TeamPlayedFine39

Genuinely shocked that there is said to be communication problems with the players. Last year he gave a speech at the Rising Star Awards and he came across as a man of genuine humility and compassion. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcAS6r5zGHE Obviously there were issues there, but I can't help but wonder how the embedded 'star' players at the bulldogs accepted frank feedback from someone who hadn't played at the highest level....

He could very well do a Polec - but any weapons that he has as a footballer, he's yet to show them at senior level.

I'm annoyed by the player/media/public perception that when a player 'nominates' a club that that is the be-all-and-end-all. Clubs still need to facilitate a trade that rewards their investment. Would be interested to know what O'Rourke's currency is on the open draft-market... When I've watched him this year he, and Plowman, have really struggled with the pace and intensity of senior football. If GWS were to hold their ground and make a statement, forcing JOR into the draft, where would he go? I don't think GWS would get a top ten pick, probably closer to 15-20... which is what Hawthorn will offer. Perhaps those who watched him closer a a junior would disagree.

Wish him all the best; not convinced the punishment fit the crime. However if it came down to him or Garlett, I'd take Jeff.

This guy is lightening and reads the fall of the ball quite well. Will never be anything more than a crumbling forward pocket - but if he kicks goals - welcome!

I love the intrigue and theatre of another Tyson trade coming together; it makes for great discussion and hypothesising. With that said, I would be beside myself if we had two out of the three of Petracca, Brayshaw and McCartin! On a side note: can someone help me out with the pronunciation of Petracca?? Is it: pet-racca / pe-tray-ca / or petra-cha??

Felt gutted at the start of the year at the prospect of him leaving. As the year's gone on though the realisation came to me and most others that he was off. Not angry at him personally - he's made his decision and we will draft/trade a player who wants to play for the red and blue. In this day in age my respect for players who sign-on and want to help rebuild the club grows and grows. Chip is not one of these... them the wraps! Let's move on!

I've always believed that Merrett is an underrated player here in Victoria. Strong, fierce and a player cab able of holding pack marks. If he's coming in as a key defender, I'd see him holding down the spot that (hopefully) Frost can step into and make his own. If he's coming in as a swingman or forward, I'd see him in competition with Pederson. This would require him to play the relieveing ruckman/third tall but not sure if he has the tank for it..? For a big guy he's always been quick over a short burst - anyone know if he's played second ruck much up at Brissy?

Very happy to have a durable, premiership playing, all Australian select us. He is a strong trainer who sets a high standard in preparation and recovery- something every developing list needs. Cameron Bruce was the last player I remember running and breaking the lines off half back for the MFC; I look forward to seeing it again soon!

Looks like a pretty raw deal for the Dees. If true, however, we could trade on pick 10 to Adelaide and make it 3 and 10 for Dangerfield. Making: MFC picks 2 and 3 = Dangerfield and Conca. Would rather deal with GWS personally.

What would Giles be worth in a trade? or What would a Frost/ Giles double cost us?

The Jim Stynes story is unique in Australian Football. There have been better players on the field, there's even been (dare I say) more courageous players on the field. But to come here from Ireland (against all odds), learn the game and play it at the highest level (against all odds) to work from being a villain in '87, to a hero in '91 when he take out the highest individual award in the game (certainly against all odds) makes this one of the great sporting stories in the world. Add to that the consecutive games records, multiple BnFs, the trailblazing role of encouraging more of his countrymen to try the game and his immense work in the community, and the Jim Stynes story is one that deserves to be immortalized in this fashion. It's a great sculpture too - it's even capture the distinctive vertical way he held the ball,

Was amazing in 2012-13 when we were at our worst. He stood up when very few didn't and was a rock in the back six. This year however, he was starting from way too far back due to his preseason injury and wasn't able to get close to his best. His confidence was shot pretty quickly as he couldn't keep pace with opponents. A full preseason and he should be a renewed man - I would put him in the same basket as Trengove and count him as a new recruit next year.

