Pates

Moving back to the MCG definitely appears be a positive, but I have the same concerns as Earl Hood. If we're still having to train at our same outdoor location then what benefit is there to the players? AAMI park is an elite facility so whatever we do, or wherever we go it must be to give the players the best opportunity to improve themselves and not just be a fluff story designed to give us good press and perception.

This is the first we've heard of a Melbourne player speaking honestly about the situation and responding to the thoughts of the Melbourne fans. It's actually really good to hear from a long time Dees player, especially one that at times has copped ridicule from the supporters (and I regret to say myself included). This reminds us that we are looking at this from the outside in, with probably 10% of the information. At the end of the day those two have gone out on the field, and bruised and bled together, that sort of a mateship can't be under estimated. His comment of him being disgruntled also points that the players too feel frustrated by this, but he's not letting that emotion get the better of him. I agree with Dunny that some of the comments made about him are disgusting and likely so far off the mark it's not funny. I don't know if I'm at a stage where I can wish Mitch all the best, but if nothing else it should be taken on board by the fans that Lynden does.

Clark for Varcoe isn't too bad IMO. I was keen for us to try to get him last year and was laughed at saying he couldn't string two games together but he managed 23 this year. I know he isn't at the hights he got to in previous years but he could add polish and speed, two things we're sorely lacking. I would take the trade as a win for both parties, cats get a potential second key forward to help Hawkins and he get an experienced player with attributes we require. Varcoe would be a similar get to Vince for me. Still doesn't feel good but Roos and do will know to take emotions out of the equation.

Definitely think we should play hard ball with him and Geelong, we get the deal we want or he goes in the draft. I believe the AFLPA and co have said that he won't be a "delisted free agent" so he can't walk to his favoured club. I'm sure there are plenty of clubs that would pick him up for free who are below the cats. If MC is genuine on his desire to get Melbourne compensation than it'll be up to him to make sure a deal gets done. I don't think there's a better choice in clubs, either way it doesn't sit right.

Ok here's my take on the situation: I wasn't a huge fan of getting him, the way in which he exited the Pies lent himself to being precious and possibly a distraction. But he has chosen us as his club of choice, and no doubt that was Paul Roos driven (who by the way just about everyone trusts implicitly). He could add some desperately needed pace to our backline, has experience so there will be no learning curve and has shown AA ability in the past (whether or not you think it was deserved is beside point). If we get him, support him. Simple as that. How many times has Roos turned a player around? He could do it again.

I was under the impression that once a contract is signed you can't leave over the following trading period. Maybe it can happen if the player wants it, but it seems strange to do so after signing an extension.

That's the premiership you're talking about right?

Great stuff from Jack. He's got a great attitude and really cares about the club. Looking forward to the next phase of his development.

They really should just get rid of this rule. Last year was the precedent, we were so bad that it was sickening to watch us play and yet they saw no reason to give us a pick based on the fact that our best player (who didn't play due to mental illness) was going to return. This year I felt like we deserved it less, there was tangible improvement and we have good operators at the helm. I feel that with clever drafting and trading we will be able to improve our position significantly next year. The only way I can see a team getting a special assistance pick is if they didn't win a game for the entire year, and even then if it was us I would doubt it happening.

One of the positives of the season, a great example of hard work and perseverance.

We chose not to be one of the teams willing to recruit him. I reckon if we'd nominated we would've been a fair chance but it was always going to be Port if they put up their hand.

The producers would've loved the ending to the show, guy gets to live his boyhood dream. FWIW I felt Kochies pitch, although a bit over the top, was probably the most direct. Will be interesting to see how he goes there.

He was always gone at the end of the year. Maybe someone else will find a way to harness his speed and upside without showing much of his downside. Probably not though.

Surprised no one has asked the question, but is he an option as successor? First year was excellent, and comes from the Geelong system. Probably not to be honest, but just throwing it out there. Very surprised though, didn't see this coming at all.

I thoroughly dislike the little bugger, but I didn't feel the force justified him getting suspended despite the blood.

Pick 2 or Frawley compo (should be pick 3) + Toumpas/Trengove for Dangerfield + 2nd or 3rd round pick would be fair IMO.

I know this is a rare situation but in the future if we ever face a situation like this a non-compete clause is something we should place in the contract.

It's good to see a Melbourne player backing himself, some earlier stages during the season he burnt a few players in better positions but his last game was a great example of his potential. Like many before him, he's got excellent attributes, next year he needs to go from potential to player and then after that useful consistent player.

I've been one to try to disassociate the Wines vs Toumpas decision, just focus on our player make him the best we can. But jeez I was devasted reading his stats from last night.

Can't imagine getting much for him. He's delivered very little but I reckon in a good environment he could actually do ok. Would be very happy with a 3rd rounder, and if they want to do a trade for Yarran plus maybe a pick upgrade for Carlton.

The 5 year contract I definitely believe but the trade, I doubt the club would be able to survive the fallout from the fans. The love for him is up there is with any player over history. For that matter I can't see him even considering going somewhere else.

Yeah whoever wins should be looking at clubs that he can make an impact at and not so much the best clubs. If he does choose Melbourne he's probably got the best chance to play AFL. Competition is probably similar to the guys he'd be up against on the show!

So anyone else keeping up with what's happened? I have to say despite the cheesy challenges I've really enjoyed the show and will be interested to see who wins it. I don't see us being chosen as the club though! (Spoilers) With the final 3 chosen I reckon we should have a look at Padraig, the Irish bloke. I was a bit surprised he didn't get through to the final. His attitude change was amazing to watch and I reckon he could be a potential project player. Seemed to excel in a lot of the pure athletic challenges and during the challenge against the army guys showed great leadership. My tips Wagner.

In terms of a Lumumba vs Mitch it seems fairly obvious: Lumumba is the safe option (ironic given not long ago we were considering him a risk), but you know that he's been playing consistently for a while now. He's shown ability in recent years but this year has tapered off, but he also seems to fill a lack of speed and dash on the back line. Mitch is the high risk, high reward. If he proves successful he could be a missing link to a team, if he fails it could blow up in the clubs face with filling a spot on a list and losing money. I would still rather Mitch to stay but if we do get HL that is at least something.

What his manager said about Mitch walking away was a massive favour to the club is the biggest load I've ever heard. Very typical manager speak to make himself and his client look better. Now all that said, hearing what Mitch said himself was heartening. Without knowing the facts, I believe the issues is what many have said, that the MFC and MC's manager are at odds on how he should return and on what coin. I am certainly in the mould that Mitch owes us for how we have handled him situation and that a one year contract on a relatively low salary is fair from our point of view. Ideally I'd like to see him rookie listed as it would mean he isn't burdened with the full load and expectation of an AFL player, and if he fails to meet requirements it's less damaging to him and the club, but I feel that his manager will never accept that. Seeing some of the footage with him in Red and Blue made me remember how much joy and passion he brought on the field, I just hope he can remember that as well. Gut feeling is that he is likely going to another club, but hopefully Roos and PJ can find a way to convince him he's a demon. I really wonder how much his manager has been in his ear about being able to maximise his potential contract, rather than considering that just returning to football is another stage of recovery. And FWIW I know there have been a lot on hear questioning the validity of his depression, fact is we are in no position to know his mental health. Roos and the club are taking the matter very seriously and I trust that they'll do what they can to get the best result for us.