The Oracle

No offense Mr. Oracle but you and I are different people. Just want the people out there to know that I'm the original one but I don't know the man himself and I have no doubt Brad Green will be a Demon for life in the very near future and rightly so!

Vickery will be taken well before # 19, possibly by Carlton at #6 or 7.

This is a message I'm posting for Barry on account of the fact that his Kingswood broke down in Sydney Road on the way home and he's waiting for the RACV to arrive: The Zebras fought hard to win the game after lagging behind by 21 points midway through the final term and again fell short by a narrow margin at Coburg today to fall out of finals contention. Sandringham 3.1.19 8.6.54 9.8.62 13.10.88 Coburg Tigers 4.5.29 5.5.35 11.8.74 14.10.94 Goals Sandringham Petterd Sautner 4 Holland 2 Biddlecombe Crowe Summers Coburg Tigers Tivendale 6 Collard 2 Caruso Horne Hughes King Oakley-Nicholls Shelton Best Sandringham Biddlecombe Summers Liddell Gallagher Holland Meesen Coburg Tigers Tivendale Rance Horne Shelton Hyde Graham The reserves were well beaten by the unbeaten ladder leaders but are certain to play off in the finals. Sandringham 2.1.13 3.2.20 3.4.22 5.7.37 Coburg Tigers 5.5.35 9.9.63 12.13.75 16.14.110 Goals Sandringham Gribbin Sargent Summons Torcasio Weetra Coburg Tigers Dulic 4 Jones 3 Cattapan Lynch 2 Abdallah Clifton Currie Morgan Trajkovski Best Sandringham McConnell Johnson Fleming Cannon Torcasio Tregear Coburg Tigers Morgan Trajkovski Jones Davis Currie Rayson

TOP LINE, BOTTOM LINE by The Oracle It seems that the vagaries of AFL programming have conspired to present us with yet another strange piece of fixturing at the weekend when, despite the fact that we're into round 20, the bottom of the ladder Melbourne meets second bottom side West Coast for the first time this year in what promises to be an absolute yawn fest. Both sides have been crippled with injuries this season and the only interest left for their fans until very recently was which of them would win the right to select the first player in the national draft at the end of the year. The recent development has been the apparent skyrocketing in form of the Eagles who have won two of their last three games (against the Saints and the Bombers), all of which have been played on home turf. The loss in the middle was the derby game against Fremantle. Melbourne's recent form has been less impressive. The Demons were overwhelmed by the Kangaroos in the first quarter before fighting back to lose honourably against one of the competition's in form teams and they were highly competitive and plucky a fortnight ago against the Bombers who they clearly softened up for the Eagles. Then, the wheels really fell off in the Tom Wills game when they were massacred by the other in form team of the AFL - Geelong (although the defeat was by less than those suffered this year by the Eagles and last year in the grand final by Port Adelaide). There are some who would argue that West Coast beat two teams that were vulnerable so far away from home despite their ranking on the ladder and more recent records of success. The victories however, should have dispelled claims from some quarters that the Eagles have been, er ... "tanking" but the doubts still linger. Suddenly, a scenario has been set up where they face a major dilemma at the MCG on Saturday. A win over the Demons means the loss of a priority pick in the draft as well and even the very remote possibility of gaining the first pick in both the national and the pre season drafts. The latter possibility is remote because it can only happen if West Coast loses all of its remaining games and Melbourne goes on to beat Port Adelaide and Richmond in the final two rounds of the season. Strangely enough, such a scenario, while remote is still a possibility. Port Adelaide's performance against Carlton last week was every bit as shambolic as Melbourne against Geelong and the Tigers were poor in going down to Adelaide at AAMI Stadium. The upshot of all this is that despite Andrew Demetriou's definitive statements about clubs not tanking for draft position, there will be mixed feelings and doubts in the minds of most fans on both sides of the continent. Perhaps, they can rest assured in the knowledge that the public statements made this week by Eagles coach John Worsfold and Demon boss Jim Stynes to the effect that both want their own clubs to win with a passion and that the concept of tanking is not in either of their lexicons? Not really if you take public perception as a guide. The cynics are saying that this game has a unique character about it in that for the first time in history, we will see both teams not wanting the four points and therefore, it will be worth the admission money to witness such an unusual spectacle. The Melbourne Football Club might not like it but if the game attracted enough morbid curiosity seekers then it might solve the problem of writing out a cheque to the MCC for the pleasure of hosting the game. More than 20,000 paying customers are needed to avoid such a calamity. After that, the game will take care of itself. And after that, in another one of those vagaries of AFL programming Melbourne meets third bottom side Port Adelaide for the first time this year in round 21 in what promises to be another absolute yawn fest. THE GAME Melbourne v West Coast at the MCG - 16 August 2008 at 2.10pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 13 wins West Coast 23 wins At the MCG Melbourne 5 wins West Coast 6 wins Since 2000 Melbourne 4 wins West Coast 7 wins The Coaches Bailey 0 wins Worsfold 0 wins MEDIA TV Channel 10 – delayed telecast from 3pm. Radio ABC774 SEN THE BETTING Melbourne to win $1.80 West Coast to win $1.90 LAST TIME THEY MET West Coast 19.23.127 d Melbourne 9.6.60 in Round 8, 2007 at Subiaco Remember when Chris Judd was the Eagles’ star player and dominated their games? Travis Johnstone, a classy Demon who got lots of the ball and disposed of the ball well? It was a long time ago. West Coast burst out of the blocks and were untroubled to beat Melbourne by 11 goals. It probably deserved to win by at least fifteen. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE Backs Matthew Whelan Stefan Martin James Frawley Half backs James McDonald Matthew Warnock Paul Wheatley Centreline Simon Buckley Cameron Bruce Addam Maric Half forwards Brad Green Colin Sylvia Austin Wonaeamirri Forwards Matthew Bate Brad Miller Michael Newton Followers Mark Jamar Cale Morton Shane Valenti Interchange Clint Bartram Daniel Bell Paul Johnson Nathan Jones Eemergencies Jace Bode Nathan Carroll Adem Yze In Daniel Bell Mark Jamar Brad Miller Michael Newton Out Nathan Carroll (omitted) Lynden Dunn (ill) Chris Johnson (groin) Jeff White (knee) WEST COAST EAGLES Backs Mark Nicoski Darren Glass Eric Mackenzie Half backs Adam Selwood Beau Wilkes Andrew Embley Centreline Michael Braun Matt Priddis Matt Spangher Half forwards Jamie McNamara Quinten Lynch Brad Ebert Forwards Mark LeCras Ben McKinley Mark Seaby Followers Dean Cox Chad Fletcher Tyson Stenglein Interchange Steven Armstrong Ryan Davis Tony Notte Scott Selwood Energencies Tim Houlihan Will Schofield James Thomson In Brad Ebert Tony Notte Out Ashley Hansen (ankle) David Wirrpanda (hamstring) New Tony Notte (Swan Districts) THE BOTTOM LINE What sort of person plonks $25,000 on a footy team that's lost its last game by 116 points? The punter who backed Melbourne to beat West Coast this week is either a fool or a very clever many who is well informed. The bloke comes from Perth and I'm sticking with the smart money. Melbourne in a boilover by 3 points.

