Adam The God

I'd say that Garland is even better than Warnock and I agree with the above statement, so I'd say we have at least three. But it's a bit of a stupid thing to say. It over simplifies the situation extraordinarily. We might have a 'defender' (who is an accomplished player, according to you 45?), like say Garland. But at the same time, he too is still developing, so to over simplify a list as you're doing 45, is a little unfair.

Maric showed enough last week. He was quite good.

Agreed. Was going to add this earlier.

Gardiner's not the player he was, he's slow and soft IMO.

Exciting times, to be sure.

Agreed. Easily.

Well you really only have to look at the current 22s of some of the contenders - Geelong don't have Ottens and are winning every game, Hawthorn have Campbell (who is a log btw), St Kilda have two average rejects, as is the way with them. This proves you don't need a dominent Dean Cox type ruckman to be successful, even though it would be nice to have a top line ruckman too. Our two main priorities are and should be another key position forward and an elite midfielder. Concerntrate on getting those two and we'll be a powerhouse, if everyone manages to stay injury free, over the next 5 years.

Perhaps, but I think Enforcer is right. Not everyone at the age of 17 is accomplished enough to coup with media committments like Watts was, at the same age. That said, if you read the difference between the Butcher article and the Scully article in The Age, on the same day, there is a clear attitude difference. Scully presents himself beautifully and seems like a nice kid, but again perhaps Butcher lacks the media skills at this stage?

I'm in the same boat, High Tower. Each week, all I ask is steadied improvement. Minimise those turnovers, get better at decision making (which comes with more games) and improve disposal effectiveness. The other BIG thing is being able to run out an entire game. I know as a young side, we're not going to be doing that just yet, but I think that should be the aim every week. I'm also loving the 4 quarter competitiveness. Finally, we're playing with passion and determination, that I haven't seen in a Melbourne team for many years. There's no doubt Bailey is building a strong culture down there. Go Dees!

Yeah, it's more than likely they simply look at the stats and base a lot of their assumptions on them. I've noticed that a few times this year. Anyone who watched the game the other night couldn't have overlooked Jamar. He clearly killed Gardiner and King and took a couple of strong pack marks. That's in the best for me, particularly considering our second half.

I did acknowledge that it was more than likely the journo placed him in a situation and made him sound a certain way to sell a paper. Particuarly, as it was a tabloid like the Sun.

You could have something, Sylvinator. But I think it's more than likely with the promise in our young list, over the next two or three years, it can really only go up. Especially, if everything within the boardroom stays the same and the MFC continue to produce positive, yet daring plans and proposals to improve the club and of course implement them. Everywhere I look, the club seems to be getting more professional. With a lot of hard work and correct decision making, hopefully in five years, we find ourselves in a similar position to Hawthorn. With 40,000 members and the club becoming a financial powerhouse. We can all dream. :D Let's hope it happens!

Fantastic to see! Is 35,000 too many to aim for next year?

I jumped on YouTube last night and watched a few clips of Scully and Butcher in action from last years championships. Scully looks fantastic. At least once he sets up a goal for Jack Watts. A sign of things to come? Some of you might be interested to watch the clips of Blease, Watts and Strauss. All three feature prominently through out each others highlight reels and seemed to kick it to each other all the time. Maybe they knew something? I'm going to keep a keen eye on this competition, over the next month.

This is a good point, however.

To be honest, I was more concerned about his attitude. What an arrogant little [censored]. You haven't been drafted yet, get off your high horse.

Bell won't be dropped. They've got to give him another chance, having only just come back into the side. I also think Robbo should be out for an extra week and Newton should come in. Cheney does deserve a game, but with Bell only just coming back, I don't see him fitting in. Bennell was a shining light in the Saints game, while Grimes was the other. Are they not both similar to Cheney? Also, the criticism of Martin is a little harsh. He's just being played out of position. Put him down back.

Newton might have let us down with his poor kicking, but at least he doesn't have trouble getting his hands on the ball and he gives us a target. Give Newton another game.

Perhaps. Not totally against it, but I don't think Martin is suited to the forwardline. Of course, it's early days in that plan, but he looked completely lost the other night. I'd say it's worth a try, but my only question is what to do with Martin, because I believe our backline should read something like Whealen, Garland, Warnock, Frawley, Rivers, Martin. In addition, Grimes and Bennell are quickly becoming my favourites off half back. Does Miller fit down back?

It has been discussed in other threads, but I think you'll find he's being played up the ground, in order to improve his aerobic capacity and endurance. I, like other posters believe it's the right idea.

Not sure about footage but there is a picture in Sunday's Herald Sun.

God, he's impressive. Speaks well and outlines some great points. I like him even more, every time I hear a new press conference.

I've been thinking, if Bailey does drop Miller, how do we structure up? Does Bate play as a lead up forward, in place of Millsy? I think we need another lead up target, ie Newton, next week. Our Geelong-esque style of play probably requires one lead up player (a Bate around half forward) and a tall to kick to in the goal square (Newton from the square). Around them, run and carry through the middle and goals from midfield. I know it's not quite as simple as this, but it seems the personell we'll have on offer won't include Jurrah or Watts and therefore we might have to structure up something like the above. Perhaps?

It sounds like Newton will get a game then. From the threads I've read on the Scorpions today, I'd say Robbo won't play next week. I think it'd send a bad message to Robbo if we play him next week, being that he didn't dominate today. It's basically saying we're no chop without you (which is probably true), but we have already told him, to get a game in the side he has to do all the team things. Doesn't sound like he did them today. Newton didn't have trouble getting the ball when he was playing earlier in the season and if he'd finished those (admittedly) extremely easy shots on goal, we'd probably be very excited by him. If he can fix up his kicking, give him a game!

Agreed.