Deeoldfart

What's the golfing equivalent of backing into a pack to take an overhead grab Dee?

From the highlights that we've all seen, this kid looks exciting. If he lives up to that promise, and retains his flowing locks, he'll add to our growing list of cult heroes quicker than you can say 'ginger ninja'. That's got to be a good thing!

I love the fact that he has fought back from previous disappointment to be drafted. Work ethic and leaving no stone un-turned is the new Melbourne way!

I'll nominate Petracca. I''m confident that he has the tools, but does he have the desire and dedication? Genuine question, but no reason to believe otherwise.

All ex-Melbourne DFAs, have gone to their new 'home' with my very best wishes, but Jack undoubtedly heads that list. I can't think af any other sub -100 game player who is so universally liked. Thanks Jack, for carrying yourself so professionally and proudly as a Demon, through the toughest of times.

Like some others, I went very cool on footy after our gutless 'end of year fade-out'. Unlike previous years, my interest in the finals series was barely lukewarm, and it is only now, with the trade period gone and draft approaching, that my interest has been somewhat rekindled. But I always knew that my support for Melbourne will live as long as I do ....... it's in my DNA. A few days ago I renewed memberships for myself and five other family members. It will be their Christmas gift, and they can 'like it or lump it' but I am very confident that it will be the former.

Upgrade Maynard?

How How much is too much? Two first rounders is definitely too much in my book.

I agree with your sentiments 100% LH, but if a contracted Craig Jennings did decide to move to the Filth, maybe we could return some of their 'medicine' and require him to see out his contract, a la the way they handled Jason Taylor. Unlikely to happen though, because I can't see us sinking to the depth of sewer rats.

Unbelievable goals, unbelievable memories (many from a very forgetable era). Thanks for all the hard wwork Ash.

He actually reminds me of @ProDee when he does that.

So it's get on Clarrie for the Charlie then.

Not sure anyone is saying we couldn't use him Stretcher, or that he wouldn't be in our best 22. It's more about our team priorities right now, and whether he meets those needs. Personally, I'd prefer that we use up valuable list space and dollars on a player who is more likely to take us to the next level, such as a classy outside mid.or a goalkicking forward/ruck.

If we could have seen Clarry's current season record before round 1, I reckon most of us would have thought that 'Max must be having a great season'. To think that he has achieved what he has on the back of mostly second, third, fourth and even fifth string ruckmen is phenomenal.

Zac Jones is a solid and still developing footballer with some upside, but I think our priorities lie elsewhere. Some outside class and a forward /ruck should be high on our 'want list', and I doubt that we would be interested in Zac, despite some sentimental attraction.

From where I sit on the outside, Tracc's 'attitude' seems to be exactly what's required from an emerging AFL star. He seems to have a fierce desire to succeed, both individually and as part of a team; he has the work ethic to match this desire, both on gameday and on the training track; he seems to have a positive approach to recovery (who will forget the video of his ACL rehab in the US?); he seems very popular amongst his team mates and to enjoy their company; and he seems to be a good listener and learner (I'm loving the way he has become a team player first while still retaining his individuality ...... especially evident this season imo). Sorry about the 'ramble', but there are both good (Viney) and bad (Sylvia) 'attitudes'. Tracc has the former!.

He probably thinks this is the honourable thing to do, and he will be lauded for it. A bit too late Jobe!

This is my take, but I'm sure it's been said thousands of times before on Demonland, and the fan sites of 16 other AFL clubs: The only appropriate course of action available to Watson, is to return his medal to the AFL. It seems however, that this is unlikely to happen, so surely the AFL must intervene. Without this, the good name of the Brownlow will forever be stained by the inclusion of Watson's name amongst the list of winners. This would be an enormous slur on the AFL and the competition itself. 'Charlie' would be devalued for all past and future winners. Surely the powers that be at the AFL must see this. If they are so naive as to let Watson retain his medal, they deserve to be pilloried by the media, and all lovers of Aussie Rules, for bringing the very integrity at the heart of our great game into disrepute.

Assuming that there are no perceived 'weak links' I reckon it will be important to keep most, if not all, of the current coaching team together for Goody's first year in the senior gig. Goody will obviously bring his stuff to the table, and that should be filtered throughout the panel, but a strong sense of stability will also be important if the transition is to be seamless.

...... or alternately, the GWS model without having it gifted to us by the AFL

According to the Fox commentary team, the Lions player who claimed he had touched it was already back in the centre waiting for a bounce to restart play when the 'behind' decision was announced. Go figure ........

Nice article. Spot on with the facts and adjectives. So glad Clarry is ours!

Looks like Clubs (including ours) will be in a better position to start serious consideration of potential pay offers around the end of July: Players' CBA possible by end of July: AFL

A few random points that I think are pertinent: Hogan's worth to the team cannot be simply measured by goals scored. He has played more time up the ground this year (even starting in the centre square on a few occasions), and he has been important in these stints with his defensive marking, tackling and creativity. Part of the Roos / Goodwin "all players need to be flexible" philosophy, I suspect, and it also frees him up a bit from the double teaming that he cops constantly as a KPF; if he decided to leave it would more than likely put a significant 'brake' on achieving our membership aspirations (another important reason for getting his signature); if team success is an important consideration for him (as seems to be the case), then we need to maintain at least good solid form throughout this year. We wouldn't want 3 or 4 game losing streaks; the continued development and promise of Weideman and/or Hulett is important. Hogan will relish the day when there is another strong KPF to take some of the opposition attention away from him; his bond / friendship with team-mates seems to be important to him. In this context I was happy to read in the Harmes' RS interview that Hogan, N.Jones and Harmes had been surfing together before the GC game.

Yep. I'm sure we are in very competent hands ....... and they don't need advice from the likes of you and me.