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Nah, I reckon we're just going to wing it.

I'm happy as long no one calls him "Jeffy," he's not 3 years old. Call him by his true name, Jeffrey Garlett. Which means the forward half Prince, the one who does not laugh often. And... is gifted.

Aware that it's now quite common knowledge that we will take Angus with either our 2nd or 3rd pick. Just thought I'd put my two bobs in. Been lucky enough to be employed in an environment which gets me quite familiar with the recruiting side of AFL, watching a lot of TAC, VFL and NEAFL. Having keenly followed Brayshaw this year knowing that we would be up around the mark again, I can comfortably say that this kid is the best pure mid of the draft by quite a stretch. Watched Eastern v Sandy late in the year where both Petracca and Brayshaw were playing, and even better were matched up on one another for about 60% of the match - Brayshaw won the battle, not hands down, but wore Petracca into the ground over the duration of the match with a work rate I've only seen in one other kid before and that kid is Joel Selwood. Absolutely elite disposal on both sides of his body (both hands and kicking), much like Sam Mitchell where you really are bemused as to what his preferred side is. Clean hands and a freakish ability to be where the ball is after the initial ruck contest. I think we are going to get an absolute gem in Brayshaw and I will be keen to see if we can develop him into the player I know he's capable of becoming over the next few years. Go Dees.

I heard Smith and Bartlett on SEN talking about fairness and how Melbourne receiving pick 3 is not fair for other clubs not involved in the Frawley move (for example, the Lions now have pick 5 instead of pick 4). I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. "Fairness?" They couldn't be serious could they? Is it fair that the big clubs get the blockbuster matches and the best time slots to increase crowds, membership, sponsorship and ultimately profit for their clubs? Is it fair that Melbourne play Geelong at Kardinia Park while big clubs play them "away" in Melbourne? Is it fair that Hawthorn doesn't have to give up anything to poach a key defender in the prime of his career from a bottom club? Is it fair that Sydney have a COLA? Was it fair that Melbourne get investigated for tanking and that no other club faces the same investigation despite engaging in the same or similar practices? Was it fair that GWS and Gold Coast get loaded up with first round picks thereby making it harded for bottom clubs to secure the best young talent? The list goes on and on. I wish the competition was fair because it would be much better for the MFC. Unfortunately, it's not, and we have to live with that. For once Melbourne comes out better off as a result of the unfair competition yet we have to hear people whinging and complaining about it without mentioning all the other ways in which we have been dudded under the system.

Jay Kennedy-Harris means: The one who will be King, he who has laughed on Neighbours, and whom is not only gifted, but multi-talented. And gifted.

Liam Pickering on Jeff Garlett: "It will get done (moving to Carlton), I've spoken to Andrew McKay and Josh Mahoney. Essendon were in it as well. Roosy wants him not just in the forward pocked but more up the ground using his speed." "There were a number of reasons Jeff dropped off this year, injuring his shoulder at the start of the year and a few little off-field things. He just wasn't settled, we've been working pretty hard on the welfare side of it and he'll get a fresh start now." Are players reluctant to go to Essendon? "It didn't affect Jeff, but I think there still is a massive question mark on what is happening at Essendon, whereas Melbourne is settled on their coaching staff." For anyone doubting the effectiveness of the succession plan, look no further. Though we may be terrible on-field, the idea of having a stable long term coaching staff with a clear plan is highly appealing to many players who feel directionless in their own careers. Not that Garlett is a world beater, but its certainly a point of difference that MFC has over other clubs that make it a more attraction destination.

You lost me at Barry.

What planet would we accept that? I would chuck if it happened

Robert Flower was my favourite non Essendon of all time. You couldn't help but admire him and his football ability. I put that DVD together years ago, and with Mark's help, put it on DVD for everyone. I'm glad it's on Youtube, I want as many people to see how good Flower was. I will be uploading my latest tribute to Robbie tomorrow on Youtube and will post a link here. Jack, I've been looking for footage of that Windy Hill goal since you told me about years back. Still haven't found it, but would give anything to see it if there is footage of it. If Seinfeld is right, I will never see it. Hope all my old friends at Demonland are well. Craig

I am with you Jimmy. Every year I firmly believe we can make the finals right up until after the first quarter of the 1st game of the season...then poof...all hope gone.

I like Blease for Garlett too. Both players are worthless to their current clubs but could revive their careers at a fresh environment. Has the the chance to be the ultimate nil-all draw trade though.

Straight swap for Blease or 4th round pick. Kthnxbye

The Pies want to wipe their hands of Lamumba, Pick 23 is way overs

Pick 23 is clear overs for Prince. He is gifted, but he ain't worth that. Geelong's pick 33 I'll be reasonably okay with.

A bloke at work was rambling on about how Melbourne should not have received pick 3 for Frawley, I kept saying it wasn't pick 3 it was a "BAND 1" compensation pick... He then proceeds to say how Hawthorn only received pick 19 for buddy. I said they also received a "Band 1" compensation pick. I also said to him I would be happy to trade places with the Hawks and receive pick 19 for Frawley and also have back to back flags, but alas we finished second last and have nothing... He went quiet.

This whole 'nominating clubs' thing has gotten beyond a joke.

On trade radio, Essendon or Melbourne. The problems at EFC ruled them out. BOOM!

Apparently big personal troubles, I hope we've done due diligence. If they are sorted then he could be worth something. Really it's just a throw at the stumps that should cost nothing.

