Pates

Carlton have the bargaining chips, but if i was Judd, and i was being honest with myself, I would be looking at the Pies as my choice. It's got everything going for it, facilities, money, premiership chance, good staff,etc. But i would have Melbourne before Carlton, for a number of reasons. 1. He would always be seen as chasing the $$$$, not the top prize. 2. The Dome would be my home ground, and he's already stated he wants to play on the G 3. He wouldn't be screwing WC because we do have much to offer them, pick 4, players on the outer etc. 4. Choosing Melbourne over Carlton, i think, would gain you respect in the football world because you'd be going to a project club rather than one that's being propped up by a Millionaire and let's face it, still has issues. I've said it all along though, if Collingwood are willing to trade for him, and WC are wiling to deal with them than he'll be a Pie next year. But honestly can't picture him as a Blue bagger, which IMO leaves us in second stop to get him.

It was sickening to see him walk around OO on the Footy show last night, it'll be good to see footage of him meeting with MFC staff. Maybe this is just stupid, but Melbourne Victory's stuffing around with the new Bubble dome might have hurt us with convincing Judd. We should've had a state of the art facility in the making for 2008 at this stage, but because of all the hold ups it won't be ready till 2009. It may just be those little things that make or break. But still, got to stay positive! C'mon Bails, Cuddles, and Gazza, bring the Juddernaut home! PS. I'm a fan of MVFC, i think i'm just so nervous that i'm looking at every little crack!

Really dissapointing from Robbo, and i don't think we should take the risk of giving him an extra year. I hope he settles on being at Melbourne for two but if he can't then let's trade him and go hardcore on it, if the bulldogs don't give us what we want then send him to the PSD. I don't want another Bizzell. PS. I'm a fan of Robbo's but this has really hurst me.

Obviously if we're to get Judd, pick 4 would probably be going to WC. But is he the only player we'd consider trading the pick for, or should we be shopping it around to see if anyone is interested, and what should we be trying to get for it?

I think extra time is definately something the AFL should consider. I remember watching the Liverpool v AC Milan match where the Pool came from 3-0 down to level it at 3-3 and take it into extra time, that match's extra time was so increadibly nerve-racking and thrilling despite there being no goals, just seeing the players try to muster up that extra 10% when they were physically and mentally stuffed was inspiring. (Same with the Aust v Urug qualifier) I'm not sure it works as well for AFL, but Friday night was an amazing game to watch.

All the best to him, this is the start of a new era for the MFC and i think the fact is that it would hurt the relationship between Bails and the players if Reilly remained, just because he's been around for the Danners times and he was passed over for the top job. Good luck Bomer, though i don't wish your new club any success!

3. Jaded's Stewie Robot 2. Madness 1. Finks' dog (simple, but i love it!)

We could trade to get Scott Thompson back! And then he'd say he'd want to go back home! But i do agree with the topic of this thread, pick 4 can get us right in amongst the Judd trade even if we don't get him, and it could really be benificial to us.

Did he know, well that's great news then! Long live Chunky Jones!

I've had this one for a good while, it was on my dad's wall at his office and i just loved the line "don't ever give up!" Plus i don't know whether I'm going for the bird or the Frog!

Pretty good review but just one mention of Nathan Jones, i would've put him at the top of my list in positives!

I think the Shinboner spirit exists to a certain extent, they do seem to fight a little harder sometimes, but in finals you need more than fight to carry you through, you actually need true class coupled with the will to win to get you a finals win. There is no "spirit" in finals football. To win you must be good enough, all the times mentioned, they weren't good enough.

I agree, Godfrey did his job this year and with Bartram being so young and getting over a full season of injuries, he's some handy depth to have. Ward i'll be happy to see out the door, too many younger players that should be taking his spot now.

He's a great player, i would never trade him and i don't think many clubs would take a risk on him given his injury run of late. They wouldn't be able to off anything of value to us and a fit and firing Whelan is one of the best small defenders in the comp.

Have to admit, i thought that the Pies would be bungled out in the first week. But they looked pretty good last night and i give them half a chance against a WC outfit that is underdone. Always happy to eat humble pie when i'm wrong, this one particuarly tastes bad.

I disagree, i think the key reason why they have won those 4 premierships is more because they have had a good quality Sandringham core with the Melbourne players filling in some of the gaps. Yes, we gave them Rigoni and Read who both starred in grand finals, but unless you've got the quality out there week in week out, you won't get very far. In fact it's a testimate to how good their core is that they did so well this year with Melbourne's injury problems. PS. What the hell was with the kicking this week? We handed the bloody game to NB. I would be very sad if we were to end our relationship, and it would definately be to your detriment.

I'd like to say Jones will win it, but i think Jmac will just pip him at the post. Jones' development this year has been one of few highlights, so if he can top it off with a B&F it would be fantastic. White will come third, but i don't he's a great year. Played all the games, but for a ruckman he's been serviceable this year.

He sounds like he's really committed to the MFC, he'd have to be to leave his family in Perth. I'm really pleased with this appointment, and i think the board has done a great job at the the best people to take Melbourne forward. Jesus Christ! I just want 2008 to come!

It shocks me that so many in the press completely overlook him as a rising star this year. Perhaps it's his demeanor, he looks about 25! But seriously, he could well win the Melbourne B&F this year and second year winning or challenging in his clubs B&F is an awesome effort regardless of how bad a year they've had.

Well deserved, i'll be interested to see the odds for him to win the B&F. Go Chunky Jones!

The reception given to Biz, Pickett, and Browny especially at least brought a smile to my face. It clearly meant a lot to Nathan that the Dees fans stuck around to cheer him off, and he really has given his all to this club. Wierd night really, but at least the years over.

I've finally managed to decifer that into english, so here's my response. I love Robbo, he is a great story of not most skilled footballer using what he's got to his full potential, but more than that he is a top guy who his a true clubman. However this year and last year have been screwed up by injury and his muscles and ligiments aren't getting stronger, they are getting weaker. For us to give a player who is turning 30 in November a 3 year contract, we would have to be absolutely sure we'd get the enough out of him for the full 3 years. I don't think we can have that with Robbo, we know that when he's out there he will give 100% and dive into contests but he hasn't been out there enough in this year. Offering a 2 year contract is more than fair IMO, in fact i think many clubs would try for a 1 year contract but i think he deserves better. We gave Biz a 3 year contract and it screwed us, let's learn from that mistake. BTW agree with you re Bruce. He still adds plenty, let's just get him fit and kicking the ball properly!

I'd keep him on as depth, Batram's injury run this year shows that it's handy to have a backup and Godfrey has done pretty well this year. The people i think should be on the move are: Miller (Trade/Delist) Ward (Delist) Fergs (Trade/Delist) CJ (Trade) Jamar (Trade)

If anything he'd do the opposite to seem impartial. That's why he was planning on excusing himself from that interview because it's so hard to judge a mate. He had to join in in the end, otherwise there just wouldn't have been enough footy guys on the panel.

I like it! Now THAT would be the ultimate tank, that would trump anything Carlton threw, or moreso didn't thow at us! Honestly though, i want Melbourne to absolutely smash em'. We're probably going to win no matter what happens because even if Carlton had their best team out there they would still find a way to lose it, so let's make them remember it.