Gator

I preface most comments on Watts with almost an apology for sensitive souls like you. But in reality that preface has nothing to do with what I actually said. So you're saying that he's exceeding YOUR minimum levels ? Is that it ? Do we simply disagree on what you think is reasonable and a minimum output and what I think the bar should be ? If so, what makes you the arbiter on what is and isn't a base level for Watts. In his 8th year and with his natural talent I can't imagine anyone who'd be happy with less. I even set my parameters preseason when I said he should kick 40 goals. Naturally, you scoffed because you have no vision. The only person who'd be happy with less is you.

So did Clay Sampson and Steven Armstrong. If they do they do they're still "good ordinary", which makes them less likely than likely in my view. Any other scenarios you can mention that won't mean anything to me ?

I don't think he is an A-grader. He's like Marc Murphy or Cotchin, who have had one A-grade year.

Instead of being the class dope, annunciate what you disagree with. If you can.

I don't want to sound controversial and I'm rapt with his output when one considers his previous years, but he's really only at minimum levels. But I am thankful and hopefully he's drawn a line for the rest of the season and for future years.

I still am. Good ordinary players who are great for the club's depth and both are presently best 22, but when we're in the hunt for a flag I doubt either will be running out on GF day. But I agree they've been worthwhile recruits and better than I expected.

The same bloke said Melksham didn't have pace.

Opportunity.

He had one kick that wasn't as deep as he'd hoped (Varcoe intercept chopped arms) and another poor decision when he went to Jones in the corridor, which resulted in a goal to us, but he's a super smart player, a great tackler, and very clean. Pace was not an issue whatsoever. He's feeling his way after two years and I have zero doubt he'll be best 22 and get better and better.

A step forward, but he's still a mile off competing against strong forwards and he hasn't learnt how to hit bodies in spoiling contests.

I agree and so have I. I've watched him closely lately and he's underwhelmed. I'm not sure we need him.

Nice sentiments, but a point of correction. Dangerfield is the fastest player in the AFL.

You're not listening. I said that the circumstances are very different. Check - they are. I said they would still be difficult to deal with. Check - you agree. I said Worsfold has publicly stated that he won't stand in the way of a player wanting to leave due to the circumstances they've been put in. Now you may disagree with that and think Worsfold is a liar. I don't. It makes zero sense to try and make one of those banned players stay if they don't want to. Perhaps my common sense differs to yours. That said, as stated (again) I don't know what it will take to get a player like Hibberd in the door. But I am comfortable that if he wants us and we want him we'll get a deal done. I'm not going to waste any more time on how when why's or won'ts. I'll leave others to type pages of waffle.

Those trade scenarios were pre bans. Very different circumstances.

Last year we had unexpected wins against Geelong and the Dogs, but we haven't really had the equivalent this year. I still think we will. Beating Adelaide at the 'G works for me.

Ten wins will be a solid launching pad for 2017. Nine is the bare minimum for me, but I'm hoping for 10. Monday is vitally important.

Matt Jones may play more games for Melbourne this year, but he'll purely be depth in 2017. It's really disappointing that Brayshaw and Salem have had their seasons nobbled.

I agree that they won't be easy to deal with, but I'm comfortable with the view they'll let him leave. Worsfold was clear in his comments and they resonated with me because they made sense. Time will tell.

I don't know enough of the intricacies, as that sort of detail has never interested me, however, Worsfold has already publicly stated that he won't stand in the way of a player if they want to leave. It's a pragmatic and correct approach under the circumstances. He will only want committed players in 2017. I don't know if we'd have to trade, etc., but I don't believe Essendon will stand in the way of a player (Hibberd) wanting to leave.

Earlier you mentioned Salem, Lumumba, Melksham, Michie, Hunt, White, Wagner, Jones, Vince and Bugg. Not all of those are good enough and others will play rotating mid/bench roles. Michael Hibberd is a better HBF than every one of them. If he were on our list he'd be one of the first picked in the backline and certainly our best half-back flanker. I agree that a quality key back is our highest priority, but you can chew gum and walk at the same time. If you can get a quality defender who immediately makes you better yo do. Drive off half-back has never been more important. Having had him in my DT I've seen a lot of Hibberd and he's top notch (notwithstanding a quieter 2015). He's a great intercept mark, tough as they come and reminds me of a Burchall type. Geelong recruited Dangerfield (mid), Henderson (key back), Smith (ruck) and Scott Selwood (mid), so it's possible to address more than one issue. Cream rises to the top and while we may have a number of players who are capable of playing half-back my view is that you get a player who would clearly be your best and let the others battle it out. Some will make it and some won't. It's called 'competition'. You don't go backwards getting better.

I agree. I would have dropped Harmes by now, who outside of his RS game (and Brisbane) has been ordinary since the Richmond/Saints games. And Kent has played one good game in the last 5. Teams haven't yet been finalised and I wouldn't be surprised if one of them makes way for Kennedy. All of Kent, Garlett and Harmes have been poor for 6 weeks.

Garlett has played one ... maybe two half decent games in the last 6 weeks. He's having an ordinary year. Obvious call is obvious.

Oscar was given the final two games last year and his Brother a few years earlier under a different regime. It wouldn't surprise me if he's given a taste at season's end to whet his appetite over summer.

There are so many shades of grey and nuances in between it's not funny, Old. I'm just glad your default position is about number 8 on my list.

Anything is possible, but I'm glad I'm not wired to think the way you do.