sylvinator

I think all our favourite non-MFC players is now playing VFL reserves. Looks like the last great thing he did in his career was hand the demons Jack Trengove! http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/situation-not-fair-on-richmond-outcast-jordan-mcmahon/story-e6frf9ix-1225856610782

For the last 12 months, I have placed Dunn and Bartram into my group of 'list cloggers' that are destined to be delisted by 2012, and are who depth players who play when we have injuries. However for the last 3 matches, both have played much better... making me think that they might have turned the corner and perhaps might still have a long-term role to play. Bartram: Bartram's weakness has always been his decision making and kicking. He is now consistently taking the first and easiest option, and as a consequence is hitting targets! His strengths are his endurance, strength and is relatively quick. He is developing into a really good option as a shut-down defender who can provide a bit of run or even a defensive midfielder. Dunn: Once again, decision making and his inability to thrive in a set position have meant Dunn has floundered the last 24 months. But I like him as a high half forward who can take stints in the midfield. His has a really good burst of speed, which allows him to get 2-3 meters on his opponent on the lead. I noticed him successfully do this a few times against the tigers and provide a strong option about 70m from goal. This was crucial since there were several times when we seemed to have noone in the forward line, so we needed an intermediate target whilst players streamed forward. Dunn is still making errors, but seems to have cut them down by half! Have these guys turned the corner? Can they play a role even when our young guns are up and flying in 2 years? Or are they biding their time until Morton, Wona, Watts, Jurrah, Strauss replace them?

It is pretty tough. Most of our boys are performing considering 2 wins in a row. But we'll start losing a few games and i think it is still quite clear who our lesser players are If I had to make the call... In: Woneamirri, Jurrah, Watts, Rivers, Morton Out: Bennell, Dunn, Bartram, Joel Mac, Bail Those 5 outs probably don't even deserve to go out, though I probably rate them as the worst currently in our best 22. Also I'd like to see Strauss, Tapscott, Martin, Jetta, Blease and Gysberts get games as well. The truth is that we will always have a few players injured, so depth is a good thing

Tapscott could add to the forward line fire-power as well. 2012 forward line... Green Bate Jurrah Pettard Watts Wona Plus, Sylvia, Tapscott, Morton, Maric, Jetta and others able to go through the forward line as well. I like!

I don't know what people are on about re newton. He is so imobile. he was pretty average last week imo and he is not going to stay in the side purely because of his ruck relief work. And to all people even suggesting Scully be dropped b/c there were others (like Dunn, Bartram, Newton) who performed better than him last week... YOU PEOPLE ARE CLUELESS! Dunn, Bartram and Newton are seasoned footballers (4 years now?) who are and should be contributing more than Scully on a week-to-week basis. However Dunn, Bartram and Newton are objectively average footballers who are taking our list nowhere. Scully on the other hand is one of the 3-4 players on our list that has the potential to be an A-grader. He needs to get 50 games into him ASAP! That's 50 AFL games. not 50 vfl games. What the hell is wrong with you guyz! IMO, Scully, Trengove and Watts should be played every game possible whilst they are fit enough to be out on the park. That is regardless of whether they are contributing less than Lynden Dunn, the most average trier in our team who will be delisted by 2012! We may not be fully rebuilding anymore, but we still need to develop our youngsters by playing them. Ultimately, if Dunn/Bartram got 25 disposals this week, and Scully got 10, I would still keep choose Scully in the team over Dunn any day of the week. Any one who would pick otherwise is not thinking about our team's development in the right way. Imagine this--- by start of year 2012---- - Watts, Gysberts, Blease, Strauss, Tapscott, Maric: 30 games - Scully, Trengove, Jurrah McKenzie, Bail, Jetta, Wonaeamirri: 40 games - Bennel, Jetta, Grimes, Garland: 60 games - Frawley, Pettard, Morton: 80 games That is how we'll be dominating in 2012. Top teams have hardened AFL players and are experienced. Just look at Stkilda, Geelong, Bulldogs if you need proof.

