Maldonboy38

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.

You beat me to it, chookrat! His forward craft, power and team-first attitude are outstanding but I have to admit to being appalled at how often he got away with belting opposition players, and pushing in the back. My question would be - "does this great forward know how to convey his craft to other younger players"?. Shannon Neale speaks highly of Hawkins' influence so let's hope so.

So much I want to say amid the torrent of rumour about all this, but I will restrict it to 3 things: SK did NOT say we are READY for finals next year. He said every club should be AIMING for finals and I, for one, would be devastated if we weren't. Regardless of list age etc... We aim to excel, grow and win. And he would like Trac and Clarry to stay under his leadership and vision for the squad. Trac appears to want out, but I can't see it happening. With his salary and the other clubs he is considering, I can't see MFC accepting low offers for him. Needs to be a strong bundle of players and draft picks when the draft looks relatively weaker. Oliver is one of the best Dees I have ever seen, and I would hate him to leave. But again, who pays his huge salary for the last 5 years of his career? So, much of this is either speculative journalism fluff (very likely), poor list management (last few years have not been good) and/or King has been given free rein to do a Blight/Adelaide Crows clean out that sounds horrendous but could have immediate benefit. Trade and draft haven't started and I am exhausted...

Agree with this. He has a good list of attributes, but his decision making in pressure moments is suspect. Flat footed and reactive describes him well. However, a lot of players don't get it together until their 3rd season so with a full preseason, a new coach, and hopefully positional development he can emerge into a quality player. His run of games at Casey late in the VFL season showed some great signs of his inside mid abilities. With Viney ageing, I hope the Kolt develops quickly.

Refreshing to see the club being open with supporters, and then actually saying something. The PR, website and social media connection between club and supporters has been behind for so long.

I honestly cannot believe this is happening! I haven't been on this thread for so long because it felt like the play Waiting for Godot - actors on stage but the story is stuck with no progression. IF this comes to pass (sorry, I've been a supporter and member for too long and seen so many false dawns etc...) I will ecstatic! But I am hesitant to begin celebrating until I see a club announcement. This almost makes me hopeful that one day there will be a train to Tullamarine airport too!