Leaderboard

Not finished. He's had surgery again to fix the problem. It will see him likely miss all of 2014, but theoretically if we were challenging for finals he'd be back around August/September. I doubt that will be the case though. For those saying he's finished, I spoke with a player last night and asked how devastated Jack was etc etc. He said he was most devastated that previous to reinjuring it, he ran his fastest 3k & repeat sprints since draft camp. He felt like he regained a lot of speed that he didn't have in the years gone by. To me it suggested these foot problems were the reasoning behind his lack of speed, and hopefully when he's back in the red and blue he will show that on the field. He know he has the football ability, his first year proved that... He just need his body right.

For those who believe the ends justified the means in McLean's case, you should think again. His so called confession about our supposed "culture of tanking" ended up costing the club $500k in fines, an amount probably equal to that in legal fees, substantial disruption at board level and to the way the club was conducted both on and off the field and possibly helped ruin one man's health and life and what was it all really about? There seems to be a bit of a misconception about the so-called "culture" of the club at the time of McLean's departure at the end of 2009 and through the years that followed, which places the blame squarely on Cameron Schwab and Chris Connolly. When repeated often enough, like Joseph Goebbell's propaganda, people start to believe that it's true but is that really so? There are three major and critical aspects of our team"culture" from this era that come to mind: 1. The losing culture. As a team, we were on the nose from 2007 onwards. In that year we lost the first 9 games and were 2-9 at the halfway mark, in 2008 and 2009 we were 1-10 at that point of each season. That record was achieved under two coaches, Neale Daniher and Dean Bailey. Connolly appeared on the scene in 2008, an appointment of the Gardner administration and Schwab was appointed by the new Jim Stynes board late in 2008 by which time we were already well and truly "losers". 2. "Tanking" There's been much debate about tanking, what it constituted, whether what Melbourne did was "tanking", was the practice followed by Melbourne and others at the time condoned by the AFL and its CEO (an article by Caro after the infamous Jordie McMahon game indicates that it was) and whether other clubs did what Melbourne was accused of doing (and it's clear that some including Hawthorn and Collingwood did it successfully enough to later reap premierships from the practice). My view is that the practices that came to be described as "tanking" were not long-lasting at Melbourne and there was no sign of internal resentment toward the practice among the playing group in 2010 when the team made a dramatic improvement and recorded some outstanding individual and team achievements. If there was any truth in the "tanking" culture argument, its effects should have been felt most strongly in 2010 but that didn't happen. The real malaise surfaced beyond that in 2011 when our game style was exposed against teams that employed heavy presses and strong defensive running. I therefore don't place much store on McLean's tanking culture claims which I believe were mischievous and misleading, especially given the fact that he himself agreed to be traded to Carlton who were the masters of tanking in that era. That On The Couch interview made good theatre but I believe it was contrived and possibly calculated to serve the very purpose it ultimately achieved. Tanking and the placing of blame for what later happened was in my view a convenient issue to explain the divisions within the club that simmered throughout 2011 and came to a head in July of that year. 3. The "drinking" and "party boy" culture. McLean was one of those who personified this culture in the years of the burnouts, the arrests and time spent with fellow party boy Nathan Carroll in overseas jails and other incidents reported at the time. In his case we often wrote it off as immaturity but in truth, it was stupidity. There was lots more that didn't get out about various people at the club and sure, we weren't the only ones where drinking and partying might have been an issue. It was even happening at the successful clubs at the time like Collingwood and St. Kilda and drinking wasn't the only problem football clubs were experiencing. I know football clubs try to suppress stories about footballers behaving badly and many of us dismissed stories of what happened on the China trip as the boys having a bit fun in the off-season but I was told much the same was still causing concern at the club in season by a then senior coterie member when I attended a club luncheon before the North Melbourne game in 2011. That was just a few weeks after the Brent Moloney incident in the bar at St. Kilda that led to his removal from the leadership group and how many of us really want to believe such stories? What does that have to do with Schwab and Connolly? Were they encouraging a drinking and partying culture among the players? I think not but rather, that it was to the contrary and that they wanted a better club. Like most Demon fans, I was happy when we received picks 3 and 5 in the draft that gave us Colin Sylvia and Brock McLean after we lost the last eight games of the 2003 season (tanking - surely not?). It turned out to be one of the many curses that have afflicted our club in our recent past. I hope that picks 2 & 3 of 2014 bring us a much better outcome.

