Lord Nev

Fair enough, definitely agree he's lost a yard this year. I think he'll see out the last year of his contract though, hopefully can add more value next year with a better preseason.

"The Herald Sun reported that both St Kilda and Geelong are interested in Bradley, while AFL Media wrote that Melbourne was also keeping a close eye on the Docker. Channel 7 added that Carlton and the Bulldogs were both clubs searching for speed. But Channel 7 reported that if a club was able to make room for both Hill brothers, it would help sweeten a prospective deal." https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trade-whispers-more-victorian-clubs-join-bradley-hill-race-brandon-ellis-attracting-interest/news-story/a76f7cafa892e290f394c910f1efd38f

Jones and Hibberd will both play next year IMO. Hibberd is contracted and Jones will get another year, minus the captaincy, similar to Bernie and Jordan's last years. Why would Hibberd not play on next year?

TBH I can't decide which way I want us to go this year. We absolutely need to get in some high end draft talent so we have the next generation coming through, but at the same time, if we could add a skillful outside runner in the 21-25 year old bracket I'd be keen on that as well. I'm 50/50 split on it. I guess people will decide which way they go on that based on if they think this year is an aberration or not. Yeah the Hill/Kelly situation seems like a logical one. I wonder if we'd look at his brother as a free agent?

It's a 'rolling' 4 year period that started in 2015. It's very confusing, but because of when all the trading picks and when the new rule came in to play, we can trade either this year or next years first rounder. From the article: "That means the Bombers satisfy the AFL's new rule, which comes into play next year, regarding the use of at least two first-round picks in the previous four-year period."

"Essendon is in a similar scenario to Hawthorn and Melbourne under the new trade conditions. All three clubs drafted two players in the first round in 2015, but the Hawks and Demons haven't used one since and neither has one this year. They can do as they wish with their first-round pick in the 2019 NAB AFL Trade Period, including offloading a future one, because they have used at least two in the preceding four-year period. However, like the Bombers, unless they trade in extra first-round selections this year or next, they will have to start using those picks in 2020 until they satisfy the four-year rolling requirement." https://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-11-02/trading-firstround-picks-afls-most-misunderstood-rule-explained

We only have to use one first round pick out of the next 2 years. So either this year or next. They do it as a rolling 4 year period.

Haha yeah see my edit note on the post, I missed the use of the sarcastica font the first time...

You're a lucky lucky man.

He was already announced as leaving this year mate. Misson out: Demons fitness boss to move overseas

The 2 Wagners and Lewis are our long term future?

Our VFL team would beat our AFL team this week...

Not a big fan or anything, but that's a staggering decision IMO. Best on ground last week, has form, can run, not even in the first 6 selected. Very strange.

Right you are, think I must have read it wrong. Calf soreness it seems. Ta!

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IN: Lewis, Preuss, Omac, Both Wagners, Dunkley OUT: T.Smith (inj), Baker (omit) https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2019-07-04/r16-squad

So now you won't renew your membership if Jones is on the list next year? Sorry mate, love your passion, but that's a bit silly. Up to you though, we'll wait and see I guess. Cheers.

So for you, if Jones plays next year (even though he's played every available game this year) then the board is weak?

The people in charge now haven't been in charge for 40-50 years though, so to me that's irrelevant. I've already given you the examples of Vince and Lewis as far as 'sentiment' v hard decisions goes. I wouldn't have thought the board would be overly involved in list decisions? I'm honestly a bit confused about what you're even trying to say now.

Completely agree about it being a test and being about preparation for 2020, I'm just very concerned about how much we gave up in the Brisbane game and that it may be an indication of how a lot of the players will treat the rest of this year.

That's not what you've been arguing though mate. You've been saying we've held on to 'Melbourne' players too long out of sentiment. We've had huge list changes over the last 5-6 years if you're going to start talking about general trades and delistings rather than older 'Melbourne' players.

Round 15 saw probably our worst half for the season as far as intent and effort goes (let alone game plan), so it's hard to see much changing in the next 2 weeks.

Ok then, so which 'Melbourne' players have we kept on too long from an age perspective over the last 5-6 years?

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Sure, which is why I used the examples of Lewis and Vince under the current club leadership.