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I spoke with Jayden Hunt’s dad last week and he told me that Jayden was buoyed by the fact that Goodwin told him in his Exit interview that he was a required player and they would not entertain any trade discussions about him. His Dad mentioned that Jayden is really targeting the Wing position as his best chance of breaking in.

THE BYSTANDERS by Whispering Jack It was an eerie feeling, like floating on air high above the events taking place on the ground below. This was the New Draft, a two day festival of little importance to Melbourne supporters on the first night and seemingly, of little consequence on the following day. It was as if we were the bystanders of the 2018 AFL National Draft. From the time the Demons traded away their first round selection in this year’s event as part of the deal to secure Jake Lever more than 12 months ago, it was always likely to turn out this way. A little over a month ago, the club held picks 36, 46, 54, 62 and 65 which, once transposed into a world of potential priority picks and father-son and academy bidders, meant that its first choice would be pushing close to a pick near number fifty. It was akin to leaving you standing three city blocks away from Marvel Stadium and well outside the Jack Lukosious zone in draft night calculations. Even when the trades improved things somewhat marginally to a starting point of 23 and 28 (eventually 27 and 33), it meant you had just moved from William Street to King Street but the entrance to the venue was still on the distant horizon. It was probably just as well that we were that far away because opening night was excruciatingly painful, producing a clumsy and almost unwatchable production compared with the American counterparts in the NFL and NBA which it shamelessly sought to emulate. Gillon McLachlan produced a fitting highlight when he pounced onto centre stage only to discover he had nothing to announce despite the sounding of all the bells and whistles but for us - nothing. Not even the prospect of a live trade managed to keep us in the game. When the show was over, Sam Walsh, the precocious Croweaters, the King brothers (we drafted the wrong big Max King a few years ago) and a bevy of others were gone. The Swans pulled a swifty trade to get a great deal for their next academy sensation and the Blues did nicely to steal the 2018 Morrish Medallist from the Tigers. Those who were previously uninformed of the new format were left baffled and confused that the Demons weren’t selecting on the night. By the rising of the sun on day two, we were virtually on the promenade at Marvel Stadium, hoping for a little action now that we were a matter of a few picks away from pole position. The AFL had sneakily changed the starting time from 10.00am to noon but even then we were hardly bashing down the doors to get in despite the dreary conditions outside. But when the draft restarted, we somehow remained the bystanders. The months (and for some, the years) of following potential draftees, the national championships, junior competitions, TAC Cup finals, draft combines, phantom drafts, power rankings, teams of the year and the late speculation all flashed past our eyes to produce ... on the face of it ... not a great deal. On top of that, there were no bolters, no All-Australian sliders who somehow mysteriously drifted into our laps, nor even any players finding their way to us from a list of so-called hidden gems” that was floating about. In the end, Melbourne took an inside midfielder in South Australian Tom Sparrow with pick 27 after making an unsuccessful bid for the Bulldog’s father-son prospect Rhylee West. Then came a real bolter in Oakleigh Charger James Jordon at 33, another South Australian, Aaron Nitschke, at 53 and a mature aged defender in Collingwood VFL’s Marty Hore with 56. If there was any icing on the cake, it came when the club was not required to bid for Next Generation Academy dasher Toby Bedford who was taken late at pick 75. The return to type came with the selection of Kade Chandler in the rookie draft. I should make it clear that this is not a criticism of the selection decisions but rather I’m pointing to the low profiles of those picked. As with any draft decision made, the proof of their value is never determined on the night but well down the track, often years into the future. The apparent left-of-centre approach to the draft may well pay dividends in the future for a club with a young team on the ascent - the players selected are not shrinking violets. They are all aggressive ball-winners known for their relentless attack on the football. In that respect, none of them are bystanders.

Nice touch by the Dockers to draft Shultz after picking up Hogan in the trades.

