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Melbourne strongly targeting Brisbane’s first round pick, currently Pick 15 (1112 points). Sending pick 25 from Adelaide (756 points), Pick 38 received from Sydney (465), and Pick 50 will give the Lions 1,494 points to assist with the acquisition of L. Ashcroft.

i feel sorry for people who can't enjoy our flag and feel the need to devalue the achievement

Derksen are the low risk, potentially high reward players we should be after.

There seem to be a number of regular posters which are frustrated by the current state of mainstream AFL media. I made a decision to limit how much time I read or listen to it at the end of last year and it has made me appreciate football much more this year. I avoid anything with Kane Cornes, Damian Barrett or Sam McClure. It's damn hard to avoid as whatever these guys drone on about ends up feeding the wider AFL supporter base and the conversations being had amongst fans. There is a growing number of podcasts and alternative media which is starting to emerge though as there are plenty of others out there seeking something other than 4 white guys talking about how great the winning teams are and how bad the losing teams are each week.

Our 3rd quarter burst was the purest football I've ever seen. 3 goals in 47 seconds to end the quarter. We were away from home for 70 + days. Its the hardest premiership ever won. I will never get tired of the replay.

Wow and we finished top 4 and but for a thug act and some poor kicking for goal, we might have been in another GF. Imagine if we had a good culture then.

Phil Davis is a very thoughtful commentator. He said this on his weekly spot on Whately. FWIW I agree with his position. In addition I think there's no guarantee that Petracca will be playing for MFC is 2025. There's water to flow under that bridge IMO.

I've been impressed with Davis as well. Doubt he would be interested in giving up his media gig, but I would love for him to be involved at the club. Whether it be in a coaching capacity, leadership role or player management/welfare position.

Bring him in as our forward coach.

It's a big call but I too would like us to have the best key forward of the last 25 years.

From the Shun (no; it's in my local coffee shop)

Exactly why I've given sen and afl360 the flick. Whateley's a pseudo mouthpiece. Lost me when he ran the party line on Maynard

Most dominant finals series in the history of the game and the most dominant 50 minutes of grand final football in the history of the game. No matter what way you look at it, you can't tell me the horse is a camel.

1494 points is just shy to the equivalent of pick 9. According to phantom drafts, Ashcroft will go pick 1 or 2. Let's assume it's pick 2 as most clubs who have the first pick won't bid on a player. Pick 2 is 2517 points. With a 20% discount for father sons that will equal 2014 points. Brisbane don't have a current second round pick as they traded it last year. Their next picks as it currently stands is 53 (233 points) and 69 (49 points). 1776 points in total after the hypothetical trade. Technically they can go into deficit which will effect their 1st pick of 2025. I doubt the suggested trade will be enough points to satisfy Brisbane, but it's not far off.

And had we won the flag last year, 'the trend' might have gone in a different direction, but since it was successful for Collingwood, faster ball movement and transition footy became the 2024 norm. Whoever wins this year will be similarly picked apart and influential heading into 2025. I think the trick from a coaching and strategy stand point is being able to predict the upcoming trend and be ahead of the curve. Goody has been there before. In 2017-2018 (era 1) and again in 2021-2023 (era 2). It almost won us two flags in the latest era. Mitchell has talked a bit about this 'playing a game style that stands up in 5 years time' or whatever since he took over. I'm not that convinced he's as good strategically as others seem to think, but time will tell. As you imply, you can't predict the game in 5 years time and if he has predicted it, he seems to be playing a contemporary style now. I think we need new ideas around Goody though, new strategy, but he's shown that he can constantly reshape the way we play, based around the fundamental pillar of contest. I feel adding 'the defence' to 'contest' happened in era 2. Now that footy is going towards offence and offensive power, Goody era 3 will likely use contest and ideally more attack. 2024 was spent working out exactly who could play the faster transition turnover game from the back half and ironically, it actually seemed to have less emphasis on contest and stoppage, and more on intercept and defence. I'm sure we've learned a lot from 2024 though. If we can add in the ball winning power of a fit Clarry and Trac to 2025, plus some unknown x factor from the draft (I'm hoping we get 3 picks inside 25), we can completely transform our style next year to offence and contest. If we want to. This bit's probably for another thread, but I'd be looking for speed (Jagga Smith and Connor Hynes), power (Sam Lalor and Hynes) and ball use (Smith, Lalor and Langford). These alongside Windsor, Kolt, McVee and even AMW is a different Melbourne with Clarry and Viney extracting with chop outs from Trac and Trac inside 50. And finally, all of this is not to say that Goody shouldn't or won't value defence, but I think blind Freddy can see the scales have tipped in the offensive direction (from midway through 2022 onwards), so if we're going to be a more defensive team, he's going to have to work out what that next trend is in the game and use it to stop the ball movement of the faster transition sides. I actually think a key to this is what we do at stoppages with our numbers. What would our game style look like if we added numbers to the stoppage to outnumber? Doesn't mean we can't use our wingers creatively to sure up defence or provide cover for more advanced half backs. If we can get more chances from dangerous areas than our opponent and convert them, will that be the winning formula? Anyway, in case it wasn't obvious, I back Goody.

