Leaderboard

Also people, it would only be human for Jake to come here and see the reaction to his arrival by the supporters. I’m confident players quickly learn to avoid this place, but factor in him or his relatives possibly reading this stuff, and consider positivity instead of projecting your MFCSS all over the kid. Further to this, the Spargo trashing on this site is [censored] pathetic.

His highlights package reminded me a bit of Melksham the way he lowers his eyes and pinpoints a low pass into 50. But then he went and tackled someone and the comparison was lost.

I thought Charlie was good late in the season. Doesn’t deserve the abuse.

When you order a Clayton Oliver off Wish.com

Pert: Talked about End of Year Review and changes made and how it's being implemented $3 million cut by the AFL out of the soft cap - lost 30% of staff across the board Leadership at the club - Alan Richardson in charge of the AFL men's program - installing new assistants Targeted Yze because he is acknowledged as one of the best assistants in the AFL. Been great from day one, bringing great IP to the club Stafford - made Max the best ruckman at the club - now has a broader assistant role - working with the forward line Chaplin - backline was solid all year in an up and down year - focus on developing the backline further in 2021 On field consistency is key factor - psychological and physical resilience Consistent performance within a game is the key goal. consistency between games - too much variation from week to week in 2020. See our best football as good as the Geelongs etc but too much drop off from week to week. Best teams are the ones that can execute consistency and players have to be the drivers of this. Standards and discipline is important 2020 was the toughest year we have been through Psychological resilience is important and will be worked on Physical resilience with Burgess - had healthiest list and players were the fittest they have ever been. 2020 was only the First year of the program - 2nd year will be a step up. Skill execution against top teams needs to be worked on. (including goal kicking) Williams will be a great teacher Elite training facilities - Preseason will be done exclusively at Casey on the MCG sized ground. Will make a huge difference Built an indoor kicking facility that every other club has to be used during the year regardless of the weather. Number 1 off season priority is the Home Base - AFL standard and sized ground, with indoor facilities Game style and list management - players and coaches have confidence in the current game style. Supporters not so sure but coaches and players are very confident that it will work. Few tweaks from new assistants

Think it was @goodoil that posted a link to a game involving Max Holmes playing in 2019 when he was all the rage as a bolter linked to us by cal. I watched about 15-20minutes of the game and I came away none the wiser about Max but super impressed with Bowey. Looked a cut above with his skills, composure and pace. Think I made a comment then that I would be happy to see him in our colours and that hasn't changed. Welcome aboard Jake.

I enjoyed the part where he did an assessment of himself being a difficult match up for opponents on the wing, considering his height, endurance and speed. Verbatim - "put a normal sized winger on me and I'll out mark them, put a bigger guy on me and I'll get them with my running/endurance/speed". Very confident young fella ?

New Demon Q & A Ben Brown Dees were clear stand out for him - Goody, Burgo, Gawn & Viney presented to him Currently in Tassie Can't wait for training in January Hasn't played a lot on the G Excited about playing more on the G Played his first game on the G against the DeeS Won 7 out of 8 against the Dees Has been for a run with Maxy and a few boys already Excited for the new chapter Knee feeling good Burgo has made a big impression on him Will be fit to start in January Feels like he has the level of footy to kick 60 goals again. Looking forward to working with Weid, LJ, Spargo and Fritsch in the Forward line Hair immaculate.

Interestingly burgess, before responding to a question on surgeries returned to a previous question from 'james' about the Cairns schmooze and arriving on the day and with a fair bit of feeling said it was certainly not their choice, it was the afl. And noted the opposition had two days prep in Cairns. Sounded pretty annoyed.

Welcome to Melbourne Jake. I am going to go ahead right now and apologise in advance for our supporters who love to judge a book by it's cover and write off players they have not seen play for more than 1 minute. If you were 198cm but couldn't run or kick, they'd call you the next Buddy. So errr... good luck.

The ‘dunking’ on Spargo in this thread is a tad unseemly. It’s also a self-own as Charlie will play more of a role in the team in 2021 than this kid...

Tanner Bruhn has the look of the next Giant to leave after serving his mandatory 2 years.

