Tommy_Wolfe7

Turner I'm not sold on - 24 years old and certainly has attributes. But is perhaps a little undersized and loses a lot of 1v1s (44% this year, 34% over his career). If it's Chandler to fill the Melksham role, then fine. But when you look at the best forward lines, those half forwards / ground level players need to be maximum damage. I'm not feeling that from Chandler (despite his obvious benefits when it comes to defensive intent and speed). Tholstrup as an underager was best suited as a lead up half forward that could also get dangerous at ground level. Never had the tank to do any more than pinch hit through the middle. Has some x-factor about him inside 50 and can make things happen. I'd persist with him there - but that's just me. I like Jiath's run and dare, and marking ability as a link player. This more so than as someone that has to be defensively accountable and part of a functioning defensive back six. I don't disagree that he's probably not in the best side when Melbourne are competing again. Langford's big issue is his athleticism and running ability. He's certainly better than he was, but he's never going to be a speedster. I think best case for him is a Jordan Dawson type big midfielder (which is pretty good mind you). Defensive intent certainly needs to become more natural rather than delayed and reactive. Sparrow is a solid role player for now - I'm just not sold on him being a serious best 23 player when playing deep in finals. A similar player with elevated attributes wouldobviously help to upgrade that position.

I've already begun profiling this years draft crop - and it looks pretty good. Lots of variety in player type and quality appearing almost every weekend. I posted this B23 (with a lens towards building a young side up) in the 'Best Side' thread: FF: B.Fritsch - J.van Rooyen - L.Pickett HF: J.Melksham - B.Mihocek - K.Tholstrup C: C.Jiath - K.Pickett - E.Langdon R: J.Steele - M.Gawn - H.Langford HB: T.Rivers - H.Petty - C.Salem FB: J.Bowey - J.Lever - X.Taylor I/C: T.Sparrow - C.Windsor - X.Lindsay - J.Culley - K.Chandler If this is the current best side (Viney would be in if fit), then there's some obviously list needs going forward: Key forward to replace Mihocek in time Half forward / mid to replace Melksham/Chandler types Midfield quality to replace/upgrade Steele, Viney, Sparrow Key back to replace Lever With two first round picks in a draft that looks pretty solid early, Melbourne can likely sort a couple of these out at the end of the year.

My B23 (with a lens towards building a young side up) looks like this: FF: B.Fritsch - J.van Rooyen - L.Pickett HF: J.Melksham - B.Mihocek - K.Tholstrup C: C.Jiath - K.Pickett - E.Langdon R: J.Steele - M.Gawn - H.Langford HB: T.Rivers - H.Petty - C.Salem FB: J.Bowey - J.Lever - X.Taylor I/C: T.Sparrow - C.Windsor - X.Lindsay - J.Culley - K.Chandler What are our general thoughts on the squad and line up? Obviously there might be different set ups (bench/onfield), but do we think this is the right 23?

How far away is my boy from a debut? His VFL numbers look solid without being spectacular. But this guy was my favourite in last year's draft. Love his fire and competitiveness. And his athleticism opens up so many possibilities. He's a ripper.

Hi all, Full transparency from the outset, I’m not a Dees supporter. If that’s an issue - and I understand how these spaces work - then I’m more than happy for this account to be deactivated. What I am is a footy person. Someone who watches closely, thinks about the game a lot, and spends a fair bit of time trying to put those thoughts into words. I run a small website focused on the game through a fan’s lens, with an additional emphasis on the draft and the under-18 pathway. I’m not here to push my work or drop links into every conversation. In fact, I won’t be posting any of my work unless I’m asked for it. I’m here because these forums tend to house the most considered, passionate and honest discussions about a club. I’d like to contribute where I can, particularly around draft and trade conversations, and offer some perspective on the emerging talent pool. Just as importantly, I’m here to listen. To get a better feel for how Melbourne supporters see their list, their direction, and the game more broadly. The hope for me, is that this leads to more informed and more grounded writing on my end. If I step out of line, miss the tone, or post something that doesn’t sit right, feel free to call it out. I’m not here to offend - I’m here to learn (and hopefully contribute positively). Appreciate you having me (if you decide to let me stay), Tommy Wolfe