Deeoldfart

In my mind this season was going to be a 'make or break' year for Bucks, and unfortunately he couldn't get onto the park, so that must leave him vulnerable. It can be a very cruel game.

Sums up my view exactly Rojik. We have to find space on our list, and unless this can be created by some inspired trading of contracted players, Barty's place must be in jeopardy.

For a couple of years I thought Bater's career had plateaued at the 'very average footballer' level. His encouraging performances in second half of this season have me reassessing this view, and I now think he has the potential to be a real asset, particularly in a forward structure that boasts some emerging talent to take some of the opposition's attention away from him.

Brad certainly hasn't lived up to my early expectations. For a few seasons I was critical that he had not been left to settle in a position, but under Bails he has been given every opportunity to make a key forward post his own, but hasn't managed to cement a spot in a team bereft of key forwards. Must now be on very 'thin ice' at the MFC.

Chip took huge strides in his development this year, and with reasonable luck injury-wise, will be one of the mainstays of our defence for years to come. Well done Chipper!!

Too bloody long! To put it in context, I was still in high school at the time, and I've now been retired for 6 years. (incidentally, I seem to recall our under 19 team were also premiers on that day).

Spot on Maurie. I have every confidence that those responsible will make the best decision for our Club / team, in ALL the circumstances.

It's disappointing that Robbo's apparent chip on the shoulder is blinding his vision of where the Melbourne Footy Club is heading, and how he might have contributed. I enjoyed Robbo greatly in his heyday, and wish him well in whatever lays ahead of him, but IMO, if he had remained at Melbourne, he would have been 'teaching' the youngsers at least as many bad habits as he would good ones.

Agree, but I think our stocks will be improving significantly in the eyes of players outside the MFC. Greatly improved financial position with much more certainty going forward, closing of the Casey deal and the Bubbledome on the near horizon, and a very promising / exciting playing list. All much more attractive than 12 months ago.

Spot-on Nash. Your common sense is a welcome addition to this discussion

Thanls Jack. One of the reasons I love this site!!

Sorry Jerry, but prior to now I always thought your posts exhibited sound judgement.

All of my membership cards since I became a member on a continuous basis in 1982, dozens of lapel and DIP badges dating back as far as the 1960s, a full set of the DEMON magazine and several bottles of vintage port including Robert Flower Testimonial 1988 and Robert Flower Signature 2002. They will be burried with me!

Another sensational story, thanks Jack! We are all hoping that 'The Protege' can have the ultimate football success wearing a red and blue jumper, and go one step further than the now grey haired 'Yeater'.

Absolutely. Thanks KC, and looking forward to your reports next season, when I expect the Scorps to make further advances.

I would! I'm aware of nothing Thorpe has done since being an AFL listed player, to warrant bringing him to Melbourne. Would much prefer for us to pick up the best tall available in the draft at pick #18, and to persevere with the development of Stef Martin as a forward / occasional ruckman.

Given a reasonable run with injuries, and a half reasonable draw (which is the best we can expect from the AFL), I can see us pushing for, but probably not quite making the 8. I reckon we might struggle in the first half of the year with only a few wins, but as our kids get games under their belts, and the chemistry and game-plan start to gel, we might see 6 or 7 wins in the second half of the season.

Ditto!!

Thanks 2012, great news. Could you just clarify, was it all of the guys you mentioned doing laps, or just Garlo? Ta.

One 'list clogger' for another. Why?

Great to hear. Was disappointed that he didn't debut this year, and am really looking forward to seeing him in the red and blue in 2010 (playing of hbf, and freeing up #16 for a role in the midfield?).

Exactly! I doubt that any of us here know how well Westy stacks up as a coach ... but our FD, on the other hand, have had a full season to assess him 'on the job'. If their judgement is that we should keep him, and that his asking price is fair given what they believe he has to offer, then I'm confident that he will be a Demon in 2010. If he doesn't match expectations in these areas, then Freo, or whoever else can have him.

Brilliant story. Now have even more admiration for Liam, after seeing some action on the Yuendumu footy ground.

I think it was Rudeboy who told us that Liam would love to wear #15. I seem to recall its the number that both he and his father wore when playing for Yuendumu Magpies..

Agree that Rich was the season standout, and fully deserved his win. However, I have a hunch that our two guys have more upside, if they can remain fit. Only time will tell, of course.