Caught the last 10 minutes or so as they were going through the Q&A and I have to say - big props and hats off to the club for doing this and engaging the supporters in this way. Thought the Q&A might be a bit awkward and clumsy but it was really quite succinct and professionally managed – I really enjoyed seeing other Dees supporters in front of their screens knowing they were as passionate as me and not complete fruit loops. I’m sure the club carefully selected the questions but they were queries I’ve heard a lot about on this site so they haven’t shied away and it appears they might have made some ‘learnings’ along the way - only time will tell I guess. Love this club and it was nice hearing from the people entrenched within it that they are working as hard as I hope they are. Go Dees.

Welcome aboard Jake - your families reaction gave me goose bumps even got the dogs involved. It will be great to have a pacey player with an excellent kick and tons of courage in the Red & Blue, I can see you running around the Gee in 2021.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We whinge and moan all year about not having anyone who can kick teh ball and no pace.. we go and get one and then we still find reason to do teh same. Its a needs selection, smart selection, as is Laurie and even Rosman. They are what we need. We didnt need Carroll, or we didnt need Cook, we have those types, we dont have Bowey or Laurie types. Drafting for the now, as they should, the window is open for us, these guys get it an kick it nicely, read the play well, are clever, have some pace, and can play through midfield, wing or fwd line. Its a really good haul for 3 picks.

Left footed wingman with pace height and X factor Tick

Overall im quite happy with how we went tonight. Laurie and Bowey are two of the absolute best kicks in the draft which is obviously what we've been crying out for. Laurie I think is a really good chance to play round 1 next year who should be able to slot straight in as a small forward. Bowey could be a chance as well up forward depending on what structure we want to go with, or he could even line up on the opposite wing to Langdon round 1 if he's fit enough. Laurie and Bowey are both very zippy, good tacklers, and most importantly have elite skills and are elite decision makers with ball in hand. When Taylor said we were after quick, creative, classy players that is Laurie and Bowey to a tee and very happy with the pickups. A bit disappointed we didn't go for Carroll but there must be some valid reason we didn't pick him but never less Fraser Rosman is another exciting youngster who could be anything. Extremely raw with having played only a few NAB league games as a 17 year old but has some serious weapons with height, pace, endurance, and booming kick. Could potentially become a unique wingman or key forward. Apparently tore up a practice game for Sandringham at the start of the year and could've shot up the boards. Definitely a pick on potential and we probably won't see much of him next year but it looks like a potential high reward investment in years to come.

I really appreciate the club for doing this. Even though Zoom isn't an ideal platform for something like this, it was good of the club to stick to their word and run this again for members after starting it last year. Credit probably goes to Pert. A few critical observations: Absolutely no mention of Josh Mahoney. That probably isn't too surprising given the news this week but he didn't even get an acknowledgment from the team for over a decade of service. Read into that what you like. On that note, there was no presentation from the football department (Alan Richardson answered a few questions but didn't present a football-specific review). This was handled by Mahoney last year and my assumption is that Pert and Lamb took on most of this in their spiels. But what it meant was that we didn't get too many specifics from someone close to the football side of things about what went right and wrong this year. I mean, Goodwin spoke, but he speaks in such shallow platitudes and cliches that he gives supporters very little insight. In last year's presentation, I thought Mahoney was very candid about where we are at and what went wrong. In his absence, I was hoping Richardson might be the new person to provide some of those football-specific insights that are too low-level for Pert and Bartlett and too intellectual for Goodwin. As for Goodwin, I wish he knew how to give an example! A question was asked during the Q&A about what being ruthless meant to him and he gave a 1 mark answer to a 5 mark question (as a teacher, this is the best analogy I can come up with). He gave a vague definition of what ruthlessness was, but couldn't name a specific example of what that actually tangibly means for the players or coaches. I've always assumed he keeps things close to his chest to not be too revealing, but the more I listen to him I get the sense that he's actually a pretty poor communicator who tries too hard to say the right thing rather than saying anything useful. (And this is coming from someone who likes him) I can only hope there's a different side of him that's specific and clear when talking to the players about his game plan. Pert responded to a question about Melbourne's BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goals). He outlined his vision for the club, but he seemed more enthused about building the membership base to 75,000 (which he mentioned about 3 times) than winning a premiership (which he mentioned once, but it was contextualised by "if we are making the finals consistently"). I wish the leaders at the club were more explicit about the fact that we want to win a premiership and that is our core goal as an organisation. Even if that's not what Pert's KPI is, I want him to believe that he can and will win a flag and for him to be bold about it. Ditto Bartlett, Goodwin, etc. As long suffering fans, we know that winning a premiership is hard work and probably not going to come for another 100 years. But for God's sake, give us some hope that that's at least what we're aiming for! (And not just because it's in a strategic plan, but because it's a driving force behind the football club and its culture)