I agree, we do need a key forward in the team, and our forward line needs improving. BUT, we are dealing with injuries. We have at least 4-5 strong forward options out of the team with injury! I don't any team in the afl could be a strong forward line with that many forwards out. See how StKilda do with one forward option out. In 4 weeks time, I think our forward line will look like this: (with Jurrah to be added to this forward set up later in the year) Green, Bate, Sylvia Watts, Pettard, Wonaeamirri ...also chuck through Bennell, Morton Our forward line today: Green, Newton, Dunn Bate, Pettard, Bennell With Jones running through there. Thats IN: Sylvia, Watts, Wona, Morton.... OUT: Newton, Dunn' Those additions will make us MUCH more dangerous up forward. Honestly don't know how anyone can expect us to kick 15 goals a game with Newton and Dunn as our main forwards.

Our best 22 is starting to take shape. If our list was completely 100% fit i'd only make 5 changes. B: Matthew Warnock, James Frawley, Jamie Bennell HB: James McDonald, Joel Macdonald, Lynden Dunn C: Rohan Bail, Jackson Trengove, Aaron Davey HF: Brad Green, Colin Sylvia, Cameron Bruce F: Tom Scully, Ricky Petterd, Clint Bartram Foll: Mark Jamar, Jack Grimes, Brent Moloney I/C (from): Colin Garland, Jordie McKenzie, Nathan Jones, Matthew Bate, Kyle Cheney, Jake Spencer, Michael Newton In: Morton, Jurrah, Wonaeamirri, Watts, Rivers Our: Bail, Newton, Bartram, Cheney, Dunn Would also like to see Strauss, Maric, Blease, Jetta, Gysberts and McNamara play between 5-15 games this year each. The more games into these boys the better they will be for it.

I completely agree. We have 4-5 key defenders, all with versitility and different strengths. It bodes well for the future. Garland and Frawley in particular will be great weapons. When playing on tall forwards they are quick enough to rebound off them, and still complete in the air. When taking smalls they are quick enough to stay with them on the lead, but tall enough to completely dominate them in the air. Frawley is a perfect match up for Dangerfield next week

I think it will only be round 5 that we start to play our best 22. From this team compared to round 5 I would include... In: Rivers, Garland, Sylvia, Wonaeamirri, Watts Our: Dunn, Newton, Bail, ?, ? I'd like to see Strauss, McKenzie, Jetta, Blease, Gysberts, Cheney and Bail all play at least 10 games each this season, though they will obviously be in and out of the team. Then, obviously bring back Jurrah and Morton into the team when they are finnally fit I also haven't completely given up on Martin and Maric. I haven't written them off as duds just yet

Also, The fact that Wona has done his hammy 3-4 times in the past 12 months is VERY bad for his playing future. Hammy's that reoccur can threaten his career. It is especially bad that Wona is doing his hammy from an action that is not particularly straining (i.e. tackling). I would prefer he did his hammy doing a 110% sprint, which puts real strain at the hammy. The fact he is doing is while tackling suggests his hammy's are bloody weak

At AFL level, any hamstring, even a grade 1 strain (only 25-50% of fibres damaged) take 4 weeks to recover minimum. B/c hammies can reoccur very easily, every team takes a cautiuos approach. It's sensible

Our problem lies in our lack of quality players. How good would Medhurst be at Melbourne? How about Mooney at the demons? Mitch Hahn? Daisy Thomas? They'd all be crap as the number 1 forwards. These players are able to flourish b/c they are mid-tier players who are able to play as mid-tier players. Our mid-tier players are crap b/c they are forced to play as top line players in key positions! I have no doubt that Jones, Pettard and Bate would be outstanding players if they were surrounded by quality players. Even Miller and Dunn would be servicable if they were the 21st and 22nd best players. Our only hope of improving is to develop Sylvia, Frawlye, Garland, Scully, Trengove, Grimes, Morton, Jurrah and Watts in to genuine top-liners. Then, players like Pettard and Bate will be great foil. The real problem is that MFC has a HORRENDOUS history of failing to turn talented players into top liners

I reckon Bailey has played his purpose. His purpose is PURELY to remake our list, delist the junk, and draft as many youngsters as possible. I don't think he can take us to the next level. The fact that we aren't more competitive in game and haven't shown any clear signs of improvements is proof enough of this. I think we should look to Malthouse as our next coach. He always seems to get the best out of his players and is a clever tactician. He has taken him WCE teams to premierships and Collingwood to several grandfinals and prelims. He's clearly a good caoch. He should target him for when Buckly takes over.

