Juicebox

I think it will look tacky, only because it's not what I'm familiar with.

Very positive way of looking at things jazza and I sort of agree. Though the other side of the coin is that players can start to think a spot in the side will be gifted to them, instead of earning it.

Any word on McKenzie? Barely heard a thing about him in any of the training reports. Feels like it's been some time since he's been able to have an uninterrupted pre season and I personally still think he has a bit to offer as a tagger.

Yes, completely agree with this.

If Blease is able to "buy into" - haven't heard that term in a while - the Roos style of footy, he could become an extremely competent player. He's naturally blessed with the kind of tools that can really impact a game: as you mentioned, his pace and ability to break the lines. Really do hope it can all 'click' for him.

Really liked the look of JKH in the highlights package. Love his pace. First option was always to take the game on. Has a certain "X Factor" that we've been lacking. Looking at the sample of highlights, it doesn't seem like his kicking is a problem, rather his decision making. Seemed to only feel comfortable banging it long to a contest. Has a lot to learn and as per usual, I will follow his progress closely. Good luck to him.

I agree, of all the new recruits, I'm least excited about Michie. Naturally though, I am holding out hope that he turns out to be a very handy midfielder. But right now, I just don't think it's fair to form such an opinion on him, after such limited chances to see him play.

WJ you are being anything but fair on Michie. You saw him play one and half quarters of football. In his first game of AFL. Against Geelong. At Geelong. Yet you think "he struggled to keep up with the tempo of the game" and isn't an automatic selection in our best 22. Christ...

Yep, agreed. My initial thought of our chances of winning anything more than 5 games next year, isn't a confident one. But when you see teams like the Lions, Bulldogs and the Suns win 8 or more in a season, it does suddenly seem like a pretty reasonable expectation.

Sylvia for pick 23, that's generous!

Tyson, Michie and Viney all Oakleigh Chargers boys.

Yep, take a bow. Called that one a mile away!

On paper I'd say the trade is a pretty fair deal for both clubs. I admit, I was hoping pick 2 would be used in a straight swap for a shuey or a rockliff type of player. However, we are all crying out for immediate improvements in 2014. Tyson has been in the system for a couple years now and once he gets his body right, can have an immediate impact. Much happier with Dom Tyson instead of the Bugg and Buntine combo that was being rumoured.

Still don't really know how to feel about that incident. Sure, all bets are off on GF day. Physically beating your opponent has proven to be a legitimate tactic to win. But also, there has always been a line. Certain parts of the body you avoid...

No it wasn't. I always find it refreshing to see a Melbourne player wanting to show some accountability for their poor performance. Too many excuses over the years.

I don't know Heath Shaw personally and I've never seen first hand what he is like off the field. We're all aware of his reputation though. However on the field his behaviour at times is embarrassing. I don't doubt his ability as a player, but his tendency to throw a tantrum is a serious turn off.

I like to aknowledge players strengths and weaknesses.

No I think he is a gun and that it's extremly unlikely we'll see him or Conca at Melbourne

Off field issues are a concern. On field though, he is a better kick of the footy than anyone on our list by a mile. Does go missing for large chunks of time during games, but when he is on, he can be devastating. To get him over to Melbourne we'd have to pay massive overs. I just think you'd want a bit more reliability in a player when paying such serious cash for their signature.

Pedersen shouldn't be let anywhere near a Melbourne jumper ever again.

Such a [censored]. Was going on about how great Thompsons defensive work on Fitzpatrick was. Suppose the fact it should've been a free was irrelevent.

Funny what happens when you get it down forward QUICKLY to a one on one...

This is a really hard game to watch.

FFS this umpiring is woeful!

He is a leader and he hates losing. Tick.