Rhino Richards

I know. But he is one of the best 2nd rucks in the AFL. What is PJ in the side for and what position has he shown even the smallest capability of nailing? Seven years and around 60 games and we dont know what he can do. We certainly know he cant ruck. Miller is a limited footballer but provides a contest and from time to time does make an impact in a game. His work ethic and attack on the contest cant be challenged. But Miller is benchwarming for better options and his future is not assured. We went into the season knowing that we had a problem in the big man stakes even with all our rucks fit. Its makes it more distressing when we are left with our No 4 ruck option who is not a ruck against the best ruck in the AFL. Our list has had no contingency for this outcome and its not easily fixed. Its amazing that you have been in heavy support for a player who you dont know what he can do and you dont believe he can ruck. I am equally pumped for you.

He would be ranked No 5 in our ordinary ruck line up. His performances in his final year make Josh Fraser look like Glenn Archer. You clearly have been away from the game for a long time.

I think he will need to play well all year and above the level he has given thus far. With Meesen going down with a potential LT injury then I think some of the dynamics have changed. PJ once more has been given the opportunity of a lifetime for the rest of 2009.

PJ is not similar to Paddy Ryder. Ryder is a player has held down a KPB role and is already an established player. Ryder took the opportunity and work his clacker off and threw himself around physical against an established by marshmallow like ruckman in Fraser. PJ has not nailed any position as his own and in particular rucking he has been dead useless. Its interesting that when he was the experienced ruck against Fraser, he was absolutely pantsed and when Fraser went forward and hurt MFC further PJ let him. Its an interesting comparison. The gauntlet has been thrown down to PJ all year since Jamar went injured. He clearly hasn't taken the bait. Its not a matter of not supporting a player it recognising where they are at. The lack of success has bred an attitude of eulogiseing very ordinary footballers in this Club and try to paint them as something they are not. I think PJ has given more than enough evidence about his capabilities. Its just that many posters get carried away with one off individual feats of bravery or a tackle here or there and use it as a cover all for a footballer that cannot impact a game and do so regularly. He will have his work cut out on Cox and what will be asked of him will be what has been asked of him all year and has not delivered. I hope he does well I really do. MFC are screaming for a good bigman. And if plays even a mediocre game it will be enough for his steadfast well wishers to claim he is a great asset/ruckman while blissfully ignoring all before. C'est la vie.

The delivery does not account for other shortcomings in Millers game. I like him and think he is better value to us than what we will get on the open market for him. I dont think there are many players from MFC that GC will chase. But if he does not improve I would look at deal for Bate

While you are making uninformed assumptions about the quality of the draft I can see your point of view. i think the point to be made and I have heard this from others who know BP that he does back himself to be able to find the hidden gems. I hope he is right with his prospecting. I think Bennell is a good get at 35. Its too early to assess his other picks. The other issue is that the Club will have to ensure they have delisted/retired enough players. If we finish last with 4 wins and no else gets a PP then we get picks 1,2,18,34,50 and PSD#1. Six picks. Will we cut 6 players off the list? Spencer will take up one pick. Whats going to be available with the PSD#1? We would take a Scully and Butcher with 1 and 2. Unless he performs out of his skin, I cant see Valenti securing higher value when he was not considered preferable to Bail at pick #64. His most realistic hope is if MFC dont have a worthy PSD option and they take him at pick 66 and pass on the PSD.

If you want to run hate posts on AFL or MFC public figures do it on another forum. Thread closed.

I wouldn't expected you would be different. You have a narrow linear mindset that does you no favours Valenti may survive dependent on how many spots we have on our list at the end of the year. What happens to the elder players on our list? What happens with the Bells, Dunn and PJs of this world. I have made that abundantly clear elsewhere that a number of these should go. However there are no Isaac Weetras this year that are red hot certainties to go. And while I dont rate Valenti I have been open minded to give him the opportunity that if does perform he many survive. You could learn alot from that approach. But then again you probably wouldnt.

He is 32, difficulty recovering from injury and struggles with the pace of the game and his form has been line ball for sometime. Hmmmmm <_< The decision was between Bail (#64) and Jurrah. Both high risk and speculative. Both preferred to Valenti. He had 10 games with MFC and the midfield is terrible but he did not get a list berth. Barry Prendagast said a supporters function recently that he thought 3rd (#35-36) and 4th (#51-52) round picks this year would be an opportunity to pick up a 2nd round pick quality that he feels other will miss. There is no evidence to suggest the Club think that way. Spencer takes one spot. I reckon Valenti and McKenzie will get elevated when they get picked for MFC. They have an opportunity to show they have what it takes.