The 'tracc fiasco'? Honestly, I've never seen so many people sucked into one persons (ie tracc) desired narrative so unquestionably (outside of America or course). What exactly is the tracc fiasco? Tracc fed Morris' his laundry list of complaints, which, combined with inferences people have made from the 'reporting' can be boiled down to, what: - Tracc unhappy with how the club dealt with him post injury - Tracc unhappy the club not more successful - Tracc unhappy being at a club with fewer supporters than the 'big' clubs - Tracc unhappy with the 'culture' at the club (with the inference widely accepted that translates to a party culture) - Tracc unhappy with how clarry was 'handled", before and after his dramas - Tracc unhappy with the 'professionalism' of teamates Have I missed something? Notice the common theme - 'tracc unhappy'. Let's accept that that is how tracc genuinely feels. And let's accept that tracc clearly had an agenda in feeding Morris That's not the same as those issues being real. But of course, it doesn't mean they aren't either - to some degree or other. I can't stand Morris, but don't blame him writing a hit piece based on info tracc fed to him. He is merely feeding an insatiable demand for gossip, and seemingly for information that confirms many dees 'supporters' henny penny complaints. Morris is not a journalist, so has no interest in balance. But it would be great if people did some critical thinking, and rather than just drinking the tracc aid, balanced the 'feelings' of a disgruntled player with some cold, hard undisputed facts (ie not 'joining the dots', conjecture, feelings, opinions or vibes): - tracc didn't leave (and I have little doubt absolutely could have if he was prepared to go to any club - which if the culture was so bad he surely would have been) - unlike say the tigers, who are bleeding players, only one of our best 22 is leaving the club, for family reasons (unlike, say, noble who just wants out of the pies full stop) - off the top of my head at least 10 players have recommited to the club in the last THREE MONTHS - this included two first year, first round draft picks, in kolt and windsor, who had no need to do so for another two years - our president has stepped down

Apologies. I forgot to mention that it has to be an independent review headed by someone commanding great respect in the football world like Steven Dank.

The lid’s off at Bomberland in this expose by the Herald Sun chief football writer - AFL Integrity warns Essendon over Nick Hind and Jake Stringer’s associates. The team which hasn’t won a final for two decades had one of the easiest fixtures in the competition but meekly fell out of finals contention after riding high in mid season. Now, Robinson reports that AFL Integrity has warned the Bombers to be vigilant over who they allow into their change rooms after concerns raised about players' associates. “It's believed the Bombers were warned to be aware of a group of associates of recently delisted Bomber Nick Hind, who is known to have a shared friendship group with teammate Jake Stringer. “It's believed the associates regularly attend Essendon matches and were seen in the Bombers' rooms more than once this season.” The implication from the article is that the “associates” are possibly gangland figures as Robinson mentions the situation in 2013 when Richmond's Jake King was advised to not bring bikie underworld figure Toby Mitchell into their rooms after a match. The culture at Bomberland is rotten. We still haven’t forgotten the doping scandal that wracked the club a decade ago or the fiasco when Andrew Thorburn was forced to quit as Essendon CEO just one day after stepping into the role. There must be a review of that club’s operations which indicate clear cultural deficiencies at that club. Heads must roll. 😀

As a forward Ratugolea makes Harry Petty look like Wayne Carey.

Papley is such a 💩head.

I mean, it's a feasibility study. And the answer was yes, it's feasible. Which is better than it's unfeasible. Which is what we got trying to do anything near the mcg.

