H_T

I think we'll see Watts very early in the campaign. I think our first 5 picks will all have played by the halfway mark of the year.

Much like James Hird hugging the fan after his goal against West Coast. Or Micky O'Loughlin for Sydney giving it to those West Coast fans. The characters are still there....its not that sterile today...

I agree with that Mo. They should be wise enough now to make a decision based on their own beliefs.

Question: - I know the draft is compromised in the 2010 draft. However, say for example (and its only an example...Melbourne finish bottom in 2009 and 2010. Are Melbourne entitled to a priority pick before their first selection? (If they finish season 2009 and 2010 with 8 or less wins collectively). For example: - Round One 1 GC17 2 GC17 3 GC17 4 Club 16 on 2010 ladder 5 GC17 6 Club 15 on 2010 ladder 7 GC17 8 Club 14 on 2010 ladder 9 GC17 10 Club 13 on 2010 ladder 11 GC17 12 Club 12 on 2010 ladder 13 GC17 14 Club 11 on 2010 ladder 15 GC17 16 Club 10 on 2010 ladder Do Melbourne in this example get, picks 4 and 6? With Pick 4 being a priority pick. I sincerely hope this doesn't happen, and I don't believe it will, but I thought I would just ask in case it happened to any side...

Yes, No.5 is ok I guess. Just. I've come down in price...

I see a bit of Peter Burgoyne in Jetta. Quick on the ground and off the mark like a cat on a hot tin roof. Very evasive in traffic.

Its no wonder Richo has had so many coaches for his goal kicking...

First time I've actually seen highlights footage of Butcher in full like that. Certainly looks good. Definitely a book end.

I believe so. With some degree of hesitation from some parties I believe.

Had a feeling I might have a reaction with this statement of mine. Excuse the Kiwi accent I am about to put on RR. Its based on an opinion I have - that NZ is a different kettle of "fish". McCullum ran out of batting partners and he was well aware of this, which is one reason why he went into 20/20 mode. No, my thoughts of this is not based on one innings. I've seen what he has done in the past. He has a good batting average for a "non-australian" in a struggling side. He shouldn't be batting at No.7. N.Z. openers make Glenn McGrath look like a very good batsman. They're technique leaves a little to be desired too. Maybe I'm being a "little harsh" on NZ. But their cricket side is so far off the Sir Richard Hadlee and Martin Crowe days, its not funny. 1/ McCullum opens in the one day format. 2/ He is one of the most exciting batsmen in the world when in full flight 3/ He and apart from Vettori would be the only players eligible for qualification of being "world class" 4/ If I can't convince you for McCullum to open, I can negotiate for him to come in at 3 or 4. But no way No.7. Or dare I say it "6" (sux).

You can include Rich, Ziebell, Sidebottom, Lynch and Brown too.

Correct. Which is also proof we are on the lookout for another key forward option.

Hey - you got something against Altona's u/18 netball squad, or what?! Correct. Example: N.Naitanui. So he can get his C.Bruce fix.

I can't work this out.....and I don't think I want to.......it's dee-luded! edit: evidence - Aaron Fiora is on the list.

So did I 45h. I believe they did pick the best available KPP in that draft, and they can probably lay claim to that already in terms of the best KPP - but certainly not the best overall. I think you are right that they probably didn't see these two as the best available, however definitely the best fit for the direction they wanted to go. Guys like D.Brereton and J.Dunstall have admitted as such since that draft.

Vettori...of course. How could I forget the skipper.

This is best described as "Sitting on the fence." 3 emergencies will do.

Isn't he the son of Larry Sengstock, the former Australian basketballer..?

IMO the NZ team struggle big time at Test level, they sruggle with the concept of occupying the crease. They just can't stay out there long enough. Some of the ways they went out was embarrassing. They cannot defend. When they play shots, their technique and timing of shots is what gets them out. McCullum, he is the only true international cricketer along with probably Taylor that NZ have. And perhaps Shane Bond, but he wasn't present. McCullum should probably open.

Yes. Very good summary of Strauss. I 'dislike' giving big wraps on a kid who hasn't yet played at AFL level because its all "hype" to me until we see the real thing. But... ...I will on this occassion. I see some real "quarterback" type qualities in Strauss. I.e. B.Lovett, L.Hodge, P.Burgoyne type of play in the backhalf. That's from what I've seen in the TAC. I'll leave it at that for now.

You're not bad are you? I really love being taken out of context.... You will find that I had said previously in the thread (prior to the Adelaide Test) that if Lee doesn't turn his form around soon he may make room for another. Which is only natural. As the selectors look to see who is well out of form and who is over a period of time. Lee was out of form throughout India and the Brisbane Test. The alarm bells were certainly ringing. Of which I'm sure you agree QueenC, being an avid fan of Lee. Regardless of the fact he has taken over 300 wickets. He was bowling eratically, inconsistent rubbish until Adelaide. I'm glad for him and for your sake that he turned it around. He must keep his form for the Sth Africans are coming. They won't be pushed aside as easily as the Kiwi's were. As you stated before the Kiwi's tail starts from four. Which also points to the ease of which Lee took wickets... Sth Africa bats a lot lower than NZ does. It will be interesting to see how Lee does against the Spring Boks. And no, I'm not writing Lee off.

Thanks for the lists Alpha. Interesting to see Rockliff training with Port and Klemke at Richmond. Certainly two options.

Correct. As I said its on hold. Of course the intent is still there. Public opinion was the Western Sydney front appeared rushed straight on the back of GC17. The AFL have realised more work needs to be done for Western Sydney. At least they are now acknowledging in the current economic climate that WS18 shouldn't be rushed. Reading the article you should note: - Instead of pushing to create an under-18 team by 2010 and follow the Gold Coast model, the AFL looks certain to spend the next two years investing in extra development and marketing in the non-traditional football region, which Fitzpatrick noted at last week's AFL Future Directions conference had provided a disappointing return on its investment. "The commission has put off a final decision on the western Sydney team until the end of next year." Whilst they may have put off the formation date, it looks as though this back peddling may result in further back peddling for the target date of 2012.

Yes I got the SMS just 'after' we had picked Watts. Thats good communication from the club. The club seems to be right on their toes, showing great initiative in informing their members. Which was also a topic or two of conversation at the SUMMIT from a number of groups. The magazine recently mailed out at an opportune time for Xmas gifts for Mfc merchandise, was great timing. The mailout a few weeks ago highlighting me and my family members individual names on the banners courtesy of some nifty graphics on the brochures was professionally done too. The email received earlier today including information on Watts and including the link to membership renewal was a good follow up. I wouldn't be surprised at all if the club stitched up hundreds and hundreds of membership renewals today along with merchandise sales. Well done Mfc.

Is that because you'd find yourself lost on the way out?