mo64

This is why player development is so important. I read recently that Collingwood may discontinue its alliance with Williamstown, even though their relationship has been a good one. They want full control of player development. Dean Bailey mentioned that part of the teaching process is having your youngsters believe and play like a 50 game player, even if they only played 10. It would have been hard for Juice to have this mindset rotting away in the Sandy 2nds in the previous 2 years, whilst watching Nick Sauntner play in the seniors. I question the value of our alliance with Sandy, mainly because their success is based around older players, ie; Liddell, Sauntner, Gallagher, Poyas, Crowe, Lamb, none of whom made it at AFL level.

I thought Straughnie's going to Carllton?

Yes, and Geoff Walsh also told his son that santa will bring him a new bike for xmas!!!!!

Too true BB. One thing in our favour is that we've had a good relationship with the Eagles when in comes to trades. We were part of the deal that saw Stenglein to the Eagles, and we picked up PJ without much fuss. We're seen as a club that's easy to deal with, unlike the Pies and Bombers.

I'll confess that i've changed my opinion. I initially thought that it was highly improbable that we would get him, hence my lack of enthusiam. But now that it's a possibility, i'd be pumped if we got him. Here's my trade scenario: Robbo and Jamar to Bulldogs for Farren Ray and pick 38. Pick 4,21 and Ray to Eagles for Judd. Bulldogs won't relinquish pick 5.

You're again trying to decry the Kangaroos effort, by bringing up Hawthorn's injuries. Just admit it Ash, you hate the Kangaroos.

Maybe it's time for the players to be told a few home truths. By the sounds of it, Bailey was brutally honest with the players delisted, and hopefully with the entire list. A few players need a wake up call.

It goes beyond individual results. Even Malcolm Blight mentioned the shinboner spirit last night, and when on to say that they are a club that's had nothing (referring to finances), and been given nothing, yet always seemed to get themselves up every year. And i'd suggest that he's far more qualified to comment on the intangible shinboner spirit than the likes of yourself.

Any comments to make Ash? Shinboner spirit is alive and well...........

OK, Melbourne Victory it is. Judd is a superstar, but his OP problems surely cast some doubts on his true value going forward. Also, it's far easier playing alongside Kerr and Cousins, as opposed to our inferior midfield, less Johnstone and Bruce, who are being thrown up as trade bait.

Bailey has already stated that we will draft the best available kid, rather than for needs. I still have nightmares about Molan and Lamb, and I'm not convinced that Frawley was the best available at pick 12.

If you equate goals kicked by an individual with team success, you have no idea. I often wonder why Robertson doesn't cop the same criticism as Fevola and Richardson. Similar players in my book.

You're probably right AOB. I tend to appreciate players who take a risk, as opposed to those who don't, and still get beaten by their opponent. How do you see Nathan Carroll?

I agree. I watched all the MFC players playing for Sandy on Saturday, with interest. For mine, Warnock confirmed my belief that he hasn't got the ability or awareness to play AFL. Keep Ferguson and Holland, delist Warnock.

Maybe that's the result of just focusing on your opponent, and not the ball. The better taggers such as K.Cornes, Kirk, Ling, Stenglein, Rawlings, are not afraid to put their head over the ball to get their own possessions. That's hardness.

Are these the thoughts of a bitter Essendon supporter? Everyone was predicting the Roos to finish bottom once Thompson and Wells got injured at the start of the season. Give them credit for finishing in the top 4. And I'd reserve your comments until after this weekend. During my life time, North Melbourne premierships 4 Melbourne 0. Whatever spirit they have, I wish Melbourne had a case of it.

Totally agree with your sentiments regarding those delisted. Daniher had a fixation with keeping unskilled tryhards at the club. Add Luke Williams to the list. However, I actually think that Ferguson has something to offer. Firstly, he was offered up for trade, then got injured the following season before he had the chance to redeem himself. Also, he's the only player I've heard Daniher outwardly criticise in the media. It was after the game where we beat the Cats at Skilled Stadium. Under a new coach, I think he can shine, because he has got ability.

Absolute garbage. Godfrey struggles to be a good player at VFL level. No football brain or skill. Plus every 'shut down' player in the modern game needs to be able to hurt the opposition when you have the ball, ie; K. Cornes, Ling, Sewell, Stenglein. With Godfrey at the centre bounces, we were playing 3 against 4.

What category does Godfrey fall under, contracted or specific role/depth? And why did Warnock get promoted to our senior list last year, which guaranteed him a 2 year contract? CC is a very good recruiter, but his list management skills leave a lot to be desired.

The trifecta paid $1.10. Congratulations!!!!!

Chris Judd had a suspect shoulder prior to the draft, which is why he went at no.3. The rest is history.........

I'm yet to be convinced that Frawley, Rivers or Carroll are capable of shutting down the elite forwards such as Brown, Reiwoldt, Hall and Pavlich. We couldn't even shut down a young Tom Hawkins.

I read Maurie's post differently. Motlop and Pickett had poor work ethics on the training track, hence looked overweight, as does Sampi. No mention of their race. I'd leave Sampi alone.

Here lies the problem with AFL clubs during trade week. Instead of trying to improve your list, we're more concerned about what the resident player might do at his new club. Trading Moloney for Tippett, Maric or Griffin would benefit the club. Some may argue that you're trading an established player for an unknown quantity, well all draftees are are an unknown quantity. We desperately need to trade for a young ruckman.

Unless J Brown is on the market, there are not too many players who fit this criteria. In the modern game, pack marks are a rarity. Key forwards are the least of our problems at the moment. Ruckmen, key backmen and creative running backmen are our priorities imho.