redman

Was able to get along to my first training session today, and thought it's only fair to report my thoughts after all the good work by others keeps me updated each week! How the detailed reports are done I don't know, with all the players covering the full length of the ground it certainly is a challenge. The main overarching theme to training is Transition. The majority of the session revolved around drills that had each group working on moving the ball from the backline at pace, taking the best/first option as quickly as possible. Coupled with some contested clearance type work (at least on my side of the ground) it was good to see as it meant in my opinion we were focusing on two of the biggest weaknesses we had last year. After some warm up drills, they broke into a full ground drill, a person would start in the pocket, dodge some stationery metal characters and hit a leading target on the back 50. The lead would have quick hands to another person running the opposite direction out of the 50 and launch a long ball over the square to a player entering the forward 50 whom will run in and finish. Good kicks that enabled the finisher to not break stride were Neal-Bullen (same to hear about his dislocated knee), Salem, Watts, Toumpas and Newton. Next main drill was also full length drill with the same focus, It was more match simulation in feel and the group split into 3 groups. 2 groups would be on the ground at once. One team would need to move the ball again from the pocket taking the short options quickly as possible. Once the ball made it into the forward line the group on the side went onto the ground and some in the forward line would come off and jog around to the wing to wait. Each time a group went onto the ground, Rawlings would say 6 v 8 etc and they would change tops to work it out. Grimes, Jamar and Jones as you would expect were quite vocal, yelling at the team on the field. Petracca has some swagger and was also vocal, while Brayshaw was very reserved so the early comments ring true with those two. Next drill, was split into what appears to be forwards, mids and backs to some degree. In front of me (on opposite side to main crowd), we had a small group of the young mids, Toumpas, Salem, Riley, Brayshaw. Petracca and a ruckman who rotated through with the other group of older mids who were doing a larger scaled version. The ball would be lobbed in and one team had to get the tap, and clear it out of the surrounding area. Lastly, it was a match simulation, split into 2 teams. The ball would be kicked up into a teams back pocket and they would move it from end to end. If a decent mistake was made then Roosy would stop play, instruct and then it would reset and start with the same player down back to start again. There was clearly more a direction to switch the play quickly where possible. Newton was good here, he made space a couple of times and hit good options. Petracca was hesitant, but on one occasion when struggling screw a kick around and hit his target 30-40 metres away on the lead which was impressive. Grimes was good, other than that errant left footer. Left once the group was brought in. Call outs: Newton - was the stand out for me, he is ready to go – no doubt, knows how to find the footy consistently and users it well and didn't see him waste possession. Toumpas – thought he trained well, not sure what everyone expect every single player to stand out each week. He was energetic and encouraging whichever drill he was in and used the ball well from what I saw. But agree with not seeing where he will play but haven't lost belief he can develop into a good player. Hogan – most of his work was away from where I was but I did see him clunk a few after pushing his opponent out convincingly. Riley – most disappointing, wasn't clean at all, would fumble and mis-kick but followed up so hoping it was an off day. Michie – was tidy I thought, didn't see a lot but like his games just goes about his business quietly and before you know it has 20 possessions. Harmes – like his spirit, after reading the weekly updates I had the picture that he was progressing well and I can see it. Fights for everything and has good hands to clear. He and Hunt look so similar so hope it was him! Haha! Jamar – will be no.1 based on today, dominated Gawn and Spencer and looks in great nick as all previous reports have stated. Happy to comment on anyone else if anyone is interested. End novel.

I relation to the super trade - this is how it could work? Pick 13 (hopefully) to Gold Coast, Caddy to Bombers Bombers send Monfries to Port Port send Butcher to Demonland! Think Monfries is the weak link in value and he's FA so that needs a tweak... Stranger things have happened!