I reckon Bailey has played his purpose. His purpose is PURELY to remake our list, delist the junk, and draft as many youngsters as possible. I don't think he can take us to the next level. The fact that we aren't more competitive in game and haven't shown any clear signs of improvements is proof enough of this. I think we should look to Malthouse as our next coach. He always seems to get the best out of his players and is a clever tactician. He has taken him WCE teams to premierships and Collingwood to several grandfinals and prelims. He's clearly a good caoch. He should target him for when Buckly takes over.

If you are correct, and it takes 3-4 years before we start to see improvement, then we are the most pathetic club in the history of the game. I mean honestly, does it take 7-8 years of coming last before you can show improvement? There is one thing I honestly don't understand. I'd argue that 3 years ago we had an inferior list than what we have today. We've got much more talent into the club and some rediculusly high draft picks. We've also had 3 years of skills training, physical conditioning and strategy/game plan training by a well-paid coaching staff. How is it that we haven't improved from 3 years ago. Honestly beggers belief!

Analysing this a little deeper, our injury list isn't really that crippling to our best 22. Colin Sylvia (broken jaw) test- will play round 2 latest. Neville Jetta (groin) 1-2 weeks- borderline best 22, only a 2nd year player and doesn't play an important position. Only 1-2 weeks away regardless Jack Watts (back) 1-2 weeks- Not injured anymore... played 1/2 for Casey last week, so is not injured. Will play 2-3 weeks in Casey no doubt Sam Blease (ankle) 1-2 weeks-Not injured anymore... about to play first game for Casey. Yet to play an afl game, so no real loss Paul Johnson (foot) 4 weeks- Not near the best 22 Cale Morton (knee) 8-10 weeks- Important player who'll be sorely missed Liam Jurrah (shoulder) Indefinite- important player who'll be sorely missed Daniel Bell (shoulder) Indefinite- Not near the best 22 John Meesen (ankle) Indefinite- Not near the best 22- Max Gawn (knee) Indefinite-Not near the best 22 + first year player Luke Tapscott(hip) Indefinite- Not near the best 22 + first year player Basically, our only injuries that will effect us on field is Morton and Jurrah--- yes two important losses. But only really 2. Sylvia will play round 1 or 2. Watts will be playing at Casey this week, ready for AFL in 3-4 weeks. All is not lost

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/pay-now-play-later/story-e6frf9jf-1225844049547 This seems like a very good idea to me, AS LONG as the players having their contracts front loaded are only our very very best players who will definitely be looking to play for the demons for at least the next 6 years. If the front loading includes Davey, Sylvia, Morton, Morton, Grimes, Moloney and Trengove- then i'm all for it. Whilst we are not good enough on field to attract a big-name player by offering $700k a year, in 2-3 years time, when we make the 8 for first time with this group, i'm certain we will find someone who will take the cash and play for us. Having room to attract that kind of player could make all this difference and fill a hole that wasn't filled by drafting. (Barry Hall at Bulldgos anyone?). Anyways, i reckon it's a good idea

When are we bloody moving into Olympic Park training facilities. I have heard we're going to move from junction oval about 5 years ago

Just got back from the game. - Frawley and Warnock were pretty solid in defence - James McDonald is our best tackler and our best clearance player. whoever doesn't think he's in our best 22 is mad. - Scully and Trengove were impressive. Trengove knows how to hit a tackle hard. - jones and bruce were in the best - Jamar is one of our most important players this year. He's actually a very good ruckman. Wins the taps against Cox and Natanui and good contested mark - strauss was involved in a couple of really nice plays - Miller our only really lead up forward. Martin really isn't a natural forward - Hughes is a waste of space, can't believe he's still on the rookie list. Whoever thinks he's the answer is dreaming

I saw a photo of Frawley next to Lynden Dunn recently (community camp?) and frawley was a good inch taller than him. This confirms information that Frawley is now around 195-196cm (Dunn drafted at 192cm). Wouldn't be surprised if he was around 100kg or closing in. He has great speed, great overhead mark, good spoil and solid skills. Was a very clever pick 12. Went for needs and paid off imo. Frawley has shown great signs of 'making it' since his very first game when he grabbed the ball 40m out from goal and dashed away rebounding from defence showing great pace and agility.

