BLWNBA

This has to be a troll.

This is the most on the money post I've seen in this thread. I personally think it's somewhat of a perplexing decision that we extended his contract out so far given some of what has played out, but there was a clear decision for made that Jefferson would not be playing AFL this year. There were several considerations around this, so the constant debate around his debut this year is largely a moot point. We shall look to see how he continues to develop. For mine, next year is an incredibly important year for Jefferson - though that is essentially pointing out the obvious.

What you personally think of an individual, doesn’t change the veracity of their reporting. Sure, you can argue (wrongly, in my opinion), what he’s reporting isn’t correct, but to dismiss reporting because a personal matter is nothing less than puerile.

Absolutely valid points, but often there's little point in making such balanced points as the victim mentality of many Melbourne supporters is just insufferable and ingrained. It's never the entity's fault, always someone else; the AFL, the media, other clubs, Maynard, etc, etc.

Such a 'Melbourne' statement.

There might be some (non-adverse) circumstances relating to his selection. The failure to play him, despite him signing an extension is pretty perplexing and one of the stranger decisions by the club IMO.

This is a very realistic take and one of the better posts on here.

Ignoring all the conjecture around this, personally if we were able to get a late first round pick for ANB (if), I think this would be a reasonable price to pay for Houston and then allow us to take Pick 6~ to the draft and take the best available. That would be a fantastic outcome for the club.

High first would be amazing in this draft, IMO. Would welcome that if it was possible.

This is a very fair take and pretty well summarised. I'm pretty cognisant that my views are definitely in the minority. I don't think he's a poor player, I think he's incredibly inconsistent. I hold him to a high standard because he clearly capable of performing at that level; though I personally think that when he has an incredible performance, such as R18 in 2022, that recency bias creeps in and his 'down weeks' are somewhat glossed over.

Have you ever been a first-time parent living interstate with no ongoing familial support? Have you dealt with a difficult pregnancy, or associated complications after birth? If you haven't, I hope you never have to experience the complications that pregnancy, post-partum or health issues can cause. Your lack of a nuanced understanding, and associated comments are pretty moronic.

Touché.

In you're opinion, as you are in mine. Though ultimately at the end of the day, he's above all discussion on this site unless you laud his efforts weekly.

Yeah, I'm familiar with the graphic and stats you're referring too. That doesn't change the position regarding consistency of performances. On averages he's ahead of Betts at the same age; if you change the metrics to totals that almost totally inverts in most categories. I don't doubt he has talent and I think his consistency has improved somewhat this year, but I hardly think he's a beacon out output on a weekly level.

His comments on Pickett are completely accurate. For a player that went as high as Pickett did, you'd expect more ROI for the talent he has. Inconsistency is Pickett's mandate.

Always good to admit it, buddy.

This isn’t a selection course, mate. The commentary isn’t around players that have ‘niggles’, and with respect to my comment I’ve sighted players that are clearly carrying injuries. What benefit is there in continue to play them? Our injury management has been appalling since the 2021 Finals with players returned from injury far too quickly. Not overly sure what the purpose of the named players are to be honest. It’s a complete false equivalency if you’re somehow suggesting they’ve been managed the same way as Spargo, Salem, Oliver, Petty, May etc.

My thoughts exactly. Presuming it’s true, the MFC list rejuvenation/build continues to be perplexing (and disappointing).

Gettable briefly discussed ANB, noting that Adelaide is the likely destination.

Gettable suggesting that Cumming's decision is now between GWS and the Adelaide clubs. Melbourne's interest wasn't to the level of the South Aussies.

Appreciate the insight, cheers.

Finally, a common sense approach to injury and player management. Our management of players returning from injury has been really poor since the start of the '22 season. With the cue in the rack regarding finals footy this year, I personally think we should also allow May and Viney time to recover too. I don't think either seem right, and we should be giving both players the opportunity maximise the upcoming preseason and attack next season in full health.

This is extremely disappointing for the Club. ANB was, often at times, undeservingly a whipping boy for many. His form in 2021 was instrumental in assisting us and although he has been prone to the occasional brain fade, what he added to our side far outweighed any deficiencies. He'll be missed by the club and supporters alike. Sadly, I think he's one of those players that is near irreplaceable with reference to what he brings to the group and playing body on gameday. Highly rated, a true clubman. Thank you for the past ten years, Alex!

You’re the hero we all need. Rocks for breakfast, yeah?

I know we often don’t agree on things, and have very opposing viewpoints on the coach, but you are 100% on the money. One thing that fatherhood has taught me is to never, ever judge what other parents may be going through and it makes me so angry when people call out other parents with newborns for ‘weak’ etc. People underestimate just how difficult it is being interstate with no support, especially for a first time parent. My wife and I did this, and we’re getting through it, but it’s nowhere near as easy people make out (for the majority) and I challenge anyone to attempt it and see for themselves.