Deespicable

Just got back home from training. While overall standard was up, there was an increase in size to our rehab group with Dawes and Frost now joining the other pre-Xmas regulars - but given what they were doing with running, I suspect they are not major issues. The big disappointment was no CP5 - although someone did say they saw him on the bike. Brayshaw, Trengove and Dom Tyson looked like they must be getting close to rejoining the main group, while Spencil, Dawes and Jetta did plenty of running so not major concerns I think and Vince has to wait a couple more weeks for finger to heal properly. Only Frosty looked to be given a very limited program, so he's one that now appears unlikely for first pre-season game, although we still have almost two months. A fair bit of running was done and not that much hard tackling work - overall it was more of a fitness session, so it was hard for players to stand out - Watts still wins the short sprints though, while T-Mac had trouble containing Grimes, Jones, Melksham and a few others in the 150m repetitions. Salem was in the best group with T-Mac, which is a good sign. The highlight for me was watching Gawny smash the remedial runners group across the other side of the ground. That group included Dunny, Jeffy, Kent, so big Maxy is looking the part.

I'm quite bullish about 2016, although I think we are likely to see a far more even overall competition - a bit like the present EPL. The reason for this is that five of the top sides had incredibly old lists in 2015 and at some point, old smart game-hardened bodies get niggles - so the likelihood of another injury-free lucky year for the likes of the Hawks, Dockers, Roos and Swans goes down. Further to this the Saints, Giants, Pies and us are clearly developing teams that will be disappointed if they fall back. Two of the top sides - Hawks and Swans - have already begun the process of getting rid of their oldies and I suspect are already worried about the style of attacking play displayed by the Dogs and Eagles and are seeking to replicate some of that defensive drive. To me the two keys for us are: 1) whether Roosy has advanced his stoppage-style game plan to also include attach at almost all costs from defence. 2) whether Hogan, Petracca and Gawn can stay on the park - almost all other position can be covered given our improved depth. As to my ladder. I know I'm way off what most of the conservative judges reckon because it's a lot simpler to just say - same as last year - but for what it's worth: Sydney: Have already rebuilt and provided Buddy's depression/drug problem doesn't impact and Heeney, Mills don't get injured, will have the spark to challenge again. W.Bulldogs: One year ahead of everybody else with their gung-ho style although Tom Boyd's a huge problem and could undo the club's major progress if he doesn't step up this year. Hawthorn: They've already lost three of their premiership side - Hale, Lake, Suckling - and Mitchell's getting even slower but you can tell Clarko has started his defensive regeneration with an eye on the Bulldogs style. Fremantle: It's third time lucky for Ross the boss with Bennell (Lovell 1, Sylvia 2) or maybe it will be three strikes and you're out. Either way they have kept all the old boys except McPharlin and are hoping that Pav can flourish again. Fyfe may well have to play forward. If he does, they will be dangerous. Collingwood: I reckon we'll have a battle with our neighbour for most improved. Treloar, Howe are handy pick ups - don't rate Aish. The big question for them is the ruck and if their big American (Mason Cox) improves again, I reckon they may surprise everybody. West Coast: They had a game plan forced on them because of a lack of tall defenders. But they have to figure out how to add MacKenzie and maybe Brown. Suddenly their press may not be quite as effective. Can Gaff, NicNat, Shuey and Wellingham have career years again? Melbourne: I just reckon that we finally have the run to break lines and the depth to make sure we are never pushovers. And if Petracca and Hogan can kick as many as Healy and Jackson did in 1982, this could be our year. Geelong: Perhaps it's because we beat them this year but I just don't rate their depth. Dangerfield will help them win enough games to sneak into eight and both Selwoods will be handy but give me a break if Murdoch, Lang and Cockatoo are stars. Enright is 34 and Bartell is 32 for god's sake. Big falls: North: Eventually they have to play like the retirement home that they are. Key game will be our trip to Hobart to play them in Rd 3. Richmond: They still have an impressive coach, but even he can't keep motivating them to overachieve and if Martin is banned, the pressure is right on Cotch and Lids. Adelaide: Having lost one of the top four players in the game, it's a big ask for a new coach to get them up week in, week out.