He is coming 4th! I will be discussing this in my next preview but it's interesting how, at the weekend, Melbourne had its two leading votegetters and four of the top six out through injury. Then you have the likes of Moloney, Rivers and Robertson injured as well as Petterd coming back through Sandy. We're also not playing some of our veterans nearing the end of the road. henever a commentator talks about Geelong recently they go on and on about Ablett and Ling being out but those blokes have only missed a couple of games. Melbourne has been stricken by injury for the past two years. Yet we lose to North by 28 points after gifting them a few through poor disposal. One day the worm will turn and, with everything going for us instead of against us, we expect rapid improvement in the next year or so.

It appears that an alignment with Casey Scorpions is by no means a certainty - Scorpions could be a stand-alone club in 2009. Would it be possible for two stand alone clubs to share the same ground at Casey?

The fixture for the National Under 18 Championships has been announced: DIVISION ONE ROUND 1 Sunday May 25 Victoria Country vs Victoria Metro at MCG 11:10am (curtain raiser to Melbourne v Hawthorn) Saturday May 31 South Australia vs No 1 Qualifier at Adelaide Oval 10:50am (curtain raiser to SANFL v VFL) Sunday June 1 WA vs No 2 Qualifier at Subiaco Time TBA (curtain raiser to Fremantle v Port Adelaide) ROUND 2 Saturday June 7 No 2 Qualifier vs Victoria Country Venue and Time TBA Sunday June 8 South Australia vs Western Australia at AAMI Stadium 1pm (curtain raiser to Port Adelaide v Carlton) Monday June 9 No 1 Qualifier vs Victoria Metro Venue and Time TBA ROUND 3 Saturday June 14 No 1 Qualifier vs No 2 Qualifier Venue and Time TBA Saturday June 21 Western Australia vs Victoria Country at Subiaco 3pm (curtain raiser to West Coast vs Geelong) Sunday June 22 South Australia vs Victoria Metro at Adelaide Oval 1pm ROUND 4 Saturday July 5 (All games at Casey Fields) No 1 Qualifer vs Western Australia 10am Victoria Country vs South Australia 12:15pm Victoria Metro vs No 2 Qualifier 2:30pm ROUND 5 Wednesday July 9 (All games at Telstra Dome) South Australia vs No 2 Qualifier 10am No 1 Qualifier vs Victoria Country 12:15pm Victoria Metro vs Western Australia 2:30pm DIVISION TWO ROUND 1 Wednesday May 7 at Casey Fields Northern Territory vs NSW/ACT at 11am Tasmania vs Queensland at 1:30pm ROUND 2 Saturday May 10 at MCG (Curtain Raisers to Vic vs Dream Team Match) Tasmania vs Northern Territory at 2:20pm NSW/ACT vs Queensland at 4:20pm ROUND 3 Tuesday May 13 at Casey Fields NSW/ACT vs Tasmania at 10am Northern Territory vs Queensland at 12:30pm Top 2 advance to Division 1 section. Bottom 2 will play TAC Cup Games on May 31 and June 14

You're right in that there is a definite concern that we might start the season underdone but it should also be appreciated that many of the players not in the side that's running out there are still in training and often you can do more work at training than in a game like Cairns last night. There are still two more practice matches to go and for those players who have not had much match practice, they can play in a game for Sandy in the week before the season starts when clubs are supposed to rest their players. The Swans have done this to reasonably good effect for the past three or four seasons and they've come out of it fine.

Well, by my reckoning, we’re already at least a 10 point better team than we were last year. How so? Cast your minds back to Round 12 when Melbourne last met Richmond who beat us that night by 49 points – 18.16.124 to 11.9.75. That night our team comprised – Nathan Jones, Clint Bizzell, Ben Holland, Brock McLean, Matthew Bate, James Frawley, Daniel Ward, Paul Johnson, Colin Sylvia, Adem Yze, Ricky Petterd, Brad Green, Daniel Bell, James McDonald, Russell Robertson, Simon Godfrey, Paul Wheatley, Cameron Bruce, Byron Pickett, Jeff White, Aaron Davey, Nathan Carroll The squad for last night's game was – Nathan Jones, Ben Holland, Matthew Bate, Brad Miller, Cale Morton, Paul Johnson, Colin Sylvia, Adem Yze, Ricky Petterd, Brad Green, Addam Maric, Colin Garland, Daniel Bell, Brent Moloney, James McDonald, Kyle Cheney, John Meesen, Isaac Weetra, Michael Newton, Tom McNamara, Stef Martin, Trent Zomer, Aaron Davey, Matthew Warnock, Austin Wonaeamirri, Mark Jamar, Jace Bode, Shane Valenti A few players in the squad did not play including Jamar and Miller, probably Holland and one other. Our team last night was probably more inexperienced than the one that set foot on Skilled Stadium six days before and the fact is that whilst you shouldn't take any notice of results in these games, we're getting some much needed experience into those young legs. That said, I'd like to see some real action next week and the week after from something that's going to more closely resemble our Round 1 team. According to the Hun, Hawthorn have 42 out of 44 on their list available ATM.