So thinking out loud here - this is how I understand the situation: Assuming we finish where we feel we will after the past two matches - 16th. Mini Draft Pick 1 - GWS Pick 2 - GC Pick 3 - Demons Pick 4 - Compo Pick (first round) Pick 9 - Compo Pick (mid first round) We don't have to use either of our Compo Picks so they remain the same, so the only way we would need to use Pick 3 on Viney is if either GWS or GC nominate him pre-trade week that they would use either Picks 1 or 2 respectively on JV. However, if we decide not to match that bid then they are locked in to using that pick on Viney. That then allows a Whitfield type to slip down to us at 3 in a worst case scenario Therefore, it comes down to whether they want to give up a Whitfield/Stringer for instance for Viney and risk that Melbourne does match the bid with the next available (Pick 3), With the strong family link there's not a hope in hell that we wouldn't match it - but do they still risk it? So in a perfect situation they don't match it and we keep picks as above and use our second round pick in the late 20's (factoring in other compo picks pushing it down the order) on JV. That's 4 first round quality players in super draft being compared to the Hodge/Judd/Ball in depth. Not bad.

It's not going to hurt to go a bit more defensive orientated, But I also think that by bringing in some defensive half backs it will enable the likes of Tappy, Grimes and Blease to move up into the midfield with adequate cover in the backline playing that rebound role. Or with there versatility be able to rotate them all through when required. All about the pieces of the overall puzzle...

Well I did like his thorough analysis - and your right he did have big wraps on him "SELLAR, James (14 ADE) [3] 195cm skilled, well-built footballer with athleticism, smarts, hands, disposal. Flaky '06, intensity query but you don't physically lose what he had displayed prior. Very bottom-age. I'm prepared to virtually ignore '06 as he apparently had to endure various on and off-field difficulties. In the '04 and '05 U16 Champs, I considered him even more impressive than Gibbs. Started 2006 as #1 in my rankings (Gibbs #2). In the end, Gibbs' performances were just so compelling, and without the queries that Sellar's '06 form raised, that I had to slip Sellar behind but I dropped off him only marginally. Even in his "disappointing" '06, he kicked 4g in 1st half of his 1st SANFL Seniors game (as CHF!), beat the highly rated Gumbleton as CHB, and averaged 17 disposals in the U18 Champs. (How many 195cm types, let alone any who had just lost 8kg through illness, do that in any U18 Champs?). By comparison, we were all quite satisfied with the Champs form of Gumbleton, Hansen and Leunberger, and they averaged 15, 13, and 11 disposals respectively and Sellar's disposal was the best of the lot. He even had 15d in just the 2nd 1/2 of one Champs game (albeit as virtually a loose wingman). Let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater. He did NOT have a disappointing year for a bottom-age 195cm kid, even a highly rated one. He just had a disappointing year for Sellar, based on our expectations of him specifically. Why did we have such high expectations? Because of the talent he had shown over a 2 year period prior to that. I suspect he has a personal issue to conquer but I would have taken him on the assumption that he can, such is his upside. Should be very versatile but especially has the makings of an outstanding CHB (although his preference is CHF). An exciting, and rare, combination of not only leap, 195cm, marking strength, defensive and negating skills, cool head and smarts but, importantly, the pace and confidence to give regular run and linking out of defence and roost the ball long to a target. I foresee him regularly turning defence into goal-scoring opportunities. I also think he is more suited to the straight ahead aspects of CHB than the "stop/start" of CHF. Excellent ruck skills and could well be a good AFL ruckman/follower a la Goodes (without the freakishness), despite being only 195cm, as he has such a big leap and athleticism and he seems to enjoy ruck contests. Has virtually all the attributes of a modern CHF also and I do rate him highly in that role. Makes the right decisions. Good evasion. Good vision and disposal (including depth), even on the run. Good hurt factors. Trademarks are (1) Fluency - in everything. (Always looks to be doing every action "on the bit", effortlessly). (2) One-grab mark, positioning and timing well, then either a quick, accurate feed or immediately run off his opponent and do a fluent, long, probably accurate kick. (3) Run to link, moving with arms stiff and hanging down, seemingly moving in slow motion until you notice the opponent struggling to keep up" Fair pump up - rated him higher than Gibbs as one stage, played CHB and beat no.2 pick in Gumbleton... Hopefully we see him reach this potential!!

I spoke to guy whom went to the Before the Game/Bounce pre match function where a coach speaks along with Cam Schwab. It was prior to the Brisbane game and the question was asked of Scotty West why wasn't Ricky in the side. Apparently he has been sent back to work on his defensive pressure and general field kicking. And it's true, he is definately a mark and kick type forward and his field kicking isn't his strong point but I still think he offer's enough to the side. It probably didn't help that Casey didn't play last week and therefore no players could press claims for a spot this week. If we lose tonight, I'd expect him to come straight back in.

