Deeoldfart

Disappointing year for Chris injury-wise, and for the fact that he was probably under-done in most of his games. However, he 'organised' the forward line, led from the front and busted his gut each time he was out there, and for these qualities alone he has been a worthy pick-up imo. My feeling is that he would be an 'easy' player to coach, and I reckon Roosy will love his leadership and the team things he does. If he can get his body sound, he will repay us in spades, and like just about everyone else around here, I can't wait to see him as one of three quality talls in our forward half.

Tappy has been a major disappointment for me. Just doesn't get enough of the footy and when he does, his reputed 'booming kick' lets him down far too often, especially in front of goals. Sadly, I'm starting to think that he might have 'caught the eye' as a junior because his size enabled him to 'bully' less physically developed peers, but this won't cut the mustard in big league. Definitely needs more strings to his bow than he has shown to date..

I agree with that dazzler. Needs to build his tank, find more football and improve his awareness, but these will develop with experience and another pre-season or two. Has a lot of the right ingredients to be a very good 'modern-day' mid with grunt, run and a hint of agro.

Roosy said OTC tonight that Melbourne would speak to Shaw if the opportunity presents itself, but he ruled him out of the National Draft pick 2 equation. Roos ruse ..... I doubt it!

We just haven't seen enough of Pickles to make a judgement about his future. The jury is still out imo, but because we desperately need mids, he will have more time to prove his credentials, one way or the other.

Sharing my grief and disbelief with fellow Demonlanders is all that kept me sane (albeit only slightly) during season 2013 .......... and now that the trade / FA / draft season is upon us, I can see that many around here suffer from a similar affliction. Thanks Demonland ...... BRILLIANT work!.

Gee, the skinny bloke in the number 2 goes ok!

OK, it's now official that the AFL Commission have conceded their independence, and given-in to the pressure from the other 17 clubs and the media nuff nuffs. But let's not forget that the benchmark for qualifying for a priority pick has now been set. In future, a club has to be an absolute basket case for a decade or more to qualify under the principles that the AFL have just established. Pack of weak ..........

Is it too late to add Pia to our membership brochures for 2014? ...... On a more serious note, Brad's selection seems completely 'out of left field', but he clearly has Roosy's strong endorsement, so I'm delighted to have the former Demon back in the fold.

I haven't seen him in the flesh, but from what I've read on Demonland (KC in particular), and in the media, I'm more excited about Hogan in red & blue than I have been about any player in a long, long time. By good fortune (very unusual for the MFC) his recruitment was perfectly timed ie. he's had a season at Casey to 'blood' himself against men; for the first time in decades we have several very capable big bodied forwards to take the heat off him as he settles into the big league; and most importantly, we have a new coach who will nurture and develop him, and ensure that he gets the most out of his considerable assets. I'm really excited, and I dare anyone to disagree with me!

Your point is extremely well made Redleg. There is no doubt that we, along with a few other Melbourne based clubs, are victims of a very uneven playing field. The point is that for years we have suffered our plight far too graciously, and for ages being 'pushovers' has been meekly accepted as 'part of the territory' by the Melbourne Football Club and many its loyal supporters. Thank god that we are belatedly starting to develop a new pair of those things that gave Rod Grinter his nickname. Long may they continue to develop and flourish!

I can't for the life of me understand why anyone on here would cringe! All long suffering Melbourne supporters hope for a brighter future, and Jesse Hogan is an integral part of that hope. Smart marketing I reckon!

I agree Jack ............ and Colless doesn't seem too keen to relinquish the $900,000 cost of living dispensation (read 'salary cap rort') graciously handed to the Swans each year by the AFL.

So Colless reckons "taking players from the academy he has helped build is an absolute breach of protocol and a gentleman’s agreement". I reckon not aiming for the best available would be an absolute breach of his contract as senior coach the Melbourne for the next two years. Toughen up Princess Colless!!

Yes it is ....... based on known form, at least

Great article Jack. A decision in favor of granting Melbourne one or more priority picks will be for the good of the game. Any other decision will not have the genuine interests of the competition at heart.

Fitz fits.

We are rebuilding the Melbourne Football Club from the ground up, and need rock-solid foundations.

It brings you back to earth with a thud when you read a couple of stories like those posted above. The kids involved and their families deserve a 'positive' in their lives, and well done to the Melbourne Footy Club, and especially the players concerned, for providing a spark. Footy is a ruthless business, and it's very easy to lose sight of the fact that the players are people first and footballers second. My love for our Club just grew a bit more!

Some are children, some never grow up , I guess.

or maybe ...... ever since he had Mark Neeld as coach he went backwards in his performance?. None of us know whether this was a contributing factor, but he certainly seemed to lift a notch under Neil Craig.

All the best for a speedy and complete recovery Danners.

Dunn regular CHF while Hogan and and Fitz. fill the KPF roles at Casey.

Great idea Mr Barrett. Ignore the facts and write an emotive article that will appeal to the masses. That should sell a few papers! ......... and who cares if all other Clubs and their supporters hate our guts? That's the way most around here would prefer it anyway!

Roos confirmed last night OTC that Ling will not be at Melbourne next year. Wants to spend another year in the media before entering coaching.