I've ehard it mentioned that there's a kid from the AIS training with Melbourne and I just discovered the answer to the riddle of his identity. According to Who's that kid? our AIS tranee is Tom Lynch. Here's the list of the AIS trainees at the various clubs - Adelaide – Alex Carey, Tyson Davis-Neale, Matthew Thompson. Brisbane – Declan Bevan, Jesse Haberfield. Carlton – Nic Heyne, Tom Hill. Collingwood – Jack Fitzpatrick, Jack Ziebell. Essendon – Steele Sidebottom, Jackson Trengrove. Fremantle – Clinton Garlett, Michael Walters. Geelong – John Butcher, Nick Suban. Hawthorn – Tom Scully, Liam Shiels. Kangaroos – Michael Hurley. Melbourne – Tom Lynch. Port Adelaide – Matthew Broadbent, Lewis Johnston. Richmond – Sam Blease, Ben Griffiths. St Kilda – Liam Jones, Jack Watts. West Coast – Kieran King, Kane Lucas, Anthony Morabito. Western Bulldogs – Ayce Cordy, Jake Melksham. Note: No players are training with Sydney as there are no NSW/ACT players in the 30-man Academy. Scholarship holders are assigned to train with an AFL club in their own state. It's worth noting that Melbourne drafted 4 AIS graduates in last year's national draft including Cale Morton and Jack Grimes who actually trained with us in January '07. I know Michael Hurley who's training with the Roos can play a bit and it's worth noting these names for some time later on in the year.