The proposed move to the new docklands is nothing new and has be floated before. It appears as though we are sharing the costs with Netball Victoria and the City of Melbourne for a feasibility study to be completed. Demons to investigate new Docklands base Plenty of comments from Big Jimmy on the proposal to move into "Western Park" next to the Bolte Bridge. If it's deemed a better option than AAMI Park with its State-of-the-Art facilities then we can't lose!

Giles sounds like a good prospect - Adelaide recruiting manager Matt Rendell says Giles is the best ruckman outside of the AFL. And it doesn't look like Gold Coast pre-listed him.\ Kicked 21 goals for the year and with 4 being his highest.

The only thing questionable about Cloke is his kicking for goal - the rest of his game is A-Grade, sure kicking goals is an important feature of being a key forward but they do sooo much other important stuff that cannot be over looked. He has a massive tank, is quick, takes the number 1 defender, creates space for others, contests in the air and creates spillages, provides a get out of jail target... thumps it 60 metres.. Cloke one of collingwoods most important players and if he could kick a little straighter he would be one of the best in comp it pains for me to say... I don't like the guy - but can't knock him for the majority of his game.

This is a tough one - Watts has the most natural talent, and Grimesy will have the determination and drive to get him far. Watts by a nose.

The poll does relate to who you would pick at 12 - but the whole post is about drafting strategies. By selecting the type of player you take at pick 12, this will dictate the rest of the strategy. By using a Judd v Kosi comparision your using one thing a recruiter doesn't have - hindsight. At the time Kosi was rated quite highly obviously at a similar level as Riewoldt and Didak... as Deemolition Man says i'd take a risk on a kosi/riewoldt-like player over a judd-like because its what I think we need. Of course you would take the best midfielders first because of how they have been ranked - but you still end up with 5 midfielders being added to your list. Surely that would create an imbalance and less spots for players that play other important roles?? Re: Gysberts, that could be true - but BP might have thought that with the loss of Mclean and the future retiresment of Jmac in the near future that getting a inside/clearance player was important? Both are possible..

That might be the best strategy if you think there is some real depth in talls and hoping one lasts late might enable us to get what we are after. I remember with Gawn and Fitzpatrick - they were both targets but at pick 35 or whatever they felt Gawn was less likely to be around at 51(?) so it can come down to there research on what other clubs are thinking aswell. But gee I hope your right re: KP depth.. would open up our options. But by going best available each time your not building your list correctly. You could list the 150 players in order of ability using the subjective opinions of the recruiting team, and mark them off as they are taken. That could leave you with 5 ruckman or 5 midfielders if the cards fall that way - the draft has to be looked at more in-depth than just simply best available. Clubs will research what other clubs are doing, the players current & potential ability, their personailties and how that will affect the group, the players onfield role and the likelihood that another club might take the same player if you risk him to your next pick. They will target certain players at certain picks, because they are building a team with many requirements. Future drafts will also play a role, last year they didn't take a KP player at pick 11 when everyone else thought they would. BP would have known the depth of KP in this draft would be better so Gysberts was taken. In 2012 the club will know that Jack Viney will be coming to the club - would you recruit multiple midfielders in 2011 knowing that? If you think theres no strategy then your not giving our recruiting staff enough credit. D16, I like Darling for the same reasons - he's been described as a aaron hamill type player and while he might not end up a out and out superstar that role could be vital. Throw in a bit of agression and he could be just what we need. Its just something that would complement our other forwards imo. The whole mystery around draft day makes it so interesting....

I'd love Moloney to be named captain - he shows the most passion for the club both on and off the field. His boxing camp and the package he puts together to show the new recruits the history of the club shows me that hes the ideal candidate. Having said that Green will probably get the gig..

Brilliant news! definately made my day! favourite son coming back to the MFC! The fact that we can create a new role and add to the football department shows how far we have come! We can now invest more money in the development of this young side! And we combined that with an experienced favorite son! It's a beautiful thing...

