Gator

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.

It's "bruise free" when you're sitting on your fat coit on the couch.

Why ? If I was picking 40 I wouldn't include him. He was better last year.

No Jetta in the 40, which I agree with. He had quiet patches in the season.

Things have changed since we lost to them by under a goal in round 1. There was no Viney, Brayshaw, vandenBerg, or Tom McDonald for starters. Hogan was the only tall forward. Salem wasn't playing behind the ball where he's best suited and our defensive structures were a mess. Weideman can fill Hogan's role for the structure that best suits us and we're now used to being sans Lever, although it's far from ideal. Down at the Cattery we outplayed them (without Lever) despite their massive home ground advantage, but just didn't get the job done. I'd love another crack at them. Hawkins is the key.

I didn't think Geelong would get close to our percentage. I was wrong. Right now Geelong's percentage is 129.3 (ours 129.8) with a half to go.

Ablett is scared of him. He ruined his shoulder for over a season. He won't sleep the night before.

Me too. Finally, Viney would get to play them in 2018.

Wattsy starring with 3 handballs at quarter time.

No way Jetta makes it.

I'll be shocked if he doesn't.

I'm not sure what you're meaning.

This is the most ridiculous sentiment imaginable. They need to do if for each other. By extension the whole club will rejoice.

Yes, I could, but then I wouldn't be me. Btw, your last sentence makes you sound like a drongo.

The bloke should be in his absolute prime, he's just had a massive kick up the backside from the club he didn't want to leave, and he's just had his statistically worst year since 2010. He has the heart of a grape seed. Lovely bloke, but footy just isn't that important to him. Some players would kill their Grandmother to get to the footy, but Jack would pass her an Iced VoVo.

Great post @Fifty-5 Unfortunately, idiots are going to idiot.

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