This is really worth a read: https://afl.draftcentral.com.au/2020/06/02/marquee-matchups-jake-bowey-vs-errol-gulden/ The more I am reading about Jake, the more I am realising, sheesh I know why he went round 1. NAB league in 2019, he was one of the reasons the Dragons made it so deep into the comp. Named in the best across the Dragons' year, including in the finals. Named in the best in the Futures game as well in 2019. And the thing I keep reading is that he is a winger, not a forward. Maybe Taylor does know a thing or two.

Everywhere Neil Balme baby sits wins a premiership.

Appears now omac had gone Spargo is the newb favourite whipping boy for some

"Yes but you see Goody, the final 8 system was a joke back in 1998. We belted you in the first week of the finals and our reward was being put into the harder part of the draw while your Adelaide mob got a 2nd chance and a free ride into the Grand Final. I will never forget that."

When draftees are born in the 2000s and you own handbags older than that.

So, after four seasons, you would have removed Hardwick? What factors other than results can we look to, so that we make sure we're not jumping at shadows? It's true that the head coach has a high level of responsibility but he's not the only influence on results. At risk of overdoing the Richmond comparison, where does the credit for their success lie? If I had to give a percentage, I'd say that less than 50% belongs to the coach. I'm not really here to defend Goodwin, but I do question the idea that he is an 'awful' coach (or a great one for that matter) based on the information presented. Those that want Yze as senior coach equally seem to be making a blind assertion about his ability. On CV alone, you'd take Neeld over Yze at the same point in their careers which is evidence that being sure about a coaches ability without any inside knowledge, is ludicrous. There are some pretty compelling precedence (Geelong and Richmond come to mind) for holding our nerve. Our constant and well demonstrated impatience as a football club could be our greatest weakness.

Majority of our speedy players run in straight lines. We haven't had too many players that have been quick, evasive and that were renowned for hitting targets. Could be a great connector. Plays tall for his size too and has had senior footy experience as 16 yr old. Think this young fella may just surprise a few. Cult Hero in the making.

Like all highlights they only show the best of the recuits not the blunders so we need a better sample of the player and you need to see what he does when his team does not have the ball, shepards, blocks, spoils, chases, tackles and knock ons. I have watch football since 1953 and I am amazed that people still don't value athletes who have height, endurance and speed very well but the this year the No 1 draft pick has some of these and yet pick 34 seem to have the same attributes and we tend to devalue him because he is pick 34. I will make a prediction this player will become an elite player provided he put his mind and soul into the game, he reminds me of a young Koutoufides.

Dont be deceived by the kicking action. He actually drops the ball lower and closer to his foot thereby alleviating and minimising margin for error. He wont fudge many at all! I like what he brings, Pace, Agility, Poise, takes a great contested grab and kicks very well! Stay Tuned, some serious X Factor from what I've seen.

Spargo’s still young, he’s shown he’s got what it takes. Will he be regular 22, that’s largely up to how hard he works and a dose of luck. I like the kid and wish him all the best.

The highlights look very impressive. Evasiveness, hitting targets, tackling. with a couple of check side goals for good measure. If he can develop and reproduce these skills at AFL level then we have a real player on our hands. Melksham has competition, finally.