It's not that simple. In previous drafts I would have agreed with you, but this draft is different. We have built a strong list containing plenty of potential in the majority of positions, and this is hopefully the last time we have a good first round pick as we move up the ladder. This is a good oppotunity to finish off the list and cover all bases. By taking best available we might not fix the holes, and the only way would be to fix it via trade - and that seems hard to do these days. Lets say a Gorringe is marginally the best available - is taking another developing ruckman the best option for the list when we have Gawn, Fitzpatrick, Spencer already in those positions? Or a small forward when we have Wonna, Maric, Bennell, Jetta? We will still need another key forward won't we? and will someone trade us a good one when we are knocking on the top 4? you'll be relying on another side having too many and us having something they want. To add the fact that the draft is quite even and doesn't have the depth of top end talent of 08/09 then getting someone we need is a more logical move. If a pure gun somehow slides that far, then sure best available. But otherwise its finishing your list off and stratgizing the best way to do it...

With Trade Week about to close, it looks increasingly like we won't be making any trades. David Hale had been identified early as the player that would best fit our needs and we played our cards early (rumours contact could have been made back in July). Hale was keen but a deal couldn't be struck with the Kangaroos and the Hawks trumped us with the Brown compo pick. I loved the fact that the club knew what they wanted, offered a reasonable pick and wouldn't budge and over pay for a back up ruckman. We were also rumored to have had an interest in Sherman but it didn't go very far. Currently our needs would appear to be a backup ruckman, a tall key forward and a running half back as priorities going into 2011. So therefore unless a late deadline trade is made then we will be going to the draft table with Draft Picks 12, 32, 49, 66, 83, 100. I can see us going with one of two strategies with our top 3 picks; Half Back First Pick 12: Billie Smedts, Brodie Smith, Blayne Wilson, Ben Jacobs and Jamie Cripps all loom as options here. Pick 32: Calum Sinclair, Zac Fitzgerald, Luke Mitchell, Jamie Solly Pick 49: Oren Stephenson This will enable us to take a classy half back, who provide run and carry with good delivery by foot. Most of the top line KPF should have been taken by 32, so a speculative pick of Sinclair, Mitchell or Solly would be made. I like the idea of taking a mature KPF in Sinclair as he should be able to have a quicker impact. A mature bodied ruckman is a must to assist Jamar, Stephenson is a ready made player having put together good VFL football with North Ballarat. His recruitment will allow Gawn and Fitzpatrick to their continue development at the correct pace in the VFL. KPF First Pick 12: Jack Darling, Lucas Cook, Tom Lynch, Calum Sinclair, Zac Fitzgerald, Luke Mitchell, Jamie Solly Pick 32: Jake Batchelor, Nathan Batley, Alex Browne, Ben Casley, Cameron Guthrie, Andrew McInnes, Cameron Richardson, Joel Wilkinson Pick 49: Oren Stephenson type Sam Day is a given to be taken Top 3 by the GC, the remaining amount of quality talls is still quite good in 2011. Most of the non-GC picks above ours are more likely to be used on midfielders; all of Essendon, Brisbane and West Coast have glaring problems here. One of Darling, Cook or Lynch will make it through to pick 12. The less polished half backs (unless theres a slider) will be left. And again Oren Stephenson or like player is important with pick 49. Both strategies can be worked in your advantage - if your confident a Sinclair or Mitchell can develop into a quality 2nd tall then going the gun half back is ideal. Personally i think your top picks should be invested into talls - its not often you find one of the AFL's premier big men being a late draft pick (unless via F/S). Darling has an intangible quality called presence which I think we need and would he would love the big stage. A half back could be moulded from a tough midfielder Grimes style or half forward player with defensive traits, opening up the options to finding a good HB. Thats why it would more suitable to leave the HB pick until pick 32 rather than trying to speculative pick a KPF here. Are these realistic ramblings/theories? Anyone got other strategies that could be utilized? Redman