What a sad lot we are. Here we are getting all warm and moist over Brayshaw which I suppose is fair enough, yet his highlights reel is no better than JT's , or his credentials better , yet on the other hand many here are ready to burn him at the stake 'finished' they say. Finished, trade him, get him out of the joint is the implication. I find it disappointing we aren't prepared to give this kid more than a fair go because that's what he tried to do for us, more than likely when he was battling his own issues. Hasn't run off for 20 pieces of silver , took on the captaincy, thrust into the headlights and never waivered at a time was in real trouble. Love him, love his spirit and I really hope that he shoves it up a few backsides on here.

Sorry, I can't take away the tanking drama. He may well have been the pawn of those who had political aims against individuals on the board or the board itself or he may not. Whatever the case, the effect of his stupidity caused untold damage to the club and I for one, would not like to see him near the place again.

Dee-Luded. He failed the drug test.

Thanks for your efforts over the journey fellas Good luck in your futures cheers

Support can come in many different forms, i.e. a rookie position, off field role, therapy and rehab

I'll take that bet. I don't know whether he will ever be effective but I will take your bet that he will play seniors again. edit - i don't want your money - whoever wins the bet donates it to the club - are we on ?

Ash... I think it is a shocking blight on the competion when Jobe Watson can wear the 2012 Charlie around whilst admitting to taking enhancing drugs during a TV interview. And if my club the MFC was involved in all this, which we very nearly were, I would wish to see players banned with maximum penalties..Coaches and admin banned from the sport. Performance enhancing drugs cannot be allowed under any circumstance...If the AFL are lenient on anybody over this incident they are walking a tightrope, as somebody down the line will take a gamble. I no longer watch or care about The Tour de France because of how dirty it became. The AFL better not go lenient because of the Broadcast deals...Better to Take a hit now and stay clean...than to sweep it under the carpet for now.

Gonna lose round 1 again. Won't get my face painted red and blue like the fool i was this year. A grown man, crying off his MFC kids face paint at the end of a football match is one of the saddest scenes in football.

Brock really enjoyed his time On the Couch. Now he has plenty.

OldDee - MRI scan revealed broken heart. (Where is he BTW?)

Thanks Nasher. While there might be some debate as to whether Rendell's comments were racist or not, it's clear that Rendell himself accepted that the words he used to express his viewpoint were ill-advised. It's unfortunate that we can't conduct a civil discussion on a sensitive subject such as this one. Perhaps with some more education and maturity, one day we will.

going to need to take lunch before attempting all of that ^^^^^^^^^

sure thing, i'll meet you and your eldest at The Royal across the road from the G' on Punt Road. A quaint little establishment with excellent bar service. Oh, be sure to bring some money to tip the "waitresses" too.

Yep, I'm a member, have been for about 20 years. Do I wish things have been handled differently? Yes Do I think turning up to the AGM and demanding change will help? Maybe But realistically, unless someone puts their hand up to replace the board, all the protests about the place won't help. I'm amazed at how few "rumblings" have come from outside the inner sanctum of the club in relations to board challenges etc Maybe the club is so [censored] at the moment, no one wants to jump into the crap storm that is being involved with the EFC. Yes I want change. At board level and in relation to Hird. When I get the chance to elect board members as my right as a member, I will vote accordingly. But I have said all along, I don't believe Hird should be involved in the club. I struggle at times to see why so many supporters still back him. As for Paul Little, I'm undecided. He has come in half way through, and he has gone about things completely differently to the way Evans was handling things. From what I know about him, that's his style. He has had to deal with an incredibly unique situation. Obviously most think he has gone about it poorly, but I don't envy him and the circumstances he has found himself in. I will buy a membership next year, no matter what happens. I am of the believe I am an Essendon supporter, and the club is bigger than any person involved. The club needs my membership more than it ever has.

Can enjoy doing burnouts out of the car park at the local footy leagues now. His uneducated big mouth caused a lot of grief for some genuinely nice people at the MFC, who were pressured to act a certain way in their roles. Think before you speak. Good riddance in my eyes.

Not the smartest guy around and I doubt there would be too many Dee supporters who would feel the slight sadness for him after his performance OTC. Get stuffed Brock.