I think Bedford might surprise a few. I watched him in the TAC Cup Grand Final and I wasn’t that greatly impressed although he showed that he clearly has some tricks, particularly in running down opponents and aggression at the football. However, I had him pegged as a late draft pick or even rookie selection because he took a long time to get going and then, he also faded out late in the game when the opposition made a late charge to steal the flag. I think there’s a bit of a question mark on his endurance which I’m sure that a couple of preseasons at the club will iron out of him. Later, I also watched his game for Vic Country against WA and thought he was his team’s best in the first half and though not as effective in the second half, still finished in the best two or three in a losing team (best was Sam Walsh, the other who I thought was on even terms with Bedford was Ely Smith so both others were first rounders. I rated him better than Ned McHenry who was a bolter and picked up early as well). That performance included some extra tricks like a nifty side-step and some clever use of the ball by hand and foot lifted him up in my estimation. I would think the club’s decision not to rookie him was vindicated. They expected to draft him, probably told him so unless there was an unrealistically low bid and followed through with their promise. I have no issues at all with that. Incidentally, James Jordon played for Oakleigh, the losers in that TAC Cup Grand Final and his first quarter was worth watching. It was obvious at the time from his low jumper number that he wasn’t a regular in the team (we know now that he played only seven games for them during the season due to school commitments). He appeared to run out of steam after his early burst but, on reflection, I should have taken more notice of him. He hasn’t had the development or the fitness base of the more heralded regulars at TAC Cup or other state under age levels but I suspect that the selectors were on to something with Jordon and that, with development, he might well rush past some of the blokes who are getting the accolades for first round draft selection. He’s also played country football for Yarrawonga - they make them tough there (well they used to based on a game I witnessed in the 80s). That he played for them speaks volumes to me. He’s still just 17. You know what I mean?

Really surprised Jay didn’t get rookied, he probably tired out towards the end of the season but some of the games he played this year were outstanding. Hopefully another year developing in the VFL will do him good and he gets a shot at it.

Play him in the back line with Frost

I would summarise our drafting as ‘Smoke gets in your eyes’. At every pick, there were kids available that we would have been slated to take. Instead, we read from our own hymn sheet and picked absolute Smokey’s. Half the kids had no profiles, and were taken well out of where they were expected to go. But I love that we do what is right, not what is expected. And overall, we have added most of what we needed. I still think we are one project big man shy, but we have addressed a lot of needs with May, KK and Preuss, adding Midfield depth with Sparrow, adding potential small forwards, and building more depth across the lines. Overall, we will probably be rated as mid-level in the draft/trade period, but that is actually a good thing. We are sharpening the axe, not racing around Bunnings trying to find one.

At training when he goes on one of those runs he is being 'encouraged loudly' to lower the eyes, think during a game the youthful exuberance got to him and he bombed away, still young in both games and age Had a good chat to him yesterday, disappointed in his year to forget last year, just working away getting the miles into the legs, as explained before Goodwin starts each season with a blank sheet, there are a couple of wing spots available so Hunty aiming for that On that note there was a new young looking guy doing the fitness work, looked and built like a middle distance runner, exactly what he is, spent the session pacing Hunt around the laps, leaves Crossy to work on other things

That’s the spirit...

Disagree. Watch the highlights clip below from his first year when he was fit and confident. All his best moments came bursting from the wing or through the middle. Some great pieces of play there where he outmarks Mitch McGovern, takes off immediately around a few opposition and then lowers the eyes to hit Jones. Love the stoppage play on the wing against the Hawks too where he gets the handball out of the pack, bursts forward, steadies outsides 50 and goals. He's got all the attributes to a great wingman. He runs hard both ways, has great pace, good agility, good overhead, and can kick it a mile. If he learns to control the rush of blood to the head and vary his kicks more, he could be seriously damaging in the Issac Smith wingman mould. He's one of the most exciting prospects on our list IMO.

A non-issue for me. Most clubs would be over the moon to have a key forward capable of kicking 60 goals like McDonald, or a 21 year old key forward who's shown the ability to be best on ground in his club's first final in over a decade. You've got Gawn, who has the luxury of having stints forward now the backline is sorted. May and Petty can play forward, plus we've got numerous goal-kicking midsized players. We were the only team to have 15 players kick 10 goals, or more, in 2018. The next best was 13 while plenty had under ten. Bradke played junior footy with the Kings, so just pretend we drafted him on Friday if you want to. How many key forwards do you think Collingwood have ? How many do you think West Coast have after Darling and Kennedy ? Or Richmond after Riewoldt and Lynch ? We've balanced out our midfield depth, added to defence, brought in small forwards, and added pace. Happy days.

