DemonWheels

Isaac Smith ran riot last week against the ‘Aints last week and it was beautiful to watch. It’s time for Jayden Hunt to do the same and take the game on again as we know he can, lots of running bounces - get a step or two outside of the 50 arch and launch for home. Don’t worry about bombing ‘into’ the forward line - just go straight over the top - we know he can do it.

Cats V Geelong turning into a ripper game. 10 mins to go and Sydney are back in front after trailing by about 5 goals.

He’ll get there, just going to take some (more) time. The club knew at the time of drafting him that he would need a few years of development – hopefully we start to see a few more signs this year. After seeing him at training this preseason he is looking physically more ready.

In one of his center clearances in the past two games (can't remember which game) he came up with the ball as he ran through the pack and held a body position looking like he was about to offload with a handball. This caused all the opposition players to start looking towards their own opposition and he just spun around with time as they spread away from him - giving him ample time to kick. i reckon we'll see more of that.

From the 'Fox' website: MELKSHAM WORTH THE MONEY MELBOURNES acquisition of Jake Melksham raised plenty of eyebrows, but according to list manager expert Chris Pelchen he is worth the money. The Dees parted with their second selection at the draft pick 25 for Melksham, who has never lived up to his potential at the Dons. Melksham, 24, has played 114 games with Essendon after being taken with pick 10 in the 2009 national draft. Although he has averaged just 16.5 disposals per game in that time, Pelchen believes a second-round selection still represents fair value. I think its a fair price for both clubs to pay, he said. Ultimately, Melbourne gets the player they want and Essendon gets fair value in return. Coming through the TAC Cup, he had enormous potential. He was a leader both in endurance and speed. Hes a prototype AFL player in terms of size. Unfortunately, he hasnt lived up to his potential. In saying that, hes 24 and hes got over 100 games of experience. He should be ready to play his best football. I say should because at the moment he hasnt reached any great heights. Melbourne would be investing in the fact his best football should be ahead of him. They will know in the next 12-24 months whether it ends up being a good buy. If he becomes the player we thought he would become, then its a cheap buy at pick 25.

We desperately need an injection of pace and some outside runners. Before Essendon imploded they were playing some super quick football (2 years ago now) and I recall Melksham being a big part of that - is that maybe why I don't like him? Either way I'll put all that dislike aside for now and hope the Footy Dept have pulled another 'Bernie Vince' type trade here. I genuinely think he makes our side stronger than without him and look forward to seeing what he can produce - hopefully in a new and fresh environment he can replicate his form from 2013 (Ave 20 Disposals and almost a goal a game).

Billy Hartung dropped from Hawthorn's Grand Final team, been the sub for quite a few games now that I can remember this year. While there will be no Sub next year and you'd expect him to move further into their preferred 22 over the next 12 months I hope someone from MFC has got someone on the case. He'd have to feel a little burnt and now would be the best time to enquire - he's pretty close to what we need with regards to outside run and spread.

Damian Barrett's 'sliding doors' piece on AFL.com: MELBOURNE "IF... there's a team we feel is keeping its cards close to its chest as trade period looms ..." "THEN... it is this one. Predicting a massive play from left-field." http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-09-25/sliding-doors-finals-week-three Hurry up and get these finals out of the way and bring on trade week!