Rogue

Dunn and Warnock (not sure you'd call him a 'kid', but he's inexperienced) immediately come to mind.

On the flipside, Ward's disposal is poor and at times he seems to play too loose. Warnock's not that old and I feel we should keep him for another year (eg. get rid of other guys first ). We may be forced to keep Jamar due to our poor ruck stocks and failure to recruit or rookie any last year.

Indeed, and I don't see the rule where it says you can get away with whatever you want as long as it's in a ruck contest.

What were Clarkson's comments?

Same. Sylvia, Jamar, and other players have had chances to cement their spot in the team. I hope now that CJ gets an extended run in the seniors and has a chance to settle in and show us what he's got.

Haha - you showed him! Many people have been saying the same sort of thing for a while. I don't agree with your dire assertions, but I was one who in '06 wrote that we wouldn't be in line for the flag in the next few years for the same sorts of reasons Healy has stated.

Just in case it wasn't clear, I was quoting Jaded. I agree with your comments re: Wheatley.

I imagine at least five players will be gone next year, possible one or two more. Of the players you mentioned I would delist Brown, Pickett, and Holland. PS. Interesting you choose to use the word 'retired' rather than delisted. I tend to view retirements as voluntary and delistings akin to a sacking. I can't see too many of those players you listed actively choosing to quit AFL footy just yet.

Can't see it happening next year too. While it would hurt, I wouldn't be too unhappy with us only winning two more games I suppose <_<

I agree. He has had a fairly poor last three weeks (average of 10 possessions and 0.0 playing mostly up forward) so I wouldn't call it a breakthrough yet - but good signs.

Neitz and Robertson generally get out front on the lead versus their opponents, and Essendon's forward line was very open. All things being even a forward should be able to get a break on his opponent, and once he does should always take the mark providing the delivery's good (ie. out in front rather than on top of his head). Carroll's not a star full back but he's good enough for now - there are no viable alternatives IMHO.

Yeah, wouldn't be surprised if he does have something bothering him. However the way he delivers the ball - quite low - does give opposition the opportunity to intercept it. For sure, once again I don't disagree - just wouldn't class it as a negative.

I understand Ward isn't highly rated on here, but his form has been okay and he's one of the few guys with pace.

Is CJ a defender? I thought Buckley was a mid and Petterd has been used up forward a fair bit - but he certainly might end up there, as you've said. Anyhow Frawley is probably a couple of years off becoming a KPP and both Rivers and Carroll are undersized IMO. Rivers would be a great third tall fulfilling the general role. That's true. That's why I didn't think we were going anywhere this year - problems with tall defenders, poor ruck stocks, and a very one-paced midfield (to combat this we've robbed our forward line of Davey, giving us little in the way of crumbing goal kickers).

Brown's Brown. I thought he started to do a bit more later in the game...until he got pinged :| Good on him for getting the most out of himself, but I think his time has come to an end. I'd say his disposal is more of a negative than his pace. Kicking efficiency of less than 70% this season according to AFL stats from the Record (excluding last night's game obviously). McLean tends to kick it pretty low, allowing players to intercept more than they should - particularly when passing short. While he's not that quick I don't think his pace will be much of an issue.

We could have finished the game in the last quarter, but missed multiple shots. We completely dominated for much of the fourth, but simply didn't reflect that on the scoreboard. *shrug

He looked alright, but I fail to see why Dunn should be concerned. As far as I can tell it's not one or the other - we'll have both if they're good enough.

Is it okay as long as the person you get a lift from isn't a criminal? If so, how do you know they're a criminal in the first place? STOP PRESS After a night out drinking, 24 year old gets lift home from person he met that night. It may not be a great idea, but I'm sure it happens many times every weekend. If this is the full story it's a bit of a storm in a teacup *shrug

I'm not a big fan of Healy, but I think he is preaching to the choir with his article in the Herald Sun today. Healy outlines the recruiting woes which have led to our KPP problems now - one of the main reasons I thought we were overrated coming into this season. He also mentions our lack of ruck depth, a problem that made our inaction on this front quite puzzling. Healy points to our lack of pace as another key issue, but says our youngsters give us reason for hope (although the KPP problem must be addressed). Bate is a "potential A-grader", but Healy rightly points out that Sylvia has much to prove despite being highly regarded (none more so than on this forum!). Dunn gets a mention, and hopefully we see him return next week. Wish I could get a gig writing for the a major daily...but only on Melbourne

Well said. I'm glad he's got to the 100 game mark.

I said yes, because he seemed a nice guy. I didn't like him as MFC Coach though - I can recall hoping he'd get moved on as far back as 2000

Woewodin Powell Thompson Pickett Godfrey Brown Neitz McLean Robertson

Indeed. Pretty sure Wisbey did not rate McLean at #1! From what I've read on the forums that doesn't sound like a bad assessment.

...and that's Lyon's response too.

I don't really care where we're placed tbh. I just hope our youngsters continue to improve, but understand they'll be inconsistent at times.