In terms of leadership group it makes sense that T-Mac and Viney come on board. Removing two players - ie: Dawes and Grimes - is easier on them than just dropping one and based on last year both can't be guaranteed games. The one player who has now done his time and shown great leadership (despite being a bit of a rascal) that has so far been overlooked is Vince. But it can't all be based on B&F count - I'm sure the club will determine who is appropriate.

Apologies for delay in getting to this, but I did pop into training for about half an hour before work and like others, was absolutely rapt with the quality, variety and intensity of their work at this stage. They did seem to be doing more clearance/tackling work than last year and there was also groups practising the old set play of a handball give and release to a player who then kicked long to a target. Petracca, Hoges and King were the recipients of the passes - ie: they are being set to play as forwards. Salem was clearly the most lethal of the guys releasing it to them. The newcomers are still being carefully managed so spent most of their time cycling. Brayshaw is doing one-direction fitness running work, so I suspect he has had a bit of the old OP - which could also explain why he faded out a bit last year after the Geelong game. Jonesy is now getting close to full work - he's even doing some marking on a lead work. Dom Tyson was also being managed a bit as was Jake Spencer. Obviously it depends on where you end up standing, but I had a really close look at the tackling/clearance work group and the highlight was when Viney was tackled by a short guy and was unable to break free - that's no mean feet to achieve given Jack's strength for his size. When they got up off the ground I was gobsmacked who it was - little Billy Stretch is now little, really strong Billy Stretch. He has bulked up in a big way and a little later he broke clear of a chasing group and snagged a left foot goal on the run. Overall our standard is just way, way better than three years ago and almost every player looked dangerous at times. We will be heaps more competitive this year.

I was thinking about Oliver all night and the video. The ball drop when he bounced it on one of his charging runs reminded me of another video that I'm sure we've all seen - anyone else see Ron Barassi in him? I'd give him No.31. There's also a little bit of John Fidge as a junior in him. I reckon the up side to him is enormous and just shows that we have a great recruiting guy in Tubby Taylor guiding the ship. The Parish video shows him to be a cocky kid - a little full of himself after two great seasons in juniors. On top of the fact that Parish is small, it just shows that we are now aware of the modern day player requirements and tackling is now a core part. I can guarantee you that if we went back to 2012 and Taylor was in charge, he would have fought like hell to retain Wines. But at least now it doesn't matter - he has drafted us a tough midfield with not one fancy whous (sorry can't spell it), although all our tough boys have their own tricks. The only job now is for our footy manager is to keep them all at the club and make sure Hoges and Weids don't get too big-headed.

I honestly didn't think there was any chance that any of our picks last night would get a game Rd 1, but having seen the highlights of Oliver again, you have to give him some chance of playing. He obviously will need to turn a bit more of the puppy fat into muscle, but he looks such an obvious high pick now and with so much potential improvement still to come. Weideman also comes across well, but I doubt he can make it without a fair but of time in the gym or a stack of injuries. So for me, there's some really tough decisions to be made on who to offend - I have been huge on us playing Salem down back because he is a left-foooter which gives us the ability to swing left with confidence, but this year you will hear me banging on about moving Brayshaw to the back six - I'm sure he can play there because he tackles hard and marks well and he's a lovely kick off both sides. The rest of the guys in the midfield - Vince, Viney, Jones and Tyson - would not be able to make the transition as easily for various reasons. But as a result I have Rd 1 side like this - sorry to Jetta and Wattsy, although I'm sure they might make it because they should know they have to be on their game pre-season to make the final cut. And doubtless there will be a couple of injuries. Also in contention are Jack Grimes (yes I know what some DLers think of him), Neal-Bullen, O-Mac and big Spencil if Mumford is fit and firing. I considered having Dunn on the bench but think that provided Patton plays, there's a match up for him - otherwise he plays forward or off the pine. I've also left out Kennedy - it's either him or Kent - not both I'm afraid and my spys tell me Kent is burning at training. And then there's Stretch, who should be in because he runs and runs - oh my god, we have depth and lots of it. Get on Casey for the flag now! B: Melksham T.Mac Dunn HB: Brayshaw Garland Salem C: Oliver Viney Bugg HF: Vandenburg Dawes Kent F: Garlett Hogan Harmes Ru: Gawn Vince Jones Int: Tyson, Lumumba, Frost, Petracca