I found the full video of the 2018 TAC Cup Grand Final. Jordon (#64) is in everything in the first quarter and then drifts out of the game after that. Jordon made his debut for the Yarrawonga Pigeons earlier in the season and then played school football at Caulfield Grammar. He was a member of the APS representative team which defeated the AGSV at Trinity College and made his debut for the Chargers during the June/July school break. He returned to the Chargers after school commitments ended and played two games before the finals, then all three finals at TAC Cup level. He was named second on the Oakleigh best list in the first final.

Who gives a [censored] what Hawthorn think?

First choice to play on a Josh Kennedy or similar would be May. First choice playing on a Franklin or similar would be Frost. To me Lever and Frost bring something different where as May and Oscar are similar. Unless Oscar was so far ahead of Frost talent wise I’m not sure why we would play him. A back six of Jetta May Lever Hibberd Frost Salem offers us so much not only defensively but also setting up play coming out of our back 50.

Well worth it recruiting this pair.

I'd rather 20 goals coming from 13 players than 20 coming from 5.

Great stuff. Exactly the message a coach needs to give - assuming it is sincere. The wing should be what he is aiming for. Perfect for him and there is a real opportunity as we lack outside speed. He needs to improve his kicking. That's a given - and no doubt he is working on it. But on the wing his average kicking would be less exposed as turnovers don't hurt quite as bad (but none the less are still costly). If he could work on his penetration on the run, kick it low and hard not helicopter it he could be a weapon.

Apart from the weather, it was a really good solid session again, went for over hour and half Got a closer look at skills in wet, apart from some dropped ball because it was wet for first time, skills were good Guy Walker the new B class rookie didn't look out of place, neat and tidy skills Austin Bradtke looks ok as well, moves like a basketballer, skills ok, can kick Joked with Steven May at the end about the weather, he looked frozen, even after all the work Jayden Hunt is right on track to be ready fro Rd 1, he said, like others, no contact so just lap after lap of running until after Xmas Jake Lever was out pounding around the fence, 9 and 1/2 K of running today No Jones Salem and JKH off around the tan again after 3/4 of session 3rd day in and quick ball movement drill on again Any questions feel free, will post some pics on Insta and here later

And what a beautiful morning at Goschs, first up Nev Jetta has asked for everybody to get on board his Movember, so if you feel like donating https://au.movember.com/mospace/166701

Now that Dan has seen off the Richmond nimbys, and the upper house looking within reach too, he will be able to ram through our new training ground without any opposition. Do it quickly Dan, so it's complete by the next election.

At 6' 2 and 90kgs, Vanders is another mid/fwd that could provide a decent target inside 50 if called upon. Jessy was a solid forward option, no two ways about that, but assuming Weid continues to stand up, I don't see how the situation has really changed that much in terms of KPF depth terms. The way I see it, we replaced Jessy's role as a KPF with Weid, Pedo's role as Fwd/Ruck with Pruess as a Ruck/Fwd and Weids role as backup KPF with May as KPB/KPF. We are not short (pardon the pun) of big guys that can take a grab or as more generally the case in the modern game, create a contest and bring the ball to ground for our runners. It would take both T Mac, Weid and probably a few others going down before we became too exposed IMHO. You mention Mc Govern and Talia, but there are probably only a few teams in the comp with monster key backs like that and with May, we are probably now one of them!

Have to agree, with what has been said. WJ when you pointed out about the lack of Information on the players we drafted, i also thought about this last night. No matter if a player is number 1 or 100, the AFL should be able to provide fans with much more than what was given the last two days. I think the AFL as a whole needs a kick up the backside, because it's seems to be run more like an ameture organiseation than a professional one, and sadly i can't see it channing anytime soon?

