Vanilla Gorilla

Excellent point. The concept of "dropping the ball" doesn't seem to be pertinent in todays game. Other than the clear-cut situations like a chase down tackle, holding the ball is almost exclusively paid for "dragging the ball in" rather than incorrect disposal.

We don't need a "match winner." We need 22 players that can put in a consistent 4-quarter performance with no lapses in pressure. Do that and many will seem like match winners.

I find it laughable that the Edmund piece refers to Kelly as a "once in a decade player," when he went pick 2 that year. He wasn't even the best player in that draft, let alone the decade! Another example of sensationalist journalism designed to grab attention and create headlines. Ignore.

If Frawley leaves through FA, why not go after Ben Reid? Could be a perfect replacement KPB. I rate Frawley ahead of Reid, but it could be a viable way to mitigate Frawleys defection...

I'm amazed that a guy like Trengove can be in the system for 4(?) years and still look like he has puppy fat on him. Look at his arms and legs - they are chunky. Hardly toned like an AFL body should be at that point in his career. I asked the same body-related questions about one Cale Morton after years in the system and was assured his skinniness was just part of his "development." No. That is not development. Cale Morton should never have been so skinny and it's inexcusable that Trengove has the body he does. Also on his lack of speed/lateral moved - the solution is simple; get a sprint/agility coach. If none is available at the MFC, he should be identifying his own deficiencies and seeking one out in the off season. I understand that Trengove himself, when answering questions about his pace, has mentioned that it's a product of lack of fitness. That's understandable given his injuries. But once he regains this "fitness" he better be addressing his shortfalls ASAP.

I think most people have missed the fact that he is a self-described KPF first-and-foremost, who pinch-hits in the ruck. Will be interesting to see whether he is developed predominantly as a forward or as a ruck. My pick is the latter.

Expecting Georgiou to be Matthew Warnock 2.0 Plug-and-play shut down defender that comes into the side when injuries deem it necessary. Nothing flash, just plays his role and gets the job done. Also interesting to hear him say in one of his interviews that he doesn't mind playing on key forwards or resting ruck men - all that at 187 cms! Must play tall, as they say...

His cousin Drew might have potential for that quarterback role off a HBF

Salem comparisons to Strauss are ridiculous. I understand many poster on here are "once bitten, twice shy" about the idea of drafting for elite foot skills. Strauss didn't exactly work out as planned. But to say that Salem will turn out like Strauss just because he has a great left foot is flawed logic. As I've said before, I know someone who played with both Salem and Freeman at the Dragons this year. I can confirm Salem's foot skills are exquisite. I can also confirm that he has no problem winning his own hardball. Also when he tackles, he tackles to HURT. That doesn't sound like James Strauss to me.

Loved his endeavour - one of the few players who was genuinely having a crack out there. Unfortunately one can't expect to survive in the AFL system for more than 5 years with his level of output. All the best Nev.

Here you go Deeman http://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/2013-09-25/season-review-colin-garland

10 minutes ago I would have scoffed at the suggestion. I've always thought Garland was a bit of an introvert. A guy that's too left of centre to be a true leader. But after watching his most recent interview, it does't seem like such a crazy idea. There's something about this guy I can't quite put my finger on. He may not be particularly eloquent or captivating, but there's a steely resolve behind his words. He genuinely wants to be the driving force that transform the culture and on-field success of the club. Indeed now may not be the right time to make the appointment, but I wouldn't be surprised to see his name bandied around for the captaincy over the next few years.

I'm sure it's been posted here on numerous occasions, but it seems apt to mention it again. Adam Goodes has publicly stated that his biggest weakness upon entering the AFL system was his aggression/appetite for the contest. But, with competent coaching staff and older teammates mentoring him, he was able to improve that aspect of his game. Aggression can be learned. Wattsy may not become a Jack Viney, but he can improve at least enough to become AFL average. It's up to Jack whether he WANTS to.

Do you happen to have a link to the Vince interview?

Someone close to me played with Freeman down at Sandy this year. When I asked about Freeman, the response I got was surprising. He didn't talk about explosive pace or goal-kicking ability. He said Freeman is a BULLY. Apparently the kid is the same size now as he was at 16 - and in juniors he used his physicality and grunt to literally bully and scare other kids on the field. Height might still be the same, but supposedly the aggression is still well and truly there.

Nice idea for a thread BD, however don't agree with your point apropos our ruck stocks. Jamar can scarcely be considered a ruckman, given both his perennial injuries and total ineffectiveness when playing. Gawn is one knee-reco away from retirement. Spencer is a long term battler. Fitzpatrick is flat-out not a ruckman. I'd say that's a precarious situation to be in. Wouldn't be surprised if we went after Jolly or someone similar as insurance.

Nathan Jones. Constant effort, training professionalism and most of all ON-FIELD PERFORMANCE must be rewarded. When someone else wins a Bluey we can start considering other possibilities.

I don't think GWS would be too happy about that

Seems like a decent strategy. Get some value out of Jamar with a trade, then sign Jolly for nothing as a delisted free agent. Jolly is a plug-and-play replacement for Jamar so essentially it's all win and no loss (assuming other clubs think Jamar has any value whatsoever - which is doubtful in and of itself)

He should probably see a haematologist about that

Howe Dawes Watts Hogan Clark Fitzpatrick No team has been in a position to field so many talls concurrently. Can it work? Should we give it a go? Personally, I'm already salivating at the thought of Hogan attracting the 4th tall defender (aka a back pocket). Discuss.

Are you suggesting that he'll ask to be traded? You've got to be kidding! The kid has had quite literally no impact at senior level. Has showed very little to suggest he will become a good player (bar a few good performances at Casey). We have persevered with him through early injuries and he hasn't repayed the club in the slightest. He is LUCKY to still be here and owes the MFC for giving him a shot.

2 horse race - Nathan Jones and Garland. Jones slightly ahead for me.

Since when did 50-50 mean an almost certainty? Not the laws of probability I learnt in high school...

What's the point of having salary cap space is we're not going to use it? They guy is clearly chasing money, and we're in the fortunate position of giving him that.