jabberwocky

Footballers spit... and the observation was that he spat in his direction not at him, no biggie. If young Davis get's a senior game of footy he will need to cop a bit more than that, if the kid copped it and got on with the job, then that's a small tick next to his name. If we intend to play finals this year then the current crop needs to be fast-tracked we won't have the luxury of being labelled a "developing side" forever. If they aren't mentally strong then they need to get mentally strong, and now not in three years time. From what I am told from a very good source there will be less excuses and much more expectation placed on the playing group. As RPFC alluded to it will be interesting to observe if there will be a "Viney" factor at work as well. Can't wait.. bring it on.

Love your work Bhima. Would have thought Moloney was within his rights to give a young bloke a serve if he failed to follow instructions. No point mollycoddling these kids. This the AFL they need to get used to it. As others have mentioned this it may be interesting to see if this is a bit of a pre-conceived plan to toughen them up. We have been very patient with our young team. There may be a step up in expectation of the list in general as the expectation of success increases. If I have a negative observation of how we have managed our list over the last few years it would be that we have mollycoddled some of the kids at times.

Realist You are clearly unhappy with the list management at the club over the last few years. What would you have done differently and which of those players traded, delisted or retired would you want at the club in 2011?

Yep, a fit Campbell will strengthen our side considerably and take the heat of the Russian who was an absolute warrior this season. It's a small sacrifice to give up a rookie spot to a player who could offer a lot and and immediately.

Sometimes I just feel like a feed of meat and potatoes. The kid has grown up near me. Have asked a few in the know. I am told he is a big kick (well documented), has strong hands but also has excellent balance and is strong through the hips and hard to tackle. I am told this is his strength.

Can't see why Jamar and Campbell can't share the ruck/fwd/bench duties as other 2 pronged ruck attacks, if Campbell can stay fit. Jamar more ruck and fwd, and Campbell more ruck and bench. A fit Campbell is definitely in the 22 and his value is far greater than the 6 foot 6 wingman that was PJ.

The really interesting thing about this years draft is that we have definitely drafted in order to cover a couple of the glaring deficiencies that we have shown despite our impressive and improving young list. With a reasonably fit list and with natural development the list has none of those very evident deficiencies going forward. It is a firm sign that the club believes that it has the nuts and bolts of a successful football team that needs finishing touches. Will be a very interesting season.

They didn't get picked just because they made their opponents worry. That was just an added extra. They did whatever it took...sound familiar. One could argue that tanking is pushing an advantage to it's limit.

They won premierships by pushing the boundaries of the rules to their limits.

If he spiked his hair he would be a dead ringer for Sonic the Hedgehog.

Back in my younger less temperate days I was unable to say the name Steven Stretch without hissing and grumbling etc, however as I have matured somewhat I am able to acknowledge the great entertainment that he brought me as a player however... Players like Stretch highlight that being able to perform on the biggest stage of all and under pressure is what is required to win flags and that your greatest flaws usually appear when under the most duress. The club needs to be extremely hard-arsed about the way it attacks it's next tilt. Stretch and others in that game may have learnt from the experience, unfortunately football being what it is they never got another opportunity to play in a GF and redeem themselves.

Can we let them navigate puberty before we stake claims on them being the best f/s ever etc.

I had a cookie earlier and it was delicious.

Good call, hopefully he'll win a couple of Charlies.

I don't mind an argument but some of the posts on this thread reminded me of an old married couple who end up arguing about nothing in particular because they forgot what the original disagreement was in the first place. They offered nothing at all to the thread in content and while it's ok to have a good humoured jibe now and then, they weren't in that spirit and have been deleted. Troy Davis looks a really nice prospect, I am really looking forward to watching how he goes.

Don't be dissing Bieber man, he is apparently the best "artist" in the world according to the American Music Awards (sigh) So as for that Troy Davis. I have a very good mate who is o/s at the moment who has been a footy coach in the Mallee and Central Murray for a long time. Waiting for him to get back from O/s so I can grill him. He should be able to give me some good insights on COOK and McDONALD in particular.

dude.....proofread.

From club email Jack Viney joins Melbourne, along with four new draftees Melbourne has had a big week, with the announcement of Jack Viney - son of Club great Todd - pledging his allegiance to Melbourne, on top of the Club's drafting of Lucas Cook, Jeremy Howe, Troy Davis and Tom McDonald in the AFL National Draft. Viney, 16, has been secured via the father/son rule, and will officially be selected in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft. He will be eligible to play for Melbourne in 2013. Last Thursday night on the Gold Coast, the Demons added Cook (selection No.12), Howe (No.33), Davis (No.50) and McDonald (No.53) via the NAB AFL Draft. The Demons now have a full senior list, and will add six more players to their rookie list on December 7.

192?

Agreed. and yes, us smaller men need hold on to this as truth.

Like many of these discussions it's difficult to make a judgement. There is so much info that we as Joe Public are not privy. There is little doubt that Hansen would have been floated during trade week, there was liklely no interest. Who knows if Hansen's management and the WCE may have been working together to sound out if there was any possibility of him being taken in the ND to find him a new home, with a view to keeping him on if they didn't get what they needed at the draft/s if he couldn't find a home?

He might be the talk of recruiters, I reckon the conversation for most would go. "Yeah so Ash Hansen's available, do we want him?" "Nah mate." The whole article is BS, it's a filler, no sources, not even the old "club source". Recruiting circles, could mean the recruiters at Central Murray for all we know.

Because we wanted Hale apparently we will want Hansen, rightio then.

Probably a good chance that both player manager and club would have exhausted all options both during the trade period and in the lead up to the draft. A lot of stuff happens behind the scene that we are not privy to. Am pretty sure that the only slim option for him to continue his career would be via the PSD. WCE may have kept him on the list until they were absolutely sure that he was no longer required. EDIT, half finished this post two hours ago, now see that others have drawn the same conclusion..

He doesn't look particularly quick from that package but looks to have the aerial skills we need and he seems to give the ball a good hoof. Really looking forward to seeing him in the red and blue.