Deeoldfart

Well spoken Barrie.

While acknowledging our loss of experience, I reckon this will be offset to some degree by our more favourable draw, and the experience that we have already put into some our young guns. 11 or 12 wins would be a solid pass mark for me, and probably get us into the finals. If we could then go on to win a final, we will be ahead of schedule and earn a credit rating IMO.

Can't think of a better way of getting the grandkids fired up on the Dees than having them wear #24 on their backs over the next 5 years. Thereafter they will be Dees for life.

This is the key point for me. While acknowledging that we know very little about the newbies, I reckon that, on paper, we have done a brilliant job covering the apparent gaps and potential weaknesses in our list. Time will tell whether the paper version becomes reality, but for me it's very hard to keep a lid on my excitement about the prospects of the Melbourne Football Club over the next five years or so.

Exactly! As opposed to TJ who looked lazy, and was.

19007 and growing as of today. Great progress!

Hardly funny! More like sad or disappointing ........ and I'd be very surprised if Travis doesn't view it the same way. An outstanding, but (sadly) wasted talent.

I had similar some thoughts Ralph. All about setting standards from day one, so that the recruits appreciate that they are now in the big league, and know what is expected at the highest level.

Great stuff as usual Bhima. Thanks!

Highlights package is impressive, and we know he will have the best possible support when he makes the move across the Nullarbor.

Can't help thinking that Big Jimma would also love this selection. The following extract from Wiki "Robert Campbell, known for his dedication for doing good work in the community with not for profit foundations and community groups while playing in the AFL has continued this work in retirement."

I've just finished reading the David Schwarz book "All Bets Are Off". A truely fascinating biography about the Ox's childhood, his footy career and his gambling addiction. A roller-coaster ride of immense highs and lows from start to finish. Essential reading for all Melbourne supporters and anyone under the grips of a gambling addiction.

Perhaps, but I'd prefer to think it might be a couple of 'unknowns' plucked from the long list of draft 'hopefuls'. Lads who havn't even been mentioned as possible late picks. Perhaps a total 'smokey' from a country league, or maybe extending our already strong connection with the outback. I guess we'll all know by this time tomorrow.

According to Bails (MFC Website) “To go really deep in the rookie draft, we’re going to have to go really inventive or innovative in some of our selections." Sounds like a few selections from left field. I like it, and hope our preferred choices are still around when it comes to our picks.

I hadn't appreciated that connection with our great heritage. I love it!

Great to see Aussie back on the track!

Brilliant! I love the new gear, and the way our club has set about explaining and promoting it.

1948 was an excellent vintage old dee. Not only did we win a Flag, but by the time the mid 50s rolled around, I was already taking an interest in footy, and I had a succession of premierships and near misses to redouble my enthusiasm for the Dees. It's been a long drought since 1964, but the ground is now moist and fertile, and it won't be long before our topsoil is turned, old fella.

As advertised in the Demon Shop: "Our 2011 guernsey is the most technically advanced in the AFL, but also recalls elements of our clubs proud history. The return of the collar, along with a sharper V, a deeper red and darker shade of navy blue take the guernsey back to our true colours, while ventilated side panels have been added to cater for the athletic nature of todays game. Our clash guernsey retains all of the elements of our home guernsey, with the addition of white panels that create a gladiatorial feel and represent the colours of the Melbourne Cricket Club." Brilliant that we have returned to the sharper V and our true colours, as worn in our premiership years. Thanks Cam.

Spot on durango. He arrived at Melbourne with a great fanfare, and unfortunately, never came close to meeting expectations. I saw him most weeks during his short career, running around in the ressies, and not even setting them alight at that level. Kinda like an early version of 'Diamond Jim' Tillbrook, but without the dollars (sorry pounds back then), and quite the same level of hype.

Exactly wyl! We have all seen the odd similar 'incident' from current Melbourne players (no need to mention names), but I hope that they are not branded as 'soft' throughout their careers and beyond, because of one fleeting moment in the heat of battle.

Bull s#&t!!. "Embarrassingly soft" players don't win Blueys and play close to 200 games of VFL / AFL football. Stretcher was an 'outside player' in today's terms, lightly framed body, with great pace and excellent skills. If Billy plays for the Dees and contributes as well as his old man, I'm sure we will all be very pleased.

Very moving tribute. Well done Melbourne Footy Club.

Welcome Chopper. A great place to be, and can only get better as the Demons rise.