The Chazz

To be honest - I think I like the air Jurrah 2.0 better! Just my opinion. Other option - sell the original Air Jurrah file to us individually, then we can get our own tshirts printed up. Not sure if that is a realistic option or not - just throwing it out there!

The line of "win more quarters" is great leadership by Bailey - I'm amazed people expect more. It is a fairly simple theory, and maybe that's why so many find it hard to understand as it is way above them. We won 8 1/2 games in 2010 compared to 4 wins in 2009. What were the 3 main areas of improvement between the 2 years? We scored more than the previous year, we kept the opposition to lower scores, and we won more quarters. Those 3 key performance indcators resulted in us winning 4 1/2 more games. Imagine if we can improve on those 3 areas again this year. There is a great chance that we might win 3 or 4 more games, which, what do you know, will give us around 12 wins for the season = maybe sneaking in to 8th place. But, we have some strange supporters amongst us that would prefer Dean Bailey to come out and say "Our target this year is to win x amount of games". What Coach does that? The arguement is that no other coaches come out and say we need to win more quarters, but I can tell you one thing, not many coaches started where Dean Bailey started either! He's stating some pretty bloody obvious things when he says it, he is setting a young, developing list some pretty achievable targets, and as they achieve these, they win more games. The FD would know tht if we win 10% more quarters this year than last, that will give us an extra 3 or 4 wins. They would have in their minds a target of probably 12 wins, but can you imagine if they made that public, and with 4 rounds to go we only had 8 wins on the board, who would the pressure be on? Bailey? Of course. The playing group? Of course. Would you really want Mike Sheehan and all his other vulture mates glaring down on our young guys saying "they failed because they didn't win 12 games"? Don't forget to listen to our President. We are only at the "In the Game" stage of the journey. Sadly, a lot of you on here have us at the next level. I'm 31 in 2 weeks, I have been patient, frustrated at times, but bloody patient. My father saw the 1964 flag. He has some pretty ordinary health issues at the moment, and would dearly love to watch a Demons flag with me, considering it was his fault that I have red and blue blood, but he knows this year wont be it, but it's getting bloody close. If you haven't got patience, the Club doesn't need supporters like you, so pi$$ off to Carlton or someone else (thanks Beamer for the appropriate way to say that!). The current FD/Administration Team have done everything they possibly can to win multiple flags in the coming years, with one of the most exciting lists I've seen, now it all needs to fall in to place through state of the art development (tick - see AAMI Park facilities), an improving playing list (tick - see KPI's that Bailey knew we had to improve in to win more games), a financially stable Club (tick - debt free). I made a comment in a different thread that people need to realise. Currently, I would rate us betwen the 8th-12th best team in the league. If we win more quarters, we will probably be the 8th best team this season. when we can sit down and look each other in the eye and honestly say that we are in the top 4 best clubs in the league, that's when myu expectation levels will be a lot higher than what they currently are. Bring on Round 1. If we get belted by the Swans, I'll happily provide some razor blades for "those" supporters that will need them.

Like the minority on here, I can't believe people have mentioned Jones or Bartram to tag him. Goodes - 194cm, 90kg. Jones 180cm, 82kg. Bartram 181cm, 82kg. If Bailey used either of those 2 to tag Goodes, he should be immediately sacked - and I love Bails! We'd be better off putting Scully on him - at least we know he'd run over the top of him. Some people Goodes WILL play a majority of the game on the ball. Yes, sure, we will see him in their forward line a fair bit, but that'll be when he is either having a break, or if he has followed the ball down there. I wouldn't even waste my time playing Garland on him should he go for a rest - put Joel Mac on him if anyone. Lynden Dunn is the perfect man to play on Goodes. Matches him with height, weight and has a pretty good motor. If the ball is in Melbourne's forward line, he will make Goodes accountable becuase he knows how to kick a goal. Morton would be playing on him again if he were playing. I can understand why some people would say that Goodes gave him a hiding, but I believe Cale handled himself quite well, and would only improve next time around. I do like the idea of giving Trengove a taste too, think it will be good for that kid. Still amazed at the amount of people saying Jones or Bartram. It is quite embarrassing.

