Leaderboard

There’s always one mung bean who posts something like this. Stretch played 47 AFL games, so it can’t have been that obvious he wasn’t going to make it. He also played the majority of those 47 under Paul Roos, and seeing as you know more than him, no doubt you’re in hot demand as an AFL coach. Oh, you’re not? I don’t expect anyone to shed a tear over a player who has fallen short of the grade being delisted, but I don’t think it’s a big ask to show some respect, or if you really can’t do that, STFU.

I am absolutely sick of certain posters who continually want to put the boot in when there is no need or possible upside for doing so. FFS they have been delisted - there is nothing more that needs to be said. Especially about 2 players who have absolutely given 100% and have been so admired in the club for their attitude. So they didn’t make it. It wasn’t through the want of trying - and they certainly achieved so much more in their careers as AFL footballers then virtually all of us at Demonland, especially me. What I would have given to have played 40 games for the MFC. Most posters have been appreciative of their efforts and wished them well. As it should be. As for the other F wits, to use some of your own language, you are simply Demonland list cloggers, and we should get rid of you.

Major Partner is the second tier. Principal Partner is guernsey display level.

Yesterday I had breakfast with a mate that has been part of an AFL club’s recruitment team for 10 years and due to him passing me info prior to the actual Draft, I would rather keep the Club confidential, however, let me assure you that this is one hell of a successful club. My mate’s role is purely Victorian based and focuses totally on the TAC, no other league. The bottom line is that he told me this Club had a major meeting last Saturday whereby all the TAC watchers met for a full day and compiled a mock Draft of Victorian TAC players. Whilst having to be a little guarded at this time of year, my mate told me that at Saturday’s meeting, Hayden Young was the almost totally unanimous choice as number 3 from the TAC. In fact, my mate scoffed at the thought of overlooking Young at 3 even after the interstate kids were factored in He was very strong in his praise of Kemp but didn’t want to elaborate too much about other players in the 5 to 10 range as this is where his Club would be selecting. He did however say that neither he or any of his other TAC watchers had Weightman in the first 12 and said he’d be highly surprised if any Club took him in the Top 10 after the interstaters were added in. Thought you might be interested.

actually they can't set any contract they like it has to be min of 2 years and can only be expressed as x $s over y years. that's it everyone can then bid on just that basis whoever then gets him can pre-load or back-load by mutual consent, but can't go less than the x over y

Is this the same Jack Martin that begged and pleaded to be a Bomber this time last year? Unless there’s a clear threat that he’d sit out the season, or would be a toxic member of the playing group, just be a little ruthless and take him in the PSD. Even if he’ll only sign a 1 year contract. We need to further leverage what was a most unexpectedly disastrous season. We’ll got 2 top 10 picks. We’re getting a bottom 6 draw. Lets take advantage of pick 2 in the PSD!

One of my very rare posts. At the B&F my table was beside one that contained a number of MFC dignitaries (ex-players) one of them I have I know quite well. He was a talent spotter for the MFC for a number of years until we told him his services were no longer needed. Strangely (not) another AFL club enlisted his services in the same role (probably the most succesfull Melbourne based club in the past 10 years) he is still doing the job to this day but did tell me this is his last year. Getting a bit old to get up and drive all over the place to watch TAC and APS games. His comments, bottom line first two that GCS will take are head and shoulders, next five or six any bodies guess. Young good value, asked about Kemp, his comment was would, you be prepared to use pick three on a kid with a suspect knee. At that point in time we did not have pick eight for me, Young & Kemp

Young & Jackson.....that has a certain ring to it. Could become iconic for Melbourne!

I get the feeling posters only want him because Carlton want him and he doesn’t want to come to us. Get over it, he’s not a great player and certainly not worth what he’s allegedly asking.

Of course it's a flakey article. It's a Herald sun article. About the AFL. In October. 3 strikes.

I look at someone like Nick Haynes from GWS and see a lot of similarities to Young in terms of his intercept marking.

