Jarka

I certainly don't expect him to be ready right now, however when you publicly make comments then you should be able to back them up in the appropriate way. All of his transgressions aren't hangable offences, in fact they're incredibly minor, but it shows he's still immature and he's bliase about the whole thing. I personally think that this season will make him as a player, [hopefully] it will inspire him to lead by example.

I was under the impression that he wants to be amonsgt the leadership group and that he has a desire to be the next captain after Neitz.

I agree, and as I've already stated even though I was hoping for Henderson I have no problems with Morton because at the time he was considered the 'best available', hell, alot of people had him second only to Cotchin. With such a high pick I can understand why you wouldn't gamble and barring a serious injury Morton is going to be a quality pick. I read someone who saw the practice match on the weekend rated him as our best drafted player - would be nice.

Even at the best of times the results of practice matches should never be the sole focus. However what transpires between the sirens is what it's all about and I'll give an example of what may have occured on the weekend (no idea if this is true as I didn't see the game, this is just a 'what if...'): In the first quarter the team was structured for our best case situation - ie fit first choice midfield etc. But practise matches are for trying different scenarios such as what happens if McLean gets tagged out of the game, how do we rearrange the midfield so as to turn it to our advantage? The results are meaningless, it's how the players respond to their instructions which is of significance and as I'm unaware of what the coach is trying then I don't really have an understanding of whether the game was a success or not. I know I'm preaching to the converted to some of the guys here but there are others....

Quick query, for those who have no idea (read me!), how much does it actually cost a year to run a site like this one?

After the game he had a talk to the players without anyone being present, all other coaching staff and trainers were told to leave the room. From what I hear he was absolutely furious with several players. It will be a very interesting year.

I wan't comparing them at all. Your last line doesn't really say much, realistically our many genuine KPP do we have?

I hope you're right YM, but he has a long way to go to reach AA level. To put that much expectations on him is as stupid as writing him off after one season.

What's your opinion of Egan? The Melbourne footy staff would give their left nuts to get a CHB of his quality into the team.

There are alot of people with knowledge far greater than mine who are of this opinion, but as you've already pointed out you don't watch much junior footy so I'm not surprised you don't have anything of value to add to the discussion

It is too early to call on Frawley however before he was drafted there were suspicions that he's not really suited to a KP role, more of a rebounding flanker, and he was taken much too early. I'm concerned that I haven't seen anything to suggest otherwise, and it's made even for hard to swallow when you see other clubs pick up guys like Gilbert and Egan with much later picks.

CAC does not have a great record with predicting KPP's

I did come across as a bit of a [censored] so I apologise Schtacker, it was uncalled for an did nothing to contribute to the debate. Morton has been a very classy outside midfielder with pace and great disposal. I think he'd be wasted in the forward line, leave him in the middle of the ground where he can use his speed, height and skill to cut the opposition up and deliver it to the forwards. Same goes for Bate, can you imagine a future with McLean, Jones and Sylvia playing out of the square and Morton and Bate on each wing? Puts a smile on my face! But I honestly think that a genuine marking CHF would compliment the team perfectly and it would allow us to play our best players to their strengths, not sacrificing them because we have no key forwards. I have no problems with the club drafting Morton as at the time he appeared to be the best available talent (and will be a great player), but if the club wanted to address the issue then they would have taken Henderson (who I was hoping for, if only we could have gotten the Lion's pick 8 instead for TJ...). Our problems with KPP's have gone back for many years and I've argued long and hard that our attempts to solve them have been unfruitful.

The result of that game will be very interesting. Hawks will be without Hodge, Lewis and Brown which means we're expected to win, but if we lose.... We'll know by about round 8 whether we're any good or not.

I guess that comment sums up my frustration with trying to debate this issue... Height has nothing to do with being able to play as a successfull key forward. If it did then Brereton and Luke Molan's respective careers should have been reversed, hell, why not redraft Brent Grgic, he's over 190cm tall

Do you honestly think that Morton is a CHF?

Simon Buckley would be a very cheap depth player, Moloney will be pretty cheap as well.

I actually think that Ratten did his job perfectly last year. When he took over their season was well and truly over and he had an opportunity to gain another 1st pp in the draft, of course his 2 danger games were both against Melbourne but he managed pick the right players and get the results they needed. The outcome was adding Judd and Kruezer to their list and in contrast Melbourne had to trade their most talented midfielder to get an extra 1st round pick. /shrug

Miss-spelling Moloney was a nice touch, sadly it's all too true

He may well be the closest thing we have to a CHF but that simple fact (if true) depresses me because Bate is simply not a true CHF. Tarrant always played as a flanker who would lead all the way to the wing, not a KPP. I'd prefer a true CHF who is capable of breaking open packs, taking contested marks and kicking goals. Right now Newton is our best chance (I'm not convinced though) and Miller isn't even worth mentioning.

The answer has nothing to do with height, in fact height alond doesn't make a great CHF, just look at Brereton. Bate is a midfielder and Bailey will play him as one or as a flanker.

CHF has been an issue for us for years and I can't see the problem improving in the short term unless we draft a gun kid next year. Bate is not a CHF, he's a midfielder/flanker who can pinch hit up forward. Miller is a better defender than forward, which is really sad. Dunn could be a KPP except for his lack of contested marking ability. In reality Newton is the only young KPP coming through who has shown anything, but we'll need him at FF when Neitz retires.

I agree jacey, easily the best, great pick by CAC to get him late in the first round.

I remember reading an interview with Farmer where he stated that his favourite hobby was sleeping....

Here ia another one: http://demonland.ugbox.net/forum/index.php...mp;#entry116283 Edit - argh, just saw your next post, sorry to double up