I am the very same. I did join earlier but couldn't access my account as I moved from my salubrious home in Broadmeadows into an inner suburb. Hope I haven't mislead anyone with the title to this thread but here are the AFL's top 30 draft picks with their draft numbers in front of their names. If you memorise them all then, on draft day, you'll be know who we drafted a millisecond before everyone else 111528 Ashley Arrowsmith, VIC, 12 April 1989, Medium Midfielder, 188.7cm, 81.5kg: Well balanced, skilful medium midfielder who is a consistent ball winner. Capped off an excellent season in the TAC Cup with best on ground honours in the Cannons Grand Final victory at the MCG where he gathered 20 possessions and booted four goals. His endurance was a feature at the NAB AFL Draft Camp registering a 13.5 in the beep test. From East Keilor FC. 111661 Steven Browne, WA, 1 February 1989, Small Defender, 179.8cm, 74.7kg: Small defender / midfielder with clean skills and good ability overhead for a player his size. Made his senior WAFL debut in round 17 with West Perth and was named best on ground in round 18 with 29 disposals and ten marks. Recorded solid results at the 2007 NAB AFL Draft Camp with a 13.8 beep test and 3.00sec 20m sprint. 111484 Tom Collier, Tasmania, 25 March 1989, 192.3cm, 83.7kg. An extremely versatile player. Capable of playing key position at either end of the ground and has the athleticism to play on ball. Captained Tasmania at the 2007 NAB AFL U18 National Championships and received All Australian honours. At the 2007 NAB AFL Draft Camp, Tom recorded strong results in the agility testing and was ranked fourth overall with a time of 8.22 seconds. From Lauderdale FC 112015 Trent Cotchin, VIC, 7 April 1990, 185.1cm, 79.5kg. A versatile medium midfielder/forward capable of influencing games with his ball winning ability and outstanding disposal. He has an excellent understanding of the game, reads the play well and is a quality decision maker. A penetrating kick, he has rare ball skills on both sides of the body. Dominated with 37 touches in the Knight’s first qualifying final against Gippsland. 112413 Patrick Dangerfield, VIC, 5 April 1990, Medium Midfielder, 186.9cm, 82.8kg. A dashing medium midfielder or defender who shows distinct ability to win the contested the ball. He is a graduate of the AIS-AFL Academy. Ranked in the top three for both the 30 metre repeat sprints (23.96sec) and the vertical leap (73cm) at the 2007 NAB AFL Draft Camp and was also a top ten ranked performer in the 20m sprint (2.92sec). From Anglesea FC. 113293 Brad Ebert, SA, 2 April 1990, Small Midfielder, 188.2cn, 85.4kg. Noted for his strong attack on the ball, overhead marking and his versatility. He is a graduate of AIS-AFL Academy and touted as potential leader. Captained South Australia at the 2007 NAB AFL U18 Championships, averaging 22 possessions throughout the carnival and was the only South Australian to earn All Australian honours. Nephew of Russell Ebert and Cousin of Port Adelaide's Brett Ebert. From Henley FC. 111660 David Gourdis, WA, 14 March 1989, Tall Forward, 192.4cm, 88.9kg. Tall, athletic forward who is strong on the lead. Showed outstanding athletic ability at the 2007 NAB AFL Draft Camp ranking first overall for the 20m sprint (2.83 sec) and in the running vertical jump (101cm). He also ranked in the top 8% in the 6x30m repeat sprints. 111515 Jarrad Grant, VIC, 6 July 1989, Tall Forward, 192.4cm, 76.7kg. Dangerous key forward with excellent hands both in the air and below his knees. Excellent form in eight games for Dandenong in the TAC Cup where he booted 27 goals, averaging over three per match. Jarrad attended the 2007 NAB AFL Draft Camp and shone in the 20m sprint with a time of 2.89 seconds – placing him in the top 5%. From Frankston Bombers FC. 112391 Levi Greenwood, SA, 19 February 1989, Medium Defender, 181.2cm, 92.9kg. Strong, in and under player who is renowned for his uncompromising attack on the ball. Played 11 matches at senior level with Port Adelaide in 2007 averaging 17 possessions. Recorded excellent results in both the repeat 30m sprint (24.22sec) and Vertical Jump (71cm) at the 2007 NAB AFL Draft Camp. From Whyalla FC. 111705 Jack Grimes, VIC, 11 May 1989, Medium Defender, 186.3cm, 81.6kg. A medium defender/midfielder who is an exceptional reader of the game and very good decision maker. Captain of the Northern Knights TAC Cup Team, Jack averaged over 28 possessions. Possesses excellent endurance and has recorded a beep test of 15.10 with AIS-AFL Academy. Named as an All Australian at the 2007 NAB AFL U18 Championships. From Hurstbridge FC. 112922 Lachlan Henderson, VIC, 14 December 1989, Tall Forward, 195.5cm, 91.5kg. A tall, key forward prospect with strong hands. Very good on the lead and is exceptionally quick off the mark for a player his size. He displayed impressive endurance at the NAB AFL Draft Camp with a shuttle run result of 13.8. AIS-AFL Academy Graduate. From Geelong College 112547 Chris Kangars, VIC, 1 August 1989, Tall Defender, 193.1cm, 84.9kg. Tall, athletic defender who has shown encouraging progress at TAC Cup level in 2007. Was a standout at the 2007 NAB AFL Draft Camp at the AIS in Canberra ranking first overall for the 6x30m repeat sprints (23.59sec) and recording top ten results in both the beep test (14.5) and 3km time trial (10min 54sec). From Geelong Amateurs FC 114064 Matthew Kreuzer, VIC, 13 May 1989, Ruckman, 199.5cm, 94kg. Talented ruck/key forward prospect who possesses outstanding endurance. Won the 2007 Morrish Medal along with the Northern Knights Best and Fairest. An AIS-AFL Academy Graduate, he was selected as an All Australian at the 2007 NAB AFL U18 Championships and deemed Vic Metro's Most Valuable Player. Displayed exceptional endurance at the NAB AFL Draft recording top 10 results in the both the beep test (14.2) and the 3km time trial (10min 51sec). From Bundoora FC. 112202 Addam Maric, VIC, 18 April 1990, Small Forward, 177.9cm, 76.8kg. An exciting small forward who is extremely smart around goal. At the 2007 NAB AFL U18 Championships, Addam’s ability around goals and to win contested ball in the midfield earned him All Australian honours. Kicked four goals against Vic Country on the final day of the 2007 NAB AFL U18 Championships. From Greenvale FC 111643 Chris Masten, WA, 2 May 1989, Small Midfielder, 179.6cm, 77.3kg. Skilful midfielder renowned for his tireless work ethic and in and under style. He earned All Australian selection at the 2007 NAB AFL U18 Championships after averaging 25 possessions per match and ranking third overall for clearances. Chris is gifted athlete who has enormous running ability, recording a beep test of over 15 with the AIS-AFL Academy. 111527 Ben McEvoy, VIC, 11 July 1989, Ruckman, 200.2cm, 94.6kg. A rangy, durable ruckman with excellent endurance. Ben took out the Best and Fairest for Grand Finalists the Murray Bushrangers after an impressive season in the 2007 TAC Cup. He averaged 14 hit outs and eight marks per game and led the competition in contested marks. Captained Vic Country at the 2007 NAB AFL U18 Championships and earned All Australian Honours. AIS-AFL Academy graduate. From Dederang-Mt Beauty FC. 114025 Cale Morton, WA, 18 January 1990, Tall Forward, 191.5cm, 78.7kg. A genuine utility, capable of playing on ball, off a flank or as a key position forward. Noted for his ability to read the play and strong work rate. He was exceptional for Western Australia during the 2007 NAB AFL U18 Championships averaging 25 possessions and nine marks per game, earning All Australian Honours and the Larke Medal. Recorded a 15.1 beep test result at the 2007 NAB AFL Draft Camp. From Hale FC. 113151 Marlin Motlop, NT, 17 April 1990, Small Forward, 179.3, 75.2kg. A prolific ball winner who influences the game with his exceptional skills. He is a quality decision maker and possesses a classy sidestep. Won the Alan McLean medal for best player division tow player at the 2006 U16 Championships. Marlon is a graduate of the 2006/07 AIS-AFL Academy which toured South Africa in April. He is the Cousins of Port Adelaide's Daniel Motlop. From Wanderers NTFL. 112931 David Myers, WA, 30 June 1989, Tall Defender, 190.7cm, 86.2kg. Tall and mobile running defender with a potent left foot. David is a graduate of the 2005/06 AIS-AFL Academy and won the Barassi Medal as the best and fairest player during the Australian U17 squad’s 2006 series against Ireland. His time of 3.01sec for 20m at the 2007 NAB AFL Draft Camp highlighted his impressive speed for 190.7cm defender. 113894 Tony Notte, WA, 15 April 1990, Tall Forward, 194.5cm, 71.5kg. A lightly built tall forward with excellent hands both in the air and below his knees. He is quick and agile for a player of his size and capable of playing as a key back. Excellent on the lead and a good reader of the play. He is a graduate of the 2006/07 AIS-AFL Academy and was a member of the squad that toured South Africa in April. From Upper Swan FC 112245 Andy Otten, VIC, 15 May 1989, Tall Forward, 191cm, 88.8kg. A prolific ball winner, he averaged over 26 possessions and six marks per game with the Oakleigh Chargers in 2007 and capped off an outstanding season by taking out the best and fairest award and TAC Cup Team of the Year honours. He recorded strong results at the 2007 NAB AFL Draft Camp ranking in the top 2% for the vertical leap (92cm) and the top 20% for the beep test (14.2). 111645 Rhys Palmer, WA, 13 February 1989, Small Midfielder, 181.4cm, 79.8kg. He was the leading possession winner at the 2007 NAB AFL U18 Championships averaging 32 per match and was named the undefeated Western Australian teams Most Valuable Player and also earned All Australian Honours. Demonstrated elite endurance at the 2007 NAB AFL Draft Camp at the AIS in Canberra where he ranked fifth overall in the beep test (14.8) and second in the 3km time trial (10min 25sec). 111942 Tayte Pears, WA, 24 March 1990, Tall Defender, 190.1cm, 91.8kg. Composed and disciplined tall defender who is renowned for his good decision making and excellent use of the ball. Recorded an outstanding 2.92 seconds for the 20m sprint – placing him in the top 10% of players at the 2007 NAB AFL Draft Camp. 113904 Alex Rance, WA, 9 October 1989, Tall Defender, 192.3cm, 87.6kg. Strong, hard running tall defender noted for his dash off the backline. His father Murray played 97 matches with the Western Bulldogs and West Coast between 1986-1990. Alex was a leading player for rebound 50’s with Western Australia and averaged 17 possessions throughout the 2007 NAB AFL U18 Championships earning All Australian Honours. 111680 Sam Reid, QLD, 7 November 1989, Medium Midfielder, 187.6cm, 79.1kg. Midfielder/half back who impresses with his ability to run and carry the ball. A member of the AIS-AFL Academy, Sam was among the Australian teams most valuable players during the squad’s tour of South Africa in April. Well balanced with a good athletic build, Sam is noted for his fearless attack on the ball and ability to read the play. From Zillmere FC 111112 Cyril Rioli, NT, 14 July 1989, Small Forward, 177cm, 78.9kg. Nephew of AFL greats Michael Long and Maurice Rioli, Cyril is a left footer noted for his polished skills and excellent balance. He attended the 2007 NAB AFL Draft Camp at the AIS in Canberra and ranked third overall in the repeat 30 metre sprints and also recorded an impressive 2.96 for the 20m sprint. From Scotch College. 112764 Scott Selwood, VIC, 27 March 1990, Medium Defender, 185.1cm, 80.3kg. A no fuss medium sized player capable of roles in both defence and the midfield. He is noted for his aggressive and fearless attack on the ball and innate ability to read the play. His clean hands are also a feature. An AIS-AFL graduate, he is the brother of AFL players Adam, Troy and Joel. From Sandhurst FC. 111910 Robbie Tarrant, VIC, 25 April 1989, Tall Forward, 195.9cm, 90.1kg. A tall, powerful forward very much like his brother, Fremantle’s Chris Tarrant. Robbie was very prominent at the 2007 NAB AFL Draft Camp recording 2.99sec for the 20m sprint and 14.2 for the beep test – both impressive results for a man of his size. From Mildura FC. 112453 Patrick Veszpremi, VIC, 1 September 1989, Medium Defender, 181.2cm, 84.8kg. A strong, versatile player who influences the game with his exceptional ball use. Patrick was a standout for the Knights in their victory in the first qualifying final against Gippsland booting eight goals. He is a graduate of the 2006/07 AIS-AFL Academy program and toured South Africa in April. From St Mary's FC. 112916 Brendan Whitecross, QLD, 25 January 1990, Medium Midfielder, 183.3cm, 79.3kg. Wins plenty of the ball whether playing in the midfield, forward or defence. Was outstanding at the 2007 NAB AFL Draft Camp where he was third overall in the beep test (14.10), fifth overall in the 20m sprint (2.91), and eighth overall for both agility (8.36) and the repeat 30m sprint (24.25 secs).

