Ron Burgundy

Yep, Watts plainly should’ve done much more even though he suffered a badly broken leg and dislocated ankle in round 2 and was in rehab for the rest of the year. As an aside, in 2016 and 2017 Watts was ranked #2 in the competition for effective kicks inside 50. I reckon it’s fair to say we could’ve used a player like that last year.

Even though we got knocked out in the semi final prior to the preliminary final in 2002, I reckon it was one of the most enjoyable seasons I’ve watched in my time supporting the club. We just kept coming from behind in the last quarter to overrun teams including beating the Lions at the Gabba that year (who were unstoppable). I seem also to recall cracking wins against North and Carlton that year when we were well behind at three quarter time, but you just knew we would win. And we did. The loss to the Crows in the semi final was just heart-breaking. But that season, following an ordinary 2001, represented the best of Daniher’s attacking game style IMO. I reckon Fagan had a big hand in it too. As an aside, I’d really like to see Daniher inducted into the MFC’s Hall of Fame. IMO he needs to be acknowledged during his remaining time on this planet. If there is merit in this (and it is achievable and others agree), is there any chance we can start a petition here (or something like that)?

In fairness, it is a very low emission way for him to get around.

Adem Yze.

I’m surprised there is still any debate about the quality of our preseason last year - it seems very well established that it was not good for several reasons: surgeries, lack of continuity etc. That said, I think last year could very well be the season we had to have. It exposed some deficiencies with our list (lack of outside run and spread, forward line structure etc), and perhaps also the collective (and individual) headspace of the players, coaches, administration and supporters alike. These deficiencies appear to have been addressed following the end of our season. From an outsider’s perspective, I’m pleased with the way in which the club has approached these issues, and I personally feel confident about the year ahead. The players seem not to be taking anything for granted now, which I strongly suspect is a marked change from this time a year ago. This can only be a good thing. Thanks to all who provide training reports - I read all of them with much enthusiasm following every training session.

Chris Scott won a flag in his first year as a coach. That was in 2011. Hasn't won a flag since. I'm sure he would say that he is a far better coach now though. In short, the list is quite relevant to a coach's record.

We’re at least top 6 next year. Anyone who thinks otherwise doesn’t know how to think. Think properly at least.

I loved that.

I don’t think the medium to long term business case of an AFL club is (or should be) in pokie revenue. That said, it’s concern if the club didn’t have some realistic and sensible plan to sustainably replace this revenue when it comes to an end. Also - I don’t think selling home games to Darwin should be (or have been) part of the business plan of a large Melbourne-based AFL club called “Melbourne”. It’s not sustainable, it appears desperate in my view, and it compromises the ability to win a game each year which in turn possibly compromises gate revenue, our ladder position, and therefore memberships. Not unhappy about this aspect at all. As a debt demolition member, I’m not excited about the prospect of re-entering that zone again. Whilst this financial result is a concern, however, I don’t believe it’s flashing red just yet. Not nearly.

I’m surprised the Dons delisted this guy to be honest. Daniher’s injury concerns are well known - and he strikes me as being a very good insurance type tall forward. He kicks goals. Much like Pedo, I reckon he’ll play an important role for us in 2020 - and that’ll be a role in a performing team, not an under-performing one (as some here quite reasonably fear). Well spoken too. I like this guy.

I want to see that absolutely rabid, manic attack he had on the ball and the opposition at all times return. I kept thinking he looked like a convict who’d just escaped from an Alabama penitentiary and was literally running for his life. Full bore. He was unstoppable. He seemed to lack that manic intensity this season. Fingers crossed, it returns.

Brody Grundy went at pick 18. From memory, he was seen to be a potential top 5 pick for much of his draft year. I expect many clubs now deeply regret overlooking him with earlier picks in that draft. At the very least, we won’t have this regret this time around.

I like that we recruited X factor. We desperately needed some. We probably didn’t go with the percentage plays (Young and Weightman), but I’m pleased. Pickett is a human cannonball. I can’t wait to see him in our forward line each week. It’ll be fun to watch. Put simply, picking Jackson and Pickett has a certain feel good factor to it. We should all get around it.

Young (#3)and Weightman/Kemp (#10) seemed the more obvious picks, but I’ll back JT in here. I reckon he knows what he’s doing. Jackson and Pickett have serious upside.

Exactly. Everyone knows we had an appalling season. It would beggar belief to suggest otherwise. There are however reasons for our poor season, which I absolutely accept. In short, our game style didn’t go from great to schizen in one year because Goodwin didn’t have a game plan. We never got started - and it literally just snow-balled badly from about the second quarter against Port in round one. I think we will have developed much more from finishing 17th than having limped into the 8, and getting bundled out in the first week of finals. So much so, I just bet a bottle of Grange with a Crows’ supporting mate on our season next year. I reckon we’re top 4. He reckons we’re bottom 4. If we’re top 4, he buys me the bottle - if we’re bottom 4, I buy him the bottle. Stupid deal. I felt like I was Josh Mahoney dealing with North on trading draft picks. Shooting fish in a barrel. We’re going to be great next year.

Spoke to a Port Adelaide supporting mate of mine today who is legitimately connected in some AFL circles. He told me that he spoke to the head coach at PAC a month or so ago about Pickett and the feedback was that has an insane ability to hit hard, he’s ferocious, and apparently he endorsed him as a really good prospect. Confirmed that he has good skills and a very athletic build. In short, the feedback seems to be really promising. Only knock in my mate’s view was whether pick 12 was overs for a low possession accumulator as against a Kemp or Weightman. But everyone knows this. Thought it was interesting feedback nonetheless. Stay classy.

Yeah, perhaps. I'd just be interested to see the stats if anyone has them.

I’m sure this has been mentioned somewhere in the thread, but I haven’t seen it - apologies in advance. The club has footage of his agility testing on the website. Anyone know where he actually ranked in the agility testing: 1. relative to the other draft attendees this year, and 2. relative to the elite measures for draftees including compared with other small forwards such as Charlie Cameron?

As an aside, I loved seeing Brad Green back in an MFC polo. The guy is a club legend, and (as everyone knows) he has endured seriously tragic and unwanted life experience in recent times - and he’s handled it with true class, integrity and courage. In this context, it was really pleasing to see him welcoming Kysaiah to the club on the MFC’s behalf. We had an appalling season this year - but it’s reassuring to see that the professional and respectful standards that we’ve displayed in recent years are still very apparent from the club.

Spot on. My heart is already invested in this kid. Will likely be a personal favourite for me very early into his MFC career. This kid is just what this club was crying out for. In spades. Bring on 2020. My heart’s beating again.

Can’t believe he hasn’t already been picked up. But surely he won’t be there at 28 (or 30 or whatever pick we now have).

Yes!!! Some magic finally returns to the MFC.

We might get him with pick 10.

Will he still be available at pick 3?!

Both Charlie Cameron and Eddie Betts would surely have been taken with top 10 picks in their respective drafts had those drafts occurred again. Contrary to the theme on this thread, is there any chance Pickett may not actually last until pick 10? (I assume not by the way.)