FB: Hibberd May Jetta HB: Lever ????? Salem C; Fritsch Brayshaw KadeKolo HF: ANB T Mc Melksham FF: Spargo Weid Petracca Foll: Gawn Oliver Viney Int: ?Lewis- hbf, ?Jones -wing/fwd, Harmes, Vanders CHB - Frost v Oscar v J Smith v Petty Lots of options now to run through wings and flanks which I expect to take some time to resolve. Likewise how they plan to use the tall defensive talent. Depth: Frost, Oscar, Hannan, Stretch, Baker, Maynard, J Wagner, Hunt, J Smith, T Smith, Keilty, Hore, JKH, C. Wagner, ?Garlett Development: Petty, Sparrow, Jordon, Neitschke, Bedford, Chandler, Bradkte, Walker Depth Chart Backline: (15) Key defenders: May, Oscar, Frost, Petty, Keilty Intercepting tall: Lever, J Smith, Hore Back pockets: Jetta Flankers: Hibberd, Salem, (KK), Hunt, Lewis, J. Wagner, ?Jordon Midfield: (16) Inside mids: Oliver, Viney, Brayshaw, Harmes, Maynard, ?Sparrow Outside mids: Kade Kolo, Fritsch, Jones, Stretch, Baker, C.Wagner, ?Neitschke Ruck: Gawn, Preuss Mid/forward: Vanders, (Petracca) Forwards: (14) Key forwards: T Mc, Weideman, T. Smith, Bradtke 3rd tall: Melksham, Petracca Flankers: Spargo, ANB, Hannan, JKH, ?Walker Crumbers: Garlett, Bedford, Chandler I'd say pure crumbing forward might be the greatest weakness but we did bring in a couple of late pick options there. Not sure how they'll break up the new players but I'd expect they spread them to different line groups, maybe even move the versatile guys around. Keen to see what they do with the wing but there's plenty of variety now.

Our best games were when we had a flood of players lining up to kick, or to dish it out to someone in a better spot. I admit I was sad when it became clear that Jesse was going, but when looked at in the cold light of day, we are a better team without him. That is not denying his talent. Just that we always looked to Jesse focused. If he kicked 3.2, then it would mean 5 other times he was double teamed and the ball came straight out, and probably another 5 it was halved. That isn't even counting missed options as the guy with the ball waited for Jesse's lead while others stood unmarked. We play better being unpredictable. And I think that is where the game is heading, And even if it isn't, then I still like seeing us play that way.

Yes Wagner and Bedford were our locks ... We had Xavier O’Halloran and Xavier Duursma in our phantom originally but they proved too good and went before our picks. They were the ones we were really after. Not sure why Tom McKenzie dropped so much to end up only a rookie option. I saw Vic metro v Vic country under 18s and he stood out for pace and disposal plus contested footy. Starred at the combine. Thought 25-35 likely and in our requirements. No discipline challenges from what I know. Kangas might have got a steal. Never keen on Curtis Taylor so not surprised he dropped from late 1st round to 3rd Round. Kangas again might have a bargain. Sydney Stack was impressive for WA Under18s but must have other challenges. A year in the WAFL and we might see him back in discussions for 2019 draft. He has the talent no doubt. I was never that keen. Bailey Williams was one who we wanted but JT was after mids, and he dropped to 35 for Eagles. They’re good at building up young ruckmen like Sinclair and Lycett. We might get him one day. Sparrow was always thereabouts. Had him at about 40-50 range but he is a Demons type player and JT style. Hard and tough. Good pick. Hamill was in the mix and we had in our phantoms for our 2nd rounders but snapped up by Crows at 30. A classy mid who would have been a fit. We liked both Turner & Kennerley as pacy options and they were grabbed later on. Hore was always in the frame and spoken about as someone MFC had contact with. But I got the thought we had enough 6”2 intercept defenders in Lever, Jsmith and Wagner. Nonetheless he can play. I liked Jordan from the TAC cup grand final. Competitive, fast and excellent disposal. Tick. I thought 60+/rookie but not surprised he was a bolter. Nietschke is the same. Chandler was a shock. Plenty of scrappy defensive small forwards going around. In JT we trust.

I sat with Sam a couple of years ago and he contrasted our team with GWS. He loves the Dees and works harder than most to develop himself and earn a spot. Has never taken a short step in his career and gives 100% to the team. He is a beauty to have in the backline. Have another look at the Geelong final, if you haven't watched it 20 times already, like me.

