Maldonboy38

Immediate replacement for Bowey? He probably wont take the role of "designated kicker off half back" which Bowey fills so well because of his vision and kicking skills, but he looks a ready made HB Flanker.

2026 - Gawn & Rivers co-captains. Vice captains - Lever, Viney, Chandler and Turner. 2027 - Gawn steps aside, then Lever and Viney also step aside Captain - Rivers. Vice-captains Chandler, Turner & one of Lindsay, Langford or JVR.

I have vague memories of his last couple of playing years, but I was just a bit too young to understand how great he was in his own time. I think my mum (a mental Dees supporter) had a secret crush on him. He always comes across as a gentleman AND a great bloke - a difficult combination to uphold. And he still takes great joy in all things MFC, which is a joy to observe.

Amid the raffle that is AFL drafting, the Rory Sloane one is probably the one that I feel most ashamed about as a Dees follower. I know there are no guarantees, but MFC gave solid assurances to Sloane and his family, only to renege. Poor form. Recruiting Heffernan from the Bombers was an absolute howling trade. The hype around Diamond Jim Tilbrook was an epic fail. The Kozzie/Jackson/ draft was one of our best - had a direct impact on us winning a flag.

That surprises and excites me. It sounds like Kozzie was going heavy on speaking him up and it has worked. Some serious talent, mature body, and our outstanding Indigenous program under Matty Whelan will be in full swing.

Although his last 18 months have not been his best, it is rivers by a mile for me. I have heard him speak to the media multiple times and he is a clear, articulate, club man. Also, the more I think about it, in quite a few games he has stood up in key moments (even initiating some) which has lead to a surge in performance during a game or quarter. Moving into the midfield also suits. Lever, Disco & ??? into the leadership group Gawn and Viney as mentors. I need to know more about Chandler and the others of the 22-25 yo.

I can see round 1 being versus GWS or Gold Coast, to play up Trac and Clarry leaving. The media will be insufferable abut this. Please no Thursday night games, or at the worst, as few as possible.

Memories of TJ with ball in hand - he could hit any target on any angle, and thread impossible kicks through packs and crowds and hit any player of his choice laces out. It would be great to see young Tigga make it to the Dees, but you never know.

Any CEO's main task is to execute the decisions and out-workings of the board. He has no role or scope beyond that. This has been a messy, public off season and trade period at MFC, so the board gives one person, one clear voice, our CEO Paul Guerra, the task of communicating on a broad scale to supporters and members. I reckon that between now and the first day of ore-season, that this will be normal, until player video interviews begin, Steve King fully takes the reins, etc... I like it. It makes sense. He speaks well with strength, consistency and clarity. Even if his main role is behind the scenes heading up the business of the club.

Sad in its own way, but he wasn't showing too much that could keep him at AFL level consistently. Another one of the multitude of borderline players who become another "not quite" story. This can be a brutal industry.

Keep both picks. Please.

I understand this is necessary, but I feel gutted. The best midfielder I have seen at the Dees. Power, amazing hands in close, played like a bull, played at top speed, effective, and wildly brilliant. His last 2 years have been a shadow of his former brilliance. And I will find it difficult - really difficult - to watch him when we play GWS... Thanks Clarry for bang bang and everything you gave us. I hope your life get sorted in Sydney and you enjoy life again.

This appears to be a development trade. Natural leader and known clubman, being given the flick (so much like James McDonald) so we swoop. I am not sure we can play him and Viney on the ground at the same time but happy to be proven wrong. But his influence on Langford, Lindsay, Windsor, and especially the Kolt might be a stroke of genius. I really like it if development is his main offering.

I don't reckon we jump at this because our tall defender stocks look OK, but perhaps as a free hit for a swingman or even train him as a forward. Good if we get him, not bothered too much if we don't.

Love this. Welcome back to your home, Jared. Two things are looking VERY clear already - we will have a very different game style, and lots of new voices influencing our playing group. Sounds positive so far.