RalphiusMaximus

I don't think Talia will still be there at 11, but that's based solely on the phantom drafts and things from experts. He seems very highly rated.

Do you see him as only a small forward? He is fast and elusive. Could be a very good outside mid for us. Of course, that just adds another player to the glut of mids we have coming up...

I'm not 100% sure how pick 11 should be valued this year. Nor Brock for that matter. He's had a terrible year, but if he avoids more injuries could still be a very good player. Pace isn't the focus of the Carlton Midfield, and he can fit in for hardness. He could be a very good player for them. I don't think we'll be able to judge who got the better of this deal for a long time to come.

Nope. Same name as here. I only used his surname when I asked about him so it didn't show up on this list. Another link. http://twitter.com/#search?q=%20Davey

I mentioned this in one of the other threads, but what do people think of us making a play for Alwyn? One of the claims is that Aaron wants to play with his brother and we now have a spare top 20 pick. Could 18 be enough to get him away from the Bombers?

Just for interest, here's the Twitter posts on Davey so far. http://twitter.com/#search?q=Aaron%20Davey

Funny, I did the same thing. He has put in a general comment about it being a stressful day, but nothing about Davey. Coud mean that negotiations are ongoing and he can't comment right now. From Twitter: "CamSchwabBeen a tough day. One that tests AFL administrators/coaches and supporters for that matter. Sincerely wish Brock all the best. Go Dees."

Well, it could happen. Where's your spirit of adventure? Coming up with dodgy theories that can't be supported is the whole point of internet forums.

[unfounded speculation] I wonder if this has anything to do with his captaincy aspirations? He has said repeatedly that he'd like to play his whole career at Melbourne and captain the club. Perhaps he was told that he was not in the running for the top job? [/unfounded speculation]

I'm still not sold on Jetta, but I agree in principle. It would be a pretty sweet outcome from a dodgy draft.

Since it seems that half the posts in the McLean thread are about this rumour as well, why not give it its own space? So what do people think on this one? What factors will influence the decision? How much money do we throw at him if he is thinking about leaving? Personally, while I think we could cover his loss on the field, I would be really worried about the cohesion of our indigenous group. He really is a leader and mentor for them, as well as now being the oldest player in the bunch. This could hurt us long term far more than just the loss of a skillful player.

Let's just hope he gets there.

A rare moment for me. I actually think that Andrew Demetriou has done something good. Perhaps I should mark this on my calendar... http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,2...5018851,00.html

Burgoyne is not a good fit for this club. His age and his injury worries both count against him. If we wasted these high picks on a player like him it would be the death of my faith in our recruiting department.

According to the reports he only told the board about this on Monday. In the space of 2 days they've found a fair trade for him and put out a press release about it. What about this is opaque? If you want a printed transcript of his discussion with whoever at the club he spoke to you're going to be disappointed. No club would give more information than the MFC have given us on this.

The board seems to be very happy with the coach. Wasn't there talk of adding a year to his contract?* You'd think that if there was a serious problem between him and the playing group this would be heavily discussed. *an extra year that makes his contract end at the same time as GL's does at channel 9

If we can nab someone like Boak or Dangerfield, trade it. Perhaps offer 11 and 18 for one of them? Otherwise a good tall might be nice.

Not the midfielf we have now. The one we will have in a couple of years when Blease, Straus, Scully and "pick 2" are ready to join the fun alongside Morton, Grimes, Jones, Moloney, Bennell and Jetta. And then there are guys like Dunn, Bate, Davey, Green, Bruce and Bartram who might still be hanging around somewhere in there. We are going to have an elite midfield provided we can keep the players.

I agree that the club has been dodgy at times in the past, but it is clear to everyone (except a few football journo's with their own agendas) that the corner has been turned. We have good membership numbers and the board are all pulling in the same direction. We have good sponsors. Our list is looking very promising. I think the McLean decision is about his ability to get games in the new team that will emerge over the next few years. I know i'm not the only one who's had trouble finding a spot for him in the team I imagine in two years time. He's probably done the same exercise and come to the same conclusion. He's made a brave move and jumped before he finds himself on the fringe.

Surely he'd have to have a degree of loyalty to the club that gave him a chance? I know I would. He'd been passed over as too small and only one club was willing to give him a shot. That's got to be a factor now that he's shown what he can do.

Not money. Game-time. Where do you have Brock in our midfield in 2 years? I think most have him at Casey. It's a good move if he can cement a spot, even if it is with Carlton.

I really don't get why players would be upset with the club over CJ. He is a mediocre player who opted to go about things in entirely the wrong way, brokered his own deal behind his club's back and walked out leaving them with no compensation other than his absence. What did anyone at the club do that could be considered unreasonable in the circumstances? Did they not throw him a farewell party or something?

Odd call. I think Bennell is going to be a superstar. He'll take a while to get there, but it'll be worth the wait. Jetta i'm not sure on.

Perhaps we'll wind up giving either 11 or 18 for Alwyn to come to us.

What's the contract situation with Davey?