He (JV) was being interviewed by Ox on SEN after Melbourne had secured him in the Father / Son bidding. Viney said that Toump was the pick of the players due to his leadership and training standards. Jack followed up though by saying he didn't think he'd be available still by Melbourne's pick. A week later I was wrapped when it looked like we'd get him.

He's already a very good player and an excellent prospect to develop into a top defender. He is driven to improve, wants to play on the best opposition forwards and after playing for Melbourne through three of our worst years ever, was not broken by the experience. He has courage and an iron will. Tom McDonald would be picked up by every team in the league if we discarded him. In fact, he'd make the current back six of practically every team in the league. 21 years old. GUN.

I would suggest two first round picks could get it done... Hypothetically: We finish the year with pick 4. Frawley goes so we get pick 5. We then try to trade pick 4 for a player and a mid first round pick. (12) On-trade that pick and and pick 5 for Fyfe. Melbourne gets: Fyfe and a (decent) player Melbourne loses Picks 4 and 5. Fremantle gains: Pick 5 and 13. Fremantle loses: Fyfe (I'd suggest they'd be after pick 4 and 5 though.)

Price aside, it'd be what we're willing to trade for him... What would Freo want from us?

Brett Allison certainly seems to have cheered-up this week - I'm sure the players are relieved! Dean Kent is an outstanding prospect - great speed, kick and attack on the footy. I expect him to remain in the seniors when he finally does break through. Great to see that Jordie and Pigdog are maintaining some good form and keeping the pressure on the midfielders in the seniors. I have high hopes for Viv but his last quarter fade-out suggests he hasn't regained full match fitness following his (jaw) injury. Viv and Riley will need this season and next preseason to build a real fitness base to attack 2015 at full speed after having such a bad run with injuries over the past year (several years in Viv's case).

I too think that Howe will move next year, but I'm not sure we're getting value for his skill-set when he is playing as a tall forward. I'd like to see him out playing the opposite wing to Watts with one of them pushing forward, and the other pushing back. Howe's always looked better IMHO when he has space to move rather than hemmed into the forward line. With that said though - I don't have a tall forward too high on my list of priorities. Collingwood beat us with only one genuine power forward on Monday. What they did have though was better delivery to their forwards by a very good mid-field and half-back line. Two key forwards (Dawes,Hogan) and a third tall/second ruckman (Pederson) with better mid-field delivery is what we needs.

I would suggest that Tom McDonald is your tradional CHB and, at this stage of his development, does get caught out when forced deep defence to play a more traditional full back role. McDonald is best suited to hard running CHFs like Nick Riewoldt. He can then use his best attribute (his engine) to keep up where other players would have fallen away. Like a lot of young players who do put in the odd poor game, he needs to stick to his role and know his limitations. I actually think he reads the ball quite well through the air, and the team is best served when he uses his athleticism and reach to punch it twelve rows back.

I honestly believe that he hasn't made up his mind yet. It's perfectly understandable for him to wait until the end of the year, let the dust settle, and have a little bit of time to reflect and consider his options. In some ways for Melbourne, this could be a good thing. When a team is performing as ours is at the moment, any given week would be a different proposition. After a win 'Fantastic, I'm staying!' after a loss 'I need to get to a finals bound club.' Let him consider his options, talk to his family, (hopefully not his manager), talk to the club and make a decision with a clear focus. With that said, while I believe he hasn't made up his mind yet, I think the club may believe he's likely to go. Frawley hasn't been played as a 'swing-man' since his move forward in round three. Rather, he has been well and truly parked there - rain, hail, shine. Roos is preparing the team and particularly the defense for a Frawley-less 2015.

Hello Long-time-first time and thought perhaps what beeter way to bein that to apologise for past sins. Lynden Dunn... I'm sorry. Nev Jetta... I'm sorry. Can Pederson... I'm sorry. Mark Jamar... I'm sorry. All currently showing what a clearly defined role, some match-fitness and a bit of self-belief can do for a player. With that said, however, there are players in this thread who have indeed shown very little to be positive about aver the last few years. Posters were quite justified in their criticisms- but congrats to the players, coaches and support staff for believing. (There's still a list of players I really hope I can apologise to in the near future.)