stinga

Thanks swooper. Keep what you see coming. I think the younger ones come back to start in another week.

The list management team we have now have done a fantastic job. By picking Weideman (by trading our pick last year) and getting a good tall forward (Not much available this draft), then getting 12 months development into him, we are miles ahead. So going into the draft we were never going to be able to get good players ready to play from the start of 2017, even if we had kept 26. So the club had to rely on trading and what it can pick up in the rookie draft. In the trade we got 3 ready to go players and delisted those that rarely got a game last season and never would next year. Even if only 1 or 2 of the three fire up, we are well in front. As others have said Melkshan is also relatively a new recruit. Then we have got 2 category B rookies that cost us bugger all, and at least Smith looks like he might make it. We still have 2 spots (probably) for some young lower picks which might develop 2018 and beyond. We also have plenty of space for mature aged rookies which can bring great success (many of the successful clubs now have multiple ex rookies). Big thumbs up to the recruiting team.

We've lost 6 (Grimes,Terlich,Jones, Dunne,Dawes and Newton) from our primary list and brought in 3. If we upgrade both Smith and Wagner that means we are one short for a full list. I think they'll go for just one in the draft and then go for more options at rookie level. I wouldn't be surprised if they delist White as well.

I was just checking the rules on the AFL site and any rookies we pick up can be part of the 3 mandatory selections. So we don't have to take that many from our draft selections.

Funny you should say that. After watching his higlights, I thought the same thing.

GWS website shows his weight now up to 86kg, so at 188 will give some height and bulk to the midfield. If he retains the run he was drafted for then it is all upside. He had a hip op last year, so might have to wait a while for his best.

This one is from left-field. Pat McKenna goes from GWS to Melbourne with picks 51 (R3) and 69 (R4) for picks 57 (R3) and 59 (R4).

I think he's a bit like Frost. He has all the attributes, but it's just a question as to whether they can put it together with footy smarts. I think 2017 will be developing and if all works out, then 2018 would be his year. Does anyone know how long you can keep a Rookie B on your list before he counts as a rookie or before you have to up grade him to the senior list?

Melbourne receives Michael Hibberd and a round-four draft selection (no.59 overall at time of trade) From Essendon ESS Essendon receives a round-two draft selection (no.29 overall at time of trade) and a round-four draft selection (no.68 overall at time of trade)

Very similar to what I thought I added VDB Oliver and Pederson(you put him with Weed) I left out Stretch Brayshaw and Salem. Not much in it. People will have to perform to keep a spot.

So pick a side - no need to name it and tell me your next best 5. (Include Hibberd and Melksham). Bet there's a couple you don't want to leave out.

Hawk vice-captain Jordan Lewis is now a Demon. Hawthorn will receive picks 48 and 66 in exchange for Lewis. Melbourne will also receive picks 57 and 68. Hawk coach Alastair Clarkson said: “Jordan has been a big part of this football club for the last 12 years and he will be sorely missed by the players, coaches and staff. “He has given great service to the Hawks and his leadership both on and off the field has been invaluable. “It is never easy to part ways with a champion of the club, but we have got to this point through mature and open conversations with the best interests of both Jordan and the club at heart."

They're at AFL House putting the paperwork in for Lewis. It's getting scary - In my best 22 I can't find room for Wagner, Salem ,Stretch, Harmes or Brayshaw. If you do find room for them, then someone just as good misses out. At last we've got about 10 - 12 guys able to run through the middle.

Slightly stronger than weiderman but still suffers from a lighter body and being outpositioned. He is purely a defensive player, so It will be interesting if he has a good preseason building up, to see if he can take the game on a bit more and run the lines. I also hope he gets some pace into his kicking - the ball seems to take forever to reach his target.

He's got the size and needs lots of work. Doesn't seem a natural forward as is often out of position compared with say Tim Smith and Weiderman when at Casey. It'll be interesting to see if they persist with him as a forward or try him down back.

I think he has to go. If he stays then it's only as a depth player. So he would be at Casey demanding to be the main go to forward - that doesn't help players like Hulett to develop.

You already know he has good hands and knows how to present, but his skinny frame said he wasn't ready yet. The part I like about his game, is that he is not a one trick pony. He is good below his knees and has quick hands. I think he had about 12 handballs in his first game.

Yeah I agree with all the above. Midfielders who can kick goals are like gold. His best games were when he was allowed to go forward. If they let him do that next season, not only will he kick goals, but also help bring guys like Petracca on. I hope he can stick around for another 2 years.

I like him in the VFL and he's a ball magnet. But you have to be very very good at what he does when you don't have pace or height. I have no problem keeping him if we think our list doesn't have enough back up midfielders (I think we do - ANB is pretty similar. Salem Melksham Petracca Hunt will all push for midfield duties on top of what we already have). 2 Years of the Rookie list usually means you have had your shot, so the place can go to a new up and comer who might do something special.

I think he's a long term investment. He's got all the skills and a bit of pace. Once he can't be knocked off the ball and learns a few tricks, he'll be a permanent.

I agree with you General in priciple. I would rather have a key forward there all the time rather than filling in for Max, and I think there was a time 2 years ago when Pederson was playing the spare in defence and he filled the role. Not sure he's a good enough ruckman, but probably no worse than Watts. And I'd rather Watts forward kicking goals.

I think the attacking game plan means we are bullies when we get a break but struggle in defence when we get ahead of the ball and then other sides do the same to us. Last night's 2 halves show that. Guys like kent and kennedy struggled for possessions in the first half but finished up ok. Is that their fault or the game plan fault. So instead of dropping them for someone more defensive do you keep them while the plan develops and they learn to get more of the ball when other sides come at us. After a big win like that, I think more than anything else you keep the side in tact for confidence sake and accept there will be times when things go wrong. I rather like the fact we seem to kick 100 points or more each game.

Nothing to do with the footy. I went today and prior to the game went into the Victory Room for Melbourne Members and had a coffee. I am a Melbourne AFL member and had no trouble getting in. Someone was interviewing a couple of the players from tomorrows VFL game which was interesting. At half time I tried to return but was told I'm not a Melbourne Member I couldn't go in and there are rooms for AFL members. There were other Melbourne AFL members also turned away ( the room is directly opposite the AFL members area behind the interchange gates). I just wondered if anybody else had the same experience.

I agree. I reckon Trenners should be next cab off the rank. Good grab for his size. Finds the ball and generally kicks goals.

You are right in that he doesn't deserve to get dropped (no-one does), but the balance of the side seems we play best with only one small forward that doesn't go through the middle. It's a bit like playing two good ruckmen in the same side. I don't think you can disregard his bad game, otherwise you have to disregard his best. Having said all that they probably will not drop him - I just think it would be better for balance.