I think supporters forget that when players are drafted they are most often still teenagers with the potential to grow. If Stretch had grown a few more centimetres he might have been more successful. Instead, he always seemed undersized and for that reason not strong enough to match it with bigger players. Both Stretch and JKH deserve credit for what they've achieved. I hope that they succeed with whatever they do next, whether it's continuing as AFL footballers or not.

As a fwd he's hard to stop on a lead and he can lay a tackle. The fwd pressure was sadly lacking this year from most but he equipped himself quite well.

Every year the girls look (and probably are) fitter, stronger and better skilled. I used to get embarrassed at the skill level watching AFLW when the comp started, but every one of these girls nowdays plays footy better than i ever did. I reckon they are also tougher at the contest lols. Guess it was only a matter of time, and they will just keep getting better. Humble pie time. Welcome to MFC.

That stuff doesn't bother me. As long as he has learned his lesson re drugs and footy not mixing, I don't care who his mates are or how he dresses or the fact that he has poor taste in tats. I just look at a guy like Dustin Martin (or even Marlion Pickett) and see how he has straightened himself out and become a better footballer as well as a better person, and see no reason why Murray, who possibly(?) has a less checkered past, couldn't take the chance to prove himself. Personally, I hope we go for him.

Not really when we indicate that we would bid on Henry at 8 (as the small fwd we are after) meaning they would loose 10 as a result. If freo did this they would get the pick of the players at 3 ( instead of whats left at 7) and Henry with later picks.

Been watching a few of the 2018 games again, and Oscar did play some really good football. He was excellent in the final against Hawthorn.

You are so overthinking this mate. This is from a mate of 40 years who we each served as each other’s Best Man at our respective weddings 30 years ago. There is no bs with this info. For the last 10 years I get emailed his Club’s full Draft report about 5 minutes before the Draft and I have never let him down by abusing the trust.

A.r.r.o.g.a.n.t.

I’m not that particular - I don’t mind if our next great small forward isn’t indigenous, nor do I mind if out next indigenous great isn’t a small forward.

I reckon we will have Jaguar for another year and beyond this will depend on our membership, on-field performance and to a lesser extent how many of our members buy a new Jag. When we consider AHG it was always about them building some brand awareness. Infiniti was the result of them exiting the Australian market. Jaguar and Melbourne Football Club are a good marriage, we just need to make sure 2019 is an aberration and that they see us as a side that will regularly feature in September while building into a powerhouse club.

This is 100% my expectation as well. Thankfully Oscar is a much better player when fit and in the right head space than he is given credit for around here. As an aside, Lever is not a genuine key defender, so I expect Oscar to play whether Lever is fit or not.

Think you're right. If the FD wants to increase our options, they might split either 3 or 8, then take best available with the split picks. I'd be happy with 3 and 8 though.

If we aren't successful ie: playing finals and getting prime time TV spots then we are not attractive to major big name long term sponsors. Same goes for attracting big name quality players but that's another story for a different thread.

What do all clubs need? Depth. What didn't we have in 2019? Depth. What is a preordained given? Injuries. In 2019, our 3 key defenders in May, Lever and Jetta spent most of their season injured. And they have injury history. So yes, you should manage your list with the expectation that you will need to cover for injured players. He was not sacked true enough. However, my understanding is that he was not offered a contract. He did not choose to leave. He left because he was not offered a contract with MFC. When the Hawks offered a contract, he had no alternative. He did make the right decision for his career. It was the only decision that he could make. He was not given the opportunity to weigh up offers from both clubs. Did the MFC make the right decision in terms of list management. In my view, no. Did they make the right decision in regard to player payments? Perhaps, but we will never know, because no offer was made. Given the huge contracts given to May and Lever, there is little wriggle room for others. In my view, the most likely reason for Frost's departure is that he did not fit the MFC gameplan. His unpredictability in regard to ball movement being a major concern. The so called Frostball. However, he was our best defender all season, played 22 games and was our most improved player in the second half of the season. And, unlike other defenders, he had genuine pace, could break lines and could play on talls and smalls. Was he going to be a star? No, definitely not. However, he was worth retaining, not at any cost, but certainly worth an offer.