Word is that we are going for Oliver, who they see as a bull, who fits the Roosy style of midfield types more than Parish. Our second pick apparently will be Weideman, although I've heard we will go Francis in the unlikely event that he is still available at pick 7 - which he won't be. When you look back at most drafts there's often players who come in to vogue and upset the thinking of the phantom set. Bontempelli in 2013, Pendles way back - so hopefully the trend continues.

I don't have enough knowledge of the kids, but I hope that when we moved up to 3 it was because we really had a player in mind. As to requirements, pick 3 should be the best available and sounds like it gets down to Parish or Curnow and you would hope that whoever they choose will play at some stage in 2016. Given that there are at least two talls around the pick 7-10 mark, you would hope that we take one as a project player - I don't know which of Weidemann or McKay, I just hope we don't just keep getting midfielders - eg: Oliver. The reason for this is that if we improve next year, then you would like to think that a gun midfielder such as Prestia will want to jump ship - assumes GC's problems remain however. My hypothetical team for Rd 1, 2017 B: White Frost O.Mac HB: Salem T.Mac Brayshaw C: Vandenburg N.Jones Stretch HF: Petracca Weidemann/McKay Prestia F: Garlett Hogan Harmes/Curnow Ru: Gawn Vince Viney Int: Tyson, Neal-Bullen, Garland, Kennedy/Kent

Good topic. Roosy is very conservative so I imagine he will be very cautious. Who was in 2015 gp - Jones, Dawes, Grimes, Lumumba, Dunn, Cross - not certain of others. 2016 gp: Jones. Dunn, Lumumba, - New: Viney, Vince, T.Mac. I reckon doubts about Grimes and Dawes playing will see them removed from gp. Gawn will be in a different sort of leadership group!

Good move as we would have been wasting pick 50 - with Carlton delisting so many there now may be about 65 picks in actual draft I think and if we had not delisted Michie we would have been conceding about 18 picks - rookie pick 6. The good thing is that no club will be desperate to select a 24-year-old inside mid who is not a big tackler and has been let go by two clubs. That is not to say that Viv is not a handy player and worthy of our list. If you watched him in the VFL he could dominate and was very adept at reading the ball-ups - the question is whether he has enough pace and hard working traits to become an AFL regular and ultimately he's a bit of a back-up for Nat Jones. The delisting and subsequent re-rookie-ing may help him realise he has to tackle more regularly - this will definitely be his last chance to make it. By contrast, it's hard to see how Matt Jones or Terlich could improve at their age and significantly they have only one more year left. Both are really good VFL players and hard-working trainers - so it's good to have them around. Same applies to Pedo and Newton. You can't have 44 genuinely good players - that would only create bickering. You need 5-6 prospects who won't get an AFL game and 5-6 hard-working VFL types as back-ups. I reckon we are getting close to having a really deep list all of whom deserve a game - maybe we now bat down to 30.

