Red Sox

Bate seems to have slipped quickly from most calculations as to being in our best side. He had an interrupted start to the season injury wise and never really recovered from this. I can understand why he has found himself so quickly on the periphery, due to the fact we seem to have many vying for a half forward position and hoping to add another key position player to Watts and Jurrah, it starts to limit Bate's role and requirement as that hit up, lead up forward. A better pre-season and he will be given every opportunity, if he struggles he would find himself a bit on edge. It could be argued that this is the reason to shop his currency around now. I believe he is of better value than that just now.

A freak goal tonight by Leigh Brown. More of a doosra as it spun towards off. Does anyone remember Stephen Newport's leg break goal at the 'G? I'm fairly certain it was against the pies, the 1988 Semi Final?

Can't see St Kilda beating them, so it might be time to pack it up. The pies play the same full pressure game as the saints, yet seem to have a fair bit more flair about how they finish it all off. Nice to think that we rightfully had claims on beating them twice this year.

As said, we have players such as Bennell, Jetta, Wonna, Maric, Bail as well as Tapscott to come in and play the half forward role we require. Depending on circumstance all of these guys deserve more of an opportunity in 2011 to see who will come forward & stake a claim to a permanent spot. Don't think we gain a lot by bringing Davey into that mix. He is ok without being anything spectacular & the others above deserve to show if they can be better than just ok.

Looking forward to Jack putting on a few more kgs over the pre-season. Gaining more strength is more important for him than anything. I think his perceived lack of aggression will be overcome by his natural will to want to be better. As said, some very good signs without being a star at anytime. But IMO he has all the makings to become one. Some great snippets of ball use, by foot and hand. Racking up 27 touches against Lions. A glass well and truly half full.

At least he should have no fear on the field then? B)

Yep, am sold on the alternative. No David Hale!

You just wanted to use the term, draft combine B) Looks ok this kid. I like his upright posture, seems to have plenty of time. Potential at both ends is a positive.

Yes, I can see the logic in concerning ourselves more with the 'deep' key forward. I think we will end up with Darling. Besides who it is, a deep forward around the others we currently have, would be the final piece in the forward line. Fitpatrick will play games and get time deep around that structure also.

I certainly can't lay claim to having paid a whole lot of attention to him. But if you say he was playing 95% deep then I'll take your word for it. I would've thought he had played a fair bit more ruck, considering players like Goldstein had taken his place & kicked a few goals also. Look, I'm not all for this bloke, I reckon that Fitpatrick is a chance to get some game time next year, but he and Gawn will still take some time. For little loss I believe he could definitely be a better option in tandem with Jamar than PJ.

Yep, reckon we will be taking Darling. If he gets to 12 but I'm willing to go with Kevin Sheahan's prediction that he will. Darling ticks the boxes that Dean & co are looking for. A move to Vic could serve him well.

17 goals from 12 games this year, that's not a bad return. Interesting that he is from Qld but heard that he is seeking a trade that keeps him in Melb. Having kicked 119 goals from 129 games he seems to have a bit more going for him, especially forward, than PJ. Jamar too has shown he can take a mark going forward. I think they could work ok together, but it would depend on what we had to give up. Our second pick is all I would be willing to part with for him, and that would make it a tough trade.

That's why they need a defender. Their defense is sh!thouse and they need to solve that problem. Don't think it would be Roughead they would deal with though

A super season by Bartram. For now he has claimed his spot in the best 22. His kicking is poor and because of this his spot will be under threat in 2011.

Nice B)

Obviously Roughhead would be nice and would fit well IMO. I don't mind that, pick 12 and Warnock but if it were the other way around would I take it? Perhaps not. But if I was a Hawk I would also understand that we need a Key Defender, Stratton looks ok and that would leave Gibson to the 3rd best forward, not the best. But is that worth giving up Rough? I don't think we will trade at all this year. Next year will be different after a few more kids play and we see for sure what our deficiencies are. Fitzpatrick is one that, on potential, could play deep forward and as a secondary ruck. We need to see a bit of him and others before we trade. Should the right offer come for a Jones, Warnock etc I am sure we will listen, but IMO it's not of concern.

I agree that Blease is more important than Strauss. Strauss has many concerns about him right now, no doubt he has a great kick on him but might be better suited to playing with the blinkers on. Hopefully Strauss sorts this out with his new contract. Really want to see Blease signed. But this will happen, I suspect that what has happened over the past 2 years the club and Blease are likely sorting what is acceptable for both.

Thanks guys.... & girls, yes I forgot about the standard 2 year deal. Would be nice to see him tucked away for another year or two after 2011 to keep him well away from any GWS temptations. Obviously everyone else listed here needed to be done first.

IS TOM SCULLY SIGNED????!

Warnock has a year on his contract, doesn't he? Sure that he will come up in discussions regardless. Good day for the club.

Well done to Chip & Russian. Both super achievements to be recognised, Frawley at just 21 and Jamar after looking as if his career may pass him by unfulfilled. I thought Green was our most assured selection and am very surprised he missed out. Jurrah with mark of the year, a great night of involvement for the MFC. Well done boys.

What is this? Do Demonland members play matches against other teams forum members?

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=627172

Love it! B)

Indeed!