Good post Choko. How I see it, and like you it is a case of being a realist, is that where we are at currently, there are teams that are simply better than us. Collingwood, St Kilda, Geelong, Bulldogs, and Hawthorn are by far better teams than Melbourne, and will fill positions above us on the ladder. Over the next couple of seasons, I would expect that St Kilda, Geelong and Bulldogs won't make that list. Honestly, Carlton are well ahead of us in their development (so they should be - it started a couple of years before ours), and I personally think that Essendon are a better team than we are. That, in my view, means we will be fighting for 8th spot. Last year we moved in to that group of 5 or 6 teams that clog up the middle part of the ladder (eg.7th-12th spot), but were at the bottom end of that group. If this year, we can take that step up and get closer to the top of that group (which in my opinion consists of Roos, Freo, Crows, and I think this year Richmond will be like us of last year and just scrape in), then I'll be a very satisfied supporter. Anyone with higher expectations than that are seriously kidding themselves. It's great to be optomistic, hell I am as guilty as the next person, but I am also realistic, and the reality is that there are 7 teams in the AFL this year that are better than us, and we are in a tight race with 4 other Clubs to be the 8th best team. I'd be as happy as a dog with 2 whats-its if we make the 8 this year, but should we finish 9th, I, along with most in the Football Department, would see that as a massive step forward, maybe even more so than last years efforts. In regards to this years preseason form - any time we have 22 blokes that get paid to run around in our jumper and they get beaten hurts! But, I've been involved in practice matches before, and from memory, more than half the games we didn't even have a scoreboard! If we won (even without a scoreboard you know in some games!), we didn't sing our song. They are irrelevant in terms of score, but very relevant in terms of trying new things, giving some of the kids a taste, playing blokes in positions that may be out of their comfort zone, etc etc. Plus, as I said to a friend of mine, I'm glad we lost our last 3 - imagine if we had've won each one by 5 goals or more. The external pressure that would be put on a lot of those kids wouldn't be the best thing for their development. It will happen one day, but they're not ready for it yet.

Easiest way to beat them initially will be shut down their AFL experienced players. Tag Ablett as hard as possible, no concerns over Rischitelli, Fraser, Brennan. I think they have a reasonable backline, against our forwardline anyway. Would love to see Scully and Swallow go head-to-head (no pun intended). Brad Scott was talking about the next big rivalry being NMFC v MFC. I think the MFC v Gold Coast FC one is going to be delicious! Bonus is that the Grand Final is played at the MCG. We play them in Round 4 (I think), pick the MFC team that will take on the one above. I'm finding I'm leaving some handy Dee's out. I think we will have them covered, in 2011 at least.

Bloody hard one B59. The bloke can play anywhere, so where is he best sutied for team success? Coming off a 50+ goal season, and not getting any younger, is he better off starting forward and moving up the ground when the game is there to be won? I think he is. This may allow us to get an extra year or two out of him, although I'm a little bit gun-shy planning extra years for a 30+ aged player! Having Green start forward will allow the gametime for Blease/Strauss? That's why Bails gets paid the big bucks for these decisions!

It's pretty much a case of who is the best value for the team at the picks we had. At pick 12, we had the choice of a few "handy" mids, but were they assured of giving us the Return on Investment? Maybe, but maybe not. So, picking Cook at 12, while seems a bit of risk, he may turn out to be good value. If he can develop over the next few years and become a regular player, then he was worth the punt. But, where would the midfielder, that seems better on paper than Cook, be at the same stage? Maybe a star, maybe a fringe player. I think outside the top 10, it is a very difficult year to predict where players will be. In fact, any year is hard to predict. While I was a bit disappointed last night watching the draft, I am slowly understanding the angle the Club took. I think I was just frustrated that the Gold Coast took Lynch at 11. Anyone know if Callum Sinclair got picked? We have no selections in the PSD (at this stage), may give him a rookie spot?

Why not? I think his best position for the next 3 years is Full Forward. Still think he lacks a bit of confidence to play high up the ground, and sometimes his decision making can cost us. At full forward, there's ganerally not many options! If this kid can kick 30-45 goals this season, it will be a totally different Jack Watts that takes the field in 2012. Just my view.

