what we get with Jones, Vince and Cross, who are of a similar standard, although different in style, but it's the unknown quantities of Michie, Tyson, Viney, pick 9, Clark, Hogan, Dawes and Roos that will either impact our prospects. If you believe Freo supporters Michie will be a tremendous asset. Many rate him more than Barlow. He's a good size, a quality kick, has pace and is a clearance machine at WAFL level. Unlike Magner and Mckenzie who butcher the footy when they get it Michie has good skills and class. At 21 he's ready to play good footy if he's injury free. Tyson could be our best midfielder in 3 years and one of the competitions best. It's not overstating things to say that he has the ability to be a bona fide gun. He's big, smart, balanced, a great mark and looks like a cross between Hodge and Pendlebury. Along with Viney we get that inside mid presence we've been lacking. He's only slid down the pecking order at GWS for one reason - injuries. Viney will be better in his second year and better with good players around him. I'm excited to see where he can take his footy next year. Pick 9 could be a revelation and play 18 games, or take a while to find their feet like Toumpas. Wines, Brad Crouch, Vlastuin and O'Meara are examples of the former. Clark could be close to the best key forward in the game next year if he's injury free. His impact could be massive. I won't listen to people that want to quell pressure or talk about this guy. He's the best talent to walk into the club in 40 years. At 19 he will be a damaging player and impact the results of football games. Dawes still has injury worries, but has time to get fit for round 1 and enjoy the bulk of the preseason. He's a reliable workhorse who has entered his prime and will be terrific for Clark and Hogan. Ross Lyon has shown what an elite culture and coaching environment can achieve in a short time. The players will love playing under Roos and enjoy their football. They want to get better and he'll give them the tools. Others may think of Watts and what he can do, so he's another ingredient that can make this cake rise. I realise that I'm asking for blue sky and for everything to go right, but it's about time we had an ounce of luck. Other clubs enjoy moons aligning and I reckon it's about time we got a break. As I said, I'll understand the reticence of others, but a fit and strong 22 could surprise a lot of people next year.

When our team couldn't even get our hands on the ball, and Viney out for half a season with his foot injury, it still baffles me that Magner wasn't getting a game when he was getting leather poisoning in the 2's. I know our uncontested possessions were poor and we needed outside runners, but it would have also been nice to win some clearances too.

i would srsly wet myself if we got kennedy for pick 9.

sad isnt it !! mwahahahahaha !!! lol Sydney>>>>> Culture>>>>>>>drain

Are you implying some sort of link between Buddy and crack?

Damien Barrett is a bias [censored], forgets that North Melbourne just picked up a player of exactly the same age and somehow thinks that's going to take them from the most inconsistant bottom 8 side in the comp to top 4, really knows his stuff. Dom Tyson in my opinion is ahead of any other midfielder in this draft by some distance anyway, guy is an absolute jet so getting him and pick 9 imo will prove to be a huge steal. Michie cost us a 4th round pick and has the potential to be an extremely good player, not spoken to one dockers fan that wasn't sad to see him go, some even said they'd rather keep viv and send Sylvia back, shows how highly rated he is. Vince as a straight swap for sylvia is a handy upgrade, will walk straight into the 22, make an impact, help the young talent develop and bring some experience to the place and if you wanted to find 2 blokes to teach a group of young blokes how to train and carry yourself as AFL footballers it's Daniel Cross and Nathan Jones. extremely good trading imo.

Would love Hannabery in the red and blue next year.

Had a chat to Jed Lamb, didn't like the direction of the club. Longmire has moulded into the form of Voss in his first few years at the club in looking at drafting superstars in Tippet and Franklin and cutting the rest. A lot of players not happy.

Some of the Dunn bashing here is completely tedious. He has a very good kick, seems to have a good presence around the club, and tries hard. I hope he gets a new contract. With the MFC.

I only can see us finishing above: StKilda - they are poo Brisbane - player exodus, issues with the board etc GWS - still developing, wont make the Gold Coast leap Western Bulldogs - we have a better backline and forwards, now we are catching up to their midfield Gold Coast, Adelaide, West Coast, Carlton, etc all either have too many prime senior players or ridiculous young talent and will finish above us for that reason.

I have a funny feeling there is not a snowflakes chance in hell of us finishing higher than the cats next year

I know that there are Dangerfield comparisons being throw around left right and centre, but I think that the comparison might be better made with Swan. He's not silky smooth but he is a great, powerful athlete. But, his major strength is his ability to go ultra hard for bursts and then rest. Freeman won the repeat sprints very comfortably at the combine. It's that sort of unique ability that gives you the chance of being better than just a good AFL player. As long as his kicking is not 'Nicholson' bad, then I'd be very tempted. But I'd also be very happy to grab either KK or Lennon. After getting our hands on some quality inside ball winners (plus Jones and Viney) I think balancing it with a ball carrier would make sense.

Remember this photo was taken when wearing a GWS jumper. Makes sense.

Should have signed last year then.

they have been off for 7 years

Great work Melbourne. Our midfield next year may have just gone from third world to developing country.