waynewussell

Titan, I'd definitely have Jetta in ahead of Maric, but I was under the impression that he may be injured. Jetta tackles hard and isn't afraid of body contact.

I've got B. Bennell Frawley Warnock HB. MacDonald Rivers Grimes C. Davey Moloney Trengove HF. Green Bate Bruce F. Miller Fitzpatrick Petterd Foll. Jamar McDonald Jones Int. Scully Dunn Martin Strauss

It took 20 seconds of the Casey v Frankston game for me to realise that Fitzpatrick is a 'must play' for us in round 1. I didn't know at the time, having just arrived, but it was in the final moments of that contest. I had been disappointed in what I saw of Fitzpatrick in the game v Bombers, and had agreed with everyone here that he was not ready. In those final moments yesterday he took a towering contested mark right against the behind post at the city end. I had just walked to that goalsquare with my son. Forget that he tried a check-side snap after looking uncertain about where to put the ball. Forget that he managed a behind with this kick. Forget that the umpire then paid him a 50 because the bloke on the mark had tried to smother the kick without the 'play-on' call being given. The memorable thing about that mark was that it was as clean as a whistle, in the middle of the pack which he rose head and shoulders above. In that one moment I saw a Melbourne forward stamp some authority on an aerial contest deep in our forward line. Fitzpatrick is a big unit, he will draw a big opponent. He has ball skills and athleticism. I would rather see him snag one goal a match for the entire season from less than five possessions a game than put up with the other re-cycled options that are available!

I thought the tackle bump was against Bail

Ok... I think we have to go back to 1942 before we touch greatness (Brett Lovett - next best), so I understand the tread lightly approach... Maybe Strauss... yep, I've made up my mind!

BENNELL FRAWLEY RIVERS MACDONALD WARNOCK GRIMES GREEN MOLONEY MORTON JETTA BATE PETTERD JURRAH SYLVIA MILLER MARTIN JONES JMAC JAMAR DUNN GYSBERTS STRAUSS TRENGOVE ??? Inj DAVEY BRUCE

I've been reading along re Petterd as this thread has developed and I reckon we should keep it simple. This is not a make or break year for Petterd (that was in 2009) and he is highly regarded at the club. The things to like about him are his dedication, his willingness to risk life and limb for the cause, his ability to make second, third and sometimes fourth efforts (doggedly competitive), his ability to take a contested mark, and the development in his ability to kick a pressure goal. His only weakness is his lack of blistering pace... he isn't slow, but he won't be a significant mid-field option going forward. His best position was found last season... lurking between the half-forward and half-back lines with an ability to run with defenders to our back half and then turn around running forward to present a marking option. Bottom line... He is a tough nut, he gives his all and he is a nuisance to the opposition. He aint going nowhere and he is in our starting 22.

Jamie Barham played on the wing for Gisborne (Riddell League) in the late seventies, possibly 1977/8

I remember Northey as a player and as our coach. He was a nuisance at half-forward for the Toygs... and a very good coach for us. He was very good instilling the "us v's them" mentality in the sides he coached. He got battlers to play for eachother and the guernsey. He left us when we didn't give him the offer he wanted (but we did give him an offer!) I was sorry to see him go. He gave us our first finals experience in my adulthood, and bought us closer to the ultimate success than anyone since Smith. I liked Daniher... but Northey got everyone playing for him.

Thanks Whispering for reminding us of the importance of this day... I concur with all the comments above.

good pick-up red and blue boy! ...but here's another interpretation... "2009 is behind us and Davey has the ball!

1 Scully 2 Trengove 11 Black 18 Tahlia/Griffiths 34 Ball/Patrick 50 Temel

My mail is we will take Griffiths at 11 if Melksham has already been taken, otherwise at 18

I'm going to try this again on this thread rather than starting a new one... Is it possible to place NEWTON on the rookie list?

Is it possible to place NEWTON on the rookie list?

Jamar could climb into the top six ruckmen in the comp in 2010. It all depends on having an injury free run. He got himself fit toward the end of 2009, impressing with increased flexibility and speed. Jamar has always been a good mark and more than average kick. He is one of those rare (for us) big men who looks at home drifting deep into the forward fifty for a contested mark. The other desirable attribute is that Mark is physically aggressive. He is quite comfortable in the confrontation, won't back down... could be the defender of the likes of Davey and the young guns around the stoppages!

He will be the second/third ruckman and versatile key position move. Lets face it, he sucked in the ruck when he first went in - knew nothing about positioning etc. However, by the final rounds, he was proving quite effective in the role. He has a huge upside, great leap, fast and agile (basketball stuff). He is suprisingly good by hand with effective LONG handball. His snap kicks around the body were fantastic. We're on a winner here!

Valenti is good value. Gets in the right positions, works hard, good defensively, good foot skills, can kick a goal, good bloke. Just not a game-breaker or an 'A' grader. We are fishing for exactly that. We may fail. We have to try!

Buckley, if fit, has a lot to like; blistering speed, long kick, courageous, good size, nice bloke. Buckley is not fit... may never be. Good luck mate!

Just want to reiterate that he is not looking lean at the moment

Wonna turned up looking heavier than at this time last year. The first task is to get him in shape again. Its a fine line between pushing too hard and looking half-hearted for Aussie. Time will tell. He certainly has goal kicking, assists, and defensive pressure skills that we need come round 1.

Agree... Can't believe the criticism/lack of support from MFC fans. Rarely beaten, plays his role as well as any. Only issues have been due to injury. This is disappointing but no reason to be blind to his obvious value when on the park, which he managed to achieve for the greater part of 2009. Puts his body on the line, doesn't get pushed around, and at an age where he can have a positive influence on the younger players around him.

Cheney is strong over the ball, he is strong in the air for his size, he gets in good positions, he is determined, he links well by foot, he's not easily pushed aside in one on one's. He is also improving at a rate that pleases the coach. Cheney is a young man who has already shown himself to be a safer defender than some who have been on the list for a number of years. Not as fast as others, but I think he deserves his place on the list.

Yeah... like Judd!

Told Ya!