TeamPlayedFine39

I just don't get it. How do some people not see that: a) Dank is a nutcase and was given too much freedom without sufficient checks. This is an acknowledged fact by all sides but seems to get lost when some are looking to point fingers of blame. b) He gave the players banned substances. You can argue all you want about what the players knew, but Dank sourced it, purchased it, imported it- with the intention of using it. c) The AFL had no motivation to see Essendon found guilty. d) The AFL had no motivation for the ordeal to drag on for years. e) The 'saga' spread over 2 governments and 4 prime ministers- it was apolitical. f) The only body to clear the players was the AFL tribunal. Every other legal and sporting/anti-doping body found they had done wrong. Most Essendon people don't want this dragged up again- the people who do refuse to acknowledge any wrongdoing by the club at all- even having Dank running amok. We can laugh at them from afar but I don't want Melksham and Hibberd focusing on anything other than football for the Dees.

Personally, I thought he had a huge amount of talent and could have been an outstanding AFL footballer... if he wanted to be. Four coaches and two clubs couldn't bring that desire out from within him.

At least those two make it onto the field - I was very keen on Freeman while most were praying Scharenberg would slide to us. A lot of talent in this draft, but also a bit of a minefield.

Hoping not to derail the thread, but my understanding was that Roos said that Melbourne would not have taken Kelly with pick 2 if we had of retained it... weren't we looking at Billings??

It is usually regarded as a win/win trade and I tend to agree with it. It satisfied a need for both clubs at the time in that Melbourne was trying to introduce as much quality to the list as possible, while GWS was reducing their list and concentrating on moving picks down the draft order to maximise their efficiency. Both teams could have blitzed this deal however with GWS passing on Bontempelli (pick 4) while Melbourne could have collected Cripps (pick 13). It is what it is, and if Salem can reach his potential, we've done very, very well.

Correct me if I'm wrong... but is it now all over..?

He's been so brave.

Generally curious; what's the politics involved here? This case has spanned 2 state governments, 2 federal governments, 4 Prime Ministers, 2 AFL CEOs, an Australian court appeal, a National anti-doping body, an international anti-doping body and an international court of appeal. It does see like everyone outside of the AFL that has come into contact with this case has found Essendon to be at fault. To my understanding, the only body in the world that has sided with Essendon has been the AFL tribunal.

To those who know Hibberd better than I... will we be looking for him to play as a third tall/intercept marker or as a mid-small defender off halfback? To which role is he better suited??

You're absolutely right, but gee... Still hurts.

I mentioned over the page that he had a kid this year, so presumably he's been getting thrown up on, slapped in the face, screamed at, eye gouged, pooed on, praying and being deprived of sleep, rest and any semblance of peace.

It's really hard to say if he'd be rookied - as an outsider looking in. It's been so long since we've been able to have a good look at him playing. He has some real strengths, but also some significant deficiencies that he needs to have been working on. Unfortunately, he hasn't been working through these as he's been injured so often. Hopefully he can snag a few matches for Casey at the end of the year. ***** Just checked the contract thread - looks like he's signed on til the end of '17. Good on him - hopefully can get a game or two at the end of the year and hit the preseason at full tilt.****

He's had a kid this year so hopefully he's looking at this as a year of Paternity Leave and enjoying every moment of it.

Agreed, it all a ruse to get the price up and add a year. If he's asking for four and they're offering 2... it'll be three. If they're offering 300,000 and he's asking for 500,000, surprise, surprise! Happens every year.

We've got something pretty special here. His vision in traffic, exemplified by THAT handball in the fourth quarter, is amazing! In the team for round one on the back of the past three games. He's the kinda player you'd love to play alongside.

Him and his mates were trolling the draft pages before he was drafted- some very funny stuff; was positive the MFCwould have put an end to it.

Fantastic debut for Oliver. Seems a natural footballer; finds the right position and the ball seems to find him. Actually reminds me a bit of vandenBerg. If he plays like that in NAB two and three, then he'll be playing round one.

Agreed. Brayshaw was always slated to start the year in the VFL and played the practice match for them the week before round one. His form at that level was irrepressible, so he got the early call-up. Not to put the pressure on Oliver, but it's good that he knows you have to earn your spot through performing in the 2nds.

I've only heard positives about him on the track. I'd say his eyes probably lit up when Petracca broke his toe. Did his chances of slotting into the half forward flank for round one no harm at all.

FWIW... Head says Parish Heart says Curnow Both have been known to be spectacularly wrong in the past.

Very true. They released a lacklustre highlights reel for Brayshaw which had people on DL very nervous about his kicking. Week of the draft, they released the 'real thing' and DL rejoiced. Highlight packages are a bit of fun, but you can't take too much away from them.

Welcome to the MFC. He's one of us now and I will back him in. Bring on 2016!

Vince agreed to be traded to Melbourne after being told he wouldn't be offered another contract at adelaide after 2014.

Butcher would be dirt cheap, if not free. Big bodied, key position forward who regularly takes contested mark and is good in the lead. Yes, he kicks like a mule- but with all those other attributes, I think the kicking can be worked on; never to be perfected, but perhaps improved. IMHO.