Rhino Richards

He needs to continue to improve to survive in the role. While he might be the best option its only atm. And just because he is 22 and has 80 games there is no basis to suggest there is large scope for improvement. FWIW, I was really impressed with Bartrams efforts last year. But his strengths dont hide areas he is not strong in. The truth is he has to work very hard to maintain the momentum he achieved in 2010. Its a poor example to use but there is an issue with Bartram's decision making and execution at times. If you are going to play midfield then you must be able to play offensively and defensively. I dont think there is a role for a purely defensive tagger in the game unless they can win and use the ball well. And who out of the list of the more talented options that we have in the midfield misses out on a spot?? And in regard to your issue, it why I put forward Bail as a potentially better option longer term.

Too much sense for some.

And why should you have any say??? You have a completely closed mind to the introduction of new teams. I doubt the AFL is missing anything profound by avoiding misguided rants.

Yes but does not give you access to the cricket. B) The historical legacy of the MCC is both a benefit and a heel for MFC. Many MCC members who are MFC supporters do not take out MFC membership. I can understand their reasons. I like a growing number of MCC members have a dual membership. I have no concerns that the MFC component of the MCC falls. The demographic and the interest base of the MCC is broader than MFC. I can also understand those who toss the MCC membership due lack of use. FWIW, since the renovations in 2006, I think the MCC is a sensational viewing spot for football and cricket.

X2. Condolences on your Mother. Great act by Anthony Ingerson.

I agree we're all doomed. And it only took one 4 Corners show to turn the light on. Amazing On a more serious level.... I dont care what they are called.... Giants or Wolves. FWIW, I thought the wolves was too Wolverhampton for mine. I think the jumper is alright.

And we're all doomed!!! Do you despise Andrew Hilditch as well? So much to phone Steve Price with. Wow

And anything in white at an away game.

I remember Diamond Jim Tilbrook had his kicking as a weapon. It was just a pity he never actually got in and got the ball much. At the moment, its a big if. The days of midfielders playing one position with only attack instincts are gone. Mid sized players today need to be highly mobile and effective in attack and defensive skills. Many traditional football positions blur in the actuality of player. The attributes which people rightly laud in Bail on the win are equally applicable to the small defender role. The power of self reflection missing when its most needed.

He's better than Cheney and if it guys like Strauss competing for his position, he's safe. Strauss needs to find the mojo to compete at AFL

Given the way the game is played today, I thinking skills would also provide us with a wonderful rebounding player out of defence whose speed and use of the ball would really hurt the opposition. I am also looking forward to his year as I thought he was much improved from his first season at Casey.

Fair summation. If you want more melodrama you should be using "raping and pillaging". Its a surefire winner on talk back radio. Conclusions drawn from a straw poll dont always come with a lot of creedence. Good ideas there. Clearly none it seems.

I agree with that. But I am not sure why the other poster needed the Bartram sympathy vote. All thats being argued is that while Bartram has improved over last year there may well be better options in the small defender. I put forward Bail. And Bartrams disposal has moved from problematic to moderate. He still has a fair way to go to claim his disposal skills as much of a strength as his endurance

I'm not. Bail can play the role Bartram does with the ability to attack on the rebound with better disposal. You're unnecessarily pidgeionholing Bartram to suit your argument. We need a small defender down back that can defend, make competent decisions under pressure and use the ball well offensively. Bail could potentially do that better than Bartram. In addition, we have Scully, Trengove, Moloney, Morton, McKenzie, Gysberts, Davey, Sylvia and potentially Blease, Tapscott, Jones, Bennell in the midfield for rotation plus in a year to Viney jnr and other draft picks, Bail might be seeking a solid spot as the smaller defender given the competition in the midfield.

Bartram is good defensively but will always have issues on the counterattack. While he has improved in recent seasons, Bartram's position will always be in question where a better option arises. And the drive you talk of Bail could easily been done from defence. As an attacking weapon from defensive he is superior to Bartram.

Its easy. Dont read them then. Why do you need to highlight nationality anyway to illustrate your point?

Has not done enough. Now if he had hit 3 centuries.... AMac is an interesting one. Not in the 17. Selectors dont rate him for No 6. I would not necessarily pick AMac for bowling in Bris.

Interesting. I have Bail potentially challenging Bartrams role. Thanks Bhima for the informative report.

There was a quite bizarre argument put forward comparing Smith to Warne. Smith is not a shield grade bowler yet. Promising but not there yet. I think the fact is we dont have a frontline spinner atm and left field suggestions tend to pop up. North and Hussey (expecially) must be on their last chance. No runs in Brisbane if they get the chance will spell the end for either or both. Bloody SA bowlers bowling Cook and Strauss into form. FMD.

Absolutely. And I dont select all rounders unless they are a perfect fit for the side rather than a nice to have. Like Watson, McDonald gets selected primarily as a batsman if selected. I have not rated AMac before this but 3 Shield centuries is not to be ignored.

South African wickets are a little different to Australian wickets. I cant see the sense in replacing Hauritz with AMac. You must have a spinner for the fourth innings in Australia. If AMac plays...its to bat first and foremost possibly at six. I would pick Doherty ahead of Hauritz. But it not clear cut and the spinning and No 6 spots look far from resolved.

Agree Reims. My mail from a trusted sources is that Bruce was advised by the FD that if his form and fitness was good enough the Club would enter negotiations for a further contract in 2012. High Tower has nailed Bobby on this matter and its form for Bobby to do so. Agreed and well said.

AMac is making runs when it counts and has put his name forward with the bat. I am not sure how AMac adds variety to our attack when he is right arm fast medium with Hilfy and Watson. Desperate times means desperate measures and Bell cannot be out of the mix even though he has a crud record there. Might be good for Australia if he was there. Trott should start there at 3 but if Cook is dropped....

You wonder what off field facilities they will have at the new ground to honour Shane Warne.

Judge what you see not what you read in pre season.