BP has written a brief summary of Day One of the Draft Combine on the MFC website. Day 1 - NAB AFL Draft Combine The intersting part was whom they have had interviews with thus far. Out of the 12 - Kieran Harper, Billy Smedts, Jack Darling, Brodie Smith, Blayne Wilson, Tom Lynch and Lucas Cook have been interviewed. Thats 3 Medium,Defenders (Wilson, Smedts, Smith), 3 Key Forwards (Darling, Lynch, Cook) and a Medium Forward (Harper). While its only a small snapshot of the 40-45 inteveiws that BP will undertake I find it very intersting the mix matches the needs that many of us also percieve as a problem. Maybe we are in tune with our needs afterall those being, A Good medium back, who can set us up and release Grimes in the Midfield and a Key Position Forward. This draft is shaping up well, and I believe it'll be one of Lynch or Cook for 12 and a Defender with out next pick. Classy Gun forwards are harder to come by and BP & Co's decision to bypass a KPF in last years draft looks a smart choice with the KPF on offer deep into this years pool. I love BP more everyday.

Here are some video highlights of all the All Australian selections. I think the strength of this years KPP are stronger than what was on offer last year - which would vindicate BP & Co's decision to take Gysberts (although I think his first two games did that anyway!) We shouldn't just focus on the Forwards on offer - both Watson & McCarthy look solid prospects aswell and Hurley has proven in recent times that while he was drafted as a fullback the option to be moved foward is a strong possability. Personally, I like the look of May and while hes only 190 now - they are only 17/18 yrs old so plenty of time to get those extra 2-5cms to be that ideal size. Forwards Backline Midfielders

He played for Casey on saturday - little impact according to the player review but good for the run... He had nerve damage around the groin area so couldn't have been good!!

He had corrective hip surgery in 2007 and missed most of that season and part of the 08 season so wasn't obviously seen in his last two years of junior footy. I remember BP saying at the time, as soon as the draft was over his first call was to Jordie! Must have seen something in him pretty early on, but BP is proving to be a very good talent spotter!

Don't forget he can go forward and snag a few sausage rolls... Maxy was a half time speaker in the redlegs a few weeks ago, and he happened to say that he thinks he has potential up forward especially seeing as he kicked 25 goals in 4 games!!! I assume it was for his Sandringham junior side but hes clearly capable! Hopefully he's modelling himself on Sandilands thats all I can say...

Just saw a quote on the MFC website - having just reached over 30,000 members. "Last year’s record tally of 31,500 is now in our sight, and we are calling on all of the 6,000 members from last year who are yet to renew to sign up now and help us smash this record" So it was true about so many not signed up... Cmon guys get back on board!! you won't regret it!

Hold on, didn't you start a thread on Watts and how he might be no good? Now your telling us to not to be concerned? Make up your mind.

At the Members information night - it was mentioned that with the game is currently moving toward this large pack, moving scrum. Which then resulting in a quick breakout and move into open play. It was said that Gysberts has the best hands that have ever gone through the AIS - even better than Scullys! And we all saw Sculls creative hands on the weekend... So not only that Gysberts is quite tall, round the 188cm mark so when he fills out he will provide alot of size around the pack. Combined with McKenzie I think they will be winning alot of contested footy for us in the future. If you have a look over Scully and Gysberts videos on YouTube, when they play for Vic Metro, Gysberts is often feeding it to Scully - releasing it into space. Can people please just relax with all these kids and stop slating them and writing them off so early? its ridiculous... Some of our recent guns have been late developers off the rookie list - Davey, McDonald, Bruce, Robbo etc. Not everyone can have a breakout year in year one of football.

I was listening to SEN on the drive home today - for those who didn't hear it Brent Moloney was interviewed via phone... Nothing new that we already know from the weekend but it was very positive and you can tell he loves the club - made Schwarters day when Brent told him he was his favoutite player growing up. Anyway, I'm sure Matt Granland when telling everyone to sign up - said that 7000 members from last year hadn't signed up yet. Did anyone else hear this correctly? Hoping I didn't mis hear 700 as 7000! While it could be seen as disappointing - I see it as a real positive. That would mean 7000 new members have joined the club from last year despite the bottom placed finish. Previous members would have to be easier to get back to the club rather than attracting entirely new people whom may not go to the football each week. And, hopefully with a few wins on the board hopefully these old members will resign with the MFC in 2010. If we can get these people back on board - our membership can push well into mid 30k! which we all know would be fantastic for the club.