BLWNBA

I'd look at it more that the personal connection of Goodwin being coach, increased the affinity of the Club wanting Jackson. There was an emotional connection there by virtue of Goodwin being his coach from 2020 - 2022, that is no longer present. I have no doubt that if Jackson were to declare his intention to seek a trade to Melbourne we'd look to facilitate it, but there may be less of an inclination from the Melbourne side to pursue this actively, now that that personal connection is gone. A new coach may not have this desire to drive this.

There's probably some truth to this too, and I'm not seeking to bash Trac or Oliver. I actually think there's a spot for them both under a new coach and I'd rather have them playing with us, than against us (unless there is a decent return of draft capital). Interestingly, CD rated Petracca as the 74th best player in the competition this season (his lowest return since 2018), with Oliver ranked 232 (last year he was ranked 244).

Jackson still wants to get back to the MFC. Immense difficulties with it occurring, diluted by the fact that there is an incoming coach who (obviously) isn't Goodwin.

I think this is very flattering and a bit of a stretch. Based on the kick rating stat (note: this is not kicking efficiency) which takes into account expected hit rate and degree of difficulty, Clayton Oliver and Trac were ranked as third and fifth worst midfield kicks in the league (Viney was the eighth worst). It's fair to say that neither of these two have ever been elite, but in a season when our disposal was one of the major reasons for our demise (read: multiple reasons exist, but disposal was a significant contributing factor), to say that Petracca and Oliver were back to their best is a gross oversell of their seasons. Personally thought Oliver came on in the last 6 weeks or so (and I think he had a better season than Petracca), but still if we're saying their 2020 - 2023 form was 'A grade', they were both a fair way off. Positives? Lindsay, Langford, Gawn, Melksham, Turner, Pickett (though he definitely tapered towards the end of the season). I'd probably throw McDonald in there too. Kentfield's recovery and VFL form is also a massive positive, hoping we can get some continuity and see this translate into the AFL next season. I'll be in the minority on this, but I thought there were some positive signs for Jefferson too. Yes, they were momentary, but maybe he'll come on. I'm probably more on the agnostic side with this, and maybe I'm more seeing something in hope more than anything else, but I'll carry this into the 2026 season before making a definitive judgement. At times our ball movement started to look cohesive, but I'm still extremely concerned about the lack of genuine elite users in our side. I'd also agree that Goodwin's departure was a positive. Regardless of what you think of him, the constant commentary was a distraction and this definitive decision allows us to move past him and the situation without it dragging on for another year.

What I understand from this thread is that Buckley has no autonomy at all, and is influenced via clandestine messaging which is directly driven by the New World Order, World Economic Forum, Bill Gates, the Illuminati and Lizard People as part of a vindictive, direct and highly capable media campaign, backed by the AFL and in particular, Andrew Dillon.

That would be extremely Melbourne.

Fair points, although a signed contract and affixing a signature is a type of execution which will then create a legally binding agreement (and an indication of the agreement of terms), executed contracts indicate all parties have competed their obligations under the contract.

I miss the real Heath.

Take it to the bank, he'll be at Melbourne.

I heard this too, I didn't really think it was tongue-in-cheek though. I felt he was definitely posing the question as to whether we'd look to take him.

@roy11 Sorry mate, I thought we were talking about Duursma and not SOS here.

Unsure why there is talk of no compensation, but suspect it's based on the assumption that the net value of player(s) North would lose in the trade does not outweigh the net gain of incoming players. As a general statement, based on Duursma's age and potential contract at a new club, the baseline would be satisfied.

I can't really say I've seen much of him substantively to make a call either way, but definitely agree to an extent with the on-paper similarities. Upside being forward craft, strong hands and marking ability, and an ability to finish with high upside and athleticism, but questions over his endurance and midfield craft.

Yeah I agree, although I will say that I'm agnostic as to whether we would be able to develop and get the best out of him (on historical grounds). Personally would see him as a big upgrade on Kolt (on potential). We've been tracking him for a lot of this year, it sounds like the interest since has draft year has been enduring. Personally not too sure how we'd get it done, especially if Lever isn't going anywhere.

Read it this morning, was an absolute waste of time. Very little analytical value at all and it just rolled with the status quo. Not saying it's altogether untrue, but yeah - nothing ground-breaking or overtly insightful.

We've got some preliminary interest in Zane Duursma, could give some legs to the mooted Norf interest in Lever.

I'm not trying to railroad you with this, it's a genuine question. But is your understanding on this that he has signed and the announcement is being held back, or is he unsigned for some specific reason? Personally see the second option being concerning at this stage of the year.

@spirit of norm smith are you familiar with Charlie Abbott (St Kevin's)? I haven't seen a lot about him, but he seems a promising selection. Ranked in the top 50 APS prospects, but doesn't seem to have much reporting outside of that. I'm also unable to determine if he's currently playing in the Coates Talent League or just in the APS. "Charlie Abbott (St Kevin’s College) Abbott is an imposing key forward who put together some great school footy performances this season, headlined by a five-goal haul against Carey Grammar. Not only was he a strong mark, but Abbott had a thumping set shot and could slot goals from distance as well from difficult angles."

It's one of the mooted changes for the 2026 draft. Essentially, the first round will be 'open', so if a club elects to utilise their first round selection on a player, clubs will be unable to match their selection. Therefore, the first round would be open slather; however, F/S and Academy selections will be able to be matched from Round 2 onwards.

I think you need to work some more intersectionality into your post. Christian? Tax payer? Confused on MSN though, I thought that was decommissioned in 2014?

Agreed!

I don't know the exact specifics of either player, but Ralph has previously stated TAM does not meet the draft eligibility requirements and never has. Unsure specifically what that eligibility, but it must be either (or a combination of) not meeting the following: Cultural Background: Player born in non-English speaking country OR At least 1 parent born in Asia, Africa or Oceania OR Both parents born in another non-English speaking country (not Asia, Africa or Oceania)

It was an entirely an opinion piece, but it seems to have spread throughout various outlets today. However, I'm yet to see anything presented which is not an opinion on May's trade value or position in our team.

Chris Cavanagh: 26 August 2025 'Who your club could target' MELBOURNECurrent Picks: 23, 52, 59 There’s a bit to play out at Melbourne, which is preparing to name a new coach ahead of what could be an interesting trade period. The Demons traded their first-round pick to Essendon as part of the deal which secured them Xavier Linsday at pick 11 last year. That means that unless they secure a first-round pick through the trade period, they won’t enter the draft until the second round. Kalani White has nominated Melbourne despite being part of the Gold Coast Suns Academy. Who will still be available when that pick rolls around remains to be seen, but Melbourne could do with some key position talent at either end of the ground. Father-son prospect Kalani White – who is also a Gold Coast Suns Academy member – has nominated the Demons as his preferred club ahead of the draft and will help in that area. The 198cm tall – who can play at either end of the ground – is the son of 236-game ruckman Jeff and is likely to be a late draft pick. The Demons also have access to Dandenong Stingrays defender Toby Sinnema through their NGA program. Sinnema racked up 15 disposals and a goal in a recent VFL debut for Casey.

Would've thought someone so focused on strawmanning by syntax and grammar would do better than that, but each to their own. Cheers, big man!