For the past 5 or so seasons, Geelong have had nowhere near the best forward line in the league, yet it still managed to be a powerhouse. Why? Becasue of 2 things; 1. Their midfielder's were elite, and their delivery was "centimetre perfect". 2. They got a lot of goals from this elite midfield. We are building an elite midfield, time will tell if they reach those heights. I, like everyone, can't wait to see what Scully and Trengove deliver us this year. They are the 2 blokes that can reach the heights of Ablett, Judd, etc. We need them to get there ASAP. While Davey, Sylvia and Moloney are currently our best midfielders, we really need TS and JT to pass them by a long way in the not too distant future. I think Scully will get their at times in 2011, and from 2012, I'm predicting him to be close to our best player. JT wont be far behind. This leaves blokes like Gysberts, Morton, Grimes and potentially Blease and Tapscott, to joing the levels of Flash/Col/Beamer. All of the players mentioned in this paragraph are going to form part of this elite midfield that we need to win a flag. But, I'm of the strong opinion that it will be up to Scully and Trengove to take us there (hopefully there are more, eg Sylvia and Davey taking us there, but at this stage, they still need to improve significantlly, and I'm not sure if they can get to the heights we need, which is regular Brownlow form for seasons on end). I know this opinion is going to create some discussion, but I'm being realistic with myself (which I need to otherwise I get a bit carried away!), and I don't mind if others disagree! With that said, the thing I most want to see in 2011 is Watts at Full Forward, simple as that. While he isn't that big body that we were looking for like Hale, he's getting there! But, with this midfield hopefully taking it up a step next year, the delivery to J Watts will be better, and with his early pace, will be bloody hard to stop on a lead. If this mids need to bomb it in, well, sorry Jack, but you will be used as a step ladder for LJ (or Howe by the looks of his jump). Garry Lyon made a living, among other things, as being a step ladder for Farmer and Shaun Smith, maybe that's why he had a dodgy back??!! Why am I thinking this way? I look at how Richmond played Jack Riewoldt this year and I think to myself that Watts will be a better player than him, yet this bloke won the Coleman medal, in a team that didn't have a midfield like ours. I am a little concerned (not to the point where I am losing sleep, but just have a hint of concern) about how our forward line will look in 2011 and beyond. Obviously we have 3 automatic slections in Watts, Jurrah and Green, and most will want to add Petterd in there, and I personally want to add Tapscott on a half forward flank, and Sylvia on the other, so where are we going to play guys like Wona, Fitz, Lucas Cook, Maric, Bate, and any others I have missed? The only thing I can think is that the true "goal sneak" has grown by about 3 inches at Melbourne, and all players that they have drafted, regardless of height, seem to have pace, stamina and above average skills below their knees. Meaning, the likes of Wona, Jetta, Maric and Bennell are competing with Petterd as our small forward. Not sure if any of that makes sense! I'm trying to fast forward a couple of years and look at our team structure in all divisions, and I'm just not sure what the plan is! This isn't a bad thing, it may be something that Bailey is developing that could potentially change the way the game is played for the next 10 years. Teams wanted to be like Geelong, now they are trying to be like Collingwood, maybe, just maybe throughouot this decade they will want to have a structure and game plan like Melbourne's.

Adelaide supporters are just sick, nothing more needs to be said!

So, has there been any realistic estimates where we think Callum Sinclair might actually fall to in the draft? Has he nominated? Has he ever been on an AFL list to allow him to nominate directly for the PSD?

Well said, and I respect everything you have written. I can be a harsh judge, and set very high expectations on players, coaches and Clubs in general, but try to remain as realistic as possible - hence me already booking holidays in early September because I don't think we will be playing finals. Seeing 1 flag in my life time will be an amazing experience (especially considering I'm well and truly old enough to celebrate it!), any more than that is a bonus.

Would have to consider him via the PSD for "nothing", but wouldn't be willing to use a ND pick on him. Another of these guys from Geelong that may have untapped ability due to lack of opportunity. If he can take a strong overhead mark, he's mile ahead of what we already have. How often he needs to do this is unknown, but has the physique to fill the position. Has only played 11 games, so not really concerned by his career goals column. With Meesen retired, PJ could take his spot of the rookie list freeing up one spot, is it worth waving Newton goodbye and putting TMac on the rookie list as well to free up enough spots for Spencer, Jordie and pick 12 and 32?