Average player with no elite traits. He will not be the difference between Carlton being a better team than MFC next year. If we land him, great. But really posters pumping him up to be the next GAJ need to take a cold shower.

I'd just about cry.

or maybe put it towards trying to pry a half decent FA next year

I expect both of these guys to be really solid, hard-working players that will help the side improve its consistency across 4 qtrs through hard running. The recruiting team should be congratulated. They targeted these guys a long way out and got it done with a minimum of fuss. If we can get our hands on a really good small fwd or two, this ship will turn around in no time. Bring on 2020.

I really wanted Billy to make it. Loved watching his Dad play when I was a kid. One of my all-time favorites. Best wishes to the Stretch family and JKH.

From what I've heard, both boys were always 110% professional in the way they applied themselves, both on and off the field. From what I've observed, they were both just a few % off being consistent best 22 players at the top level. Both gave their all and you can't ask more than that! They can hold their heads high as they leave the Club and move on to new pastures. Now the MFC needs to nail the picks for players who will replace them on our list.

Couple of things. Firstly I want to know whether or not we were interested in acquiring his services over the trade period. If we were, then why did he nominate Carlton as his club of choice? As far as money goes, I find it extremely difficult to believe the demonland speculation that he was "asking too much". What, more than we could match? How could Carlton afford to pay Papley (who was reportedly asking for more than we could afford) and Martin on top of Patrick Cripps, McGovern, Curnow and their younger list of budding stars that'll be worth more and more as each year passes? Are there posters here suggesting we are much tighter than Carlton salary cap-wise? Even with Lever and May on larger sized contracts, the difference can't be that great given the quality of lists. Or does someone genuinely know? Martin is bonafide untapped talent. He can do things on a football field that others can only dream about. And in a sporting code that is now as turbulent and uncertain as ever year to year, I can't understand why we're not going hard for this guy. The whole idea that clubs need to 'bottom out' now is a myth. Nobody can predict injuries, attitude, the rise and fall of other sides. etc etc. Free agency and equalisation measures have forced change. Premierships are there to be won any given year now for sides who can make the top 8. We've been rebuilding for a [censored] eternity and I will be physically ill if I watch Carlton rise from the dust and overtake us next year due to being more aggressive, bold and ruthless as a club. I'm excited by next year without a doubt, but there's air of conservatism still associated with our club that makes me extremely uncomfortable. Goodwin talks ruthlessness non-stop and it's time to be ruthless in all areas as a club. We should be cutting Carlton's lunch by getting in Martin's ear and picking him up in the pre-season draft. As Goodwin says, "the game owes you nothing". Make it happen MFC.

Hertz have upped their deal, which is a great get IMO, especially given the length of term. Not sure what that means for Zurich and/or Jag though, as you wouldn't have 3 major sponsors would you? Hertz elevates partnership with Melbourne

Dover's got a history of this. In the lead up to the 2012 mini draft this is from an article in relation to Martin nominating for the mini draft. I'd like to know Jason's thoughts on the 'wrong club' and the 'right environment': It is a system that Martin's manager, Jason Dover, said could work for the teenager if he is recruited into the right environment. However, it is possible he would remain in WA for the first 12 months of any deal if that didn't happen. "We need to make a decision by Wednesday as to whether Jack nominates or not and part of that decision is weighting up which clubs are likely to figure for this," Dover told AFL.com.au. "If it looks like the deal is done with the wrong club and we don't believe it would be best for Jack's development, then there is every chance that he'll stay in WA for that 12 months. "Having a year in the system and developing a lot of the positive habits would be perfect for him in the right environment and with the right plan around him. "I can see it working really well for a player like Jack, it's just trying to get him into the right environment."

Frost broke lines like a champ, then turned it over, which meant that there were loose forwards over his head that kicked goals Had to go

I’m not opposed to the idea. Gawn took 5 years to show anything. I love Gawny, but how will he be holding up in 5 years time?

They were all dumb risks. Taking a hugely talented delisted free agent for next to nothing with the last spot on the list is a smart risk.