Why is it that we now seem to be linked with all the players that you would hope that we are linked with? Wodonga kid Sam Murray is another case in point. Given what we've done for the past two years since Prenderghastly left, you would have to say that Taylor and his team are equal to any other side's recruiting officers. Harry McKay would appear the perfect fit at No.7 - one spot before Carlton - and his extra height means he can potentially do a better job than Curnow/Weideman as back-up ruck. Gold Coast won't take him because they chose 2m Pete last year. Essendon may however, but that would be a big call as they need midfielders now more than ruck/forwards given that they have Daniher and Leuenberger on top of Hooker. Was Taylor thinking McKay when we moved up the order? If we go Harry, being so young he would most likely spend the year and maybe all of 2017 as well - bulking up and wising up - in the VFL. But we have another year of Pedo and Dawes as our forwards who can back-up the rucks, even if Sam Frost's turf-toe doesn't mend. With Jamar and Fitzy gone, we have to get at least one more tall anyway and why not go a guy that may be a gun. We already have five new recruits this year - included Petracca and Trengove with Bugg/Melkshake and Kennedy - so it doesn't matter if we burn pick No.7 on a 2018 prospect. But even though a lot of wisdom points to McKay, if Taylor really rates someone else, then his record means you back him in.

Yes a really interesting year for Jetta coming up I suspect. He was a revelation in 2014, but in 2015 had his moments (another great game on Betts), had his concussions (Howey's gone now so less likely to happen) and had his games where he didn't provide enough dash from defence - which ultimately as a small defender is a key part of your role. He has to be careful that he doesn't slip back into thinking he can be a bit passive on offensive transition. I suspect that's part of the reason why Melksham was recruited, because at the moment only Lumumba, Salem (when fit) and T-Mac take the game on out of defence, although Grimes tries but is limited by his kicking depth. Given we now have so much midfield depth (I even inadvertently left out Tyson), I suspect and hope that Brayshaw is sent back to defence this year because we know he has good aerial skills on top of his tackling and he can play down the left side - unlike most of our guys. If it was up to me, I'd have Brayshaw slotted in already for HBF, because I doubt he is ready to take a midfield slot permanently, and that way he plays most of the game and can provide more run off the back line. But I can't see Roosy going down that path yet because ultimately he is pretty conservative.

And here's my stab on side for Rd 1 - assumes no pre-season injuries. Small defenders (3): Salem, Bugg, Melksham (I really think this is why we recruited him) Mid-defender (1): Lumumba Tall defenders (3): Garland, Dunn and T-Mac Ruck (1): Gawn Mids (6) - Viney, Vince, N.Jones, Brayshaw, Vandenberg, Stretch. High HF (2) - Watts, Harmes Small forwards (3) - Garlett, Kennedy/Kent, Petracca Tall forwards (3) - Hoges, Frost, Dawes Emerg from: Jetta, Grimes, Junior Mac, Neal-Bullen

Another very impressive trade period and great to see we were switched on to the GC and GWS desire to offload high picks for points. I probably feel we got a bit done over for what we got for Howey (effectively a 2nd and third rounder), but the Bugg deal was a huge coup and not just because we got another hardnosed player. We got pick 3 (everyone had said before that the top four were clear and then it's a bit of lottery) and Bugg is left footer who can also play back. The big losers from this trade period were: Kent - unfortunately the club decided that his proneness to injury means we want another left foot small option in Kennedy. JKH - He's now fourth small forward on the pecking list. Fifth in line if you include Petracca as a small forward. Has endurance so he must try and reinvent himself as a Jetta-style defender or even a wingman. Newton - We all know he reads play well but he's too slow to play back and provide run. Bugg gives us a lefty-side player who can go into midfield, tag a gun wingman (Smith etc) and still play across half-back if Watts is on song. Grimes - As much as I love his smarts, I suspect that both Bugg and Melksham will spend time down back. So it's hard to see where he gets a game unless his form in VFL is super hot. Still there was room for Crossy last year, so maybe Grimes can show his discipline is needed back there. As to draft, we hopefully will go best mid (sounds like it is Parish or Francis) and best tall project (sounds like Weideman or Burton, but I have never seen them so wouldn't even attempt to try and rate them).