They're on this list:- AFL DRAFT NOMINATIONS

Thank you Old55. That's very perspicacious of you to notice but in true oracular fashion, I did say " but this could change" ... and hey presto, it did!

I'm disappointed with the interviewers. They concentrated more on the TJ aspect which is now past tense as far as I'm concerned although I suppose that was fair enough given the publicity. However, they asked CAC about selections 1, 2 and 3 but not about 4 which is the one we have and the one I would have liked to hear his opinion about. I reckon he might have said something like "we're looking for a quality player, possibly a midfielder but we won't rule out looking at a key forward or backman and in the end we'll select the best player available."

You don't know very much about the profession do you Big Kev? Us oracles, as distinct from mere clairvoyants that are all shonks who take their suckers customers like your good self to the cleaners, are honest practitioners of predicting the future. My question was directed to what happened to McKinley in the past tense. That was what I wanted to know about. Cheers

Be that as it may and leaving all the bickering here to one side, what did happen with McKinley?

With Richmond and Carlton ahead of us in the PSD it's highly unlikely that a player like Brennan would fall to us at pick 3 in the PSD. Even if Brennan wants $1m as reported in the Courier Mail (Jared Brennan's future clouded) the Blues would find a way to fit him into their salary cap. They have plenty of room after ditching Whitnall. I have a feeling however, that there might be a larger than usual crop of players out there including some rare jewels available at the top end of the PSD and I suspect that this is the time when CAC probably is going to be working his hardest talking with managers and persuading players who are in the mix to make themselves available. Who knows, it might even be worth leaving two places open for PSD picks if clubs are delisting to stay within the salary cap and other reasons.

