Rogue

Sounds good. I was impressed by the following: He's said he's 100% committed to AFL and his weekly trip certainly shows some dedication to footy. Hopefully Jurrah can settle in to life in Melbourne and fulfil his potential.

Yep. It's just that they don't want to miss out on the young kid they've earmarked for the PSD.

Yep.

I agree.

Yeah, it's frustrating how many teams don't seem to do the basics right. Whether it's positioning of the slip cordon or running between the wickets they constantly put themselves at a disadvantage. I agree. It was weak for NZ to give in to the BCCI, but they're not in a strong position at the negotiating table so I can understand the capitulation even though I don't agree with it. NZ know this, and McCullum knows this. That's why he was batting at #5 previously. Fwiw, I don't think he should open, but he can be wasted at #7 (particularly when you've got a tail like NZ do atm). I agree.

I admire your optimism, but I think we're at least 6 years off that figure.

Sure, but there aren't the same factors at play. In example - There's little risk of the player losing in these circumstances, should it go to court. In the Carroll case, there may have been some argument that the player had breached his contract through his indiscretions. There's also nothing that the player might find embarassing or damaging to his reputation in these circumstances (I'm sure he'd already cop the 'you hack' comments). In the Carroll case, he may have been keen to keep revelations about indiscretions out of the public domain. Ofc, there's also the possibility that despite thinking we were in the right, we didn't want to go through the hassle of Court either. Yeah, this would be interesting. I wonder if we'll find out.

^ Yeah, I thought the SMS was a good idea. I'm pretty sure they've done something similar with a mail-out in the past (having a message personalised by adding in your name).

I think there are a few factors you would consider if you were in his shoes. 'A bird in hand....', as they say. Even if Carroll felt he hadn't breached contract, he may not have been sure. He may have felt that despite being in the right, there was some risk. There's also the impact of a court case - perhaps not just financial considerations (I'm not sure if he'd pay fees or the AFLPA) but also personal. Whether or not he'd breached the contract I doubt whatever happened would look good splashed across the papers. Melbourne didn't want him so it's unlikely he'd play AFL-level footy in 2009. That would probably finish his career. Another year older and with a year out of the game he'd be close to zero chance of being picked up somewhere else. It seemed a chance St. Kilda would pick him up in this year's draft, so ending the contract with Melbourne would allow him to pursue other opportunities.

'I want some of what he's having'.

Jamar's Jamar, PJ's biggest fans seem to call him a great 'second ruck' - do NQR gals get 'great bridesmaid'? - and Meesen's probably behind Spencer if you listen to reports on Demonland. I want to see us rookie more rucks, particularly if we don't pick one up in the PSD. I believe Hawthorn have six ruck prospects on their list.

The following guys were mentioned in a Herald Sun article: Tom Rockliff Jamie Sheahan Riley Milne Matthew DeBoer Tom Allwright Casey Sibosado Has he finished growing? I'm sure has something in the tank.

Very nice

I always liked King.

*- first round + end of the season

Fwiw, at the Draft Preview Function last Thursday Prendergast said the 'go home' factor was irrelevant. He asserted that the Club would back itself to provide an environment that was good enough to keep players at Melbourne.

Lets get someone to the Club that wants to be here. Our list isn't so good that we can afford to waste any chances - however remote - to unearth a player.

We've been pretty slow for a while now - Ward wouldn't have played as many games if we weren't - and thus the fact we've added some pace and skill is very good. I do think it's valid to argue that perhaps you should build your spine first since they take longer to develop, but it depends on what's there. Exactly. If we felt these guys were better than the talls left at those picks than we made the right choice. I don't agree with you there. We've still got pick 1 in the PSD plus a host of rookie spots, and many AFL rucks have entered the AFL system without fanfare. I'll share your concern if we don't pick up some rucks in the rookie draft though.

Looks like he's done at AFL level.

Most recruiters seem to agree that Watts is the best 'footballer', while 'NikNat' is an athletic 'freak'. BP's comments last night were along similar lines.

Fair enough. I'm sure I've been consistent in my opinion of Rivers (very good player that plays as third-tall rather than KPD). I'm not sure he does have the strength to go with some of bigger guys out there. That's probably why guys like Carroll, Holland, and Nicho have been the first to get the big jobs in the past.

I think he generally does a job. Not everyone's going to be the out-and-out wicket-taker but he can create opportunities for others while also taking the odd bag (particularly in favourable conditions). I'd like to see us play a bona fide swing bowler, so here's hoping Hilfenhaus can stay fit and in-form in the lead-up to Ashes 2009.

Same. While BP didn't discount the notion that Watts could be a power forward he certainly didn't speak like that notion was inevitable. I think it's a sign that Watts is a young guy and it's hard to predict whether he'll ever develop the physique of a power forward. I think there do have to be some doubts. I've only seen some snippets of footage but he certainly doesn't seem to have the body of a Brown, but not many do and he's still young. However, I'm sure there are other guys running around who do already have that 'power forward' physique. Regardless, I wouldn't be fussed if he never became that 'power forward' some want - from what I know of the two contenders I'd still take him at #1. You might be right regarding it being closer than some think, as that's exactly what BP said in comments published in an article on afl.com.au a few days ago.

Isn't Wayne Oswald the guy that bailed on us? I think a better pointer is the fact that BP said the 'footballer is back', and - as Redleg said - Watts is clearly the better 'footballer'.

Yep, agreed. Do you think Harley plays a similar role for Geelong? Understood Excellent - that would have been a good day. Hopefully you see another flag soon!