FarNorthernD

It may actually be the harshest thing Saty has ever said about a Melbourne listed player

Lewis said Hogan signing played a part in him coming to the Dees. Saty has made a joke

I've said this before but it feels good to write, it wouldn't take a lot to go wrong for Hawthorn next year to fall off a Freo sized cliff. They were 18th in the league this year for contested possessions and have lost their two best contested ball winners. Sure they don't play the contested game like we do or the Dogs but you have to get the ball at some time. O'Meara could be a key for them. If he fulfills his potential he could be one of the top 5 players in the league but personally I think it more likely for him to have ongoing injury issues. And then next year they will go to the draft having already given away their first pick to the Saints. Time to vacate the 'family' bandwagon I think

That's ok, I always thought O'Connor was an overrated hack (well since I read he chose the Cats)

Got a senior guernsey over way more experienced teammates because he showed he could play the type of backline footy the coaches wanted

3 years is a bit. I want Lewis to come to us but if that is true I hope there are some significant trigger clauses; top ten B & F, no. of senior games etc.

Hawthorn were 18th for contested possessions Lewis was their No. 1 contested ball winner Mitchell was their No. 2 contested ball winner Now I know that the Hawks don't rely on contested possessions as much as other teams and they are getting the Sydney Mitchell but it isn't too difficult to envisage a scenario where they Freo like fall off the twig next year and then go into next years draft without a first round pick as they just gave that to the Saints That would be a shame

If anyone is feeling slightly cynical and jaded with trade week then pop over to the MFC site and check out the Elise O'Dea interview. If there is a happier person on this planet at the moment I would be surprised. Just wants to play football, just wants to play for Melbourne, can't wipe the smile from her face. Love to see footy bringing such unadulterated joy.

You would think so wouldn't you but then again we took Melksham and there is no way we would have done that if we thought he was going to sit out the year

Agree there is next to no chance. The only thing that gives it some credence is that Rockliff is on a contract that is so large that few clubs are willing or able to take it on. Also he is apparently on the nose with the Brisbane hierarchy. I find it strange they made him captain in the first place. Like most here if we could afford to take on his contract, without jeopardising our salary cap flexibility, I would take him in a heartbeat

He really was the barometer for the side. When he was at his best, tapping to advantage and taking contested marks, we won. Has become that important

I feel a bit sorry for Lynden. For years had to put up with being in the middle AFLs version of the killing fields - the Melbourne backline. It can't have been much fun being constantly under pressure with little hope of actually winning. For a while he was considered one of the best one on one players in the game but the game has moved on. I hope he comes good with us, his kicking is an asset and he deserves some success with the team he has played with for so long. If not I'm sure most here wish him well with another club

Is a bull with lightning hands. It wouldn't surprise to find him in a few years time as one of the premier clearance mids in the comp. Bit like a magician it isn't till you watch the replay in slow motion and zoomed in that you can work out how he cleared the ball from congestion From an outsiders perspective Clarrie looked to be beautifully managed throughout the year whereas in the past he would have played every game. Along with Petracca, Hogan, Brayshaw, Salem, T Mac and Tyson part of the young guns who will be the keys in our next Premiership side Already one of my favourite players

All yours for the update LH After this years signings of Hogan, the Macs, Tyson, Oliver, Watts and Viney next years aren't looking as vital; maybe Salem, Stretch, The Weid and Frost the priorities

He is a key plank in our next premiership side.

I may have worded it poorly. My point was I would rather have had the AFL get us Jackson at the time than be gifted a couple of first round picks. He has made a fundamental change to this club way more than two, three or more talented 18 year olds would have

I must admit to feeling like a persecuted Melbourne supporter. If we didn't deserve a priority pick after ten wins in 3 years with effectively a VFL list then no one should ever get one but of course they will. Then I remember that the AFL parachuted Jackson into the Club who subsequently got Roos. The MFC was on its knees yet now, for the first time in decades, our future is built on solid foundations. How many first round picks is the non playing Jackson was worth? I used to believe differently but I don't think first round priority picks help much.

I don't imagine that would come as a huge shock to anyone concerned. Wonder if they break up the delisting announcements so as to "honour" each delistee a bit more than doing all in one go?

At the end of the match I had that uneasy feeling that the Dogs were celebrating their premiership. It was the same feeling I had watching the Demons and their celebratory lap after their win over Port in Adelaide. Swans in a canter next week I think

Honestly I don't think it would have made a difference........Scully would have been a pratt if selected one or two

Wow that is an amazing and very encouraging stat. Cheers

Totally agree. Poor bugger plays almost exclusively as a mid in the VFL racking up 30+ possessions a week and then is played as a Death Valley forward in the senior team. Im thinking we are yet to see anything near the best of ANB at AFL level.

Makes me a little bit nervous. Hopefully just completing due diligence on our recruiters recommendations. Not sure if we want the head coach too involved in individual recruiting decisions

Brighton along with Melbourne Grammar, Scotch, Xavier, Wesley, St Kevin's, the Geelongs etc are part of the Associated Public Schools. Even in my day some of the schools had a positive enrolment policy to kids with special sporting ability. St. Kevin's had a 1st rowing eight at one time that well and truly belied their small school stature and, I think, Hailebury were the first to encourage kids who could catch and kick a footy well to come learn with them. That was back in the early 80's Cyril came out of Scotch on a scholarship that is meant for kids from disadvantaged backgrounds (someone with more recent knowledge can correct me here if that's not right). Up here in Queensland some schools will do the same for kids who show exceptional swimming capabilities. Dont know how Salem, Dawes, Watts, Hunt and the future Brownlow medallist from GWS fit into all this. Who knows perhaps the Brighton area naturally produces exceptional footballers

Just because we needed another reason to love Maxy