Love all the thoughts and given that I've only really had a good look at Rowell and Serong, my order is based on what I think each club's list managers would be thinking. 1 GC - Rowell - This guy is such an amazing hardworker and a beautiful baulker, reminds me a little of a smaller Robert Harvey. May be too small to be a long-term superstar, but definitely a SC special in his first year and guaranteed 200-gamer. 2 GC - Anderson - I've noticed how Knightmare and others already see his upside and he's got his dad's athleticism. I reckon he may struggle a bit at AFL level early, but once his body adjusts he oozes class and he is a better kick than his dad. He trained with us mid-season and I'm sure it would throw a spanner now in our planning if the Suns didn't take him. The AFL puts so much money into the Suns, and they have already made it clear to them and us what they want. 3 Melb - Hayden Young (Dandenong) - I loved what dazzledavey said about him. "Young in my opinion is one of the best users of the footy in the draft. Absolute sublime with his ability to bullet low 40m passes on both sides of his body. Yes he is genuinely a duel sided player with both feet. Plays his best footy across half back as the quarter back who will sit out the back of the stoppage and wait for the handball receive to then set up a counter attack with his foot skills, but also his intercept marking is exceptionally well. Had stints as a midfielder after the championships and showed that he has the ability to push up into the midfield as a genuine wingman who could deliver with poise inside 50. Honestly you just want the ball in this kids hands at every opportunity because he uses it so well." We need a quick defender, especially with Frost departing and with Hibberd and Jetta getting on, so we need someone like Young with run and kicking ability to take the pressure off Salem. I can't see us taking Serong this early, even though he is a guaranteed 200-gamer, because I reckon we feel our midfield is good enough and we may yet add Martin to our group of onballers. 4 Adel - Dylan Stephens (SA) - I reckon they will weigh him up with Will Gould, who is another SA player and one who shone in the SANFL finals. But Stephens has pace and I reckon that's what Adelaide needs big time now. They will also consider Serong and Flanders, but surely the logic of recent seasons will tell them to go local. 5 GWS - Tom Green (NSW) - I haven't seen any of his games, but the reports say he's an inside bull and I reckon Sydney will want him enough to put a bid on him and he lives virtually on their doorstep. He actually fits Sydney's requirements more than GWS, especially with Kennedy almost finished and Parker getting on, but unless they are planning some cute swap he will surely join the Giants and back-up their gun midfielders. 6 Syd - Luke Jackson (WA) or Sam Flanders (Gippsland) - I've jumped Jackson up the order because I reckon Sydney will have been so [censored] off this year that they didn't have a back-up ruck plan once they started getting injuries and reports say Jackson could be a bit like a future Grundy and with Blakey and Daniher (after next year), they will have their bigs shored up for post-Franklin days. If they feel Jackson is too much of a stretch and could still be around their pick 25, then I reckon they will go Flanders and groom him for the Kennedy role in 2021.They will also consider Serong, but I reckon his lack of size and their good history with mids will see them want the bigger-body option. 7 Frem - Devon Robertson (Perth) - I've assumed here that GWS had to give up pick 6 as part of their Green acquisition and I can't really see how the Giants can get around losing six, unless the Swans come to some sort of whacky deal - very happy if a draft expert can explain how they can manipulate it for me. As a result Freo should have pick seven and having made last year their bigs draft, they will want more midfield help for Fyfe, although Brayshaw and Cerra should be even better next season. Freo will have to decide between Serong, Kemp (coming off a knee injury that will mean he barely plays next season, if at all) and their own boy Robertson, who was a star for WA's winning U18 team. As with Adelaide, they have been burnt by Victorians wanting to go home, so surely they will go their own lad. Surely! 8 Melb - Cody Weightman (Dandenong) or Caleb Serong/Sam Flanders (Gippsland) - This hopefully is a lot tougher for Tubby Taylor than simply just reading out Weightman's name. Clearly we were excited by the prospect of the pacey, quick forward with a leap and that's why sold the farm to go up the order. But Cody is pretty small (just 177cm - 5ft10in) and we have already spent the past three drafts trying to find small forwards who can play near the goalsquare (Spargo and Sparrow with our top remaining picks and Bedford, Chandler, Lockhart with speculative picks). It infuriates me that this obsession led us to having 15 sub 6-footers on our list and whilst we have moved on two of them, Cody would be another vertically challenged player in an era when smalls need to be incredibly fast plus manic tacklers - and not one of our choices has majorly explosive leg-speed. In one sense, I reckon we already solved our small forward problem this year when we sent Jayden Hunt there too harass and whilst his evasive skills and smooth kicking need working on, he certainly harassed. Hunt's not too dissimilar to Castagna and provided Young and Joel Smith (if fit) can cope with quick forwards up the other end, then Hunt is a good option alongside Petracca, Melky, Fritter and maybe ANB. So if someone has some Cody videos please put them on DL as I don't really understand why we would move heaven and earth to get him - maybe a few freakish snaps and leaps will make it clearer. The more sensible option to me is to go whichever one of Serong or Flanders that is left over. This will add depth to our midfield and both can spend their first season primarily being used up forward as they develop bodies. From the games I saw Serong was the second best junior behind Rowell. He is a tad small (180cm), but he's got a good leap, tackles hard and kicks beautifully to position. To me he looked a safe bet to be drafted by the Roos at 8, but for some reason they must have felt he'd go earlier, and jumped at the prospect of our 2020 pick. From all reports Flanders (182cm) is a huge talent as well that could develop into a frontliner. I am not sure about how quick either of these two are, but they both scored a few bags of goals as mids and if they have enough speed, then it's a tick from me.

