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MELBOURNE veteran Tom McDonald has secured another deal for 2025. McDonald, who turns 32 next week, has been in talks to extend for another season in recent weeks. The Victorian is now finalising a deal to play on for a 15th season with the Demons

Had a bit to do with him through the bushies. Came through with the likes of Clayton Oliver and Josh Schache. Absolute man mountain in terms of his physical presence. Very Lloyd Meek like. Probably very similar to Meek in the way that he plays. He works hard both ways and can take a good contested grab at times. Bit of a journeyman, came through with the Shepparton Bears then transitioned to VFL level where he had some stints with Werribee playing as a CHB. Made the move to Norwood where he's played primarily as a ruckman and has dominated. Very proud to see how much he's improved and hope he gets a shot at it because he's a genuinely good bloke and an incredible hard worker.

Why do I feel like we're in the op-shop looking through the rack of 3rd hand jackets and trousers?

The midfielder we pick up at pick 5 will add more value next year (let alone the 13 beyond that) than an injury-prone Cerra.

Mark Robinson reporting in a Herald Sun article that former MFC President Joseph Gutnick met current President Brad Green, apparently to make the following suggestions:- ● MAKING the disgruntled Christian Petracca the heir apparent to skipper Max Gawn. ● STRONGLY endorsing Green as the permanent president; ● URGING a settlement in the bitter legal dispute between the club and former president Glen Bartlett ● KEEPING under-fire chief executive Gary Pert. According to Joe: "I told Brad that if I was president I would ask the coach to move on," Gutnick said. "I know there would be players who wouldn't agree with me, however, 100 per cent of the supporters I'm friends with, both Jewish and non-Jewish, think he should move on. "Melbourne needs a rejuvenation and injection and that's one of the ways to do it." Pity that Robbo hasn’t taken the trouble to do a fact check on the claim which sounds ludicrous to me. I’m Jewish and have friends who support the club who are both Jewish and non-Jewish and zero per cent of my friends have suggested they hold that belief. The person who I believe should move on is Gutnick himself - I once supported the bloke but that was 20 years ago. Today, he has zero credibility when it comes to football.

Not necessarily. A Board role is to consider, amend, sign-off key matters of every department. The CEO is the primary conduit for those matters. So how he performs and his interaction with the Board should be reviewed. Performance examples reported to the Board are membership, sponsorship, strategic plan, governance, financial results, player contracts, football department etc etc. I would be quite concerned if a Board performance review didn't cover the interaction with the CEO. It doesn't mean Pert's position is in jeopardy but he doesn't get a free pass.

so joe invites greeny to lunch, does all the talking, then rings up robbo to tell him what he told greeny greeny should be more careful who he has lunch with. first lesson for new pres.

Clubs can't hold to everyone, but we let an absolute gun player slip through the net for one reason or another. His goal assist in the last quarter on Saturday where he was close to the boundary but cooly hit a Sydney player in front of goal was awesome footy smarts. You can live with Harmes going elsewhere, but this one stings. Kind of feels as though last year's trade and free agency period was the first nail in the 2024 coffin. Grundy, Jordon and Harmes out for Billings, McAdam and Fullarton was a terrible net loss.

You'd imagine that Cerra is on good coin so his trade value is diminished even further. I wouldn't even entertain a future 1st for him.

Demonland certainly didn't rate him. There was constant criticism of him in 2023 for being too slow to move the ball on when he had possession. He's been described in this thread as a "gun" and as a "hack" but he's neither of these extremes.

Pick 5 in the rookie draft maybe

Just listened to Malcolm Speed's take on our review/s on Whately this morning. For those that don't know, Speed is an extremely well credentialled senior sports administrator, with a very long and comprehensive CV in this area, after previously practicing as a Barrister. His insights are enlightening, calm and realistic. Journos would do well to listen to this man who knows what he's talking about, rather than spewing their own editorial opinion. You can listen here: https://dcs-spotify.megaphone.fm/NTETP8079870429.mp3?key=be5acad3312a69988c017a2deec15a7d&request_event_id=a792b98b-c882-4c28-93e9-ec35d197f616&source=3&timetoken=1726028409_4E1C7760D0A139A5FA97C1816C5585D7

