Moonshadow

Let's get Bruce, Ooze and Cheney back as well! As the Blues Bros said... we're getting the band back together.

I thought he recently re-signed with GC? Two years, wasn't it. Why would he do that and then leave?

Apart from a couple of $100k per year (remember he's being offered $800k by the Filth, more by Freo and prob about the same by the Poos), why the hell would Cloke even think about coming to Melbourne? Been near the bottom for years, likely to stay there, just breaking even from donations, list full of very average kids, train next to the Filth and attract 15 people and a couple of sea gulls to each game. Given his FA options, I doubt it.

That's a lot of money we are allegedly offering. Hope he's worth it, because what we need most is experienced, quality MIDFIELDERS. Anyone for Sewell, Chappy, Goddard or Montagna? Imagine if we picked up 2 or 3 of these..... *drools down chin*

I'd like you to contribute something worthwhile for a start.

I agree with what you say WJ. However, we have not been able to develop some of these young players as we hoped. There are only one or two exceptions to this, Howe and Chip come to mind. We would honestly (and debatably) struggle to get 5-6 players capable of being in the best 22 of the top 8 clubs ATM. They get repeatedly injured or they simply do not make it at senior level. We have been extremely poor at developing players to expected potential for at least the last 6 years - and that is a big hole in the life of a team's list. Perhaps some of our picks have been wrong. Perhaps we have had some ongoing injuries to our young. But more importantly, we have not equipped our draft picks with the culture and guidance and determination required to move to the next level. It has been frustrating to watch drafting opportunities go unrewarded (so far). Some of these might turn around under Mark Neeld, some may not. So far I like the new regime, but I want to see some results in the next 12 mths. Football is a ruthless and impatient animal. We can all find reasons why this has happened - Junction Oval facilities, poor support around coach, club debt, etc. These have all been fixed (supposedly), and now is when we want to see confirmation that we are heading in the right direction. Can we say that this has happened under Neeld? I am still confident that this will change. We need to develop players to the same (or better) level that other top clubs do.

At the moment we have no specialist key forward playing forward on the park. Not that I ever wanted Dawes, but I do want SOMEONE who can kick a goal.

Spencer? Or maybe Morton...

So then no, it's not near the same as the Hunt stomp.

Errrr, have you heard of the blood rule? Any idea why that was introduced?

Being sent straight to the tribunal sounds way more serious than the usual ridiculous formula they go by. Completely dumb thing to do. Hard to defend this one, if true. AFL seems to enjoy making an example of these types of uncouth actions.

We coulda worn gloves, high heels, tuxedo, tutu and a top hat and it would make no difference at the moment...

It is a significant bonus clause in a lot of players contracts. But, hey, you just like the red carpet,

Yes. Different footballer, but it's too early to give up on Beamer.

Hard at it, footy his objective, athletic leap... Can we get him?

?????? "please explain?"

How many other young ruckmen take fresh air shots when lining up to kick a goal?!!! Having said that, we just don't know what will become of Spencer. He is certainly a hulking lad who gives 110%. That tackle a couple of weeks ago was a ripper. And he works hard to get in front at the contest. Very slow, though. With more patience, more games and more coaching, he might prove he can play. ATM, I don't think he will be worth anything much at the trade table. I suspect Stef Martin might be worth more - has played more games and shown he can do well as a no1 ruck. Most of us wanted Jamar axed 5 or 6 years ago. They do take longer to develop. Not saying we shouldn't get rid of Spencer, just that I don't think he's worth much.

Quite a few of the rising star winners have/are turning out to not fully live up to their promise. Pearce, Kosi, Rich, Palmer and (to some) Jared Rivers. Pass.

On a side note, Nate's little brother was 14 at the time. Anyone know if he's in the footy system and what he's like as a player?

Yes, but it depends on who and how many Neeld wants to turn over. May not be the issue if he wants to clear a large number, as Harrington has indicated. But you are on the money with wanting to upgrade picks.

I've always enjoyed looking at both 'ology and 'land, partly because they are quite different. Some say the mod here is too nanny-like, but I think that encourages less sniping and ridiculous posting. There tends to be more considered reasoning, it is more structured and, dare I say it, respectful. Generally, that is - many would shoot this down. On the other hand, I have also liked 'ology for its emotion, biting humour and often obscure football related discussions. For various reasons, there is more of an almost anything goes approach. I have tried to sign up, but like many others over the years, have not been able to. It has been great having some of the characters from 'ology migrate to 'land recently and add a large amount of spice to the discussions. My question is, would we be diluting what has made both forums enjoyable by only having one? Or are we better off having 2 different forums, each having its own style or characteristics?

Very clumsy attempt by Zeibell at intercepting. Regardless of where his eyes were, it looks like he was trying to make maximum physical impact on his opponent while disguising it as an attempt to make the play. Resulted in severe concussion. With 30% loading I think 4 matches was probably to be expected. However, I agree that the MRP have been full of inconsistencies this year.

And the reciever of a handball has a higher risk level than a kick, in that the receiver of a handball can be tackled. That is why you will find clubs like the Hawks and Pies chip the ball around so deftly by foot. And then we handball to a stationary team mate who gets pinged...

Nate Jones puts his head over the ball more than Tappy and Clark, much more.

Doesn't mean he can't be traded if a suitable deal came along.