Lord Nev

Based on what? I might have missed some training reports, but the bits and pieces I've seen haven't talked him up much and a few have been critical of his intensity and attitude. Missed the start of 2018 due to a poor attitude. Failed to run both ways this year. I want it to happen, but this is pure hopeful speculation based on the available evidence.

That's one of the purest footy stories I've ever heard. What a fantastic memory to have!

Look, can understand where you're coming from, just think there's better ways to put things sometimes. May I suggest you could roll with something like "lost appetite for the contest", "didn't play with intent" or even "lacked the will to apply pressure" next time? With a growing number of players having very real mental health problems, some even retiring due to it, I just think it's time all of us started to think more about the things we say about young people playing a game we love.

No one said criticism was not allowed. Calling someone a "pea heart" is not a grown up way to constructively critique someones football performance though. Especially given the circumstances. However; you sound like one of those people who think because a young man is wearing a footy jumper and being paid that it entitles you to say whatever you like about them so maybe I'm expecting too much.

This is a horrible comment where either you know his personal circumstances and are choosing to be a terrible person, or you don't know and then you should perhaps reconsider the public comments you make about people when not knowing what they've been through.

Agree with all that mate.

Not saying there isn't, but I think he gets harshly judged by some fans, ironically (and not directing this at you btw) by many who then bemoan our lack of outside skill, scoring power and "x factor".

Famous Melbourne name too.

Was our leading average goal kicker this year.

In the article it talks about part of the criteria being "durability and how likely they are to be selected" so you could pencil in guys like vandenBerg, Joel Smith, Kolodjashnij, Jordan maybe even Bradtke and Nietschke as potential candidates.

Sorry, quoted wrong comment.

If we have a poor record as of round 12 then Goodwin will be gone and a substantial board challenge mounted.

Get what you're saying, but it's a list analysis, not a team performance analysis. They explain that further in the article.

It's actually not if you bother to dig into how they work out their ratings within the context of how the club has spoken about our last preseason leading into the impact it had on our actual season. You can then overlay that onto the difference so far with the current preseason to make an assessment on how we might go in 2020. The ranking is based on previous performance, it's not a prediction tool. Of course, that's if you bother to think about it rather than just looking at the final list and getting all upset about it.

The "durability" and "how likely they are to be selected" would be massive factors for us after last year's horrendous injury run and how many changes we made week on week IMO.

"Melbourne was the big slider in the rankings year on year. The Demons were rated the best list before last season but are 12th entering 2020." "The rankings are based purely on individual talent and are not linked to overall team statistics or system. Champion Data’s new ratings formula this year takes into account individual players’ output, game time, what position they play, what they contribute to each position, durability and how likely they are to be selected." Champion Data's 2020 Rankings

See the difference is; I will look at individual players and form my own assessment based on their individual circumstances. But given you're making assumptions about me and my experience and knowledge without having ever met me nor conversed with me before; then it seems you don't use much factual evidence when forming your opinions.

I thought we were passed the days of expecting kids to carry us and not understanding what development was, I guess it takes a while to sink in with some supporters.

He's 22. He's contracted. He's a top 10 pick. Get a grip.

I think re-signing him to a new contract contradicts your view OD. Plus, the "couple of additions" have been a project player ruck/forward and a mature rookie replacement for Tim Smith. Not sure I'd be reading that the same way as you. The reality of the situation is more in depth than what people on the internet can generally be bothered posting, but he was always a longer term project and has had bad luck with injury compounded by horrendous forward delivery, inept forward line coaching, form slumps and injuries to crucial players around him and a game plan that does anything but favour key forwards. He needs to improve next year, no doubt, but to say it's "curtains" for him next year is laughable.

"Curtains" for a contracted 22 year old key position player taken top 10 in the draft? Wouldn't think so.

Great get guys! Well done! Love to hear more from him about Sparrow and Jordon if possible, maybe even Bradtke.

No, but I was a bit worried when I saw the word "supplement.......al"

There's a MASSIVE difference between having a slightly longer break before you begin your proper preseason at full capacity; and having major surgery that means you can't even live your normal healthy lifestyle, let alone do any kind of football or fitness training (which they all do even during non-official training times) before carrying that injury through the rest of preseason as it impacts your preparation; not just for fitness, but for skills, connection with your team mates, learning of game plans and structures and of course new rules that change all of those things from the previous seasons. Honestly, what a silly comment.

But are they "full time" when they're doing under 50% of preseason?