With Daniel Shand, I would expect the review to be mostly focussed on culture which is what should happen. Daniel Shand would have learnt a lot about culture from Graham Henry, who is credited for building the All Black culture and for a period being the most successful team ever. Shand was there from 2004 with Henry. Henry is well known for stating "“Culture eats strategy for breakfast”. When he took over the All Blacks they had a win percentage of 75%, the best in the world, but a [censored] culture. They had failed in 4 consecutive world cups despite being favourites (A lesson for all demonlanders who defend our culture based on W-L records and not finals results). This article delves into it a little bit https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/sep/08/graham-henry-new-zealand-rugby-world-cup Under Henry their motto became "You’re an All Black 24/7" and they were expected to behave off-field, sweep the change rooms, be selfless etc etc. But the player leadership were a key part of the change. Under his reign the win percentage went up to 86%. The 2011 - 2015 percentage was 94% and they won the 2015 WC. The 2011 world cup is an interesting read in the context of our 2022/2023 straight sets exits. Everything that could go wrong went wrong for the All Blacks. But they had planned for it and their 4th string fly-half (Stephen Donald) got them over the line in the final. Henry was criticised a lot for "gifting" players All Black Caps over the years (Stephen Donald as a 4th stringer had 22 caps by 2011). But it was all about planning for World Cup scenarios such as the What-ifs. They knew exactly what to do if anyone got injured or in any unexpected scenario. Ironically, after 2015 the All Blacks have been gradually sliding. Their win rate over the last 4 years is down to 70%. Their could be other factors, but it would not surprise me that if the culture that Henry built over 7 years was maintained for a while and then started to slide. I trust Shand will do a great job.

Further to my earlier comments about Caro's ill-informed rant, she is either irresponsibly or deliberately ignorant of the facts. It really is quite poor the way the rest of the panel sit there wide-eyed and slack jawed as though she is saying anything revelatory and informative. For one thing, Caro tries to make it sinister that CP was first taken to the Epworth (the closest hospital to the G). And it is certainly not the fault of the MFC or the hospital that the initial scan did not reveal the extent of CP's injuries. We all know, because we have been paying attention, that it took two scans and then and only then a dash to the trauma unit at the Alfred. Now Michael Warner is having a go today, and describing MFC as a, and I quote, "****show". He is such a wordsmith isn't he, this trained journalist, such a wordsmith...Clive James must be spinning in his grave with envy. And on the SAME PAGE as Warner, Jon Ralph reports this: "Melbourne's treatment of CP's injury...was given a tick of approval by multiple reviews conducted by the AFL and the AFL Doctors' Association, despite his anger at the club's treatment of his incident. "The reviews found that while it was regrettable Petracca had been put back on the ground, the actual processes put in place by Melbourne's doctors had not been flawed. (my emphasis) "The Demons used the AFL's emergency physician at the MCG for a second opinion with the review finding initial consultation in hospital was unable to diagnose his spleen concern. "AFL Doctors' Association boss, and Gold Coast club doctor Barry Rigby is also an intensive care doctor. "We have looked at Christian's circumstances closely and done a constructive critique on what did nor did not happen. Hindsight is a wonderful gift...but there was an adequate assessment done. The decision in retrospect (to return him to the ground) was the wrong one, but we don't want to criticise the process." Now that is dealing with facts and findings in contrast to Caro who is all shadow and innuendo. And as for those gormless co panellists, they have no idea.

Absolute no brainer. Tommy just played his most consistent season since arguably 2018. With Tomlinson likely St Kilda bound, Adams still developing and Turner's new role in the forward line we need all the tall defensive depth we can muster. This will also give him a decent chance at 250 games next year as well which would be a terrific achievement and well deserved.

Well done, TMac, thoroughly deserved 👏

surely geelong must have property cap problems?

Would we give up Pick 5 for him if available? AFL trade news, rumours, whispers 2024: Jake Stringer told people he’s played last game for Essendon, Craig McRae leading Collingwood interest, watch on Adam Cerra (foxsports.com.au)

who gives a F what Joe thinks?

AFL can get [censored]. Anyone good enough in our NGA gets taken off us? What a [censored] joke.

Ants can carry up to 20x their own body weight you’d think their hamstrings were pretty good right

I feel like the bigger report here is why nothing was done about this until the CEO returned after 3 months of leave, in the middle of the season. Fair ball drop from the AFLPA here.

Only if Carlton threw in Walsh and Curnow as steak knives.

Very good interview. He is clearly well versed in the situation and hopefully Whateley actually listened to his guest because it would sure change his coverage of our club. Most importantly Speed stresses that the reviews are not public material. They are meant to be confidential and not a media picnic.

This thread...

Both Jewish AND non-Jewish... well, that settles it. Seriously, I had my doubts about Green having the nous for this position, even in a temporary capacity. This certainly doesn’t settle my nerves.

Not sure why he is part of our NGA program if the rules are clear we don’t get access to him via draft Why would we be pumping time and resources into someone with absolutely zero benefit Do we not know the rules or do the goal posts always shift for us

Good news. Had a great season and is a leader we could absolutely use around the club.

Good on him, he worked for it. Gives us another year's cover for the younger brigade (whoever they are ...).

Bump. The Dees parted with their future third-round pick in exchange for him. Future 3rd is now pick 43 in this draft. I was not keen and he will certainly not improve. His skill and kicking (especially his goalkicking) was sub standard. 4 goals in 16 games from half forward. Warning to all that are now considering Macrae and Caleb Daniel. No !!! We shouldn’t be a salary dumping ground for players in decline

Great to hear that @dazzledavey36 we a missing a trick here if we don't ask the question here. He has a presence about him. Alot of Lloyd Meek about him and has been dominating the 2nd best league around. Takes marks around the ground and has forward craft at Full forward which we are crying out for. Deserves a chance, can't see another ruckman outside of 6-8 ruckman in the AFL that can match his output, he has developed out of sight. The numbers he has put up this year and since he came to play for Norwood in 2022 have been incredible.