Stefan Martin scored 99.7 on VCE, is studyng law, played underage basketball at a national level, and is a great up-n-coming afl footballer. now there is a guy gong places

OK, the most obvious and legitimate reason is that when BP made his list of potential draftees, from 1- ?, he had only 1 KPP in the top 20 (Butcher, gone at pick 8.) BP had also been quoted that youngsters that have been rated by 'Bigfooty groupthink' as top20- Tahlia, Black, Panos- are NOT key position players. They are more versatile 192cm flankers. Thus, even if we did pick these players on a 'needs basis', they would NOT have fulfilled our need for KPP. But here is my reason why we invested in midfield and not KPP. Look forward to 2012/13... KP DEFENDERS= - Warnock: 2 top 5 b&f results confirm him as our rock in defence. Will continue to play for another 5 years - Frawley: probably the best young KP defender in the league for the next 10 years - Garland: if he can get his body right, will join Frawley as a top quality backman for 10 years - Rivers: Body might only last another 3-4 years but remains an important key backman - McNamara: Still only 19 y/o could be a player. Worth persevering with Conclusion............... that's 4 very strong options. McNamara could make 5 options. Considering you only really need 2-3 options, we are strong in this area. I think most would agree with me on that! KP forwards= - Watts: to quote Josh Mahoney "Watts will be so good he'll be like 2 KP forwards". Our coaching staff are looking into the future and see him being a superstar of the AFL - Jurrah: Is an absolute freak. May not be true KP forward, but is 190cm and plays very tall in terms of marking ability. - Bate: I agree with Gary Lyon when he says he would be a top50 afl player if he played for Geelong. I am huge fan of Bate, think he will be a great player and become more recognised when our midfield make life easier for our forwards - Morton: himself quoted as having aspiration for CHF. If he continues to bulk up as expected, WOW! Aim should be 95kg. - Martin: Mahoney says he's being developed as a mobile 198cm strong marking key forward. Also take the rucking in the forward line - Fitzpatrick: drafted and being developed as a strong marking mobile KP forard Conclusion.......... Unlike our defence, almost every option up forward is based on potential. This is what gets people worried. But if you look at those players, Watts was pick1, Morton pick 4, Bate pick 12, Jurrah a freak of nature... We have some seriously quality talented kidz to rely on. So while it is based on potential, past data tells us top picks are much more likely to succeed. We only really need 3 of these guyz to 'make it' and we'll be absolutely gunning it. Ultimately, the midfield is where premierships are won. With a super midfield, our defence and forward line will look much stronger. Investing in our midfield was correctly our number 1 priority, and investing in midfielders that are all different and will complement each other. We have 5 options for KP backs and 6 for KP forwards. Sure, not all of them will make it... but a few of them look like being great players already, we have a lot of high draft picks and I trust at least 2-3 KP backs and 2-3 KP forwards will become guns. Most importantly, now our midfield for the future looks super strong... with 8 gun midfielders we'd be pushing for a premiership. I can count at least 8 from this list. Scully, Trengove, Davey, Sylvia, Grimes, Moloney, Jones, Blease, Gysberts, McKenzie (Tapscott, Maric, Strauss, Jetta to be flankers with stings in the midfield). When you analyse our list, i think our KP stocks aren't really that thin, and I think the coaching staff was wise to invest in the midfield. Does anyone agree?

Morton has been quote himself that he wants to develop eventually at CHF. That would be ideal.