Sadly, I can't watch them quielty, my wife and her best friend & husband are all Geelong supporters. Well, the latter 2 are Geelong at the moment, but were Brisbane in the first half of the decade, hence my heavy scrutiny on the Club. Can't stand fence jumpers when it comes to barracking for a team in the AFL!

Geelong finished with 17 wins, 1/2 a game behind Collingwood. I think their best was still available this year, but took sore and injured players in to the finals. That game of Ablett's was one of the best individual performances I've seen, truly amazing.

Sorry for getting off thread - just answering the question of WYL. Mate, I still think they will go close to top 4 - closer to the bottom of it than the top. Wouldn't be surprised if they dropped down to 6th though. It will depend on how much the recent events will affect the players. It will also depend on who is challenging from lower positions on the ladder from this year. They did severely limp in to the finals. I kept telling my Geelong friends, from about round 18 onwards, that they were playing a lot sore players, and a couple of injured players (you can't afford to do this going in to finals). I think this is where Bomber's arrogance harmed them this year by continuing to play these blokes, and as a result, a couple of their developing kids have left due to limited opportunity. If it had've been a Cats/Magpies GF, who knows the result. Hopefully this doesn't start an arguement, but I think if Geelong made it, they would have been hard to beat, regardless of how superior Collingwood were during the year. I think Geelong's best would have beaten Collingwood's best, just.

Thanks WYL. I totally agree, and hence my opinion. Well done Max, great career, cut short due to injury. You were part of a great team that won a couple of flags, and who knows, maybe deserved one or two more such their dominance was over that period. As A MFC supporter, I wont miss you running out against us, but will miss you playing against other teams!

Good question, and love the graphic! Maybe with a clear understanding of his role, and getting consistent game time, and knowing that if he doesn't step up in 2011 that he's gone, maybe, just maybe that's enough to see him do what is required. With us missing out on Hale, I'm doubtful we will pick someone up as a mature-age rookie that hasn't got exposed form in the AFL. J-Pod did a job AT TIMES for Geelong, but we are requiring a guy to do that job, plus jump in the ruck. Answering the OP, from what I've seen, albeit from 3 or 4 secondary leagues in 2 states, I can't see a better option than PJ. Again, this is saying he is the best of a bad bunch! With such an emphasis of drafting kids in recent times, I don't think the MFC will look for a middle-age recruit through the draft system. I'm also doubtful that come round 1, 2011, there will be anyone that will be selected for this role in front of PJ.

My initial post commented on the career of Max Rooke. I added a cooment about how great it is to see what is happeneing at Geelong, then all of a sudden I was having to defend my opinion. I'm not going to standby and have my comments attacked without justification, regardless of what the topic is and what thread we are on. Perhaps if you want to drag others opinions in to it, maybe you need to start up a seperate thread. A big factor in Geelong losing to Hawthorn was their inability to kick goals. Kick straight, they win the match, simple. Geelong finished 2nd on the ladder this year. Had they beten St Kilda and played Collingwood in the GF, I'm not so sure that Collingwood would have won. It took the Pies 2 games to beat the Saints to get the flag. If they were soooooo superior, they probably should've beaten the Saints in the first GF. Any team that finishes 2nd at the end of the home and away rounds would be cinsidered a flag challenger. The fact it was Geelong would add further strength to that opinion.

If you live in Qld, Victoria doesn't even exist! I did say that I watch more Qld footy than Victorian.

This is the main part of the arguement that I can not agree with. The forwardline WILL work and score better with PJ there. It doesn't mean that PJ will be the goal scorer, it means that if the ball is kicked to a contest, chances are he will be in it and hopefully get the ball to ground to let our crumbing forwards score. This arguement will never be resolved, because I just can't understand why even the PJ-haters can't see this, just like you guys can't undersatnd why I think he is capable of doing the job required. As Daisycutter said, he';s the best of a bad bunch at present, and I can't see the present changing during the drafts (not with someone to have an impact in 2011).

I follow the VFL quite closely, and a number of the South East Queensland leagues. That's why I'm doubtful that the type of player we need that will have an immediate impact that we need is out there.

Thanks Choco Williams. Would be interested to see where Daisycutter said I was wrong in this thread.

So WYL, would you believe that some at the GFC beleive they have underperformed because they really should have won that extra flag?