The complete list of trades during this week's official AFL exchange period: ADELAIDE Gains Brad Moran from the Kangaroos Brad Symes from Port Adelaide Round Two Selection (NDP 30) from West Coast, via Western Bulldogs on-trade Round Three Selection (NDP 38) from the Western Bulldogs Round Two Selection (NDP 28) from Sydney, then on-traded to Port Adelaide Round Three Selection (NDP 37) from Melbourne, then on-traded to the Kangaroos Losses Martin Mattner to Sydney John Meesen to Melbourne Ben Hudson to the Western Bulldogs Round Two On-Traded Selection (NDP 28) from Sydney to Port Adelaide Round Three On-Traded Selection (NDP 37) from Melbourne to the Kangaroos Round Three Selection (NDP 43) to the Western Bulldogs Draft Picks 10, 27, 30, 38, 59, 75, 91 (ND) 9, 25 (PSD) BRISBANE LIONS Gains Travis Johnstone from Melbourne Round Four Selection (NDP 52) from Carlton Round One Selection (NDP 14) from Collingwood, then on-traded to Melbourne Losses Cameron Wood to Collingwood Richard Hadley to Carlton Round One On-traded Selection (NDP 14) from Collingwood, to Melbourne Draft Picks 8, 25, 41, 52, 57, 73, 89 (ND) 7 , 23 (PSD) CARLTON Gains Chris Judd from West Coast Richard Hadley from the Brisbane Lions Round Three Selection (NDP 46) from West Coast Losses Josh Kennedy to West Coast Round One Selection (NDP three) to West Coast Round Two Selection (NDP 20) to West Coast Round Four Selection (NDP 52) to the Brisbane Lions Draft Picks 1, 36, 46, 68, 84 (ND) 2, 18 (PSD) COLLINGWOOD Gains Cameron Wood from the Brisbane Lions Round Six Selection (NDP 96) from the Kangaroos Losses Ben Davies to the Kangaroos Round One Selection (NDP 14) to Melbourne, via Brisbane Lions on-trade Draft Picks 31, 47, 63, 79, 95, 96 (ND) 13, 29 (PSD) ESSENDON Gains Nil Losses Nil Draft Picks 6 23, 39, 55, 71, 87 (ND) 5, 21 (PSD) FREMANTLE Gains Nil Losses Nil Draft Picks 7, 24, 40, 56, 72, 88 (ND) 6 , 22 (PSD) GEELONG Gains Round Three Selection (NDP 44) from Sydney Round Four Selection (NDP 62) from West Coast, via Western Bulldogs on-trade Round Six Selection (NDP 90) from St Kilda Losses Henry Playfair to Sydney Steven King to St Kilda Charlie Gardiner to St Kilda Tim Callan to Western Bulldogs Draft Picks 17, 34, 44, 50, 62, 82, 90, 98 (ND) 16, 32 (PSD) HAWTHORN Gains Nil Losses Nil Draft Picks 12, 29, 45, 61, 77, 93 (ND) 11, 27 (PSD) KANGAROOS Gains Ben Davies from Collingwood Sam Power from the Western Bulldogs Round Three Selection (NDP 37) from Melbourne, via Adelaide on-trade Losses Brad Moran to Adelaide Round Three Selection (NDP 48) to the Western Bulldogs Round Six Selection (NDP 96) to Collingwood Draft Picks 15, 32, 37, 48, 64, 80 (ND) 14, 30 (PSD) MELBOURNE Gains John Meesen from Adelaide Round One Selection (NDP 14) from Collingwood, via Brisbane Lions on-trade Losses Travis Johnstone to the Brisbane Lions Round Three Selection (NDP 37) to the Kangaroos, via Adelaide on-trade Draft Picks 4, 14, 21, 53, 69, 85 (ND) 3, 19 (PSD) PORT ADELAIDE Gains Round Three Selection (NDP 28) from Sydney, via Adelaide on-trade Losses Brad Symes to Adelaide Draft Picks 16, 28, 33, 49, 65, 81, 97 (ND) 15, 31 (PSD) RICHMOND Gains Jordan McMahon from the Western Bulldogs Mitch Morton from West Coast Losses Round Two Selection (NDP 19) to the Western Bulldogs Round Three Selection (NDP 35) to Western Bulldogs, via West Coast on-trade Draft Picks 2, 18, 51, 67, 83 (ND) 1, 17 (PSD) ST KILDA Gains Sean Dempster from Sydney Adam Schneider from Sydney Steven King from Geelong Charlie Gardiner from Geelong Losses Round Two Selection (NDP 26) to Sydney Round Six Selection (NDP 90) to Geelong Draft Picks 9, 42, 58, 74 (ND) 8, 24 (PSD) SYDNEY Gains Martin Mattner from Adelaide Henry Playfair from Geelong Round Two Selection (NDP 26) from St Kilda Losses Sean Dempster to St Kilda Adam Schneider to St Kilda Round Two Selection (NDP 28) to Port Adelaide, via Adelaide on-trade Round Three Selection (NDP 44) to Geelong Draft Picks 11, 26, 60, 76, 92 (ND) 10, 26 (PSD) WEST COAST Gains Josh Kennedy from Carlton Round One Selection (NDP three) from Carlton Round Two Selection (NDP 20) from Carlton Round Two Selection (NDP 22) from Western Bulldogs Round Four Selection (NDP 54) from Western Bulldogs Round Three Selection (NDP 35) from Richmond, then on-traded to Western Bulldogs Losses Chris Judd to Carlton Mitch Morton to Richmond Round Two Selection (NDP 30) to Adelaide, via Western Bulldogs on-trade Round Three Selection (NDP 35) from Richmond, to Western Bulldogs Round Three Selection (NDP 46) to Carlton Round Four Selection (NDP 62) to Geelong, via Western Bulldogs on-trade Draft Picks 3, 13, 20, 22, 54, 62, 78, 94 (ND) 12, 28 (PSD) WESTERN BULLDOGS Gains Ben Hudson from Adelaide Tim Callan from Geelong Round Two Selection (NDP 19) from Richmond Round Three Selection (NDP 35) from Richmond, via West Coast on-trade Round Three Selection (NDP 43) from Adelaide Round Three Selection (NDP 48) from the Kangaroos Round Four Selection (NDP 66) from Geelong Round Two Selection (NDP 30) from West Coast, then on-traded to Adelaide Round Four Selection (NDP 62) from West Coast, then on-traded to Geelong Losses Jordan McMahon to Richmond Sam Power to the Kangaroos Round Two Selection (NDP 22) to West Coast Round Two Selection (NDP 30) from West Coast, to Adelaide Round Three Selection (NDP 38) to Adelaide Round Four Selection (NDP 54) to West Coast Round Four Selection (NDP 62) from West Coast, to Geelong Draft Picks 5, 19, 38, 43, 48, 66, 70, 86 (ND) 4, 20 (PSD)

