beelzebub

If we all took this attitude then nothing would be achieved as we'd need proof of concept before setting out on anything. Season 2010 will be quite different to 2009.. Dont need to be a Rhodes scholar to know this. Ball , or anyone for that matter would only need to look as far as the development of the list as well as the anticipated inclusions to know we will not just be competitive next year you better give us a little respect or we'll bit your ass. Ball ought to know what a club has to do in order to set itself up for longer term success and he ought to know that having done the prior we are looking to exact the latter. How many teams are actually wooden spooners because it suits them ?? few id chance. No one will care where we finished in 09 when were playing finals in 011 !! Nor should he ( Ball) be too concerned. Still...maybe he's not the leader he spouted to be...but a lazy lamb of a follower !! we'll see <_< Some people make things happen..others just watch

That would become immaterial if he nominated his intentions. Its only a formality that hes still on that list. I agree we're still in the game. Bit like a 'reserved' sign on a pokie...youre there ..but your not...but you might be !!

why on earth would we pay him out and keep him are we that flush ? If we pay him out its to be rid of him. If not we'll just wait the year. Or he may even start playing footy...sillier things have happened

In a manner I think he has spoken volumes. Hes had a good while now to formulate some strategy. If he was half a mind to come to us we would be hearing a few more positive things...esp leaked via Connors whos seems as shifty as the Sahara. But we're not. In its place we hear a deafening silence and that to me says he all but spoken. He'll no doubt add he personal addendum in the coming weeks but that also suggests hes none too interested in us or hed be over the line and training. Im starting to think he's beginning to believe all the hype and thinks hes better than he actually is. He's good.... not brilliant...good !!

hes training with the swans... doubt hes coming much further south

I dont think we are bagging him per se..just drawing a line in the sand. Only those that are fair dinkum about Melbourne and can respect our jumper , not our ladder position need apply. he can go ask Chris Johnson and Co. what we think of irrespectful dissenters !!

You would probably think that if indeed this is his sentiment then he'd at least spare us the ignormality of it ..lol...by actually saying it for the record. Thats what managers do !!

Unfortuanately for PJ ( and us as a result ) he is one of a number of NQR's at the club currently who , should they not find : another yard of pace/ another foot of leap/ another 5kg of body or simply like the Lion the bravery to use what they have that they will fall off the ledge come end of season 2010. Am disappointed with PJ.. but hes not alone ( nor am I )

nothing stopping both Smith and Goose doing preseasons ..not that ive heard of

Maguire keeping options open Goose happy to do a preseason if it helps his chances at furthering his career. What could be the harm in inviting him to Melbourne ...we'd get a good up close look at him.. whats the harm ?

umm...thats not a fault of power point...just your equipment !!

ya know...I wouldnt even bother giving them any form of recognition...not one iota !! They're not worthy of it..

Newton is contracted for 2010..thats about the long and short of it. You could rookie him if he fell out of contract..but he hasnt

yep

In the hypothetical of ball ...if you do the deal that is possibly a realistic return over 3 years but loaded up front then neither he nor the club are out of pocket. Its advantageous to teh club to cover the filip. No particular reason it would inflate any one else remuneration at all.