Honestly can't remember the last time we had so many players select the MFC as their choice of destination.

The poor buggers that haven't seen this thread in the last hour are going to come back and see there's a 100 post explosion and get all excited, only to be disappointed by awesome puns.

You must not be familiar with a joke face. Not a fish^

Or... 23 for Garlett and 28 28 for Lumumba Clark and 60 for 35 and 54 54 for Frost Still have 35 in the bag after all that.

...by the way for those knocking Frawley's ability, I think he will be a gun at Hawthorn. He will have a lot of support around him and I think we can expect to see him getting some run and carry back into his game. Yes it's good we got pick 3 for him and maybe he was shellshocked as a MFC defender but he was a very good player and I expect that will show out at his new club. Just putting it out there before being accused of hindsight next year. Whilst I'm at it I never thought Col would make an impact at Freo. Think I posted that last year...

On trade radio - Pickering (his manager) said Roos has an appealing role for him, not just as a small forward but more up the ground in the midfield also

Any Melbourne fan who wouldn't take gartlett cheaply seriously over rate our list. he's a walk up start. He'll have Hogan and Dawes to crumb too. You need to remember that Carlton pretty much relied on him and betts for 2 years. Happy to make that happen for Blease and or pick 50 plus

We have now pulled the trigger and told them we will take McCartin if they swap pick 1 or take Petracca.

It's about the management and leadership we now have in place. I can't help but feel that given the reshaping of the list by Roos and the rest of the FD team, the departure of Chip for me is timely and signals the end of the previous mindset of players not prepared to mentally effect the culture change required to transform the club. I still have doubts over Watts and a few others which will probably be delisted but Chip just seemed to be coasting when he should've been driving the change under arguably one of the best coaches in the league. The fact that we've scored pick 3 as compensation just compounds the strength of this current position as I believe we will really capitalise on it during this off-season. Im looking forward to our players waving to Chip on their way past as the Hawks slide down ladder.

I'm stunned. There are fish in Moggs creek?

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

We are still into Shiel. Quite possibly the multi deal including Frost. Only 2 days gone guys and 7 to go!

Things could be better for me when it comes to the wonderful world of AFL, but other than that, I'm good mate. I hardly read anything about the "saga" these days. Every journalist has taken a side, every one has an agenda. It's very hard to get information without a particular slant on it. So no disrespect, but I never intended to read the thread here as I can imagine what is being said. No one actually knows what is going on, strange decisions are being made, and no party, not Essendon, not ASADA, and not the AFL are coming out of this looking good. What will happen will happen, but I'm preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best. Unfortunately though I can sense a 10 year like stretch for Essendon similar to that of Carlton after the Salary cap scandal in the early 2000's. Our financial position is weakening by the week, players are leaving, no player wants to come to play for us. Draft penalties, and who knows what suspensions, if any, will be handed to the players, and what then will come of that. On a different topic, my Robert Flower highlights "library" has grown quite a bit in the past few years. I'm always on the look out for footage of the great man. I will post a musical highlights tribute video hopefully tomorrow on Youtube, but if anyone has any ideas of another Robbie video, I'm open to suggestions. Maybe his top 10 goals, or top 10 marks, or both. Like everyone, I was upset when Jim Stynes passed, but I was devastated when I heard the news last week. RIP Robbie

( just quietly it was John Kennedy )

I love Paul Roos.

Blease, Strauss and the kitchen sink.

I dunno, why would they want Liam Jones? Who knows what they're doing down there...

I think he should come cheap, given that: 1. Blues have stated that they want to get rid of him 2. He has a court case pending 3. He played most of 2014 in the VFL Definitely not worth a second rounder.

wow... I did not see that coming.

The AFL is slipping the way of this country. Free market fundamentalism rules the governing ethos of both institutions. It sounds good on paper, everybody gets the same opportunities, trickle down effect, blah blah, but historically the reality is apparent. The rich ARE getting richer, and the poor ARE becoming poorer and more numerous. It's just the evidential fact, and there's neither the will nor the power in those who aren't the 'elite/rich' to do anything about it. Deregulation as an excuse for greed. If ever there was a body that is turning it's back on the genesis of its inception, it's the AFL. Our great sport that crosses class, gender, race and age like no other sport in this country, is being mismanaged.

The Blues have already said they want him out the door so that kind of lowers his currency.

I for one am thankful that we got Garlett and not that maggot Robinson

Oh don't start that crap already!

yes, it's good to see milkshake and figjam ruin two clubs over their ego clash that plus essendope's implosion keeps me going these days

Holy moses, it must be pre-season already.

Ideally, I would like a draftee (eg, Brayshaw) and an established midfielder (eg, Shiel) and an exchange of picks for either another experienced midfielder or an elite draftee. In short, pick 2 to GWS for Shiel AND a first round pick and Brayshaw with pick 3. It's the safest hedge in many ways.

It's the perfect trade. They can have Strauss for free too if they want.

Love how we've gone from "he's an All Australian!" "He's our best defender!" "He's one of our best players, we deserve band 1 compo" to "thank Christ this spud is gone."

I for one am looking forward to Prince Harry breaking lines off half back for the Red and The Blue

850k is probably not enough to get him to come here. I'd donate another 250k to the cause if it got him over the line. On a completely unrelated note, are there any armed robbery enthusiasts on here looking to join a crew?