The complete list of trades during this week's official AFL exchange period: ADELAIDE Gains Brad Moran from the Kangaroos Brad Symes from Port Adelaide Round Two Selection (NDP 30) from West Coast, via Western Bulldogs on-trade Round Three Selection (NDP 38) from the Western Bulldogs Round Two Selection (NDP 28) from Sydney, then on-traded to Port Adelaide Round Three Selection (NDP 37) from Melbourne, then on-traded to the Kangaroos Losses Martin Mattner to Sydney John Meesen to Melbourne Ben Hudson to the Western Bulldogs Round Two On-Traded Selection (NDP 28) from Sydney to Port Adelaide Round Three On-Traded Selection (NDP 37) from Melbourne to the Kangaroos Round Three Selection (NDP 43) to the Western Bulldogs Draft Picks 10, 27, 30, 38, 59, 75, 91 (ND) 9, 25 (PSD) BRISBANE LIONS Gains Travis Johnstone from Melbourne Round Four Selection (NDP 52) from Carlton Round One Selection (NDP 14) from Collingwood, then on-traded to Melbourne Losses Cameron Wood to Collingwood Richard Hadley to Carlton Round One On-traded Selection (NDP 14) from Collingwood, to Melbourne Draft Picks 8, 25, 41, 52, 57, 73, 89 (ND) 7 , 23 (PSD) CARLTON Gains Chris Judd from West Coast Richard Hadley from the Brisbane Lions Round Three Selection (NDP 46) from West Coast Losses Josh Kennedy to West Coast Round One Selection (NDP three) to West Coast Round Two Selection (NDP 20) to West Coast Round Four Selection (NDP 52) to the Brisbane Lions Draft Picks 1, 36, 46, 68, 84 (ND) 2, 18 (PSD) COLLINGWOOD Gains Cameron Wood from the Brisbane Lions Round Six Selection (NDP 96) from the Kangaroos Losses Ben Davies to the Kangaroos Round One Selection (NDP 14) to Melbourne, via Brisbane Lions on-trade Draft Picks 31, 47, 63, 79, 95, 96 (ND) 13, 29 (PSD) ESSENDON Gains Nil Losses Nil Draft Picks 6 23, 39, 55, 71, 87 (ND) 5, 21 (PSD) FREMANTLE Gains Nil Losses Nil Draft Picks 7, 24, 40, 56, 72, 88 (ND) 6 , 22 (PSD) GEELONG Gains Round Three Selection (NDP 44) from Sydney Round Four Selection (NDP 62) from West Coast, via Western Bulldogs on-trade Round Six Selection (NDP 90) from St Kilda Losses Henry Playfair to Sydney Steven King to St Kilda Charlie Gardiner to St Kilda Tim Callan to Western Bulldogs Draft Picks 17, 34, 44, 50, 62, 82, 90, 98 (ND) 16, 32 (PSD) HAWTHORN Gains Nil Losses Nil Draft Picks 12, 29, 45, 61, 77, 93 (ND) 11, 27 (PSD) KANGAROOS Gains Ben Davies from Collingwood Sam Power from the Western Bulldogs Round Three Selection (NDP 37) from Melbourne, via Adelaide on-trade Losses Brad Moran to Adelaide Round Three Selection (NDP 48) to the Western Bulldogs Round Six Selection (NDP 96) to Collingwood Draft Picks 15, 32, 37, 48, 64, 80 (ND) 14, 30 (PSD) MELBOURNE Gains John Meesen from Adelaide Round One Selection (NDP 14) from Collingwood, via Brisbane Lions on-trade Losses Travis Johnstone to the Brisbane Lions Round Three Selection (NDP 37) to the Kangaroos, via Adelaide on-trade Draft Picks 4, 14, 21, 53, 69, 85 (ND) 3, 19 (PSD) PORT ADELAIDE Gains Round Three Selection (NDP 28) from Sydney, via Adelaide on-trade Losses Brad Symes to Adelaide Draft Picks 16, 28, 33, 49, 65, 81, 97 (ND) 15, 31 (PSD) RICHMOND Gains Jordan McMahon from the Western Bulldogs Mitch Morton from West Coast Losses Round Two Selection (NDP 19) to the Western Bulldogs Round Three Selection (NDP 35) to Western Bulldogs, via West Coast on-trade Draft Picks 2, 18, 51, 67, 83 (ND) 1, 17 (PSD) ST KILDA Gains Sean Dempster from Sydney Adam Schneider from Sydney Steven King from Geelong Charlie Gardiner from Geelong Losses Round Two Selection (NDP 26) to Sydney Round Six Selection (NDP 90) to Geelong Draft Picks 9, 42, 58, 74 (ND) 8, 24 (PSD) SYDNEY Gains Martin Mattner from Adelaide Henry Playfair from Geelong Round Two Selection (NDP 26) from St Kilda Losses Sean Dempster to St Kilda Adam Schneider to St Kilda Round Two Selection (NDP 28) to Port Adelaide, via Adelaide on-trade Round Three Selection (NDP 44) to Geelong Draft Picks 11, 26, 60, 76, 92 (ND) 10, 26 (PSD) WEST COAST Gains Josh Kennedy from Carlton Round One Selection (NDP three) from Carlton Round Two Selection (NDP 20) from Carlton Round Two Selection (NDP 22) from Western Bulldogs Round Four Selection (NDP 54) from Western Bulldogs Round Three Selection (NDP 35) from Richmond, then on-traded to Western Bulldogs Losses Chris Judd to Carlton Mitch Morton to Richmond Round Two Selection (NDP 30) to Adelaide, via Western Bulldogs on-trade Round Three Selection (NDP 35) from Richmond, to Western Bulldogs Round Three Selection (NDP 46) to Carlton Round Four Selection (NDP 62) to Geelong, via Western Bulldogs on-trade Draft Picks 3, 13, 20, 22, 54, 62, 78, 94 (ND) 12, 28 (PSD) WESTERN BULLDOGS Gains Ben Hudson from Adelaide Tim Callan from Geelong Round Two Selection (NDP 19) from Richmond Round Three Selection (NDP 35) from Richmond, via West Coast on-trade Round Three Selection (NDP 43) from Adelaide Round Three Selection (NDP 48) from the Kangaroos Round Four Selection (NDP 66) from Geelong Round Two Selection (NDP 30) from West Coast, then on-traded to Adelaide Round Four Selection (NDP 62) from West Coast, then on-traded to Geelong Losses Jordan McMahon to Richmond Sam Power to the Kangaroos Round Two Selection (NDP 22) to West Coast Round Two Selection (NDP 30) from West Coast, to Adelaide Round Three Selection (NDP 38) to Adelaide Round Four Selection (NDP 54) to West Coast Round Four Selection (NDP 62) from West Coast, to Geelong Draft Picks 5, 19, 38, 43, 48, 66, 70, 86 (ND) 4, 20 (PSD)

