the fork

I know what you mean, crazy isn't it? I mean forgetting... Jolly, Brown, Ball, Krakouer, Lynch, Adams, White, Young, Hudson, Greenwood, Varcoe, Armstrong, Karnezis and Crisp...

As has been mentioned elsewhere Kennedy of the GWS variety can't seem to crack into their team. Would anyone on here entertain a Howe for Kennedy trade with a swap of picks in our favour? Curtly Hampton is another player I think could fulfil that Halfback role. Good skills, quick and could cover for Salem when he eventually moves into the midfield. Thoughts?

I too would love Michie to find a place in the side. Seems to have solid form in the twos, as he did in the west, but struggle at AFL level. He obvious racks up a lot of possessions for Casey and contributes as a midfielder, but can't seem to do either for us. Is it pace, awareness, hunger? I can't see hime fulfilling any other role in the side other than as a mid, as perhaps he is too slow to play down back. Can anyone who has seen a good performance at Casey provide any insight?

Sook

Ha! The irony. Memes are the epitome of a cop-out!

Putting my head over the ball was naming names I would have thought? Anywho, I love Grimes but he's on the block for the simple fact that he reacts poorly to pressure, has poor disposal and hears footsteps even when they're not there. But primarily he might carry the hangover of being captain of a team that didn't know how to win.

Paul Roos has made a couple of references in his time as our coach to a group of players on our list he believes are struggling to overcome our dark past. It seems he has isolated a few players who tend to look after their own game rather than the teams game and is signalling that they will be moved on come years end. Based on this premise I am interested to know who you think he referring to specifically (rather than who you think should be traded/delisted)? In my opinion, after last weekends game against Port, I'd have to suggest Watts, Grimes and Howe were the three he had in mind. I think M. Jones and Bail are suffering from the same symptoms but will be delisted for different reasons. The reason I think he is starting this conversation is that these three, on paper and as far as the lay supporter and the media are concerned, are all contentious players to part with. A former number one pick, a former captain and a crowd favourite. Thoughts?

Now that is an impressive interview. The right mix of humility, confidence, drive and thought given to each and every response. One to watch!

Surely the fact that the Saints we're offered Pick 4 & 7 for Pick 1 means that Petracca is a lock for 1? If they were after a forward at 1 then they could have opted for Wright (4) and snagged a decent mid at (7). Saints will take Petracca at 1, we'll take Brayshaw at 2, but given Roo's comments regarding teenage talls I don't really consider McCartin a lock at 3. Roos knows how desperate we (fans) are to start playing competitively sooner rather than later. I'd like him, though he looks sluggish to me on his highlights reel, but what the hell do I know? Wouldn't be surprised if we pull someone out of the hat at 3. Question: if we do recruit Mc Cartin how many games will he play in 2015?

Really interesting reading some of this. Some brilliant calls amongst us, a fair few howlers as well. Not meaning to rake over our past mistakes more to provide us with some perspective on Demonland think and how that translates to the real world. Something to help pass the days until next Thursday. Some genuine love on here for Sibosado! As there is Sloane. Plenty of love for Rockcliff too. Enjoy!

Anyone at all concerned that Angus might come into contention for Pick 1? Long time to go until the draft, anything can happen. Bontempelli came for 10ish into 4 last year, this year feels like such an even draft. Obviously there's plenty of other players to satisfy our needs but I've grown used to the fact that Angus will be a Dee and that Roos will have a player he supposedly loves at his disposal.

I find it truly hard to fathom the nasty comments aimed at Sam Blease on this site. Finally the inside word from a player who is confirming everything we have been speculating on. Yet some of the very people, who I am sure have previously acknowledged the exact same faults of our club and recruiting, are getting nasty just because it comes in the form of a player who speaks his mind. Suck it up you pack of princesses! Don't shoot the messenger. It hurt to read his comments, it tasted bitter and foul and it made me angry, but I believe they were true words, spoken by a young, naive lad who, despite his faults, has stated publicly what we all know and are too embarrassed to acknowledge beyond the realms of an anonymous online football forum. Since Sam was drafted we have been a basket case. Full stop. No arguments. A flat out basket case. It's time to tip your hat to the truth and accept that we have become a different club now. That was the past, let it go and lets move on.