Williams said his initial focus will be on the 1-3 year players. Macca did a very good job with the 2014-2016 recruits. A perfect time for him to arrive for Choco to arrive. Jackson, Kozzie, Rivers, Bowey, Laurie and Rosman are going to love learning from him. We addressed our small fwd and wingman needs last night. No gaps on the list. Yes, always room for improvement but not gaps. We now have our premiership list. Time to make it happen!

I joke about the depth in his kick but Spargo improved last year. He is a link player, not a goal kicker. In his best games his score involvements were in the top couple of players on the ground. His issue is consistency but I think that will come with games. Some hamstring curls won’t do any harm either. I hold hope for Charles.

People posting as though they have any idea about how this kid plays based on some highlights, his weight and height. Welcome to the MFC, Jake.

That’s not where they keep the hand sanitizer!

Reminded me of a young Fraser Gehrig...

Fair point chook plus he is still only a kid. We've now drafted 2 more small guys to compete for his spot. It will be interesting to see how he responds to this pressure.

I think we get too attached to players that are potentially coming to us through someone's Phantom Drafts. Jason Taylor has the runs on the board, and if the club feel these are the players we need at our club moving forward, then I'll back that. To be honest though I'm pretty ambivalent to it all right now. As a supporter I want to get behind them as much as possible and give them the chance to develop and work their way into our side. Too much water to go under the bridge yet - let's see what they're doing in 2023/24.

We whinge and moan all year about not having anyone who can kick teh ball and no pace.. we go and get one and then we still find reason to do the same. Its a needs selection, smart selection, as is Laurie and even Rosman. They are what we need. We didnt need Carroll, or we didnt need Cook, we have those types, we dont have Bowey or Laurie types. Drafting for the now, as they should, the window is open for us, these guys get it an kick it nicely, read the play well, are clever, have some pace, and can play through midfield, wing or fwd line. Its a really good haul for 3 picks.

I am calling it now will be a better player then the dogs no 1 pick, no joke.

Someone should do a Internet age MFC whipping boy timeline. Think Simon Godfrey was first of the alumni

We have recruited two flexible small fwds and a flexible wingman. We have addressed our needs. No gaps on the field any longer. Get them to gel. A bit of experience. A consistent game plan. This is our premiership list.

Started with: 2020: 26, 53, 68, 69 2021: r1, r2, r3, r4 Players: Hannan, Pruess Ended with: 2020: 18, 19, 28 (21: Bowey, 22: Laurie, 34: Rosman) 2021: r2 (bris), r3(wb), r3(hawks) Players: Ben Brown

Draft was held in October. Tonight was just for show.

Shheeit judging by those highlights he could be an absolute beauty. Dazzle is correct, can Clunk a mark!! Pace and footy smarts also can kick a goal! A big like from me!

“Hey Mark, welcome to the club, hey uhm Mark once all of the media stuff is out of the way, can you help me finish my draft picks.... I know I know it’s a little late in the piece but I tend to work best when under time pressure... I like these 15 blokes at our last pick but a little guidance would be good cos I know you’re a superstar at “developing talent” that I’ll select..”

Can't believe the absolute negativity on this site, jake was an absolute star in the nab 2019 future stars game before GF, everyone on here is so negative about anything the MFC do.

I didn’t need to tell you. You and the lads on here who frothed over 2018 who cannot quite reconcile 2019 and 2020 and the various reasons beyond ‘coaching’ that got in the way of your version of success for those years (whilst new peoplE were employed in new roles like all Fd’s across The Comp) and then put it down merely at Goodwins feet as though simplistically he is at fault and the only factor at play here. you lapped up 2018’as he and the FD were innovative - it was thrilling, exciting and that doesn’t happen by chance, and nor was the downward trajectory or 2020’s performances by chance either so what I’m saying @Pickett2Jackson is that I think Goodwin is the right coach for the playing group based on evidence and understanding the constraints that have impinged on our performances rather than simply (simplistically) lumping it at One cog in the systems feet. seems the FD and operational dept have also seen it that way....

Wtf medications are you chewing today? Quit the Pot Shots ? Onion. You may not like it, but the Senior Coach is on notice in ‘21... So he should be...