Maldonboy38

I will have my eyes on: The quality of the new young midfielders and how quickly, how well, they defensively spread. I am liking the look of our forward options and back options, but if our new midfield can't switch to defense quickly, we might see opposition midfields kick goals against us. Jack Steele is vital to us with Viney out. I remain bullish about Jeffo, and will watch his preseason closely. Our forward leading and repeat leading patterns. Our lack of movement and nouse inside F50 has been appalling since BBB left. Will our new gameplan be clearly noticeable, especially pace of transition.

We have been waiting a long time for our MFC media and PR dept to leave Windows 95 behind and produce contemporary, crisp, professional & engaging content. Worth the wait. This is brilliant.

I had a massive soft spot for Harmes, although he was often referred to in the condemnation of faint praise "a hard working battler who got the most out of himself". His peak only lasted about 3 years but he was a whole lot better than a hard working battler during his peak. Loved him. I was gutted when he moved on but understood why. Another "personal story". The best game in the world at elite level is gathering a horrendous resume of ruined lives. I have absolutely no idea what his circumstances are, but I hope he heals, recovers, and finds peace and purpose. One day I would love him to walk back in the MFC where he will be welcomed and celebrated.

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.

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!

A really good natural footballer with unexpected evasive skills, great deliverer by foot, and shows a fair degree of courage. I am disappointed to see him go, but definitely not devastated. I am hoping that AMW can do a full pre-season and step straight into that HB spot. I can't see Freo giving up pick 11, but maybe a three way player and pick swap involving the Dees, Freo and WA could work for all 3 clubs, and we can get a pick inside the top 20.

I really like him, but having watched a lot of Casey games, I would elevate young Ricky Mentha before signing Rosas.