Pates

If we get asked to move it should come with some MASSIVE concessions, all about the dollar dollar. First thought and hard belief is to 100% tell them to get stuffed, if they start down the "good for footy" path then they can buy the game off us, say $100K plus gate receipts from both games. After all if it's just about what's best for footy then us getting our due shouldn't really matter right? Really though, I'd want us to stay put.

This would be in the instance that he hasn't made the cut this year (or even this round of list lodgements) to make it onto an AFL list but this allows him to develop in front of our eyes under our tutelage. I'm not familiar with the F/S rule and the draft but if he showed enough this year could he nominate for the ND as a father/son recruit allowing us to bypass competing for picks? These are theories I'm putting forward taking into account that our available places are finite (although there could be a space opened by Neita's 3rd ACL). If our list managers feel that he hasn't done enough to warrant a place in the squad YET I would like to think they would still look for ways to keep him in our system.

Looking at the stats the clearest part he needs to do better in is kicking goals. He can do it, he most definitely can be better and that should scare other clubs!

The way they do the presentation/commentary side of English Premier League is at complete odds to what seven does with AFL. Seven goes for entertainment and energy, focusing on personalities and having banter between the commentators (at the disservice of the game being play). The way they do commentary for football in the UK is simple, they have two commentators for the match (one former player for special tactical commentary) and one that calls the game (and doesn’t feel obliged to to fill every single second of the game). Pre-match, half-time, and post match is handled by the studio who focus on the game (with a little bit of getting to know the people of the game pre-match). Seven’s coverage really is insufferable at times. For Bruce his moment I will always remember him from is Cathy Freeman’s gold medal win. Iconic.

I can’t think of any player I’ve seen in Dees colours have a better first 100 games. He has lots of improvement to come but he absolutely hit the ground running from day one.

I’m with @hardtack in recalling that Jones was not immediately feeling the love from the fans. I have a feeling that his year that he came good was basically a cross-roads year, he either became a consistent footballer or he was destined to be a fringe player. Pickett got himself into enough good positions and provided a spark an energy for pressure in the forward line we hadn’t had for a while last year. He needs to be better at finishing his good work though and I’m confident that over time he’ll get there.

I’ve asked this question several times but still haven’t got an answer. Can we get Casey to take him so we can still be involved in his development without him being on the main list?

You just think that footy’s going to sound different without him, don’t you? Had my ups and downs with his calling but he’s a legendary commentator, his voice will be remembered for generations.

Awful news, really sad for him. It really sucks that they’re pre-season injuries as well so he’s never had a chance at showing what he’s got out on the field.

Tell ya what, if we get the gate takings from the MCG match and the other Victorian home team gets ours from the Dockers match then I’d say we can come to the party. Otherwise it’s a hell no from me, we should be coming out ahead if they want us to play ball.

For those who know more about the Casey system is it possible for us to get Farmer to play (and develop) at Casey so we can potentially take him as a mid-year selection? How soon do they have to have their lists locked in? Sounds like he’s very raw so again I’m not sure if there is a rookie spot that basically just had him as a development player but not necessarily on the main list.

Easily one of my best ever moments as a Dees fan. I was only 14 and sat next to a Blues fan who oddly wasn’t too bad and we just had good banter all game. At the end he shook my hand said, wished us luck, and said thanks for back and forth. Don’t think I’ve ever met a good Blues fan since!

I agree that it’s disappointing after a year of the pandemic there still seems to be issues with with the idea of “living with COVID” given that there are zero community transmissions in Melbourne. That said any COVID security plan would include increased staff which would mean spending more money and without anything coming back it just chews into the clubs budget.

Has this altered the rule at all about a player from the team that has the ball to kick being able to come in and shepherd the man on the mark? Should make it play on because in theory there’s no need for it now. I also agree that if they are going to be harder on the man on the mark then there should be a tighter interpretation on the player going in a straight line towards the man on the mark. No more “Buddy arc”.

No injuries and strong performances by key players is all I’m after. Ideally don’t want us to be destroyed but if we lose I’m not going to be worried. Then again if we win I’ll probably start saying premiership favourites ?.

One of the issues that I think Goodwin has had during his time at Melbourne is his lack of creativity and flexibility when something different needs to be done. Max to FF for a regular move would be counter productive to our midfield however I do think that some longer stints there could be a good idea. I love a goal kicking ruckman and Max has improved his kicking a lot since that dreaded Geelong game. As has been pointed out though he does a huge body of work as an intercept marker in defence. So are we robbing ourselves down back?

“It’s good news for Angus Brayshaw, who is back into full training after having surgery on his foot last year, while Jack Viney is on track to play a practice match in the lead up to Round 1, despite having a minor operation last month.” Really good news on those two as I think quite a few of us (me included) were concerned they wouldn’t be seen until early into the season.

Considering I haven’t renewed yet I actually wouldn’t be against them making the stream to members only to encourage early renewal.

I think Spargs could be a surprise this year, he played some games late last season that actually showed he has a bit of poise and looks for good options rather than just blazing. Question mark will always remain around his size and lack of speed. Whipping boy, I think TMac will take that mantle while we wait for the BBB to return. If ANB gets games he will definitely be up there too.

I think one of the (many) issues with last season for players like Melksham is that without a genuine reserves competition there wasn't anywhere for him and others who lost form to go. I think the coaching staff took the opinion that it was better to persevere in the hope that they would gain confidence rather than relegating them to Micky Mouse practice matches that were an extremely poor substitute to a reserves comp. With the Casey (touch wood) restarting for the year I would like to think that there will be more pressure on spots with players pushing harder performances in the reserves. Having said all of that, I really was frustrated that Jake managed to keep his spot in 2020. I could count the positive performances he put out on one hand.

Not gonna lie I kinda have an evil smile about the fact it’s coinciding with them having a down period on the field. Would be plenty of schadenfreude if they were to suddenly have a few lean years both on and off the field.

Looks like the AFL called Tassie’s bluff, I think they feel like as a league they can hunker down. Without this sponsorship/paying for games I think the Hawks will be ok but this will really hurt the Kangas.

The wins that bring the most joy to my face to watch again are: - 2000 QF against the Blues - 2005 against the cats a KP - 2017 West Coast (TMac match winner!) - both 2018 finals wins

Sucks for him, but we can cover. I’d be looking at Harmes to move into that role and potentially give Fritta more time on the HFF. The shame for Melksham is that he had a very poor 2020 and I was hoping he’d be looking for redemption in ‘21. Hopefully for him it’s not be serious.

Much as I love Jack’s fight and dedication I have to agree with you, it’s why I think it’s on the coaching staff to work out some creative solutions. Jack can (and should) continue to do time in the middle as an clearance player but a balance needs to be created to prevent him upsetting the balance.