Deeoldfart

So many highlights, such a talented list, so much to look forward to. Keep 'em coming folks!

I've said it before and I'll repeat it here.......... I love seeing Fritta in the lead group with ANB and TMac. Taking an outstanding debut season to a new level ............ ?

100% ......... and I love this bit too: "Now running shoes off and footy boots on. The whole group have gone into a tight huddle in the middle. Someone has started up a chant and the whole group repeats the chant as one. Different phrases over and over. Finished by chanting I have no fear and jumping up and down on the spot. Incredible sense of commeraderie." Pre- Christmas when training is usually a hard grind with all the repeat running and fitness stuff, but it sounds like the boys are loving every minute of it. Not satisfied with top four, and champing at the bit to take the next step! Brilliant! I'm enjoying your "unexpected" visit to Melbourne as much as you seem to be It's Time. Many thanks for sharing!

If I'm not mistaken, Fritta has been near the front in many of the running drill pics that I've seen this pre season. I don't remember that of him last year, and if he has added that string to his bow, he will be a weapon and a half on the wing.

I know talk is cheap, but imo that was an impressive interview.

Nit picking (sorry), but I think Corey Maynard has played 2 games, one in 2017 and one this year.

On the front foot like we are with most things these days. Love it!

Yeah, me too!!

Yeah, I can see your point of view Adam. However, I don't really view it as being about Jonesy's ego, but more about recognising his stalwart leadership over an arduous journey for our Club. If for some reason that's not in the best interests of the Club as a whole, then the sure, scenario obviously changes. I agree 100% with your second sentence, and I have no doubt that both Jones and Lewis would do exactly that.

I like the current structure with two joint captains and joint VCs. We only moved to this smaller group earlier this year, and it would be silly to change it now imo. I'd love to see Max as joint captain with Jack, but I think it's unlikely to happen for 2019. It might be seen as too disruptive, and unfair on Jonesy who led us well through the 'dark times' when we had no other 'real' leaders. He has earned another year, I reckon. I think Lever will probably be promoted for 2020, when I'd expect Lewis to step down. A definite 'no' on May from me. He needs to earn his stripes at Melbourne before being considered.

FWIW, John Ralph on tonight's "Trade Lowdown" (Fox) said that the parties involved in the mega deal involving Neale, Hogan and others, were still locked away in discussions at 7:00pm. He seemed fairly confident that the deals to get done.

Thanks PD. Based purely on my own judgement, I would not have been keen on chasing May. However, over recent years our recruiters have had considerable success in making the right calls at this time of the year, and only a fool would ignore that. They are paid professionals, and they see and analyse a hell of a lot more than us mere fans. Your post confirms (to me) that it's very easy for us fans to focus on the trees while ignoring the forest.

I'm worried about this increasing trend on Demonland. I literally cringe, and move immediately to the next post, as soon as Dr.D's avatar appears on my screen. ?

This is an all round win. We get the backup for Max which we desperately needed*, North get to bolster their midfield stocks, Dom leaves on good terms with our Club, and he probably gets to play at the top level, in a position where he can have his best impact. If only all trades were like that! And good luck to Dom. He served us very well in a time of need, and he should be proud of his time at Melbourne. Further: who knows what gem Jason Taylor will be able to snag from obscurity with a pick in the 60s; * I think the impact that Braydon Preuss will have will go well beyond being a back-up to Max. I reckon he will surprise quite a few!

Seems around his true worth to me relative to other comparable trades, and his 'dodgy' hammys and shoulders. Good luck to him. He probably needs plenty of that just to get on the park consistently.

Fingers crossed that the colt from old Regret doesn't get away!

Reading this thread over the last few days has totally done my head in ....... and now this!. Bugger me! I wonder if we'll never know the the story behind the story. Doubtful I guess. I just hope and pray that it doesn't have any adverse implications for our Club.

I'm sitting here trying to sort out some very complex tax stuff by the deadline that ATO have put on me, as well as keeping a close eye on the trade moves affecting our Club. I'm not sure which is the more frustrating (or important for that matter!).

.......... or the prognosis on Jesse's narvicular. (MFCSS?).

Exactly ..... and imo he hasn't 'regressed' at all, but has been 'overtaken' as an inside mid by Viney, Oliver, Brayshaw and Harmes, who are among the best in the business.

Thanks Chook, greatly appreciated as usual! I'm not sure I understand the "salary relief" bit. Surely, if Freo have offered Jesse big bucks on a long contract, we wouldn't contemplate paying any of his salary, even for one year (as we apparently did for Jack Watts). What am I missing?

In the post-match commentory on ABC radio, they said he had separated himself from others in the rooms, and was "crying his eyes out".

I have some (heresay) reservations about May, but I do like that he would add some surety, and an element of hardness to our defence. However, that amount of coin and duration do seem a bit 'Rance like' to me. I thought it was most likely his manager 'flying a kite' but I'd be the first to acknowledge that I know absolutely zilch about these things. The principles of supply and demand for ready made key defenders would surely come into it, and there aren't too many of them around.

Jake Lever (AFL Tonight) seemed extremely enthusiastic about the prospect of playing alongside May. Almost as if he knows something that we don't.

I greatly admire Pedo for the way he combined his role as a 'fringe player' on our list, with being a 'heart and soul' clubman, whether in the seniors or at Casey, and both on and off the field. Always gave his all, and you can't ask more than that! If he does the same in the next phase of his life, he'll do well.