Gator

Yeah nah.

I'm interested in "highest and best use"", not watering down a player's best position to squeeze in someone else. Salem wasn't great in the midfield, but is great down back. Brayshaw wasn't great as a high half forward or on a back flank, but is great on ball. Yes, players can be juggled, but invariably water finds its own level and the course you're advocating rarely is sustainable.

If I'm Sam Weideman and I'm being told we want to keep you as insurance for injuries then of course I'd be seeking opportunities elsewhere. I'd be wanting to know how the club sees me fitting in to the best 22 in my 4th year. I'd want assurances. Obviously there are no guarantees and selection is subject to form, but I'd want the vision to be clear.

You're not convincing me. But who knows, you may be right.

If I'm one of those players that answer doesn't cut it for me.

I was having this discussion yesterday. I really rate what Weideman can become, but also like what McDonald offers as the second banana. And unlike some I'm a Jesse fan and he's 3 years from his peak years. I can't see the three of them working well in the same forward half. But I could be wrong. I'll be fascinated to see what Goodwin comes up with in 2019.

For me it's the chance to run out at the G most weeks compared to Etihad. When journalists say that Melbourne have given up on getting Gaff I tend to believe them. There are some things clubs won't let out, but others they do. In this instance I see no reason to doubt these reports. Sometimes journos guess, or put two and two together, and on other occasions clubs are frank, as I'm sure we have been. You can tell by the definite nature of reporters saying Melbourne don't expect to be landing Gaff. It was very different to the commentary around Lever last year, or Hibberd prior to that. I'm virtually certain Gaff won't be coming to Melbourne. Now I'll have dolts cite all the times journos get it wrong as though that has some sort of relevance to what I just said.

I'm surprised so many are confident. From everything being reported, and there's usually smoke when there's this much fire, Gaff will either stay or go to North for the dollars. I suspect North. I hold zero hope he'll come to Melbourne. And with the elevation in form of both Harmes and Brayshaw I'm far less eager than I was.

He's suggesting what you're advocating. Cerra was pick 5 and will be a gun plus a first rounder is the equivalent of two first rounders. Actually, in my view it's better, because Cerra has already shown what he'll be. That said, I want Hogan to stay and suspect he will.

I'm not sure what you're meaning.

My view on Frost is the same as Simon Goodwin's. He was a last resort, which is why he spent most of the year at Casey. He's playing well and as long as he plays within his many limitations he'll walk off the ground having played his role. I don't see him as a long-term solution. And I doubt my mate Goody does either.

Melbourne

I'm one of the 70% @Ethan Tremblay

Apparently there was a poll by a Dees forum on Facebook asking supporters who should play against West Coast out of Pedersen or Weideman. Pedersen was chosen by 70% of supporters. It merely confirmed my long-held views. Most Melbourne supporters are clueless about footy.

He showed he's an AFL quality tall forward.

Just heard Mark Brayshaw on SEN. He spoke exactly as I suspected. Thankfully, he has far more class than the outrage merchants on here who seem to salivate during these types of unfortunate events.

Absolutely. The incident has zero to do with awarding votes for the game. In fact, if Simpson thought he was the second best player on the ground he'd be compromising the award by not giving him votes. It's called integrity. This isn't a best and fairest award, this is a best award.

I keep hearing that Brayshaw is a teenager. His age in this incident is completely irrelevant.

Are you imagining this, or can you provide quotes that support this assertion ?

I have an 18 year old Son, the same age as Brayshaw. Of course you'd be tremendously upset. I'd condemn the act, but also acknowledge it was out of character and appreciate that these things can happen, as unfortunate as they are. He'll cop his penalty. What else do people want ?

If Angus was told the MFC wanted Gaff to improve the list and the prospects of a flag he wouldn't stand in the way of Gaff ending up at the Dees. He'd be mature enough to know it was out of character and he'd mend any bridges that needed mending. He'd look at the bigger picture.

Whately is calling for a 12 week suspension

The professionally aggrieved will be out in force. It's their time to shine. Very out of character for Gaff. He'll probably cop 5. Love him at the Dees next year.

Having seen others quote you I had to unignore you to respond to this gem. You must have a special kind of hatred for Nathan Jones to inflict more pain on him at this stage of his career. Not happy with him finally starting to enjoy the fruits of his labour, and maybe even a flag, you want to send him to the AFL's biggest basketcase for him to spend his remaining years wallowing once again at the foot of the ladder. For someone to either hate someone else so much, or to be so totally unaware of what you're wanting to inflict on another human being, you have my undying admiration. No-one could either be so cruel, or so stupid. Well done.

How confident are you he'll be a Dee next year ?