H_T

Fair point. Although, taking on Geelong or Hawthorn in the first two rounds when we maybe up and running, we might have more of a chance of a win than in Rounds 5 and 6 too when these teams who traditionally build their season up after a slow start. That would be nice too.

That could be the next tactical option Eastie. Clubs could just corale the player in possession of the ball, ie not go at him, therefore not step over the line for a rushed behind and force him to kick to a contest. Then again, that might just milk time for the team with the ball -which might be just what they want.

More like - definitely not naitanui.

He has his head screwed on right. His interviews and answers to questions have been first rate. Real leadership material. Unlike NikNat.

Anyone who has class, plays in the midfield, but also pushes forward and yet kicks 10 goals on the biggest stage in a Grand Final on the Telstra Dome, will be taken early in the National Draft. Steele Sidebottom has a rocket next to his name.

I hope he is such a superstar as the Ablett, Cousins, Judd, Hird, Buckley, Voss's of this football world.

It shows great inititaive by the Mfc to undertake this research into finding out what influences kids to follow certain sports and certain sporting teams. There are a number of factors: - 1/ Parents/Relatives 2/ Friends 3/ Hero's that impress children 4/ Winning teams 5/ Local sporting organisations There would also be factors as to why children are influenced into NOT following certain teams: - 1/ Drugs & Indescretions (Why Nisbett has said no to Cousins) 2/ Culture 3/ Pure Failure and perceived failure 4/ Lack of Popularity 5/ Peer pressure (from friends, parents and relatives) 6/ Influence of other teams and/or sports focus in local area. These are all but a few points. Fwiw, I have seen first hand with my kids last weekend - who are melbourne supporters (& members) mind you (of which I am most proud) - how teams playing in the Grand Final could and can influence childrens support. My two girls painted their faces as part of the day, part of the celebration of watching the Grand Final; One in Hawk colours (6yo), the other (the youngest = 3yo) in Cats colours. Late in the 3rd quarter when the Hawks kicked 30 points clear, my youngest after being told, started to rub off the Cats colours off her face and wanted to have Hawk colours on - immediately!! (quite hilarious, but I admired her for wanting to be seen as a winner!) After the game, questions came my way about the ladder positions of this year. My response was swift, that the Dees were only 'several wins' behind the Cats and Hawks (haha), and that the Mighty Dees would improve next year after losing some older players and getting some very good young players into the team. "Stick with the Dees, we'll be back" was the message. The kids took it on the chin and believed their dad (fingers crossed they did). GO DEES!

That is disappointing from my point of view, because you want to take on the best and see where you are at. Wanting to avoid them is no good.

ING would be an ideal sponsor IMO. They help sponsor the Grand Prix, as they are an international bank. But they should step foot in AFL.

No one expected Martin to stand up the way he did this season. Has all the key attributes to be a very good player. (Jury is out regarding Martin being a 'gun'). Has the height the pace and the "nous" to match it with the best forwards. Bit more strength and conditioning as well as a few more games under his belt will be significantly important for the Melbfc.

Good post Hannabal. Yes. I believe this may turn out to be the strategy next week in order to obtain a top 25 pick. By coming in on a third party-like trade. Unless we trade one of our 'high profile' players if a good offer comes along.(ie Green) - But it looks as though he will be signed according to reports. Staggering to see the Hawks draft 12 picks inside the top 26, compared to our 4. But as you say alot of it was due to their position on the ladder. Our Footy department do need to get their hands dirty. With 1,17,19,35 being the best picks, we do need another inside the first 25 IMO. 51 and 67 should be used as sweetners in order to achieve this.

That should be a $20,000 fine. Demonlanders carry the $10,000 fine.

Jack Watts.

Pre-Draft Market Watt's number for the Dees: - No.4 $1.50 No.9 $2.30 No.13 $5.00 No.34 $7.00 No.41 $33.00 (hehe) other $12.00

Well, what do you suggest Roost It? Available: 4,9,13,34,??? 40+?? edit: Weetra & Bode, Carroll (41)

WATTS hinted at looking forward to playing at Dees after commenting on their rebuilding list and "a really bright future". Before adding, "It will be great to go to Melbourne... or any other club." Jesaulenko...You Beauty!! That is enough evidence for me. Roll out the RED carpet Dees Fans..... edit: Those not keen on Watts, get used to him. What number should we put aside for him. No.9? -thought I'd get in first. he wore No.4 in the Championships, No.4 is available too! Ooh, what will it be No.4 or No.9. I'll say No.9 with Neita to hand it over.

Not for me, too old. Unless the ruckmen concerned are really good like Cox or a Petrie who can be effective as a tap ruckman but can also be good around the ground and up forward, they are 'somewhat' over-rated.

Rookie List option perhaps, 22yo.

That is your silly opinion Freak. Which holds no weight. He would certainly still be in contention. He was named best player of the U18 competition wasn't he?

Blueprints seem to be the talk of the town. Geelong's blueprint to success was spoken of last year, Hawthorn's this year. Both are different in some ways, and the same in other ways. Geelong recruited well from their picks, yet never really bottomed out (unlike Hawthorn) and developed their list. Hawthorn struck gold with their high picks, traded well with players with value, like Rawlings, Hay, Thompson, Croad, Chick, Harford, etc in return for picks and developed their list. The main blueprint objectives should be: - Stability off the field including board room and administration Quality people on the board with a plan for success off and on the field Viable assets Smart recruiting and list management Well drilled football coaching department with appropriate resources

Green & Manager waiting for the Best & Fairest first perhaps before signing?

Here we go..here we go..now Vickery is in the spotlight. Next there will be someone saying take Vickery and get Watts next year if he doesn't nominate, on the back of 4 or less wins next season. It will be Watts.

Fool. 1/The bummers will not give up Pick 5 2/More importantly the mfc will not give up one of Melbourne's best players who is still 20yo. Ridiculous.

Not quite right. GC get access to the first 12 under seventeen year olds next year.

Let's hope Cameron can get to work quickly on a couple of big sponsors. As one of his many portfolio's. Kangaroos have announced an extension on Mazda's sponsorship: - http://www.kangaroos.com.au/tabid/4912/Def...px?newsid=68488