JJJ

I could never understand why so many MFC supporters didn't like this guy. Watched him closely during his 1st preseason and I compared him to a young Scarlett with his closing speed and willingness to push forward and break lines. His kicking skills still require a little polish but he understands the game well and is 100% team orientated. One of my absolute favourites. Still heaps of scope for improvement in him and I want to see him mentioned as a potential All-Australian next year. Could see him averaging over 20 possessions from FB/CHB.

I hope not. A quick skim of our list reveals the following players that I think will not help us win a flag: Bartram Miller Johnson Dunn Bell Newton Bail Zomer* Valenti* Hughes* Players like Buckley, Watts, Maric, Meesen, McNamara, Spencer, Blease and Strauss have either shown glimpses at senior level or were highly rated coming into the draft. People might think I am harsh on Bail but I have watched him train and play and I am yet to see why he was even drafted. I have not added players like McDonald and Bruce etc because ability to play senior footy isn't their problem, age is. Plus, they may still be around in September 2011......

Pick 1 Should be our #1 mid within 2-3 seasons Pick 2 Should be the equal of Pick 1 over the same duration Jack Watts An A grade tall forward is priority #1 Liam Jurrah X-Factor wins finals Jack Grimes Future Captain? Future All-Australian at least James Frawley Has Scarlett like abilities and will be the lynch pin of defence Cale Morton Versatile and skilled. A match up nightmare. That's 7 but I can't split them.

He is actually not a bad kick at all. His biggest problem can be cured with experience. He tends to play too 'fast' and runs himself into trouble and rushes his disposal as a result. Once he learns that he has the pace to break away and then steady he will become a better player and will find a role in the senior side. I also think that players of his size, speed and power do not grow on trees and he should be persisted with.

It's pretty simple. 2006: was an extremely effective player and smashed the Saints in an Elimination Final. 2007: Broken foot in Rd 1 which ruined the rest of the year. Came back later and carried injury through next preseason 2008: Limited preparation with knee soreness and then broke his ankle mid season which he also carried through to next preseason. 2009: Worst preseason of his career. Unable to get the hard KMs into his legs and unable to do sprint work or kicking. A major problem for someone who needs a large tank to get to as many contests as possible. I had hoped he would play better this year but after I viewed him at training in March I knew he was going to struggle to live up to his own standards. For me, this year was a re-building year for Brock. A chance to prove that he can play at least a majority of the year and get in tune with the game plan and the speed of the game. Mission accomplished. Now he needs rest and get through the preseason to ensure he can run out games and improve his speed/movement.

I have no problem with what McLean said at a primary school in country Victoria. Players are often more honest and open in those forums and if I were to guess I believe that McLean knows that Newton was tapped on the shoulder at seasons end. They will try to trade him but will likely fail and then seek a buyout. Onwards and upwards.

http://twitter.com/emmasq

Dumping (yellow) snow on the rest of the competition.

I seem to recall a Demon Magazine from around 97-98 with Todd holding an infant Jack on the cover. I remember thinking at the time that with Viney, Lyon and a couple of others having boys there was a chance we could snag a freebie. Mind you father son selections aren't as 'free' as they used to be.

Was there anything useful or informative discussed on Footy Classified?

Moloney is out. So our midfield consists of Jones, McDonald, Bartram, Petterd, Bruce, Morton and Valenti..... wow! Should be a win for us against Cousins, Cotchin, Delidio and.... whoever else they roll out.

If he is feeling a 'hot spot' or light stiffness/soreness then it is conceivable he could only miss a week or so but given his history I would have thought that any back related issue is serious for young Jack. Back injuries are always lingering and always need to be treated carefully. I damaged my back playing footy 13 years ago in a manner which I think is similar to Grimes and still feel average after a heavy knock or too many hours at the desk.

Any injury concerns regarding Grimes and his back is really bad news. The coaching staff would want him to play as many games this year as possible. I am worried.

mmmmmm sarcasm perhaps? Unless of course 'Demon Den' is actually Dennis Commetti. In that case it's just pure comedy. How are we going to get a kick in the midfield, let alone kick a winning score against that backline?

Tenace is playing..... maybe the Cats are tanking.

I have searched for a "Baileys All-Stars". It is a strange way to use such a unique talent.

Forget trading pick 2 if we happen to 'earn' it. We should be over the top in our aggression to attract a young Victorian like a Patrick Dnagerfield in the PSD. I am hoping we are in his managers ears at all times. If we have to trade for him, play hardball and trade a pick at the end of the 1st round at the most. He would look good wearing number 9.

Not quite. I think he should start in the midfield and push forward. I would be happy for him to get the pill less if he were having more inside 50's and using his pace more forward of the centre. I would give Watts 1 more week. We may be able to play well enough to give the forwards the delivery they need and he could benefit and gain some confidence.

Sweeping around the back to setup play. He isnt damaging in this role at all and opposition clubs just allow him possession in our D50 to ensure that he can't use his skills in the F50. His stats are inflated but his effectiveness is pretty average.

I hate the way Davey is playing/used. Teams have worked out our "structure".....

From the sounds of things we had a hard time putting our head over the pill tonight and you want to add Strauss who has struggled with the physical aspects of VFL footy. We need to play a team that will run hard and compete for the footy in contested situations. Bring in Bartram, Dunn and Bell and tell them they are on their last chance. Also bring in someone with form from Casey. Drop whoever you please.

You have to be kidding. Skills aside, the run and hardness at a contested situation are governed by the coach. Make no doubt about it. A coach can at least make the team work hard and contest. The structures and skills may fail under pressure but the effort should be fairly consistent. Clarkson showed that at Hawthorn.

nope. explain please........

Therein lies the problem with a really crap side, we have too many needs and too few top draft choices. It may force our hand, with us taking a tall with the 2nd pick, assuming we have a PP plus the 2nd. With GC taking the 12 best 17 year olds and having a multitude of picks before anyone else next year we need to address our deficiencies this year. Unless of course the tall forward is not in the same class as the mid.

I agree with your sentiment but I think that come 2011 we will be under a new coach.