well..i'll be glad to see this little saga put to bed. Like yourself red I wont lose any sleep. It might have been a handy pickup but certainly not worth any fawning and guffawing by the club. If his thinking is truly centred on the notion of "wooden spooners" etc and any such idea of becoming contaminated by association then he is both ill-conceptually conceited and lacking of any real self respect. So why should we in return ? We wont be spooning in any form next year of for some time. We ARE in a group of teams as the next 'likely's". Seems he covets false idols...and he's welcome to it should he choose that route. Its all a bit deja vu.. isnt it..lol. Some will no doubt start bleating about why is it no one wants to come to Melbourne...why do they leave..oh woe.. ...going to cry now and eat worms !! The truth is some do want to come to Melbourne, those with any vision and sense of opportunity would. Collingwood wont contest a Granny for some time, they are delusional if they think they will without an injection of the 3-4 real players that they need. St Kilda may yet again prove themselves the candle that burned too bright only to disappear for another 10-12 years. So Ball doesnt like the idea of the spotlight at Melbourne...maybe he doesnt think hes up to it... and maybe thats the real truth of the matter, he isnt. At first i really liked the idea of him coming across. He had some big raps...was for intents a man of fortitude and principle. One can only think that should he go back tail between his legs to StKilda or continue to seek the mirage of Collingwood that he is neither. In short...not the Mesiah....just a very naughty boy !! Luke.. we dont want anyone who doesnt want to play for this jumper, nor anyone that considers us but wooden spooners. Still..you do come from a club without the benefit of our heritage and pride. So roll on 2010 and onwards and more power to those that want to define the journey forwards

I tend to also think that at the moment it could serve Melbourne well to have soem cap freedom when we will need it in a few years time instead of trying to squeeze all in and some needing to take cuts and consider other fields etc

funny isnt it how some cant see past their own reluctance tosee outside of the square Daw will go in the draft..he will develop into a more than handy player and many will look back and wonder. I wont be one of them

he wont last into the rookie draft...some one will take him in the ND. Too many eyes on him now

heard rumours Marty and Strauchnie are to release a new Rap Album. Marty will surely take over the role of roving minstral from Robbo :D

yes...now everyone will want one !! Thought he was worth a look at ages ago and now the mainstream media are catching up full time. Nth and Doggies will probably be front runners in wantinghim but as they are unlikley to use a 1st round pick the first opportunities for both are then at 21 and 31. we could easily gazump them at 18 if we thought him worth it. With 3 really good picks for 1, 2, and 11 you could be tempted to go left field with this guy. Yes he's raw and unpolished...but then most gems are when first hacked out of the ground...its only when you cut and polish them that their brilliance eminates. When first unearthed many thought he was hardly worth a rookying let alone drafting. History will probably show he wont go much past 30 ( pick ) If hes there at 34 wed be mad not to take the punt Theres just something about this bloke that screams potential. Love to draft him..dont think we will..bit of a shame that. Good luck Majak

sorry ..couldnt find the tongue in cheek emoticon !!

Keep in mind how many good players have actually served this club after starting out as Rookies. Its there ( the Rookery ) for a reason. Its not just a waiting room for noname nqr's Its there to foster talent and given a opportunity to those who may otherwise may not have had a chance. Some seize this chance and run with it, others just arent up to the mark. So be it but why persist and prevent another who might make it ? Yes..you can have cloggers even in the rookies...and he's one !! Much rather someone else get a shot as we know what Trent has ..and at this level its nada

well...we'll see. Im not convinced his junior (Pioneers ) ability will translate into AFL. only my opinion granted..lol Apparently a ball getter..and found it a bit tougher with the big boys.. Thats not to damn him just not all make it. Hes still on the list as he all but has to be. Still has another year to show his worth. He will find it tougher going to break into the Red and Blue in 2010 than he may have in 09 ( injuries not withstanding )

maybe...but makes compelling reading. If Ball did want to play for us...surely he would have made some sort of overture...more than just a meet that is.. albeit its not really for us to know what has/is transpiring. what do we know.. He doesnt want to move interstate ( apparently ) He has indicated either or a preference for more game time and premiership opportunities. He was prepared to go to Collingwood and by all accounts would still be happy to do so. Rumour has it some are into his ear down playing us. I dunno.. Seems the club maybe cooling on the idea...ad more power to it if thats the case as we should not be held to any ransom. Seems we may have learnt something from the Judd fiasco. Cant remember who it was who weeks ago suggested we would not be seeing Ball in red and blue had his sources right. I think the club would indeed like Ball but is cagey on his price and /or conditions. No one player is a panacea and I think the club has refused the siren's seduction. Keep the ear plugs in boys and smooth sailing. Lets see what turns up