Ron Burgundy

No the MFC player.

Agree with the 22 but would possibly have Pedo in for Dawes. Really disappointed about Melksham.

On the run at full tilt. Off his left. And with Lewis Jetta struggling to catch up to him ...

I rate your analysis but, with Spencer in, the team seems a bit too slow and possibily with less run-with ability than I think we need against GWS. That said, I absolutely get the Mumford factor and can't forget that game last year. Gawn's not Jamar though. I think we need to back him to go head to head with every ruckman in the comp in 2016, and that includes Mumford IMO. He's fit enough to do that now. Can't simply have a back up simply because he may get injured in a game. It's too luxurious and has a cost in other areas. Pedo in. Spencer out.

PDs views on Watts are obviously really well known. But, in my view, the Jack Watts discussion is as interesting and relevant this year as it's ever been. He's finally part of reasonably well balanced and coached list - given Watts' clear talents, it'll be interesting to see how he is used and how he performs in that role, whatever it may be. I am predicting a really good season from him.

I take it Jayden Hunt is too inexperienced/not sufficiently defensive to perform that role. White seems to be in the mix for it (even though he is currently a rookie). And I suspect more than one rookie will be elevated this year due to injuries etc. Possible that both Michie and White will be elevated.

Stupid question in a sense given that I watched every game last season, but how would people describe Cross's role last year? He didn't really play off half back but he seemed to spend a lot of time down there, occasionally as a loose man, occasionally as a run with player/stopper. I see Grimes as being able to slot into that role, whatever it was. But it wasn't an orthodox half back flanker role. Salem and [not sure] to play off half back.

Kent. Super disappointed that Melksham got rubbed this year. Was expecting him to have an impact. Watts will finally have the season some here think he's capable of, ie, a good one. Viney to poll the most Brownlow votes. For the MFC.

Gift. Thanks Mick.

Anyone know what Lumumba's role is likely to be this year? I had thought it'd be Melksham and him playing off HB. With Salem pushing into the midfield and Grimes playing principally at Casey.

The constant Saty criticism here is so absolutely boring. And mindless. Would everyone please just keep to the topic. And stop personally attacking other posters. Living in Sydney, I am grateful for every snippet of info I get about training, the players and the club generally - no matter how trivial some of it may appear to be. For instance, the poster who reported his conversation with Petracca at training (posted above) has literally made my morning. Positivity and progress at the club and the prospect of attacking footy once again. Was pumped to read that post.

Trengove is a natural footballer. A very good one. He will not have lost this. I think it is simply a question of whether he can regain fitness and, if he can, have sustained and uncompromised confidence in it. If he can, he will absolutely be in our best 22.

One would think he'd be a pretty good chance to get a lot of games in his first season (despite being 42 kgs). That said, I reckon he'll be a gun in due course. Very happy we picked Oliver though.

Very happy with Brayshaw and Petracca over McCartin.

Yep - interesting re Grimes. I wonder if he could take up Daniel Cross's role from last year. He generally reads the play pretty well.

The loss of Melksham sucks. He was our key signing in the trade period and they obviously had a very specific role for him in 2016. I reckon he would've had a very good season.

Any news on Cross? I hope/assume he'll be sticking with us.

In terms of any trade discussion between the clubs, it'd be interesting if the MFC put on the table that it is willing not to pursue compensation against Essendon for Melksham, if in exchange Essendon agrees to trade Hurley to us i.e. has our potential claim against Essendon got any trade value? Ironic if we land Hurley. I thought he was the tall to land in that draft out of Watts, NikNat and Hurley (even though I am a fan of Watts).

Interesting in that it raises an argument that a one off exemption should be created such that Essendon can assume the contracts of presently contracted players from other clubs if those clubs are effectively willing to trade them. I'm sure each club would have a few players who would fall into that category. That said, I reckon Matt Jones is okay.

Interesting that 17 other clubs wanted Essendon to do a deal and they didn't/wouldn't. Strategically, from a legal, commercial and reputational perspective, what a massive error of judgement. Just plain dumb. And arrogant in the extreme.

Moon boot? That is good news.

Thought exactly the same thing. Potentially another new recruit this year who was already on our list. Also wondered what pick he'd command now in the draft given that he has an AFL body and a couple of years of development in him.

You actually think things are same now under the new regime as they have been previously? Certainly looks and feels very different to me. Very different.

We potentially have a number of exciting new recruits this year, many of whom were on our list in 2015. Petracca, Kent, Trengove, Salem, Frost. Not a bad list of players here. It's the first time in years I'm not waiting for our most recent first rounders to do that much, immediately at least. Bring it home Dave Misson.

Totally agree. Melksham will prove to be a great pick up. I back Goodwin to get the best out of him. He's a very talented player.