You need to read my answer to a post, before assuming my intent. Below is the post and my answer. I merely named a player who was available, of a certain type of player, at our picks, in response to a poster who wanted that type of player. Personally as it turns out, I would have liked to see more mix in our selections and felt we needed another key forward/ruck type and Bailey Williams was of that type. I have also posted many times that I have faith in JT and admire his work, but that doesn't stop wish lists and opinions and clearly I accept mine are only mine and not necessarily JT's. Here is what I said in response to what was posted: " Bailey Williams at 198 cms and 95 kgs was available at a few of our picks. PS. Drafting for needs by the way doesn't mean you get a crap list. I would trust JT to draft a type of player we need because of his skill and talent at the job. Are you telling me that we will always pick best available over need? So if we lose Preuss and Max we won't look for a ruck, come on. JT actually said we "need" more mids and defenders and he selected them. Personally I think we are now a bit top heavy on mids and defenders and light on one experienced ruck reserve and another developing key forward. Do you disagree?

Always a good thing to disappoint supporters of the filth. Would almost be enough reason to draft him for that purpose alone.

Spoke to aCollingwood supporting mate. He said Hore was a likely rookie target for the Pies and that he would likely have been drafted to them had they lost Langdon to Sydney. He also said there would be disappointed Pie’s supporters over this one tonight and that we got ourselves a good third tall defender.

No one had spargo picked to debut this year even based on vfl form for first month or 2. Many wanted him to debut, but only because we were so desperate for a small forwards with pace at the time, not because he was banging door down. Looking at Bedford, I can see him getting a look in, similar speed and frame as Garlett. Might seize an opportunity like Spargo did, as he's such a contrasting forward to all others in 22, like Garlett is

Best Bet: Ballarat Race 9 No 5 Platinum Angel Win $2.60 I got 50/1 boosted for our 3 I reckon Another Coldie is gonna go pretty close in the Ballarat Cup.

Taking a player because you believe someone else may take them down the track goes against Taylor’s “best available” philosophy though. I have no idea whether the players we picked up will be any good or not, seems Taylor has a blue collar philosophy on recruiting though. He likes players that have to earn their keep. Small town types that will do anything to make it..

Some random bloke that loves chatting with Lord Nev and ribbing Salem about EPL teams???

we will handpass it through the goal or rugby scrum it over with all our hard contested midfielders.

If we were in a real bind, I recon you would look at Steve May down there. Our backline functioned ok against most sides this year with either May or Lever down back. IF we were struggling for options up forward, it could be a case of where the greater need is for May in the context of the realitive strengths/weaknesses of our oppositions forward/backlines and who is dominating the ball out of the middle on the day.

It is not like he needs to play kick to kick with the prospects... I doubt he is even 50 years old. Got the job for another 20 years as far as Im concerned.

I’m pumped with the new draftees... 10/10 Dees! Exciting years ahead. Well done!

Peter Hore remind you of anyone???

Really like him, whenever I've seen Pies VFL he's been solid as a rock. For all the talk of 'how will he get a game in our backline' the reality is we had Fritsch, Lewis and a raw Joel Smith play half back in the finals. Not to mention the number of games Wagner and Vince played during the year! Now we don't have to rush Lever back in round 1, Fritsch can go to a half forward or wing spot that really suits his game. Joel Smith can be pushed for a spot. Lewis can get in the bin.

out pedo, in hore..........uncle will approve

Great prospect who the dees have been tracking for 3 years now. They were so close to selecting him last year but had no rookie spots.

Just spoke to my mate who coaches at CGS and Oakleigh. Asked him about Jordan. Said he's a ripper kid, clean ball use, more contested than outside. Reckons he'll get better over the next few years as a late developer. Not much new info, but good to hear we've got a clean user who is more contested than outside too.

Classic pick for us - hard working, professional and will give his all for the side. Love that we are continuing to draft these types as it will pay dividends for us in the short and long term. Welcome Tom!

Nick name “ Slug”

The VFL team is stacked.

North finally got their big fish.

Hey, I said he was looking a bit old, not that I thought he was about to drop dead anytime soon (although sadly too many of our MFC heros have passed well before their time).

King from GC in a couple of years if needed

NIETA!!!!