BLWNBA

Smith and his family attended the club last week and met with club officials and past players, this was more than just due diligence IMO and from what I've heard is beyond the interaction we've had with other potential draftees. I understand that it's increasingly unlikely that he'll be there at Pick 5 (6), but he is still the number one priority if he's available.

Very true, especially if Smith is also off the board.

It's hard to say and I know that will sound like I'm sitting on fence, but I just think this is the most uncertain first round in recent memory and there's so much dependent on who is taken in the preceding picks. I'd say Lindsay and Reid would be the likely picks IMO and based on what I'm hearing.

There's every chance Bo goes to Richmond at Pick 6, noting their interest and the almost universal belief that Smillie will be available to them at Pick 10.

Reportedly the club met with Lindsay late last week. Unsure of the nature of the meeting and potentially just likely some due diligence, though this accords the reported interest in Lindsay at Pick 9.

We were left unimpressed by a couple of the meetings which occurred between Armstrong and the club. Unsure if there were other complications, such as testing results etc.

To be fair, I’m not sure that Riv will ever be a full time mid. I think this is somewhat overstated on ‘land.

Curious on what your knock on Lanford is? As noted in a pervious post, I haven't really paid much attention to the U18 comps over the past 2 - 3 seasons, so would value your insight. From his highlights / bios and bio-data, he seems an attractive prospect - but happy to divert to those with more knowledge.

Honestly, I can't really speak with enough nuance on this as I haven't seen a lot of either of them IRL and over the past couple of seasons I haven't paid a lot of attention to the U18s. Personally, I really like Langford and I think he has a nice point-of-difference to our current mid-set up. I'm a big advocate for proven bottom-agers in the U18 context too. In addition, I'm of the (strong) opinion we should be taking the two best available mids with our two picks, so if we were able to get say a Smith / Langford / Reid (two of) through, I would be over the moon.

Yep agree on this and Langford and Smith are the most likely picks IMO, pending availability. It's difficult and it seems to be one of the most uncertain years in recent memory. Cal Twomey is also on the money that we won't be taking Armstrong.

FWIW: - Priority is still Smith, though it seems that he may not be available come our first pick. I'd suggest it's safe to say if here's there, his name will be called by Melbourne. Langford / Lalor / Tauru are in the mix for Pick 5 pending Smith being selected. - Murphy Reid in the mix for Pick 9.

Was this on SEN mate? Keen to have a listen if it was.

Apologies for the delay mate, been seemingly getting busier and busier over the past few weeks. Personal opinion based on a few things I've heard. Similar to @picket fence I've also heard that Melbourne are under the belief that Smith will now go at four, no reason to doubt it - but when you're dealing with so many variables and relying on precursor picks it can be hard to reliably judge. I'll be keen to see what Cal Twomey has in his Phantom Draft.

Interesting 🤔

Smith to Adelaide at #4, Langford to Melbourne at Pick 5. Lock it in.

It's definitely still a concern. Particularly noting many of the observations emanating from the club this year regarding Jefferson's disposition and readiness to play senior football. Whilst it's a welcome insight that physically he's seemingly put in the effort over the past 12 months to get where he's at, I wouldn't be hanging my hat on the idea that he'll be changing the dynamic of the forward or playing senior football, as it stands. It's absolutely a 'watch this space' dynamic, as it stands.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/ruck-fatherson-prospect-kalani-white-to-train-with-melbourne-and-gold-coast-over-preseason/news-story/8437bb779c7c3165fd201cefbcf5405d "Already well over 200cm, White faces a choice as he is eligible as a father-son to Melbourne and is part of Gold Coast’s academy, given he lives in Queensland. The talented teen will get a glimpse at working under ruck captains Max Gawn and Jarrod Witts over the summer period, when he trains with both the Dees and Suns. He will first train with Melbourne – where Jeff played 236 games after 32 with Fremantle – in December. Then after Christmas he will join the Suns for a pre-season stint. White played in the annual under-17 future stars game on the MCG on grand final morning in September." Personally, I'm not so sure this is as a cut and dry regarding Kalani joining the Dees as some believe. Very hopeful he'll join us and here's hoping the glut of academy selections for GC next year may mean there's an inherent difficulty in getting to the GC.

You want proof for an explicit opinion? Or are you seeking proof for a matter which is not contested?

Great call - completely slipped my mind.

Same

This really hit home for a number of reasons. Absolutely unfathomable in Australia that you would send your child to school and not expect them to come home. As a father I find it almost incomprehensible to think about outliving your children. My sincerest thoughts go out to all involved in this heart-breaking tragedy.

I'm not opposed to this, but more agnostic. I think as a club we may be better off not reinvigorating the old boys club, especially for the role of CEO (cf. President). I will state that I do think having a football background is important in the context of operating a professional football club, but don't necessarily think it needs to be an ex-player. Off the top of my head, there aren't many former players who have moved into the CEO role - and as of 2023 there were only seven: - Cook; - Pert; - Hocking; - Kelly; - Gale; - Garlick; and - Harley.

You're right. Nothing more to see here. Just a typical media beat up.

Absolutely bizarre. I just can't wrap my head around this. The culture at the MFC is the best he's seen in 40 years, why would he leave like this?

He'll fit right in then. C'mon down, Bo!