Having watched three of his VFL games, I think Fitzy really came on this year and at that level looked a star defender. Whether his kicking and decision-making is good enough to become a reliable member of any AFL sides is debatable, but for raw tools - speed, strength, height - he's as good as almost any player. The thing now is at 25 he's no longer raw and is running out of time to make it. I would have preferred he was kept as a back-up big because of his versatility, but the club chose Pedo for that role ahead of him and given how well our recruiting has ben for the past two seasons, you have to put faith in that decision. I can see him getting the odd game at Hawthorn - not as Hale's back-up - but as Frawley's back-up now that Lake has gone.

Whilst I agree that Casboult could fit the position description that we require - tall marking forward that can also play in the ruck, I can't quite get my head around two things. 1) How would the MCC members cope with him missing shots from 45m out directly in front. 2) Where are we going to find room for him on our list, we have already pretty much committed to 3 news players plus 2-3 rookie upgrades and so far I think we have only delisted 6 players. Even allowing for Toumpas (7th out) becoming part of the Kennedy deal, we could only really consider a Casboult deal if Howey leaves. As to what pick we'd give up for Casboult, I suspect his age and club means we are talking about a potential freebie via the rookie draft. That to me is where I think he comes into our thinking or as an UCFA. Ultimately he'd be a swap for Fitzy and on paper at least, allow Frosty to go back to defence when fit.

You can try this - http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-trades-melbournes-jimmy-toumpas-chased-by-port-adelaide/story-fnp04d70-1227551774255 As to the deal, if we end up with any second round pick we should all be celebrating. Melksham's arrival means we will have another wingman/half forward on our list anyway and that pick will hopefully keep Essendon happy. It then frees up our second round pick for an underachieving GWS tall - Tomlinson, Plowman etc. And then we still have pick 6 and Howey to negotiate the big fish deal. Not sure how likely that is though.

A rumor on Bomberblitz was stated before. Where there is a bit of truth I suspect is that we are trying to get another quality midfielder and a tall forward. Can't blame the club for trying and shows we are proactive.

Roosy has shown amazing loyalty to him - as he has done to almost every senior player with the exception of Grimes and Jamar. He knows he is wanted by Roos, yet he wants his manager to get top dollar. We are close to the cap from the sounds of it and we want to lure another player or two - so ultimately we can't give him what his manager wants. As a result he either accepts a deal around the 400K mark or seeks a trade. On the positive side is that if he wants to go to GWS, he can now tick two boxes being a middle-aged player (25) and versatile enough to offer something at either end of the park. And given they now look to have lost McCarthy, they will be keen on finding a forward to compliment Cameron and Patton. That's a win for us because I reckon we could now ask for more from them in return - perhaps Plowman and their second round pick. Plowman is way more likely to accept a deal in the 300K area.

I would have thought Pedo was one of several players on the cusp of being delisted. He's 29 next season and has shown that he has a clean pair of hands (unlike Dawes) and is a thumping kick (unlike Hoges) and works hard. But he also is regarded as being a tad slow which means he can't play the lead-up role anywhere near as well as the two players mentioned. On top of that he is out of contract which means that he is one the club will be discussing - it's a lot easier to cut him than say Dawes who has a year to run on a big contract. To me, it will probably ultimately get down to Fitzy or Pedo - with both potentially redrafted as rookies.

