Whispering_Jack

Probably an impossible ask but it would be nice if club politics was kept to a minimum and we could discuss the attributes this champion footballer when he picked up those 16 Brownlow votes in 2024 and what he can bring into the mix for the Demons of 2025 and beyond.

Never in doubt - now for the Bombers to fall over tonight so we can start our Bradbury run to the flag!

Many years ago, I watched a Melbourne game in the Southern Stand with my two sons. We were sitting directly behind Shaun Smith who was something of a family hero after his mark of the century against the Bears over teammate Garry at the Gabba. My sister who was into ceramics at the time had made a plate with the iconic picture of that mark which I had sitting on a shelf somewhere. We chatted with the family including his young son (presumably Joel) during the game and years later thought Shaun would have been proud when that young bloke showed he inherited his father’s athleticism by playing two sports at the elite level in this country. Unfortunately, Joel’s career did not have a happy ending and sadly, this was mainly due to failings on his part and nobody else. More sadly, the issue of substance taking highlighted in this case is a major problem in our society that has been around for a long time and continues to defy solutions. Yesterday’s announcement marks the end of a difficult time for the Demon family and for Shaun and Joel and their families. It won’t be easy but I trust that they can move on with their lives and remember Joel’s happier times at the club.

Yesterday, Michael Warner boldly stated in the Herald Sun:- “At least four of Smith's Melbourne teammates have been sweating on the outcome of the trafficking probe.” Today, he opened his article on Smith’s suspension by the AFL with the following paragraph: “Melbourne players who received text messages from Melbourne suspended teammate Joel Smith regarding cocaine will not be penalised.” It took eight months which included the course of an entire 2024 season for the SIA investigators to clear Smith’s 43 club mates of being users of a prohibited substance. Thanks for the headline Mick.

Devastating news and so sad. Condolences to the Davey family on the tragic loss of their beautiful child, Jack.❤️

An article attributed to Michael Warner in today’s Herald Sun, entitled “END OF THE LINE FOR TROUBLED DEE” contains the following paragraph:- “In a statement handed to federal MP Andrew Wilkie earlier this year – assessed by SIA – former Demons doctor Zeeshan Arain estimated two thirds of the club’s squad were either “frequent” drug users or “occasionally” used illicit drugs.” There is no further explanation of the claim made by Dr Arain and the article does not refer to the fact that the doctor was sacked by the club and was subsequently involved in an acrimonious legal wrangle with the club. Warner should know because he wrote about the situation in an article appearing in Code Sports on February 16, 2022 “Melbourne crisis: Former club doctor issues legal letter to Demons”. In that article, Warner mentioned an email in which Melbourne CEO Gary Pert questioned Arian’s credibility. I am quoting directly from Warner’s article:- "Pert wrote: When dealing with Zee on issues, he consistently changed his stories when I challenged him on details and his stories rarely matched up to other people involved ... He also described Dr Arain's evidence as "full of inaccuracies, misrepresentations and a rewriting of history, which was a frustration to all he was accusing". Today’s Warner article refers to the club’s off-field scandals and cultural issues but fails to mention that when the issue was raised in Parliament by independent MP Andrew Wilkie (using parliamentary privilege), Wilkie said Arain alleged it wasn't a Melbourne problem but an "AFL problem" with a number of players arriving at the club with pre-existing cocaine dependencies. However, the most glaring omission from Warner’s article today (and the reason why I feel it necessary to raise this point here now) is his failure to provide the full story which is the Melbourne Football Club’s version which appeared in his own newspaper written by his colleague Jay Clark who, followed the process of allowing the other side to be heard. This is an excerpt from “Melbourne deny ex-club doctor Zeeshan Arain's extraordinary claims of player illicit drug use” - March 31, 2024 “The Demons told the Herald Sun on Saturday Dr Arain did not report a single concern to the club's audit and risk sub-committee on any issues regarding player illicit drug use during his tenure. "Dr Arain was the head doctor of the Melbourne Football Club between 2014 and the start of 2020," the statement said. "During this time, he was required to report annually to the club's audit and risk subcommittee on any issues or concerns regarding the entire medical program. "At no time throughout his tenure did Dr Arain ever raise any concerns about players' illicit drug use to this sub-committee. "Like all clubs within the competition the Melbourne Football Club continue to invest heavily in education and support systems, including the IDP (illicit drugs policy) to help reduce the prevalence of illicit substance abuse within the club and the game."

Some additional changes - • Joel Smith has now been delisted • Jake Melksham has been promoted back into the primary list • Marty Hore has been contracted for 2025 and will remain on the Category A list • it is anticipated that Judd McVee will be promoted into the primary list as an upgrade on draft night

The online edition of the Herald Sun is carrying an article by Mark Robinson in which Gary Pert explains that controversial comment about the club’s culture ~ "My point, that was taken out of context - I was saying we are dealing with player behaviour issues and I don't want the entire club being tarnished by that," he said. "When I made the comment, we had won more games of footy in the past three years than any other team (in the league) and had recently won a premiership, and that we were doing a lot of great things. I was saying, the player behaviour issues had to be dealt with in that regard and not discredit the Max Gawns, Jack Vineys and Kate Hores ... I didn't want the whole football club being tarnished by a couple of people." In what was a complex situation, Melbourne had to carry the can for its players being in the controversial and secretive AFL drugs program, which meant the club wasn't fully across all the information - and still isn't. It's frustrating, but it's reality. "I did take offence, and maybe got a bit emotional, but I did take offence to a couple of players' behaviour tarnishing what I think is a club full of magnificent people," Pert said. I’m sure this won’t satisfy everyone but it’s logical and consistent with the views expressed to me in recent months by some of the senior group of players.

