ChaserJ

http://www.afl.com.au/News/NewsArticle/tab...px?newsId=46627 Daniel Rich Recruiter 1: Although he is ineligible for the national draft in 2007, he will no doubt be a player who will attract interest leading into next year's NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. He's a very similar player to Rhys Palmer – they both enjoy contested situations. He's naturally aggressive and brings other players into the game. He led by example today. Recruiter 2: He's got some similarities to Palmer and continually wins the ball in a contested situation. I really like the way that he goes about his football and thought that he had an outstanding game. Nicholas Naitanui Recruiter 1: Nick has outstanding athleticism and although he still has some things to learn about the actual game, he is very much a player to watch in 2008 (he is ineligible for the national draft in 2007). Naitanui covers the ground easily and when he knows how to better play four quarters, he will be a genuine talent.

Just re-watched the WA v Vic Metro game from the last carnival, where both Naitanui and Rich were involved, but not eligible for the subsequent draft. Naitanui's got freak athleticism. Has a lot to learn as a footballer, a given as he hasn't even been playing footy for long. Daniel Rich will be a guaranteed hit. Midfielder with the full package. Great vision and awareness with a penetrating left foot kick (he hardly missed a target in this game, including passes over 45 metres). Reminds me of Nick Dal Santo in build and style, but looks like he gets in an under a bit more than Dal Santo. Best thing is, both kids are big on pressure and tackling. Be happy with either, but Naitanui's got that x-factor. Could be anything. Every draft there are a couple of midfielders who will be exceptional players, but you get the feeling that Naitanui is going to be unique in the game. We've drafted plenty of midfielder types in the past. We need to keep faith in the little blokes we have, and go with Naitanui if we get the chance. I'm sure we'll have another crack at getting a top young mid soon enough given our current level of performance.

Couple of articles on Naitanui FYI: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl...4-19742,00.html http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,2...5012734,00.html

Of the well performed listed here, I'd love to see Buckley, Bate and Maric drafted into the team. I know the popular vote is for Valenti to be elevated to replace Neitz on the senior list (and he looks deserving it), given our struggles in key position (especially up forward) I'd like to see us take a punt on Zomer. Looked promising in pre-season, started well in Sandy's reserves.

I despise Carlton for selling their soul purely for success. Given a choice, I wouldn't sell the integrity and soul of the club purely for success. I'm a fairweather follower. I follow the club through thick and thin, I hurt with every loss and celebrate every win, (few as they've been...sorry folks, didn't mean for that to come out as a cheesy rhyme). If Melbourne moved to the Gold Coast, they wouldn't be the team I've followed ever since I moved to Australia as a six year old.

1.Neitz 2. Best player (not necessarily best performed) Davey. Rivers is there if fully fit. 3. Morton

So you had the good seats then? Well, I did enjoy the last quarter at least. And thank god for Davey!

2nd half highlights are up:

Rest of the first half is up now. Enjoy!

Cj may be lucky, but I'm ok with Bails giving him an extended run to see if he's got anything to offer. I'd love him to step and show something.

Thank christ! Whelan in, Garland out. Best line up this year. Go Dee's!

Thanks guys. Will look at uploading the rest of the first half highlights later on tonight.

Cheers, mate. Had a play around last night and uploaded a 3 minute clip from the first quarter last night.

Thanks for the benefit of doubt. Yes, work commitments and pregnant partner make time scarce! Will work on it for you Jako fans this weekend.

Just reading this on 'ology. Hope it's not true, but wouldn't surprise given recent performances/selections. An interesting conversation Paradigm Pete Posted on Tue 01/04/08 08:47:19 Member # Date joined Posts 1677 29/06/2005 412 Having been overseas on business I have only just managed to watch replays of our first two games. Apart from the skill errors, lack of applied pressure etc, what really stood out was the fact that the players looked (for 6 of the 8 quarters) that they were simply going through the motions. I then rang my brother-in-law in Melbourne (MFC & MCC member) who told me he had heard the following: * DB really laid down the law to the players after the pre season games. He interviewed each player seperately and gave those that deserved it, the mother of all sprays. * A number of the players have "rebelled" and one in particular was made an example of (Colin Sylvia). * Following the Hawthorn debacle, ANOTHER round of one on ones were held and the players copped it again. * Moloney fired up and walked out during his session. Newton and Bailey had VERY strong words. Two other players also fired back. * At half time in the Bulldogs game, specific players were given another burst resulting in an "up yours DB" when the game resumed. Having just watched both games, that made very logical sense. From my own point of view, should this be true, I don't mind it at all. The coach has drawn a line in the sand and players either toe the line or cross it and leave.

Thanks mate, much appreciated. Sounds like the weekend wasn't completely devoid of encouragment for us.

Proud member, and from September so will my newborn (despite what the missus may say!).

Spot on. And had enough of players streaming from the backline only to stop and handpass to a stationary target, stuff the handpass and turn it over for an opposition goal. Surely it can't be instinctual to stop and handpass when you're clear and running out of defence.

Just got this game delivered: http://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_matc...istics?mid=4070 God I miss simple, direct footy. Just so much more honest than the game today. Commentators were comparing Jako to Jason Dunstall during the game!

Disappointed with Moloney's relegation. He was one of the few to show any fight last against the Hawks. Maybe DB's just being cautious with him after being out of footy for so long. Imagine that's the reason Rivers hasn't been selected yet (hopefully that's all). Petterd looks like he needs a run with Sandy, and Yze must earn his spot. Both were woeful last Sunday. Good in's, but cant wait to see Rivers name there. Nice to see Morton and Buckley retained too.

Agreed. Also the forward line was woeful. No movement and no pressure on the ball carriers when the ball went to ground. The number of times we went forward, only to give the ball to te Hawks to run it the length of the ground for a goal... Seriously, Does any one know the stat that tells how many Hawk goals started from the Melbourne forward line?

Dean Cox seems to be pretty handy.

Yep, those two pieces of play from Cale Morton were standouts for me. Thought Paul Johnson showed a lot (one of the few that looked like he wanted to be out there). Moloney had a bit fight about him and kept battling till the end. Buckley took them on a few times, and tried hard and Miller wasn't too bad down back. Not too much else that I could take from all of that. Greeny and McLean only came good in the second half.

Yeah, I;ve had a couple of problems with name game DVD's. The master tapes they record from aren't always in the best shape when they re-master them. Especially with the older games. I was also miffed that they don't have the Eagles game where Jako plants a big one on his brother's cheek after kicking six (was that '93?). It was the first footy game I went to, and I've been hooked on the Dee's since!

Sylvia did some good things for us in the NAB Cup match at the Cattery, and reports are that he's been on the improve in the Challenge matches. This has to be the best shape he's been in going into an AFL season, I've got the faith that it starts this year for him. It had better be, because I picked him for my Dream Team!