Still cant believe they traded us pick 11 for him Also cant believe we used it on jordy gysberts Also cant believe he was so bad

I don't know why the Dogs didn't just get Tom Boyd under father son, his dad Mathew already plays there....

You really are relentless in your negativity. Given saty is not posting I feel obliged to respond to your nonsense post. What bad habits? The only reason jetts was the rookie list was his wretched run with injuries. He has always been a top trainer, played his role and a player who is 100% commited. He was terrific in the vfl when there and forced his way back into the side with his incredible consistency and by don't of hard work. If you think he has suddenly come good after being average you are clueless

Good pick up Moonie. Dont forget some other brothers over the years Steve and Shaun Smith Brett and Glenn Lovett and, of course Kevin Dyson whose younger brother Tom is currently wearing the number 12 for us

My hope is Spencer. He just tries so hard I want him to succeed.

We played the Suns once this year and went down by only 8 points. To think that we're going to be no chance against them next year is rubbish.

2014 Season 1 Casey Scorpions didn’t play. 2 Casey Scorpions didn’t play. 3 VFL Competitive effort and wasn’t afraid to put his head over it. - 4 VFL Best for Casey in development league loss. - 5 VFL Had 30 touches and worked extremely hard in midfield. - 6 VFL Did a decent job on Cockie but suffered a punctured lung. - 7 Lung. 8 Lung. 9 VFL Ran hard in midfield to end with 16 possessions. - 10 VFL Bye. - 11 VFL Bye. - 12 VFL Had a good second half to catch the eye. - 13 VFL Worked hard in close and kicked a nice goal. - 14 VFL Worked hard in midfield to swing the tide Casey’s way. - 15 VFL Battled hard in midfield with 15 possessions. - 16 VFL Did well across half back and provided some run. - 17 VFL Led the way with 31 touches in midfield. Developing well. - 18 VFL Battled hard in midfield and gave some run. - 19 VFL Worked hard in midfield to end with 22 possessions. - 20 VFL Toiler in midfield but was overwhelmed by Port numbers. - 21 VFL Hard worker in midfield but needed to get more ball. - 22 VFL Battled hard in midfield and kicked a goal. Like him.

Great decision. I think this means he will remain a rookie listed player in 2015. I personally believe that he went past Jayden Hunt and that he has possibilities for the future in our midfield if continues to advance at Casey.

I think that the Richmond scan will be the best thing that ever happens to the kid, at least now he has a chance at recovery.

Are we delisting anyone from Demonland ?

ahahahah, i love how accepting we are at how [censored] we are. All hope went years go.

WOW! Sure, highlights are highlights. But I don't know he will fit in - not skinny enough, looks decisive, and can hit too many targets.

Brayshaw will be ours. Whether it is Mcartin or Petracca paired with him, we will have to wait and see.

The absolute irony of Brock Mclean is that he makes judgements and called the club's culture poisonous etc and all he had to do was look in the mirror. He wan't alone either.

No - no he is not clearly better than half our list but keep taking a swing at the club - I live for the slim hope that one day you may say something remotely positive about our club. Whilst he is not responsible for things that happened at the club either before of during his time - when he gave his candid opinions on one of the most watched football programs what did he think was going to happen. If he wanted a lesson in dignified responses maybe Brock should have taken a leaf out of Juniors book, who had much more reasons to unload on the club than Brock did. Brock - "better to keep silent and have people think you are a fool, rather than opening your mouth and removing all doubt".

Don't worry about what we pay him, the club accountants will figure it out. Just keep him. Whatever it takes. He is the heart and soul of this club.

Spuds don't play over 157 games at the highest level Spuds don't carry to teams to a come from behind finals win in only their third year of footy This guy who you refer to as a spud donated $10k to helping our club eradicate our debt I think he has earned the right not to be referred to as a spud Congratulations to Brock on doing something I have never done on over 150 occasions

I have nothing but respect for Brock McLean now the dust has settled. We all followed blindly when we shouldn't have, and he stood up for himself. Brock McLean isn't to blame for the tanking sanctions, the halfwits in charge at the time are.

Blind Freddy could see this spud would be delisted

...about as long as Gunston's dad was trying to get his son to Essendon. The kid will have a mind of his own.