"Now is the right time for me and the right time for the club." Well played Gary Pert on your achievements at the club and in the gracious way in which you are handling your departure given the circumstances. You steered the club through potentially treacherous waters to win our first AFL/VFL premiership in 57 years, our first AFLW premiership a McClelland Trophy, two further top four finishes, record memberships and unprecedented financial strength. We look forward to your seeing us through to the conclusion of negotiations to secure a state-of-the-art training and administration base at Caulfield Racecourse Reserve. Thanks to you for all of your efforts for the betterment of the club.

The lates Rookie Me Central Power Rankings ~

Today is the birth date of Ivor Warne Smith, premiership player (1926) two time Brownlow Medallist (1926 & 1928) and centre half forward in the Melbourne Team of the 20th Century. He was captain of Melbourne between 1928 and 1931 and a member of the Melbourne Team of the Century, the Melbourne FC Hall of Fame and the Tasmanian Team of the Century.

With so many seasoned players moving on, Casey will need more than Deakyn Smith if they want to be competitive in 2025.

Back 35 years today when we were kings of the world …

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Back in the 60s … Video.mov O

The announcement of the 2025 AFL fixture imminent. You can tell that it’s not far off when you hear leaks about more Thursday night matches, an extra game this season for Geelong at the Cattery and clubs selling their home games. From Melbourne’s point of view, one of the advantages of finishing so low on the ladder should be a favourable draw. However, after seeing how the club was stitched up by this year’s AFLW fixture, I have my doubts. Let’s see.

With the news that Andy Moniz-Wakefield needs to be moved out of Category B rookie status, there are definite vacancies at the club for players in this category. The club might also be restricted to only two primary list selections in the main draft, so it’s the perfect time to revive the club’s interest in the Irish experiment for men which we started forty years ago. Let’s do it!

From afl.com.au (Kevin Sheehan) David Colbert Country: Ireland State League Club: County Dublin Community Club: Kilmacud Crokes Date of Birth: 04/03/2004 Height: 185cm A dual sport athlete who represented Ireland in the 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa and is also a Gaelic football star at club and county level. He has been developing his AFL skills over the past two years and uses his explosive speed, elite step and evasive skills to break open the play. Adapted to the oval ball very quickly in tryouts at AFL clubs conducted prior to the Draft Combine and was very impressive during testing at the national Combine event, recording 2.97 seconds for the 20m sprint (ranked ninth) and an impressive 6:29 in the 2km time trial which confirmed his endurance. Is looking to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Hawthorn's Conor Nash with his Irish heritage and elite rugby and Gaelic football background. Eoin McEvoy Country: Ireland State League Club: County Derry Community Club: Magherafelt Date of Birth: 02/10/2003 Height: 189cm Another Irishman looking to follow in the footsteps of recent AFL premiership players Conor Mckenna, Zach Tuohy and Mark O'Connor. Gaelic footballer who has played as a key defender at senior county level for Derry. Has the ability to compete well in one-on-one contests, intercept with his anticipation and then break the lines with his pace. Has also shown an ability to hit the scoreboard with his running ability and game awareness. Was presented a Player of the Month award at national level this year as Derry won the Provincial Championships in Ulster and went deep into the All-Ireland Championships and was previously selected in the 2020 All-Ireland Under 17 team when Derry won the Championship at that level. Impressed in skill workouts with clubs before the Draft Combine and then produced a solid showing in the 2km time trial during testing with a run of 6:37.

From afl.com.au (Kevin Sheehan) Xavier Lindsay State: Victoria Country State League Club: Gippsland Power Community Club: Inverloch-Kongwak/Leongatha Date of Birth: 03/08/2006 Height: 183cm A left-footed medium defender and midfielder who displayed enormous footy nous in reading the cues to win the ball before making good decisions when distributing. A neat kick and aggressive tackler, he also showed good natural speed and agility. Was a standout at club and representative level and finished the National Championships in outstanding fashion, racking up 30 disposals against Victoria Metro which cemented All Australian honours. Starred for the Gippsland Power in the Coates Talent League, where he averaged 23 disposals across 12 matches to win the Morrish Medal as the competition's best and fairest player. A PCL injury in the final home and away game brought a premature end to his season but he is expected to have fully recovered by December.

From afl.com.au (Kevin Sheehan) Ricky Mentha State: Northern Territory State League Club: Gippsland Power Community Club: Morwell/Pioneer Date of Birth: 04/09/2006 Height: 178cm Small forward who is crafty and agile with natural goal sense and a good burst of speed. Relocated from Alice Springs to Gippsland with his family last year. Represented Australia as part of the Marsh AFL National Academy this year, as well as playing for the Allies in the National Championships. Averaged 12 disposals in 14 matches for the Gippsland Power in the Coates Talent League and was at his best against the Western Jets in Round 16 with 22 disposals to be among his team's best. Is eligible to join Melbourne as a Next Generation Academy member.