Vince Vega

King is a rookie so someone has to go down badly before he gets a chance. Also, I watched an interview with Jade Rawlings on DeeTV the other day where he mentioned Neville Jetta was pushing for selection so it looks like he might be the next in line for an upgrade.

I honestly can't see any established coaches like Thompson, Clarkson or Lyon taking the job. The AFL community is aware that it's an apprenticeship under Roos' tutelage and I just don't see any of those guys sitting through that - Lyon has already been there and done that. I would be very nervous if we plucked Gia or any other player straight out of the game for the job, especially one that's never tasted the ultimate success. Ratten would not be the worst option, I never rated Carlton's list but he still somehow managed to get them reasonably high up the ladder (much further than where Malthouse could get them anyway). Maybe a couple of years under Roos would give him the skills and knowledge he needs to go all the way.

I thought I remembered reading somewhere that Rawlings was the only assistant still under contract. Though I still think that if we are going to promote from within he is the front runner at this point.

After last night I think the following changes should be made for next week: Out: Byrnes In: Blease Out: Terlich In: Clisby Out: Bail In: Viney Out: Spencer or Fitz In: Gawn And the following changes should be made as soon as injury permits: Out: Pederson In: Just... anybody Out: Tom McDonald In: Garland

Finding it very hard to find six players even worthy of votes but here goes: 6 Watts 5 Vince 4 N. Jones 3 Dunn 2 Tyson 1 Trengove

Much, much happier if we win.

I haven't been to a game since round 18, 2011 (the game before 186) and my round 1 prediction is that, win or lose, I will leave the venue a much happier man than last time.

If it were possible I would rather they take the punt and redraft him as a rookie. Way too much love for Clarky to let him go so soon.

Will Mitch now be placed on the long term injury list?

None taken OD and I actually agree with you. If Jackson and Roos can't improve our results it's merger time for us. I'll admit I'm one of those gullible supporters who gets sucked into every new coach's message of hope and have been beaten down every year recently but it's gotta be different this time, right? I mean.... Roos! We got Roos! The same guy that took over a three win team halfway through 02 and only finished two games out of the eight, and then won a flag three years later. The dude knows what he's doing. I may seem overly-optimistic but trust me, there's still my inner Demon telling me he could work out as well as Malcolm Blight did at the Saints. Like I said though, I'm gullible and it's still only preseason so it's hope until proven hopeless for me. Sheedy was a bad example, I knew that as I was typing it because I cringed when I thought of his name but I just couldn't think of anyone else who plays that kind of ambassadorial role at a club.

If we're to promote from within then Rawlings is surely the front runner but I'm not sold on him yet. What experience does he bring? Has he ever played in or been involved with a successful side? I was pretty disappointed not to land Dew at the end of last year but without a successor stitched up for 2014 I'm sure that Roosy will stay on for at least the third year of his contract. My dream scenario is he has a five year stint at the helm and in the last year or two he lets his successor do all the coaching while he hangs around mostly as a mentor and promoter of the club, kind of like Sheedy at the Giants in 2013. Any thoughts on Cam Bruce as Roos' apprentice?

Top four: Hawthorn, Sydney, Freo, Geelong Premier: Hawthorn Runner-up: Sydney Wooden spoon: St Kilda Moving up: North Set to fall: Collingwood Brownlow Medal: Dangerfield Coleman Medal: Jack Riewoldt NAB AFL Rising Star: JKH Coach of the year: McKenna Headline you'll see: McCartney under fire Headline you won't see: Surprise packet Sylvia shines in Norm Smith Medal winning performance Can Gold Coast make the finals? No How many goals will Buddy kick? 43 How many wins will Paul Roos lead the Dees to? Seven Will James Frawley stay at Melbourne? No Dees B&F: N. Jones Dees best first year player: Georgiou Dees leading goalkicker: Howe

My die-hard Geelong supporting aunt named her cat 'Biz' which actually worked in our favour. So as you can see, there is either a curse at play or I'm just pretty superstitious. But so as not to detract from the actual thread topic, I would love to see Frawley stay at Melbourne but in this day and age I sadly don't see it happening

If I had the time, space, money and patience I'd have cats named after about 75% of our 2012 and 2013 lists.

I agree OD, I've personally seen the writing on the wall ever since I named my cat 'Chipper' after him (I once also had a cat named 'Beamer'). I would not blame him for wanting to leave either, though I can't help but partially blame him and about 20 other blokes on our list (and a coach who shall remain unnamed) for getting us to where we are in the first place. The cruel irony is, if we want to win some games we need players like Chip to stand up and play some decent, consistent footy. But the more decent, consistent footy that Chip plays means more lucrative offers from rival suitors and less chance he'll stay a Dee.

Vale Dean Bailey. 47 is just way too young.