Adam The God

Yep, I'd be concerned too, but I'd also understand that bigger blokes take time. Agreed that if it's linked to his diabetes it is a problem though. But much of the criticism isn't linked to this it seems.

The people down on McCartin shows what a stupid industry this is. How many times have we seen the same thing? A young KPP struggling in his first 5 or so years. It's driven by a media machine that is looking for a short term story and an ignorant football supporting audience that doesn't understand development in the modern game. And before anyone mentions Jesse, he is a very special talent. That is not to say McCartin won't be, but as others have already done, I'd point to Weideman. He will take time. Love that we have Trac though. Will be a superstar.

Corey Perry again. Oooh baby!

Come on, Ducks. You robbed yourselves on Wednesday. Make sure you get the win tomorrow. It's been a fascinating Stanley Cup playoff series so far. Loving it.

Fair enough.

Well, actually, no. It's still nothing like the Toumpas/Wines situation. Even in the bolded bit you've described...

In his first game against GWS in Round 1 last year, Oliver had 7 clearances and 22 disposals from 58% game time. How on earth could you have thought Oliver was anything like Toumpas after that debut? Sounds like MFCSS still pervades that mind of yours, mate.

It's not relevant that we were VFL standard during a lot of those attempts? Rubbish. You've had a bad week LT. Just settle down.

None of those years were decent years. In fact, they were all shockers.

So there's a difference between the club having interest and the player...

We usually do, Steve. He is one of the elements we're missing. But I'd suggest someone like Lever would be much higher on the shopping list and cheaper...

Fair enough. My point was we've moved on from that though. Melksham was signed in a time when we couldn't attract anyone and we saw him as a role player. Garland was signed simply because we needed defensive depth. I gather he was being targeted by other clubs and so we put a 3 year deal to him, instead of two. Last season we attracted a four time premiership player who is still an A grader. I hope we can attract a player of Lever's quality. But Kelly isn't the right fit for $800k+, IMO.

Kelly is not a blue chip. I'm not really concerned about the Melksham comparison. We're not Melbourne of 2 years ago anymore and we've built a list of young talent that will need to be paid. The fact that some would blow $800k on a soft outsider with great skills is mindboggling. Thankfully, I know our list management wouldn't be silly enough to entertain the idea.

They won't keep their list together GWS if they're offering a player like Kelly $750k. He's not a blue chip A grade mid. He's a silky outside mid who needs to play in a good team. He won't win you games. He'll help you win games. Prestia has started poorly at Richmond, but is the best player IMO.

I'd certainly have a word with his management. We can offer a lot more than North in terms of top 8 potential and we're equally based in Melbourne, so if it's about a money increase and moving to Victoria, we can tick a couple of boxes. $600k is a lot more than he'll get at GWS.

I'd be offering Kelly no more than $600k. Good player, could play an important role at Melbourne, but he's not worth paying anymore than that. $800k is absurd. That's a sure fire way to demolish all the good list management over the past 3 years.

Yep, I agree, mate. The Stringer model. Oliver, Viney, Tyson, Brayshaw and Salem gives us plenty of elite talent to vie for starting mid positions once Jones, Lewis and Vince hang up the boots. Petracca, Hogan and Watts for bursts as well.

I'm surprised very little has been made of Oliver's stats in comparison to any other midfielder in the modern era. He has better stats than Greg Williams at this point...

Still remember that great contested grab in his first game against Ward. That's my favourite Clarry mark, but the Essendon one was a beauty too.

I maintain I said it first. Haha.

How was I wrong here? I said he wouldn't go out...

His mark today reminded me of his contested mark on the wing in his first game. It was taken on the GWS captain, Ward. Very Michael Voss too.

Agreed, mate. I think often people feel like they have to point out an area of focus to work on, but I think this is misplaced.

I was born in 1987, so only saw videos of Robbie.

I think he had 28 touches to three quarter time, so had 4 touches for the last. Haven't been able to confirm that anywhere though. I don't. I yell it out and commentate his every disposal. He's a genius. The most exciting footballer I've ever watched in a Melbourne jumper. Ahead of Jesse, Hunt, the Wiz, Davey, Gaz, Schwarz and for a short time, Jackovich.