Research on the volume of rumours??? How do you do research on the volume of rumours? You can't be serious can you:rolleyes: ?

Thanks for that Fergburger. I've made the change. And to Yze_Magic, it sure was a great time and a good year for CAC in recruiting. Earlier that year he picked a future Brownlow Medallist in the PSD and Brown and Riggers were certainly handy selections late in the National Draft. It's easy picking a good player with your top 10 picks but you need to be really sharp to get them late. Neville didn't make it but Clint Bartram and to a lesser extent, Simon Buckley made up for it in the 2005 Draft.

Terry Leahy won the Bluey in 1966 (his first year at the club). His date of birth was 12 October, 1946 which means he was a little short of 20 years of age when he won the award. And just for the information of Messrs. Carroll, McLean and Rivers he was dumped from the club at the age of 21 (according to Holmesby and Main's Encyclopaedia of AFL footballers) because of "his indiscretions on an end of season trip". Of course in those days they didn't go to the Greek Islands (mor likely Nar Nar Goon) and I'm sure our boys didn't start the fracas with those mean aggressive Swedes. Anyway, if the Jones boy gets up for the b & f this year, he definitely be the youngest winner because he doesn't turn 20 till January 08.

Back in March I presented my predictions for season 2007 HERE. Now, I must confess that a few things happened that threw a bit of a spanner in the works and some of my "fearless" predictions didn't come to fruition. For that I apologize - particularly the one about today's contestants Fremantle and Melbourne finishing top four. Kangaroos and Brisbane fighting it out for the wooden spoon was a bit of blooper too now that I think about it. However, I did put my reputation on the line and, despite the fact that I have a good excuse in that my crystal ball was stuffed at the time, I accept the full responsibility for my errors. Now, one of my better predictions was that Hawthorn would make the eight and, given St. Kilda's loss last night, it would be safe to say that the Hawks cannot now fall out of the eight unless they suffer two defeats of more than 100 points at the hands of the Bulldogs and Sydney in their remaining games. Even if they happened to find themselves embroiled in some deep and dark controversy or in some major spot of bother over the next eight days, that won't happen. So to Mr. Yze Magic who responded to my prediction about the Hawks making the finals with the derogatory statement as follows:- "If Hawthorn make the Finals I will cut off my left nut and mail it to you." I say - I'll have the other nut now please!

Just to show you how much things have changed since Round 4 when they last met, here are the respective teams. MELBOURNE: Backs: Clint Bizzell Nathan Carroll Matthew Whelan Half backs: Daniel Ward Paul Wheatley Daniel Bell Centreline: Brent Moloney James McDonald Brad Green Half forwards: Cameron Bruce Brad Miller Byron Pickett Forwards: Simon Godfrey Mark Jamar Aaron Davey Followers: Jeff White Nathan Jones Travis Johnstone Interchange: Nathan Brown Lynden Dunn Paul Johnson Adem Yze Emergencies: Matthew Bate Ricky Petterd Colin Sylvia In: Clint Bizzell Lynden Dunn Byron Pickett Out: Matthew Bate Ben Holland Ryan Ferguson FREMANTLE Backs: Shane Parker Luke McPharlin Roger Hayden Halfbacks: David Mundy Antoni Grover Steven Dodd Centreline: Shaun McManus Paul Hasleby Heath Black Half forwards: Des Headland Matthew Pavlich Ryan Crowley Forwards: Dean Solomon Chris Tarrant Peter Bell Followers: Aaron Sandilands Matthew Carr Josh Carr Interchange: Troy Cook Daniel Gilmore James Walker Luke Webster Emergencies: Adam Campbell Paul Duffield Robert Warnock In Heath Black Luke Webster Out: Justin Longmuir (knee) Andrew Browne (hamstring)

The problem with every aspect of this so-called "defence" of Johnson is the precedent set by the Tribunal in the Brent Moloney case a couple of years ago. In that case, the Tribunal disregarded the strong possibility that Moloney didn't even touch Jimmy Bartel and that Bartel sustained his injury when his head connected with the ground and said all of that was irrelevant in handing out a two week sentence. Johnson's hit wasn't spontaneous or spur of the moment. He should be getting the absolute maximum in this instance - 6 to 8 weeks.