Had his chance to join us after we won the flag. That ship has now sailed.

From the heady days of less than 5 minutes, the average time between posts has now slipped out to beyond 6. There is hope.

I’d have to say, proven to be NO !!!

Hopefully this review will finally put a line in the Shand!

Pies have asked the Suns for pick 12 in exchange for Noble, haha

I was talking about last year - we didn't even have Billings. The whole point of my post was about hindsight.

And despite some (valid) criticism of our high performance team, we’ve been really good when it comes to avoiding and managing soft tissue injuries I’d back them in to get him fit if he came over

I'd give our second round pick for him. If we could get his body right he'd be a super pick up for us

Speed said that the review shouldn't be made public because it could damage people's reputation. But if changes are made as a result of a review, then any person that loses their job ultimately has their reputation damaged. I think the point he was making is that the review should be brutally honest, regardless of whether wholesale changes occur. For instance, Goodwin could survive the review, but still have brutal feedback conveyed to him without it being public knowledge.

As always, hindsight is a wonderful thing. He was not in our best 22 last year and very few people thought he was -I still don't see who he would have replaced. So he didn't get a regular game and wanted to try elsewhere. All perfectly fair enough, good luck to him.

Jordon hasn't shown he can play a role consistently well at AFL level aside from tagger. He has shown this at the Swans too. We don't use hard taggers every week so he leaves. Maybe we should start doing this but I think Goodwin doesn't favour it I personally have no angst over him doing well as a tagger with the Swans. Good on him

Don't know if this has been posted elsewhere, but HOW and WHY is Gary Pert a part of conducting the review of the men's football program? "This review is being conducted by President Brad Green, CEO Gary Pert and external consultant Darren Shand." - MFC website. Gary Pert should very much be under review. He is at the top, he needs to be investigated, and should come into question regarding his polarizing statements around club culture. In his position he was primed to identify any early signs to ensure the right environment was set. It clearly spiraled out of control.

💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔 How James Jordon went from fringe Demon to one of AFL’s best taggers James Jordon has gone from a Melbourne fringe dweller to one of the most important players in Sydney’s premiership quest The 2024 season couldn’t have gone more to plan for Jordon. Following an off-season move to Sydney from the Dees, he has played every match for John Longmire’s side. Initially brought in as a midfield-forward who would bring pressure around the contest, the Swans eventually converted him into an out-and-out tagger to deploy on the best opposition players — “Best tagger in the league,” Nick Blakey interjects during the interview as he’s walking past. His efforts have been invaluable in their run to the minor premiership and he’s now proven that he can replicate that form in finals. “He’s been superb for us,” Longmire said of Jordon. “He’s incredibly disciplined, but he’s also a terrific runner. “There were some important moments with he, Chad and Heens and those guys running hard in that last term. He was one of those guys and we love the way he goes about his job.” But Saturday’s match was also a sweet moment of satisfaction for the 23-year-old. After regularly being on the fringes at Melbourne, including as an unused sub in the 2021 grand final triumph, he finally has been given the belief that he belongs on the biggest stage. “It gives me a lot of confidence as well, to go out there knowing that all the coaches back me in and I am loving it,” he said. We’ve got such a great team with so many great players. And you know, it’s the selflessness of the team. For example, Errol got tagged (by the Giants) but he was massive in a lot of different ways. “This is exactly why I came, and I’m loving it.”

With Jagga yes he slight up top of course. But he has fantastic core/hip strength. This is why I liken him to Daicos. He has similar low centre of gravity and ability to twist and shift his hips to get out of tackles/traffic. Have a look at some of his games for Richmond in the VFL and you will see how well he's already performing around mature bodies. They simply can't catch him at times because of his ability to get out of traffic. His ability to get on the move and open up the ground is fantastic On your last statement I would have traditionally agreed with you. But we have the big bodied mids at the moment (Clarry, Trac, Rivers) what we desperately need is what the best midfields have now which is someone with elite agility, pace and accurate damaging ball use. We have the physical contested ball winners. What we need is an outside mid who can get out of traffic and create with excellent foot skills. O'Sullivan, Jagga and Draper are the three highest quality mids in this regard high agility, speed, skills and clean. Unfortunately I think all three will be picked ahead of us. If for some reason one of those slid (or we traded up) that would be amazing.

We wouldn't have to, if the media acted appropriately and didn't set about damaging our club.

Prior to this finals series I would have agreed with you, but players of a similar age at both the Hawks and the Cats are advancing at a more rapid rate. We are lagging behind in our player development. Bedford and Jordan are testament to that. Sparrow going backwards.