What the same midfield you think is as good as the Swans?? Re-read my post. You are not good at doing that even though you highlighted the sentence.

What the same midfield you think is as good as the Swans?? Re-read my post. You are not good at doing that even though you highlighted the sentence.

Whelan did not look fit on Saturday on Coburg. Proppy but with his cool decision making obvious at that standard. I dont think its a matter of Matty Whelan trying harder. His body is giving out.

Sorry I meant Jamar, PJ and Meesen. I am actually a big fan of Spencer and his prospects. He is a definite keep. But I recognise he is WIP. But IMO he offers more now to MFC than I think the others do.

Junior is no longer cutting at AFL level as a player. He has been a great warrior for us but I think he is finished. If Valenti is seen a straight swap then he should not be taken onto the list. Its not good enough. If MFC were so enamored with Valenti and had identified a need for him. They would have played him. He has got a chance to impress the Footy department but they clearly have reservations As a rookie and with MFC having 3 LTI candidates then it could elevate Valenti at any time if it was going to play him in the AFL. I think he will get a chance to do this at some stage. If he does not impress in this opportunity, Valenti may be dropped from the list at year end. If does well, he may survive. Bailey has shown that he has no reservations about playing young plays when he believes there ready. In the 1st round, he played Spencer, Jetta, Cheney, and Bennell. If Blease and Strauss were ready I have no doubt they would be given a run. Why is there an emphasis on youth??? How many older (+25yo) players do we have that are a) fit B) capable of earning a spot in the team? BTW, Shane Valenti is 22 and has played 10 games. He is neither old nor battle hardened.

Aside from Spencer who needs to show something, Jamar and PJ need to show more than they have to date. I understand Meesen is contracted next year. Meesen's misfortune may be the best thing going for Jamar and PJ. I'll cut Spencer some slack because he is young and I think there is something to work with there. But our rucks are lamentable and if we had better options to choose from I would not have any of them on our list.

Umpires are not bouncers and are physically smaller than many of the brawlers. Basic common sense would suggest that umpires would not interpose themselves in such a situation. Would you interpose yourself in a 3 or more person pub brawl? You'd be a fool if you did. Both Clubs and the players do need to take responsibility for this sort of thing getting out of hand. Its up to them. They should not have started it. It raises a whole number of diabolical problems if such a ridiculous scene were to spill into or involve members of the public.

Is the deal with us or the AFL? As a separate legal entity, MFC are not financial going concern. The AFL would have to acquiensce on any strategic deals I would have thought. But it would be nice for the MCC to provide MFC with a cosy deal. I am not sure it is as simple as that though. The Age highlights the incredible financial gulf between the top financial clubs and relative basket cases like MFC. It is so much harder for MFC to compete against the big boys and its getting harder. If and I hope when MFC wins another flag it will be an incredible battle against steep odds that include finances and season draws

You left Valenti out at 176cm. B)

Seven years in AFL and you have not worked it out? Interesting.

Hawthorn and Richmond????

Clearly being armed with the facts is not a pre requisite with you. You have started your D'land life off a low base. See if you can improve.

I agree. He just cant let go.

I have no doubt the dear lady thought similar of you and cursed that malignant gene that spoiled the family. Right so "PJ isn't a ruckman" but "like ANY GOOD SECOND RUCK".....Flip flop flip flop. He cant ruck but is a good 2nd ruck. PJ has shown that he cant slot in at either end as he rarely hurts oppositions up forward but also is unaccountable for the opposition ruckman going back. The only pressure he relieves in the centre would be if he took an overdue [censored] in the centre circle. The fact is he has little or no impact in any spot on the ground after 7 years. He is 200cm jack of no trades. The only reason he has played every game is due to the injury of other ruck options some of which are questionable in their own right. But guess PJ is 2nd fiddle to each ordinary ruckman in the Club. Says enough.

Good post Nasher.

I dont think they will play all three this weekend. Only Spencer for Meesen There is no confirmation I am aware of that has said Valenti and McKenzie have been elevated. I am not sure who they would replace if they were elevated. I think the option is there, I am not sure its happening just yet.