Tommy_Wolfe7

Snell I can see what kind of player he's going to be - a brave, aggressive aerialist with brilliant marking hands and the feel for when to spoil and when to mark. Powerful kid who's also composed at ground level and with ball in hand. The kind of defender that can shut down with closing speed, but opposition will also try to avoid as he turns defence into attack. He's also closer to his final form physically that Ladbrook, so there's less doubt on how he grows / carriers added muscle when trying to build AFL running capability. Ladbrook on the other hand is very much an upside kid for me. Super tall (201cm) and very rangy - there's a lot of physical development required, and this means there's uncertainty about how that plays out. He's ultra aggressive in his positioning and the way he defends. I suspect as he's thinly framed, he's learned to read the play / intercept rather than body up. At this stage, when it goes bad, it doesn't look good. But the flipside is that when he gets it right, it's quite breathtaking. He moves really well and has the scope to potentially pinch hit through the ruck. He's a bit more frenetic and less assured at this stage, but has huge athletic potential. As for those half back types: Bridge for me was draftable - nice run and carry, could accumulate and had nice foot skills. Getting injured early in the National Champs and then missing an extended part of the season hurt him. He's back playing for the Lions academy as an overager, and if he plays the full year and improves his physicality / contested game, I can see him being draft relevant. Sharkie was that classic looks good on paper but just isnt that't impactful by foot. Neat enough but very safe and then inconsistent when trying to make things happen. Good work rate runner but no elite speed or agility. A really solid underager but maybe didn't scream point of difference. I'm not sure on Voss personally, but as with many of those state league guys, sometimes that need that opportunity and the rise to it once in the system. I think he maybe becomes relevant with Tassie coming in, as the league will need to find approx. 50 new players, and they can't all be draftees. Strongly performed second tier players will get opportunity.

I agree - very interested to see how high they can rise. Can see a world where they both end up in the top 15.

Really like him. Wasn't on my radar heading into the year but certainly is now. He'll feature in my top 20 for my first ranking. I love his power and contested ability at stoppage. But I equally love the fact that when he rests forward, he's got genuine craft - both as a smart leading forward and as a crumbing creative type. Really nice player that's a first round option I think.

I've got Snell even higher in my first top 50 dropping Sunday - think genuinely the best key defender in the crop. Aggressive and brave in the air. Good awareness of when to spoil or intercept mark. I think he's very good. Jack Pickett I reckon slides a bit. ACL injury means he won't play again this year, and he was a bit one trick (lead, mark, goal) as a bottom ager. Clubs were hoping to see him up the ground more this year with greater accumulation and impact.

There has been some contention around Prasad's NGA status - my understanding is that he's no longer tied to the Dees and is a part of the open pool.

I'm a massive Drever fan. Love his multiple efforts in an around the contest - is manic defensively. Also wins it and has leg drive. Kicks with penetration too (although he can work on tidying his short to medium game).

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