Not sure about 2015, but my 2012-13 team is as follows Warnock Frawley Bennel Strauss Garland Blease Davey Sylvia Grimes Bate Morton Trengove Wona Watts Jurrah Gawn Scully Jones Int: Gysberts, Martin, Maric, Jetta, Pettard, Tapscott, Fitzpatrick, First rounders 2010/11 Assumptions - James Mcdonald, Bruce and Green won't be around - Garland and Wona will recover from injuries - Although they could be around, I can't see Moloney or Rivers bodies lasting till 2013 - Assuming Watts and Morton have bulked up to become powerhouse CHF/FF - Rediculously strong spine!!!! NOTE- looking forward, our KP stocks should be actually OK. In defence, Warnock is solid as a rock and has 5 years left in him. Frawley and Garland look like 10 year KP backs. McNamara could be a player also. For the forward line, we are relying heavily on potential. However, if Watts, Morton, Jurrah and Bate become the players I think they can become, we will also be strong in this area too. Martin and Fitzpatrick are the two wildcards who could potentially become our 'Kochitszke type', 200cm mobile forward that's difficult to match up on. Looking forward it makes a lot of sense that we have invested in our midfield. After all it is the midfield that wins premierships

OK so here is my team... I have based a lot of my positions on conversations my brother had with Kerry O'Donnel and Josh Mahoney at the draft event. Also of coarse on my own opinions of where some guyz should be played. Frawley, Warnock, Garland Strauss, Rivers, Bennell Davey, Sylvia, Grimes Morton, Bate Green Wona Watts Jurrah Jamar, Moloney, Bruce Interchange: Jones, Pettard, Jam McDonald, Joel McDonald, Martin, Scully, Trengove, Maric, Jetta Depth: PJ, Bell, Miller, Dunn, Bartram, Cheney Unproven 1st/2nd year players (Nb: obviously a few of these guyz will get significant number of games... some even round1... but too hard to place)- Blease, McNamara, Bail, Gysberts, Tapscott, Fitzpatrick, Gawn Rookies: McKenzie, Spenser, Hughes, Healy, Meesan, Newton My info from MFC's assistant coaches - there was a battle between the defence and midfield coaches over Grimes. The midfield coaches won. Grimes will train and be developed to play midfield all next year. Take him out of your defences people! - A large reason Joel McDonald was drafted was in case Garland never recovers from his injuries. Exact words "you'd be silly not to have someone in case Garland doesn't come up". If Garland remains injured, expect Joel McDonald to take his spot and slot into the back pocket. If Garland recovers, expect Joel to play a more depth, peripheral role in the team. It's a bit upsetting that Garland's injuries are so severe that they are taking these kinds of precautions, but hopefully Garland will come back 100% fit - Tapscott was recruited with the thought that he'd play as a strong goal-kicking half forward flanker, so don't expect him to play too much midfield - Martin is earmarked to play in the forward group, along with Fitzpatrick. Both these 198/201cm forwards will be developed as tall forwards, who can take ruck work in the forward line (or possibly even pinch hit in the ruck) - I think it is worth noting that an assistant coach said that next year's draft is pretty much a write off, and the demons will look to draft heavily from the rookie list. In my opinion, the club has McKenzie and Spenser as 2 DEFINITE upgrades for next year is their development progresses as planned. Look to see Meesan upgraded as well if he recovers 100%. Wouldn't be surprised if 3-4 rookies are on our senior list next year. That makes sense, since coming 12th next year will get you only picks 12, the next year being only pick 40, then 57 etc. Basically we will only get a chance to draft 1 top quality kid, the rest will be speculative/ needs based selections. My personal opinions - Green should be looking to play as a forward more and more. It will extend his career. He is a smart, strong, experienced goal kicker. Also adds great versatility bc he is a difficult one to match up on (strong marking, but fast, fit, 185cm). - Morton to be developed as a future CHF. at 194cm and a good overhead mark, with added bulk he could be a star of the afl. Won't play CHF until bulked, but in the mean time can play wing/half forward/half back. Morton has been quoted many times himself that he sees his eventual position to be CHF. That is Morton's own words! - Strauss and Bennel to be ear marked as our attacking half back flankers for the next 10 years. Both speedy and amazing kicks. - 2 players, Bruce and Rivers remain 2 extremely important parts of our team. Bruce in the midfield, and Rivers the rock in defence. - Although they are unproven, I see Blease, Tapscott and Gysberts playing a few games this year. These 3 guyz are the ones that will replace Bruce and Green in the midfield/flanks as these 2 move closer to their retirements. No one else in our starting 22 is even close to being replaced - Although Martin is on the bench, I see him becoming a very important player in the forward line/ ruck relief. If injuries become a problem, then even covering in defence. He will be a great guy to plug holes anywhere in the team.