Ash...heres the thing that grates on most; it's the adoption of the 'victim' stance and that ASADA are the big bad meanies. They're not. They are the ones charged with policing the adherence to the code locally . Someone steps out of line, or across it they will be brought to task. Other athletes in other sports seemed to be in NO confusion as to what's allowed etc but supposedly Footballers are special ? These same said footballers who undergo hours upon hours of information and awareness regarding their responsibilities. The same footballers who invariably grew up in an age of Info tech...These same footballers who are playing dumb ?? There are the Drugs specifically mentioned on the Prohibitive List ( updated regularly ) and those that automatically fall under their S.O categories. whereby any drug not approved for human use automatically is covered by the S.O Please , they are not the VICTIMS as is the want of your club ( irony to the nth) or the AFLPA would have them be, they are transgressors. The Victims would in essence be the other athletes , those that do the right thing and observe the rules , should they seemingly be treated differently by happenstance if the Footballers get any leniency....any !! Whatever 'happens' to Essendon was actually brought upon the club itself, by ...itself. I think you'll find most people aren't cheerleaders for ASADA per se they are cheerleaders for Fairness and equal treatment.. ASADA is merely the messenger. This cant be seen as some sort of aberration within an otherwise safe and above-board practice. it was a long drawn out systemic approach to rorting. Then to make matters worse the club , especially its icons , take the stance of 'oh woe is us". How dare anyone seek to call us to account. Even now the club doesnt get it ( or maybe it DOES ) by continuing to counsel and advise the players and basically co-opt them further by paying and overseeing their 'defense". The players can only be stupid to still provide themselves as cannon fodder in all of this. The only ones I have the slightest semblance of sympathy for are the likes of yourself, but even that ends if you can't see what's been wrong in it's entirety. The Club (yours ) and Specifically Hird were reminded of the legalities and banned use of various peptides by the AFL. They choose to be above all of that and still choose to concoct a ridiculous stance against being found out. I truly hope Hird rots somewhere and is never allowed near a sporting venue , let alone organisation ever again. If the players can't wake up to the continued ruse then they are their own worst enemies.

Bla bla bloody bla.. if he felt so strongly about tanking why did he go to carltank. give me a break!

At least we get a home game. Stop your whinging!

Get your head out of your ass he stood up for himself and also for Dean Bailey. He could see the toxic culture that was developed and eventually explode into a complete mess. Also the fact the club told him to take a pay cut after he donated 10 grand is a disgrace! He was a leader and a guy that bled red and blue. Chris Connelly and Cameron Schwab thought they could get away with their little snide games. Best thing thats happened to this club is Brock opening up the truth On the Couch.

Pelchen signed the letter inviting me down to Hawthorn as 16 year old back in 91 - can't have been too good of a recruiter..... Although I did last a until the under 17s and 19s were disbanded...that year! They got to find out I was too short, too skinny, couldn't kick over a jam tin but was ok as an inside type. however was up against a few blokes who turned out ok ( 3 are now senior coaches! - and a few premierships at various clubs came out of that batch.) He got some very right but then again recruited little old me.

no excuses for doing what he did, he said the culture of tanking made him leave the Demons but then he goes to a team who are the kings of dodginess in Carlton, who if you haven't forgotten the way they tanked against us in the Kruezer Cup!!!

Well, I really liked him as a footballer and personally believe MFC stuffed up what could have been a great career. Yes he was slow and the game got past him, but his grunt and awareness were a pleasure to watch and he loved being part of the club. He left because the club was going down the path of "the benefits of losing" and when he was asked, he answered. Could he have been smarter when interviewed?- oh yes, he really is not the sharpest tool in the shed - but I have absolutely no axe to grind with him. I find the whole thing bloody sad and the whole 2007 - 2013 period a blight on our club and our great game.

His stupidity was no where as stupid as those who put us in that unholy mess.

Always felt it hypocritical that he said all he did when playing for Carlton who were the most blatant tankers of all time. Had very selective vision did Brock. Admired his support of Gay footballers though.

For anyone who is concerned with Petracca not being able to match it against men as heavy and as thick as him at AFL level, remind yourselves of what Ollie Wines has been able to achieve in his first two years at Port. They're almost identical in body shape. And they both play hard, contested footy. Petracca and Brayshaw are the players we need. Lever if Petracca isn't available.

Duff Man is thrusting in the direction of the problem (thread title)

His brother was a late speculative pick. Turned out alright hey?