Deeoldfart

I really only know what I've read on here, and a few snippets in the media, but based on this he seems to be an exciting prospect for two or three years down the track. No doubt the Club will be taking a conservative approach with his development, especially given his knee problems. I just hope that he can get through next season at Casey without any further hiccups.

Kyle had a very good year at Casey, as shown by his second placing Gardner-Clark Medal. However, it's hard to see how he was ever going to become a regular best 22 player for the Dees, and his trade to the Hawks seems to be a win / win for both parties. Good luck at Hawthorn Fetta.

Another reliable and consistent year from Cam. He's been a stalwart of the Club over the last decade, but I expect him to be overtaken by the youngsters by the end of 2011. Definately warrants only a one year contract from my perspective, and review at the end of the year to see if another 12 months is justified. I think Cam should be happy with that.

(1) Fair point Jack. I feel suitably chastened! (2) So we will be premiers in a few hours time .... I've just got time to order in the Bollinger!

Clint stepped up a notch or two this year, and well and truely earned his new contract. He reinvented his game as a small defender, and his ability to lock down on dangerous small forwards became a very important factor in our defense. IMO his decision making and disposal under pressure were streets ahead of where they were in previous years.

When he's on song, Flash is probably our classiest player, and he was 'on song' quite often during 2010. He can still get 'sucked in' by a hard tag, but I think he's getting better at overcoming this weakness in his game, or at least it seems to happen less often these days. I like E25's comment about the potential for Aaron to shine even more as our youngsters develop, and take some of the attention away from him. I hadn't thought of it in this context before, but I reckon there's a fair chance that this is the way it will pan out. I hope so anyway!

We Demonlanders are spoilt like no other WJ, and it's only a meaningless exhibition match! Many thanks for your efforts.

Strong season by Col. after a frustrating year injured on the sidelines. Was back close to his best by the end of the season, and will benefit from his (roughly) 20 odd games this year, and a full pre-season leading into 2011. I love his one-percenters.

The entire football world, and a multitude of others whose lives you have touched, are with you on this Jimma. Good luck Big Fella.

Proved to be an excellent pick-up as the season went by. At the start of the year, I thought we had recruited him for a his experience and a bit depth, but by season's end I think he offered more than that. Like other posters, I really valued his courage under fire and his one-on-one contested work.

I am sure that there are a number of contenders with excellent coaching credentials (several of whom are mentioned here). To me, a critical criterion will be the ability of the selected assistant to work comfortably and harmoniously with Bails and the rest of the coaching team as we develop and refine our game plans and tactics. We wouldn't want egos getting in the way of teamwork, and I just wonder about one or two of the potential candidates on this score (based on nothing more than a gut feelings).

At the start of the year I thought Riv would struggle to hold his place in our best 22, but I'm very happy to be proven wrong. His courage, marking and spoiling (and apparently his leadership) are great attributes, but I still worry about his kicking, and the ease with which he can be left behind on a quick lead by opposition forwards.

Beat me to it Steamin. Our FD managed the process extremely well in 2010, and I have every confidence that they will do the same in 2011. Besides, I very much doubt that any of our young guns would be lured away by big $s to play for a 'nothing' team, when they have the prospect of playing beside their mates in a premiership team.

It's hard to believe that this was Tom's debut season. Showed outstanding endurance, the best hands in the business and the 'football brain' of an established champion. Will be a matchwinner for the Dees, and potentially one of the elite players of the competition.

If Todd Viney has anything to do with it I reckon they will. Well done Jordie .......a true Demon.

From reports, he seemed to make a modicum of progress on some aspects of his game at Casey in 2010 (defensive pressure, tackling) but he certainly needed to. Can't honestly say that he has earned a spot on our rookie list for next year, but circumstances may see him retained as a backup tall forward / ruck option. Incredibly lucky if he gets another year, but some people seem to be blessed with lots of good fortune.

Living in Canberra I have very little to base an opinion on, but I'm encouraged by some of the positive vibes that have emanated from this place over the last 12 months. I just hope that he has an uninterrupted pre-season, so that we can all see what he has to offer in 2011.

I have a suspicion that he might have, rpfc.

Me too, but I'd also like to see him given an opportunity to settle into a position. He plays more like a defender, but there's not much room for tall defenders at Melbourne at the present time.

Do we know if he intends nominating for the drafts? Could be a good pick-up for the Dees, but on reflection, a bloke named Trengove might keep him out of our best 22.

What a fascinating thread .... can't wait for the draft!

Aussie has the potential to play a significant part in our future, if he can get his body right, and become fully match fit.

Agree with that 25. Tom is still young, and to some extent, injuries have interrupted his development during his short career. IMO he's shown enough to warrant a one year 'lifeline' on the rookie list, a la Danny Hughes in some ways. It may, or may not work out, but has more chance of succeeding than punting on a 100:1 shot late in a compromised rookie draft.

Brilliant news in every way. As an aside, I can't help thinking what a bit of Todd's influence might have on Jordie McKenzie's progress over the next year or so. The way Jordie plays has always reminded me of a young Todd.

Rubbish!! Is it intended that the stars be dated to show that our last Flag was in 1964? Of course not! All Melbourne supporters should be extremely proud of our 12 premierships, regardless of when they were won. We currently sit fourth for Premierships won in the history of the VFL / AFL, and it won't be long before we add another star or two. We have a rich history ............ let's show everyone that we are proud of it.