I'm ok with that BBP

Derksen is very versatile. Key back. Key forwards. Relief ruck. He was behind too many at the Giants. Probably deserved a go ahead of Keefe. He kicked 35 goals at VFL level in 2023. Two times kicked 5 goals and accuracy was good. In 2024, he played mostly in defence (averaged 20 disposals and 10 marks per game). In the last 3 games, he played key forward again and kicked 6 goals. Handy addition if we give up very little Playing forward in 2023 … https://www.afl.com.au/video/951845/vfl-showreel-r13-wade-derksen-highlights?videoId=951845&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1686969300001

His resume is insane: - 4 years of APS First Football (2 flags) - 3 years of NAB/Coates Football (Probably 3 flags) - Played one game of VFL, 35 touches and a goal And he is super young for his year, still 17 - born in December. He is 11 months younger than Jagga for example. Which, as a teenager, is significant

If Trac went to the B&F, Cornes would have come out with “he should be overseas getting as fit as possible for next season”.

So I've now watched more videos. And basing an opinion just on a few videos means I'm not qualified to have an opinion. Murphy Reid will be the best midfielder from this draft. And if it's not him it will be Lalor. Hmastrings permitting. We should be in a position to get one of them.

Pardon me but I am already there.

I'm not surprised by Allen's take. The club's announcement was very carefully crafted. It said the feasibility study was 'stakeholder engagement' which I took to mean (unknown) local community groups. Therefore it didn't include other stuff usually in such a study (eg macro level business case, risks etc) that lead to a go/no go decision that has a very high assurance of going ahead. The 'tell' tucked away in mfc's email is: While the success of the feasibility study does not ensure the future of the project ... Without being too cynical the announcement looked like a dressed up progress report. That there was no press conf let alone fanfare from other key stakeholders: AFL, Racing, Local Gov't etc says achieving a limited feasibility study is no big deal. As to the timing: the club needs some feel good news out there ...

This is an awful take. Embarrassing being a Melbourne supporter reading this kind of tripe from you and other Melbourne nuffies on twitter having a cry because all he's done was report facts.

misses Bnf to go to high performance camp "oh hes leaving, its disrespectful not to go to BnF" attends BnF "media circus surrounding Trac @ BnF, he should be off doing one of those red bull training camps" cant win

Dual premiership player and 1953 Bluey winner Peter Kennedy Melville (Ken) passed away today. He played 71 games for the Demons between 1953 and 1956 - at the start of Melbourne's golden era. He won the Bluey in his first year and eas named vice-captain in 1955. In an era not seen nowadays, Ken played as an amateur and retired in 1956 a the age of 25 to pursue studies in the UK to become a Presbyterian Minister. On returning to Australia he played some amateur football again (but not VFL) and made the team of the century for Old Scotch and possibly University Blues. In 1973 when Norm Smith passed away, Ken was the Minister at the funeral. Around the same time, Ken returned to the club as a selector. He was also my uncle - my mother's brother. And what an awesome experience for a young kid. I remember being handed over the fence to my Uncle Ken at the end of games as he carried me into the Demons room full of sweaty giants who had just been walloped by their opponents (it was the mid-70's) and i met my heroes Greg Wells and Stan Alves and Gary Hardeman. Ken had lived in Perth for most of the last 50 years (excluding a period running a B'n'B in Beachworth in the 1990's) but I only got over there once in 2014 to watch the Demons play West Coast. It was a disaster and i have a photo I'll dig up later of Ken with his hand in his face watching the c**p we used to ditch up then. It was remarkable that he was able to see the 2021 Grand Final win. He was already quite frail and would never have considered travelling to Melbourne (like he had in 1988 and 2000) but had actually decided in 2021 that he would stay home in Perth and watch it on TV!!! That's when Ch7 and the AFL stepped in and picked up in a limo and gave him el primo seats for the game. For all the angst and regret that I have (we all do LOL) about missing out on seeing the Dees in 2021 this one gesture gives me comfort. Proud to have had you as my uncle, Ken (and apologies to any of my cousins who might be on DL if I jumped the gun with this). Go Dees.

I think Ashcroft is clearly the best in the draft, but unlikely to get a bid first. Although, if I was Richmond I would strongly consider it - you make Brisbane pay full price in terms of points And the player you select doesnt carry the "number 1 draft pick" label, with all the expectations that come with that.

I hope this was said in good 'spirit' and you 'mulled' over it before having a bit of a 'wine' Mr Leg. I would like to see some 'proof' at some point!

We are still setting it.

We might call such 'supporters' detractors. 'I've been a detractor of this one great club since the 70s. And i have been staunch in my criticism - disco blue jumpers, the stupidity of sacking Stan Alves, falling for the messiah complex with Barrassi, Vinny Cottagio, Crosswell, Balme as coach, David Cordner, whites board Wednesday, soft Watts, of course Gerard healy quit the club, Gutnick, Goodwin, - the list of our failings is endless!'

