H_T

Good pick up CB. And I couldn't agree more. There was 59K+ there. As Hannabal and others pointed out it was there for everyone to see. Makes you wonder why it was reported in the context you speak of, and the journalists intentions or reasoning behind it. It does to me anyway.

Looks good until confirmed. You must be proud RudeBoy.

I'll be there for the last two games.

What about the ones who put their left foot first, before their right..?

But did Butcher play?

Mo, to be 'fair', this is what Newton did show...... I'm not sure they have the confidence in him mo. But that's not to say he won't be given one last chance. But he must warrant selection.

Good post Fan. Do you have all clubs total games played for the start of 2009 handy? It would be interesting to compare it to the likes of Collingwood,Carlton, etc...

If he is available at that pick, it may be worth considering. The draft guru said he expects him to get drafted. Still, it's all too early at this stage as to whether at what stage of the draft he is likely to get picked - whether he falls in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd or even 4th round of the ND. Still speculative.

Incorrect. I think you might have me confused with someone else. I've been pretty much in his corner TBH

Did anyone see this today? I watched a little of it. They had an interview with Dylan Grimes who plays for Vic Metro, younger brother of Jack Grimes. A very level headed kid, much like his brother. The programme also confirmed via a number of opinions that Tom Scully is the stand out. Was named best for Vic Metro against WA at Subiaco. Incidentally WA touched up Vic Metro and Sth Aust won easily over Vic Country prior to the Adelaide v North Melbourne game. A few names running around for WA included 'Winmar', 'Matera', and 'Kickett'....exciting youngsters. Matera kicked 4 incidentally.

That's just it then. Why say come back and see us in a couple of years H_T, then go onto say this? I never posted that Sylvia should be considered this year for the leadership group. Read my opening post. The basis of the thread is that if he can continue his current form and win the respect and trust of his teammates/club, do you think he should be considered for the leadership group in 2010? From the opening post: - This guy has played his best month of football for the Melbourne Football Club. If he continues this throughout 2009 and gains the trust and respect of his teammates, do you think he could be considered leadership group material for 2010? Afterall we are crying out for leaders and at 23 years of age, there is no better time for this lad to stand up!

Indeed. I'm wondering if Sheahan attended the Demons games against the Bulldogs, Saints & Hawks. Quite right. Naming Petterd could be some proof of absence at Melbourne games of late. Perhaps he got sick of writing about Mick & Collingwood. Regarding the point he makes of Mick pointing out that Collingwood fielded a younger team than Melbourne on QB. Take McDonald and Robbo out of the side, it would have been the reverse. That's probably Mick being cunning, nevertheless indirectly it puts pressure on the Mfc.

That's quite dismissive from you Rogue. Thought you might have elaborated a little more on your thoughts, considering "leadership" is a BIG problem at the moment. Or the lack there of. There have been a few posters point out the leadership shown by Sylvia on the field. I don't see alot of the current leadership group leading by example at the moment - on the field...Moloney & Bruce the exceptions. Well going by the "times", I'd say DW. Although I must point out, I was unaware until after I created the topic, I visited O'logy afterwards and was quite surprised of the similarities. What must be said is DW's thread comes from a Captain issue. Mine is nothing of the sort. As you say that's "crazy talk." Mine is from purely a leadership group angle, nothing else.

Richmond has defeated West Coast and are now equal with West Coast on 12 points. 2 games and percentage clear of last years wooden spooners, Melbourne. West Coast played awful in the first quarter, quite extarordinary really. <_<

I take it, you think it's "totally" out of the question then? Even if he continues in this vein of form for the next 12 weeks. Gee, you're harsh.

Ie. NT Gov't ?

No it doesn't automatically qualitfy him to be an 'official leader', but when was the last time you saw a Melbourne player stand up and lead the way on the field like he has at present? At the moment he's clearly letting his football do the talking and he is working hard off-field. Great examples for the new recruits. Could be an early call of mine, I acknowledge that - but remember in my opening post, the question reads: - "Do you think Colin Sylvia could be considered for the leadership group in 2010?" (Based on if he continues in his form and gaining the trust and respect of his teammates for the rest of this season) I think that's a fair question.

True. If we can forgive McLean for his off-field discretions, and accept him into the leadership group, we could entertain accepting Sylvia into the leadership group, surely under the same principles. Is that fair and consistent?

Of course, none of us will forget........... but reading articles such as these is encouraging, the right steps are being taken: - Sylvia's honesty strikes chord with Stynes

This guy has played his best month of football for the Melbourne Football Club. If he continues this throughout 2009 and gains the trust and respect of his teammates, do you think he could be considered leadership group material for 2010? Afterall we are crying out for leaders and at 23 years of age, there is no better time for this lad to stand up! My leadership group for next year: - Brent Moloney Brock McLean Brad Green Colin Sylvia Aaron Davey Cameron Bruce edit: - I was a bit hard on Bruce, I did have Rivers in initially. Rivers needs to stay on the field.

If we lose the Ashes. Definitely. I think they will face further media & public scrutiny regardless. Not necessarily with regard to the Test Squad. But the 20/20 and one day squads, some of their selections or non-selections of players in form are puzzling from my point of view, especially given their reasons. In particular with regards to the selections/non-selections of Andrew Symonds, Brad Hodge & Brett Lee to name a few.

The club is expected to retain the Debt Demolition in 2010 as well. They aim to eradicate all the debt by the end of 2010.

Agree. But for me that's not the reason to keep him (re:draft pick, etc), As Hannabal has pointed out, there are others I would say goodbye to before Buckley at the end of this season. I also are of the opinion that he is young, as you point out - 20yo, and has only got about 20 or so games next to his name. He does break lines, can carry the ball and can penetrate with his kicks. They're a necessity in today's game. However, he does need to work hard and fine tune his game on his return. And as RR pointed out briefly, needs to find his targets.

Time will tell. My nominees are in terms of leadership status - and you can disagree if you want - Frawley, Garland, Rivers, Grimes. In 3 years time (injuries permitting) they could well have approx. 85, 65,120 and 60 odd games to their names respectively. (May get some arguments on Rivers and the amount of games he will amass, but you get the drift). I agree, we look to have things coming together down back before anywhere else. The ol' cliche' - Premierhips usually have a settled and strong defence. Or a rock solid backline is the cornerstone to Premiership success. You know what I mean anyway... Who were the premiership leaders at Hawthorn before they won the flag last year? (Take yourself back to before last years GF - if possible- and try and identify them), Hodge is an easy one. But honestly who would have picked the likes of Stuart Dew to stand up as he did on that day, before the game? Sometimes leaders come to the fore. Maybe Brad Green or Brock McLean, Brad Miller or even Colin Sylvia by then. Right now we probably cannot see who are the 4 or 5 leaders that you talk of. It's well known the Mfc lacks strong identifiable leaders. Give it time, some might just surprise and stand up when it counts. Much like Dew. Maybe. Who knows? I would like to think 6-8 years away, minimum 4 years. But who really knows?...

Indeed. Yes. He averages around 55 at 20/20 level, which puts him second to none for Australia at 20/20 level. Good point. I think the selectors are in for some turbulent times before this years Australian Summer.