This is Melbourne and Demonlanders time of year to shine. I'm quite bullish about our squad after what was a really, really outstanding 2014 draft/off-season. Hopefully Taylor/Viney/Roos can orchestrate something not too far off what they achieved in 2014 and hopefully pick up what I see as our four main priorities: 1) A qualify outside/inside midfield speedster - maybe Bennell if he passes the no dic'heads policy. 2) A skilled tall forward option - maybe Lynch 3) A quick tall defender (assumes Howe leaves) - maybe Plowman 4) Another left-foot medium defender - this maybe via draft, although I'd be rapt if I heard we made a play for contracted injured Eagle Liam Duggan, but can't see this happening. The good thing is that Gawn's arrival as a player mid-season solved one of our biggest problems and means we can prioritise other areas. We also don't need another small forward anymore - Petracca and Kent will be like new recruits next season anyway. If our kids improve how I envisage, then I reckon we will be surprise finalists next year because I really think we are about to see a changing of the guard at the top - Freo/Sydney/Hawthorn/North and Geelong all have serious speed issues that they can only cover by free-agency stealing. Obviously Roosy may need to spend the off-season tweaking his stoppage-based gameplan which is now a little out of date. But I'm sure he and Tammy will watch a bit of US sport over the X-mas break and come back refreshed and willing to try a couple of things differently.

Gary Hardeman was probably the best taxi driver to ever play the game. He was very athletic (despite all that time behind the wheel) but his kicking was atrocious - hence he was a great of the 70s, but would have been given the Grimes treatment by most current Demonlanders. As for sticky-hands police officer Parke, he was an exceptional mark, but was a very unreliable kick. Neither would get a game today, but then I'm sure they would have been taught kicking skills way better from a young age nowadays.

The good thing is that the Suns are now in a position where they have to get rid of him and that means his value in terms of talent (probably pick 1-5) is mitigated by his risk factor. The fact that he's the ideal sort of player for us is now somewhat irrelevant. It all gets down to whether or not our footy department feel he can be managed and redirected into becoming a reliable person - that's no easy if he is a binge man, but then all clubs have them, but some players are smart enough to not be public nuisances when they are on the tear. I have faith that Roosy will make the right decision and I'd imagine he would also consult Jeffy and Neville on this as well and also he'd have to feel that our whole list is mature enough now to cope with someone who may need redirection. I like the philosophy of those above who now think we could gain GC's second round pick in return - that pick could come in handy for Adelaide's Tom Lynch. I don't actually think such a trade is fanciful anymore, because Harley has put himself in the damaged goods basket meaning he no longer warrants so much. How rapt would Roosy be if he ended up with Bennell (assuming he is reprogramable), Lynch and one of Tomlinson/Plowman and did not even have to give up Howey. The only loser out of it all would be Jason Taylor, but he can cope based on Vanders and Harmes and White.

Bit surprised how everyone has got carried away with what was virtually an exhibition game with both teams playing predominantly kids. But it was certainly nice to see that our ten players 21 and under more than matched their youngest 10. It was also nice to see the way that Harmes is progressing - basically his form means we don't have to worry about drafting a small forward this year because we have the following options - Garlett, Vanders, Petracca, Kent and now Harmes and I haven't even had to mention JKH, but I see him as a more likely wing or defender because he lacks explosive pace, but clearly has a good tank. I had a close look at Tomlinson and Plowman - who we are supposedly keen to recruit. Tomlinson's disposal was very ordinary to be honest - he is no guarantee of being better than Dawesy. Plowman showed a bit of pace when on Hoges and may just need a new environment - worth considering if Col was to leave or maybe as a direct swap for Howey.

At least 10 players worthy of votes compared to 3-4 of previous three weeks. 6 Gawn - yes I know he was rucking against a no-name kid, but how good was his service. We were spanked in middle last time in Rd 2. Not this time. 5 Viney - every week i enjoy reading the pressure acts column and he's way above everyone else. In the third term when we won it, he was everywhere. 4 T.Mac - Almost back to his early season best. Beat Cameron and still provided run from defence. 3 Jones - How good was his kicking. I can't believe the tossers that question this area. He's the best pass in the side. 2 Salem - As I've said for some time now - we need his left foot down back. The most crucial player in team aside from Gawn and Hogan. At least now we have another option in White. 1 Hogan - He was on from the start and seemed to love all the Inside 50m entries that happen when you are playing a glorified exhibition game. Why no Vince and Cross. Vince - He was very good but his direct opponent Ward was clearly the best GWS player. Cross - Even he can't remember anything he did!