I must have missed something. Yes some have not been positive ( for reasons that they have been surprised that this is moving at (long) last. Prey tell what’s the major reason that this project may not go ahead? Permits? Finance? Board ineptitude? In my mind many are sceptical and negative as they all don’t understand the depth of research and liability to all stakeholders to be cleared. so they just get general and throw darts about the place with no strength or science to further the their own scepticism and opinions of the recent past ( 5-10 years)delays due to location mainly. If we are to be judged on our reaction this week from Demonlanders to this most positive procedure indicating a YES and ongoing further advice on the next stage it would be lukewarm at best. All the naysayers and nitpickers are refusing to embrace this stage as a resounding plus on its journey Amazing after 190 pages of bluff and bluster plus the anger and discontent with the details and process and its delay and accusations and vehemence of sackings and resignations etc. In my opinion if this is an example of Club culture then we have failed miserably. In fact this wonderful forum has along with some other purposes now regressed into a whining winging and at large a very negative base for about 75% to bleat about the Club. The glass is about quarter full. If we keep persisting with this attitude there will be nothing left of the 3/4/5 years recently of success. Grown ups know that life is not all roses and that it produces thorns to be overcome. Part of that is HOW WE DO IT! And it has already started to turn around, yes we don’t know how Clarry will return and play Trac has his fitness and pre season to solve plus major decisions in trading drafting and coaching allocations are still to be made. But we have only really lost ANB a hard replacement just like Gus. Who will step up and take care of our house keeping and team ethos and spirit? Leadership from the 5/6 should be more apparent not just Max and JV plus Rick and Maysie. I don’t think we are going to go lower but we need a reset of our game plan and attitude of enjoying playing and bonding together for the team just like in 2021. There was no real reason at the end of 2020 why we would win the Flag in 2021. Yes our defence started to produce good performances but the bonfire night helped remarkably to anoint a new playing culture and the result. AFL is so even at the moment that our 4 close losses by 10 points in total would have seen us on 15 - 8. Four more goals. Let’s be honest if we ever get our forward line up and going kicking goals we are shoe in for Top4. So it’s our/your choice Let’s restart in pre season and embrace positively our Club for this investment will payoff in spades during the season. And it starts with not throwing the dummy out of the cot and staying firm with MEMBERSHIP and ATTENDANCE at absolutely as many game as possible Not penalising the Club over something a 3 yo would cry about for 2 mins. And move on!!! The choice is ours/yours let’s throw the angry pills away and Go Dees in 2025.

I should point out a feasibility study cannot be a guarantee a project will happen. A feasibility study should have a detailed road-map to completion with several points of go/no-go decisions. The email would have had more substance if a high level version was published indicating among other things, that there was support (at least in principle) from AFL, Racing, governments, community to undertake their responsibilities within the road-map time frames. Having said that, I see no reason for anyone to resign as we simply won't know if he project goes ahead for a year or more.

I like Draper, I just unfairly don't consider him as he's a South Aussie, so let's go for the Victorian kid. That's my thinking anyway.

Early days yet and sure whispers will stay filtering through about which clubs like who. But this is a genuinely fascinating draft in how even the first round appears to be. I wouldn't be surprised if some names really elevate themselves into the top 10 or even top 5 that haven't been discussed too much. Armstrong is the one to watch I reckon, could easily see him go top 3. When the trade period is done I'll attempt to do a phantom.

Do you have to constantly denigrate people by calling them nuffies.

How [censored] off would you be if you were a Tigers fan? Worst year to have number 1 pick No Reid or JHF. Little difference between pick 1 and 5 Meanwhile, it’s bloody great to pick 5

Are you kidding? Literally NOTHING he claimed has been verified by Tracc, his manager or family members. People keep getting secondary sources whispers and what they want to believe is accurate with actual demonstrable facts.

unfortunately this circus doesn't ever leave town

He's not a list clogger. He's a medical room clogger. Can't see the attraction of a perpetually injured player taking up a spot on our list.

The media have stooped to new lows on this, and they're really [censored] me to tears. How dare they take a positive story of him getting to the stage where he is able to train to full capacity, wants to go the extra mile to get himself mentally and physically in the best shape he can be for 2025 and speak positively on his role in the future direction of the club, and all those [censored] leeches want to go on about is how he's missing the Best and Fairest? FFS, they're the absolute pits, the lowest form of humanity, the absolute scum that I dread to scrape off the bottom of the shower recess. I truly hate them.

His mother was from New Zealand.