Moonshadow

Not sure that quoting figures from only 1 year is a big enough sample to close the case, Nutbean. Of late, MFC have lost (regardless of quality) Scully, Cheney, and Buckley to other clubs - none of them 'mature' players. We've also lost mature players in Junior and Bruce (and now possibly Green to GWS). There may be others i havent thought of. How does that fare with your stats? Some of what you say is true, but in this individual case, Blease can leave quite easily, regardless of whether he is part of the 3.3%, 0.5% or whatever stat applies from the past. Add Miller (mature) and the Emo (not mature) to that list.

Hey, just because some are not sold on Cloke - myself incl - doesn't mean they are not thinking big. David Cloke has been a thorn in the Magpies side at various times with his big mouth and family conflict of interests. In the past, he has suggested taking his various sons to other clubs if one son's deal is not met. His interfering could be an issue at MFC. David, of course, is very vocal in putting his son's interests first. That's what any father would do. But is this in the Clubs best interests? Two big forwards on massive money (about 20% of our TPP) and a bunch of kids with unproven potential (Jones excepted) running around the midfield. Hmmmmm....... What I am saying is that unless we get Boak or a couple of FA quality mids or a mix of these in '13 and '14, then the money spent on big power fwds in Clark and Cloke may not be money well spent. That's why I believe the priority is mids, mids and mids. Get Cloke, get Boak, get another FA such as Montagna, get 2 x high draft pick mids, get Viney and I'll be creaming myself. A tough ask, though (not necessarily the last bit...) Time to think big AND WISELY Demons fans.

Yes, but many of these kids are led wholely by the advice of their managers. Very few, if any, seem to go against the managers direction. Seems like every second AFL player, when asked about contracts, uses the line that they are leaving that up to their manager. They are not old or mature or smart enough to say to the manager, "right, I'm playing for X club next year so get the deat done now!" Nor are they necessarily wise to do so when the managers get them top dollar that they couldn't achieve on their own. If it was only about contract negotiation, then players would simply hire a lawyer to negotiate and draw up a contract each time theirs was up for renewal. Unfortunately, AFL player managers are an industry unto themselves (and in cases like Nixon, a law unto themselves). Dimwitreou and his pals have only just started scratching the surface regarding the reining in of their power, eg. no new player club kick-backs.

I also think that Cloke jrn and srn are selfish crazy bastards, in that they want top dollar and would be prepared to swap Melbourne-based clubs to get it. Nose despite his face, sort of. It's like they have some mad Spanish blood in their lineage. Is Travis really as good as what David is pedalling ($1 mill plus p/a), partic in a bottom 4 club? Do we really want David hanging around the MFC sticking his nose in more than he should? Is it value for money if he gets very little supply?

We'd be spending a lot of coin over a lot of years on Cloke if he came to us. could it be better used spread over a number of players, as McLardy spoke of? Yes, another big forward would be very handy. Cloke would probably be a good match for Clarke and give some of our other mid size fwds a better chance. But I keep thinking that our priority is 2-3 QUALITY midfielders of the standard of Jones or better (but not necessarily players in the style of Jones). For mine, it mids, mids and mids.

Didn't hear it, but sounds like its heading in the right direction for him and the Club. Hope he signs for 3 with incentives for B&F results, goals per season, etc. Love ya to put pen to paper soon, Sam.

A lot of love for LJ on these lists. Unfortunately, I get the (unsubstantiated) feeling he may not be on our list next year. Really rate him when he's on song, but that has only occurred a handful of times, and not in quite some time. Is he in Neeld's plans for 2013?

On a side note, many would say the same about Cameron Schwab.

"has the body and ability to go on at least 2 more years as a dominate forward" This bit cracked me up! Yeah, right, to balance out the past two terrible years. Please, go on....

I see it but I don't believe it! Still got an ugly mug, though.

A hooker at the MFC!? Nice.

I reckon Spencer already has more mongrel than Jamar. As has been said before, he chose Aussie Rules above basketball because he liked hurting people. Spencer Viney Tappy Clark are our true mongrels going into 2013. Oh, and of course, Cale Morton........

Whereas we have a habit of not getting the best out of our current players and rarely out of recycled players (Clark aside, though he's hardly 'recycled'). Keep Moloney, one year deal. He has experience, body size and has shown in the past that he can play well. A one year deal will say to him that if he doesn't lift his game, then he's gone, and no one would want him after two bad years in a row. With Green's experience missing next year, I think Moloney needs to re-signed. Unless we can pick up some good FAs, Beamer is a required player. Let's not eat our own, like some clubs do.

Great clips DD. I had forgotten about that biting incident. Brings back a lot of memories. Football wasn't such a business in those days, hey.

And more muscle. But that too will come, especially with Misso on his tail. Really want him to come back from his end of season leave in tip top knick. Gyz as well.

Davey.... I just can't get it that a seasoned player with such sublime skills (when on song) is having such a crappy couple of years. Yes, he's had some injuries, but many would argue that his time on our list is nearly up. Should be an A grader, but so far from that now.

Next they'll start asking Lawrence about his knowledge of tanking.

Rookie listed only.

Great, insightful post. Soooooo... I guess your suggestion is trade him or delist him. After all, "turnovers are killers".

Better skills than Chip?!!! Must be a typo.

He's a big unit as well, very solid. Imagine him with another 2 preseasons and 25-30 games, especially if he keeps improving at the current rate. Confidence will certainly help to sharpen this Pencil.

I think they do it for marketing opportunities. I've always liked the idea of reversing our home strip. Blue V on red, anyone?

Next they'll play Junior in the ruck!

Despite what his team mates or his team Docs say? Weight of number shifts when people fess up.

from AFL website. Sounds like he's had great treatment. Now its rehab time. http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/144140/default.aspx