Footynut

I never wanted him - as I said previous he has max 2 yrs left in his body which makes Ess and Coll better fits for Sept action (seemingly). However all this rubbish him and his manager are doing and going on with is really upsetting in terms of a total lack of respect for our club. I honestly can't wait for scully to line up on him in 2010 or 11 and run off him all day exposing what a liability he is. My hope is that in 2 or 3 yrs time when players perception of where Mfc is at has changed that this sort of blatant draft tampering is allowed so players such as this get to us while our window is open. Having said all this I'm really pleased we will be picking someone like Vardy instead - Go Dees!!

I agree I really hope we get him with 34 I think that x factor can never be underestimated! I wonder if jims group had a chance to meet him? Interesting how clubs are going hard overseas recruiting when these guys with so much talent are under our noses!

I agree with the fact we should take big butcher at 11 if he is there. But I feel we are wasting our breath even talking about it as he is very unlikely to be there. It would seem Port are dead keen on him. So the question really is what to do with pick 11 if Butcher is gone. Do we go next best in Talia? Is he what people call a quality kpp or tapscott or Stevens or Lucas who would add further polish and grunt to our midfield?

Agreed HT I think we are on the same page. I wonder where BP sits. Would still love to hear GMs dream draft.

Agree as well essendon is where he will go IMO

I think it's all been said... My 2 cents is that we shouldn't pick him under any circumstances. He will be finished as an effective player in 2 yrs which is why he is pushing to get to a club closer to sept action. He knows it and it's that simple. He ain't that good 22 rounds a year (yes good grand final) but he is not on the park enough. It would be a terrible waste for us to o pick him. Also a great opportunity for DB to show the playing group wo saying anything that even given the opportunity MFC don't just settle for anyone. There are 2 camps those that are with us and those who aren't..... There that's out of my system. No more time wasted on LB for me!

Does anyone have any updates on how MT is actually going at training? Is he 'training the house down or not?'

Totally agree w you 45hg16 we need to do far better at being inclusive and $90 is exclusive for something like this. This held early enough to be famiy and kid friendly. We should have a venue that can cater to this and allow for all to come and get close to the heart of the club not held at arms length. Having said all that I'll probably be there as I want to support the club events and I know it will be a good night. Just wish we could involve more people. Mentality for most events should be how do we get more supporters to our club and then make them members....

Thanks for a well put thought provoking post GM. I have been musing this point for some time. It feels like on this board alot of people are talking up all the tall forwards. But the question is, in this draft being compromised, where will the talls that are being talked up rate comparitive to other years. You are quite right most years even drafts that were great we haven't seen a huge amount of depth of great talls drafted. IMO the only 2 that are anywhere close to being worth any early pick are Butcher and Talia it would seem all others from a KPP are a big punt. There are good reasons also why we would do this. One is structure the ability to stand tall and be a target but also being able to take the Best back and split packs to bring others into the game in the forward line is something we do not have at all. Bate is a lead up player, as is Miller, even Robbo wa too small to provide this option. But that would be about it. Every other player would be a punt. I guess the other question to consider is the fact our ability to find a great power forward in future drafts is going to be almost zero and therefore this is our last chance to punt in a draft that we hold the cards. The other way we could go is to go with pick 11 and 18 for tapscott or stevens type players. If these guys turn out we may see more immediate performance and in turn we may have more quality to trade for a kpp down the track if needed which it would seem the only other way to get one. Your assertion is correct and well made Kpp that are great are rare as hens teeth. I would ask you then based on your theory what MFC's dream draft should look like in your opinion.

just thinking through I have to say I'm so happy thorpe is training with us. The best thing that could happen is he comes on board and sets the tone for our forward line. Aggressive, hard at it play! The other great thing would be to watch scully run off Luke ball And destroy the saints when we play them. moloney to iron him out to let him know he missed the really BIG window that's coming for the dees!!

Last week on SEN Robert Shaw said Freo were looking very closely at Gawn. He said there is a lot to like about him and they want a replacement for Warnock.

would be interested to see if hardwick was interested as tigers have pick 2 in psd and he would know thorpe well. If we don't take him in the psd not sure he would be there for rookie selections. Thoughts?

Just soooo lazy I am... Googled and here you go.... http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tab...08/default.aspx Looks like Luke Balls avoiding us.... However I did pick up the end of the convo where talked about Strass coming along really well and Blease is back to jogging and running... Anyone else got anything to add?

Did anyone catch what Dean Bailey had to say this morning on SEN?

Totally agree...way overhyped long long term project player. With the picks we have we will have far better selections to consider. I would have thought Troy Taylor or Liam Patrick, or Butcher, Black, Talia or Carlisle would all be better picks for where our selections will be taken.

A question for us to consider is if Joel MacDonald would be a good option for us if Ball deal falls over? http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=86144 Strong rebounding defender. Although our defence is already looking good, he would be able to rotate with Grimes through midfield and would give us a strong body with good run and carry. Thoughts?

Oh cool so you've seen Temmel play then?

Trenners maybe you are being a bit fatalistic? How do doggies keep Johnson, Hall, Aker, Gilbee, Cooney, Griffen, Higgins, Lake etc etc? How did Brisbane keep them all together during premiership years? How do Geelong keep them all? Most good players stay at clubs if the club is successful and has the right leaders and spirit. We need to aim to nail those and we should trying to keep as many good players as we can regardless...

Well put Crystal you have backed up your arguement with good stats! You are of course totally right re team balance there is no way Junior will do the whole year in BP nor will Warnock, Frawley or Garland play in the same defence. Garland may play forward. And lets not forget injury (God forbid). Theres always someone out. We need a player like Cheney up and coming to fill the mid size player role in a BP. Anyway that my HO

I'm new to Demonland...what a time sucker....anyone i cant believe how many fights/arguements people have on here all from the same club.... just struck me as odd...healthy debate is one thing but some people get quite personal...odd when we should all be on the same team... i think we all would love to see the same thing? (Premiership?) I'm sure posting this ill be labelled and shouted down ....lol

Agreed Battler B how anyone could say they wouldnt take him at 11 when he is exactly what we need to straighten us up and take the pressure off Watts. He is quality and in any case will create a strong contest to bring ball to ground for our crumbers!

How good is it we have so many options!! Exciting to watch it all unfold in the coming years... Grimes yes!! Maric yes! Morton will roam the wings and control Halfback as an attacking option? Bennell direct replacement for Wheels?

I hear you....11 we want Butcher - Watts, Butcher, Jurrah.....watch out!!

Unfortunately agree... I really wish it wasnt the case... The wheel will turn though once we have the young group getting some momentum - we will become a far more attractive proposition to players wanting to move.

Make no mistake Scully and Trengove are stand out 1 and 2 regardless of order.... We are going to be blessed in the coming years....well I bloody hope so!!