Deeoldfart

No, not just his height. I havn't seen him play, but from what I have read he is mobile for his size and in the under 18s he showed that he can kick a goal when he goes forward. A lot of reports suggest that he would have gone earlier in the draft if it hadn't been for his knee reco. Fair enough that you prefer to remain seated until he shows his wares ..... I just come from a more optimistic school.

Potentially pretty good. I wonder how they would go against the lineup that will face the Hawks tomorrow? Obviously less experienced at the moment, but in a couple of years time they could (hypothetically) make a fist of it. I guess that confirms your view that we have reason to be excited about the future!

I'm very excited about Max Gawn as a ruck prospect.

I'll be part of the 48k crowd cheering the Dees to a narrow win. Driving down from Canberra with a couple of Demon mates. Wouldn't miss it for quids.

I have read somewhere that Rivers is no certainty for Round 1. Does anyone know anything about this? I'm also concerned by the amount of time Davey is taking to get over adductor soreness. From reports he seems to have been sore since before the intra-club match at Casey.

I didn't get down from Canberra, but I hope there was heaps of activity at the membership tent / table. Family Day is usually fairly productive for memberships, and we certainly need a good lift to get within cooee of 30k target by Round 1.

According to the MFC site the Hun got it wrong: "luckless forward Austin Wonaeamirri injuring his right hamstring in a practice match for the Casey Scorpions. This is opposite hamstring to which Wonaeamirri injured during the pre-season."

You give up far too easily Theo. Thank Heavens our players won't do that!!!

We seem to have run out of legs in the 2nd half. We had a few players who would have needed the run (Davey, Bate, Bruce, etc) but not sure if WCE had similar situation.

....... and Garland in the half that he played!

Played in early game. Came off 3rd qtr. MAY be hammy problem.

Great job KC, very much appreciated by those of us who couldn't get to the game. Any news and views in due course on best players for Casey, and (if you can get it) how Wanna and the other Dees pulled up fitness-wise, would be great. Thanks again!!

Beautifully summarised Dappa.

Sorry WJ, but no way can I ignore it! Already lying awake at night trying to select the team for round 1. Sounds like Tom and Jack T are certainties. I can now concentrate on the other 20.

Strongly agree DD! Perhaps the AFL is seeking revenue through additional finals, so that they can pour more cash into GC and GWS.

Injury has been a constant concern, but if he can get his body right, and his confidence up, he just might surprise a few people. I'm not sure he has exactly torn VFL games apart, but he had some very good games for Sandy between extended injury breaks. Our Footy Dept. obviously think he has something to offer at the top level, or he would no longer be on our list. Clearly on his last chance, but don't write him off just yet.

A couple of things jumped out at me on reading this: Re: Addam Maric "think Shaun Higgins" ........ I'd love to think so, but it would be a huge step up! Re: Lynden Dunn "has a bit of mongrel about him. Perhaps too much". .......Is that the Lynden Dunn who plays for Melbourne? Not from where I sit!

Totally agree! The article is a barrow of manure that you wouldn't even waste time digging it into the garden. Every club in Melbourne's position would handle the situation in exactly the same way. Football is big business, and financially strapped clubs would be derelict not to use their player assets to improve their financial position. In any event, if there is undue weight of expectation on our youngsters, it is built by the media and you and me, the success starved passionate supporters who (quite understandably) hang our hopes for the future in some early draft picks, and a potential star of the game drafted from outback Australia. If you can't do better than that Ashley Browne, you should give the game away (journalism or football or both!).

Couldn't agree more jcb!

Great insight as usual. Thanks WJ.

Received mine today. Very impressive!! Thanks to all concerned.

Surely promotion from the Rookie List is all about: (1) earning a promotion; and (2) the needs of the senior team. From what I've seen and read through the pre-season so far, Jordie McKenzie clearly satisfies both of these criteria, and Jake Spencer could qualify, especially if the intention is to play either the Russian or Stef Martin primarily as a key forward. But it seems to me that none of the other rookies have done enough to warrant elevation. Of course, there are still a couple of weeks of pre-season remaining, but IMO they will need to make a huge impression in the time remaining to be given serious thought for the early rounds.

Extremely disappointing for LJ, the Melbourne Footy Club and all of us Members and supporters .... but as his mate RudeBoy said in another thread, LJ will be back "stronger and hungrier than ever". And when it really counts, from 2011 onwards, he will be just one cog in a forward set-up that will be the envy of most if not all teams.

Great to hear DT...... so nice to have a bit of good news on the injury front for a change. Colin is a great prospect. Lets hope that he can quickly pick up where he left off in 2008.

Thank you for your very considered and considerate response RudeBoy. I was hoping that Liam would be back in time for you to have a massive conflict of interest on Monday, 14 June ....... but alas, that now seems unlikely. However, the most important thing is for him to make a full and complete recovery, before coming back, as you say, "stronger and hungrier than ever". Cheers!!