Keyser Söze

Brilliantly skilled, no engine to speak of, terrible terrible character issues. Sounds a perfect fit for the filth actually.

What's wrong with any of it? Without any MFC promotion, Watts still would've faced the same scrutiny and criticisms by uneducated opposition supporters just looking to stick the boot into MFC one more time. If he had've played no games, ready or not, he would've been criticised for not being worthy of the number one pick. Nothing would change. Except he would be behind in development. I see no problem with any of it and no reason not to. In fact, I'm glad he did the interview and that the club is promoting him as a future star.

Nope, don't worry, its all good. There was nothing in there to read between the lines. I truly believe furthering their education like this is essential to stay competitive and I'm jealous as hell that I'm not able to go on the same trip. If there had've been something to read between the lines though, from the outside I'd have assumed the same thing.

I would've thought you'd seek out a manager who has been truly successful like Wenger or Ferguson. Benitez has done little so far at Anfield, save for blaming the owners.

Do you really think the club would publicize its intellectual property? To what gain?

Re: Talia I was thinking a kid that can play up forward but is more at home in the backline. Nothing much beyond that.

No. I was going to head it myself! Just thought it was funny to catch the AFL seemingly turning the focus on possible draft-tampering, when they'd prefer that to happen so free agency could be held at bay. Its a lose-lose scenario, albeit a minor one, but I just took great pleasure in the idea of Demetriou and Anderson scrambling around in damage control. Unfortunately it was all in my head.

Oh bugger. Seems i was completely wrong. So much for catching the AFL trying to cover up a mess...

Very true. But I'd see him as a weak link. And often you can get away with a forward or back pocket who is a bit of a passenger, but not at CHB. (i know he only ever played there out of necessity and hopefully never will again)

yes, but hidden away in the depths were few non-essendon supporters dare to tread...

Exactly what I was gearing up to post - if you are going to compare Rivers and McDonald as likes, then would you do the same with Rivers and Grimes? I'd hope not. Either way, I'm not being an apologist for Rivers - I don't think he's good enough to play in a premiership side. But that is not what we are debating here.

You're argumentative and nothing more. Betray your heritage and contribute something worthwhile for a change.

Interesting to see that article about Robson questioning Ball's draft tampering has now been removed from the AFL website...

I would've thought for a player consistently compared to ROK we'd at least consider him. Here's an article from the AFL website for a starter - http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tab...76/default.aspx He's rated roughly around our picks 11 and 18... so why has he barely been mentioned? Any reason I'm missing? Surely he fits the bill if a lot of people are considering a player like Talia? Personally I'd prefer Griffiths at 18 anyway, but Moore surely has to come up for consideration.

Slim I'd say.

Really? I heard he wanted to come back. It seems that was wrong. Maybe my source was mark stevens..?

Good for backline DEPTH. One plays as a third tall, excellent at reading the play, floating across packs with a fist to spoil, great help defender. Second rate disposal and link up man. The other has good disposal skills, plays a bit shorter, better link up player, doesn't come across to spoil in the same way. More of an offensive defender than the purely negating Rivers.

I remember hearing before he was dropped for the finals that McDonald was adamant he wanted to go back to Victoria at the end of the season. I think it was fairly well known, so a lot of teams would've refused to offer market value for him in trades. Reading that back, it does seem like i'm trying to paint a rosy picture for our new recruit-to-be, but that is how I remember things being.

If nothing else he'll give us greater backline depth, which is always handy. Not sure about the comparisons to Jared Rivers though - whilst they play similar positions they play different styles / roles. Now lets just pray Essendon take Ball, Lucas makes it to pick 11 and Port picks up Newton before he makes it to the rookie draft...

On the flip side, it could juts be under-rated by most recruiters (that's the type I'd prefer to get!)

I'm glad we stayed out and left it for Robson to say it.

Farren Ray never had and still doesn't have good disposal. His disposal is very average in fact.

You're a fool. Ball ceased to have an impact on the game because he was spent. If that's the best you've got, then I'd just give up...

When did MFC announce they are bluffing?

This is grossly incorrect. Luke Ball's shortcomings are mostly physical, but the biggest single mitigating factor for his departure is a personality clash with Ross Lyon (according to my mail from a recently delisted saint). Edit: and one of the biggest pros for recruiting Luke Ball is his renowned professionalism.