He could be the 3rd tall and help in the ruck whilst developing. Obviously as a tall he won't peak for a while but I'd be confident he won't take as long as most talls to have significant impact.

The Cup has about 5 main chances including Steel Prince with Oliver on Board (R7 No.11) And Oliver is on a good chance in Race 6 ... No.7 'O'tauto' (13-1) Good each-way odds for a horse that gets into the finish a lot. And it has raced at Group level. Good first up form as well. But each-way. Likes to get home late but has drawn wide to get back anyway. Up against 'Harbour Views' & 'Impi' but I rate O'tauto' as being as good as those 2.

If Martin doesn’t want to engage and explore the possibility of being in red and blue next year, then let’s move on. Not sook to the AFL Not blow our budget its Really no big deal, he’s a player who’s not achieved a lot despite evident potential and talent.

To force them to use their first pick on him. If he's not nominated before their first pick then they grab another talented kid and then pay for him later in the draft.

That's Oliver 'norm'...I reckon he had a down season in 2019 and he still tied for the B&F. He will take it by storm in 2020...

HUN article quoting Martins manager stating that there are many ways to structure a contract to scare off rivals. By rivals he means Ds and GC. The article then talks of first season at $800k plus that the Ds would not match given he would request a trade after the first season. The article actually says 'would request a trade after the first season. You cannot get much more blatant draft tampering than those sorts of plans. I would say the Ds would be seeking clarification from the AFL. The AFL would need to step in to stop this. If not this could happen on a regular basis. It will scare clubs into accepting low ball offers for out of contract players or risk losing them for nothing in the PSD via dodgy structured contracts and the threat of walking out after one season if drafted by the non preferred club. If the AFL allows a dodgy contract to stand then I doubt we will draft him.

A plodder who player all but a game or so over three years in a top 8 team. If only we had some of those home grown plodders.

He played more AFL games than you big boy.

Rather fortunate to still have a spot on the list - hopefully can improve significantly in 2020 Definitely behind May, Lever, Petty and probably Hore for mine Probably kept his spot due to the movement of Frost who offered more atm IMO

I'll quietly leave the room...

I wouldnt bet my art deco flat on it happening but Jordon has a chance to be a star. He has two very rate attributes that appeared, albeit fleetingly this season that very few players have. The spearing 45m kick and the ability to make the game stand still in traffic. I have question marks on his pace and question marks on his aerial competitiveness, but theres a chance this guy could become a very very good inside mid. Sparrow stylistically reminds me of a young Todd Viney - He moves the same, has a similar build and the kicking biomechanics are eerily similar. Hopefully next season we get more of a chance to see if he can be anywhere near as good a player.