The fact that Geelong reportedly were interested during the trade period also suggests he is considered to have some upside.

GNF you are already a Demon God in my eyes.

With all the harping that goes on, on here, about the MFC being RUTHLESS in its pursual of success, I thought the concept of this trade would be a little better received. You can't scream for a revolution and then pause at the first hurdle. Trenners has been a loyal servant and I love him as a person and a player. But in many ways he personifies the 'scarred' Melbourne that we need to rid ourselves of. I would admit that, potentially, Trenners could come back and show some form. I agree, but potential is something we have traded in for a long time. He may we be faster when he returns, but lets be honest, he will never be fast. In todays game that is a liability. The comparisons between Trengove and JMac are warped and unhelpful. It is time to think with our head, not our hearts. Here is our chance to shed our skin and be RUTHLESS. It is blatantly obvious that this is part of a bigger deal which could be a game changer and this is what we need. No individual is bigger than the club. Trade.

It might be hard to imagine, but one of the most impressive prospects this year has been Lever, despite not playing a game. The running, combative and physical tall defender continues his diligent and determined rehabilitation from a knee reconstruction and took important steps last week. At the combine he ran 3.2 seconds for the 20-metre sprint and also competed in the three-kilometre time trial. Everything is on track for Lever to start pre-season ready to go.

I don't think we have much to offer. This is where I think the suggestion of a late swap of picks in the Clark deal is really important for us. If we can improve our later picks within the 40-50 range then I think we're getting close. Grimely might be moved on cheap due to the fact he just isn't getting a game. Really shaping as a younger David Hale type player.

This is what makes the Dogs interest in upgrading heir pick interesting. Pick 3 for Hvorat and (6) Lever? Doesn't quite carry the clout of the Tyson deal, but could bring in two new midfielders. These two plus Brayshaw and we've certainly loaded up on mids, although young ones at that.

Grimely really suits as Jamar's replacement, gives Gawn some support, Spencer more time (I know he is taking a while) and King a few years to find his way. Right age bracket, can kick goals and by all reports has really developed his game to be a valuable forward.

'The Herald Sun reports that forgotten Hawthorn big man Sam Grimley wants to be traded to gain more senior opportunities elsewhere after failing to break into the Hawks line-up despite terrific VFL form. The 200cm Grimley kicked 45 goals for Box Hill Hawks to win the VFL's goalkicking award. The 23-year-old, who is contracted to the Hawks for next year, played each of his three AFL games last year and sees little hope of adding to his tally in an attack that boasts the likes of Jarryd Roughead and Jack Gunston.' Surely given our lack of firepower up front and our need for s genuine second ruck, Grimley is worth consideration?

I agree wholeheartedly, he's made a meal of it. But any suggestion this has been a conspiracy to leave us to get somewhere else is absurd in the extreme. I'm obviously touchy about the subject and for that I apologise. It's amazing how defensive others get as well, when an informed opinion gets online and opens up. Being called an expert, just because I might possibly identify with this issue more closely than others, is tall poppy syndrome gone mad. Seems the only thing you can have a strong opinion upon around here is footy.

I am being truthful. Others negligent. You choose.

I don't feel sorry for myself in the slightest. What gave you that impression? A nurse blurting on about depression, without having experienced it, is rather like a travel agent recommending a holiday to a destination they've never been to. I'm not acting the expert mate, merely asking the so-called one into line. As an experienced trained professional she knows she is going against the advice she would offer her very own patients.

Well as someone with such vast experience surely you would recognise how pivotal the issue of environment is. So why on earth would you expect any different from Mitch to your other patients? Don't let you passion for football cloud you professional judgement Jane. I apologise for being rude but there are far too many people on here with no thought to the very real struggle many people, including Mitch, have with depression.

The 'medical field'? An overused term if there ever was one. Does this qualify you to suggest that the advice of a medical professional is rubbish and should be ignored? As someone has continues to battle with depression, I can tell you that one of the most pivotal decisions you will make during your recovery will be the environment in which you place yourself. That is a fact. So back in your box Jane and if your going to flout your opinion make sure it's informed.