PaulRB

I'd thought Whitfield and Toumpass were similar types of players and GWS may simply want to ensure diversity of the types of player they have. Similar reasoning to why Wines may not be ideal for us, i.e. he's of a similar type to Viney.

It is a joke that Judd and the Blues can have 250k outside the cap while Adelaide get roasted for having less outside the cap. Bizarre, hypocritical, corrupt, etc...

If she took on the AFL with the same enthusiasm and vindictiveness as she has attacked the MFC over the past month she generate some respect. Fact is she doesn't take the AFL on in this way, because she's a bully and we are currently an easy soft target.

Col will benefit massively from the injection of bigger bodies into our midfield, HF and FF lines. I remember games over the past couple of seasons in which Col was our Full forward! We've relied too much on him, played him where we needed him rather than where he is best suited, etc... this combined with his injuries and persona means he's never settled in a position or role for too long in which he can really focus on being successfull. Col will flourish up forward with Dawes and Clark as the big forward targets, and thrive in a solid midfield with Jones, Grimes, Trenners, Viney, Rodan, etc...

Tappy has several key attributes that will make him a better than average player, his agression, his hunger for physical contact and the ball, and his penetrating kick. I though he came to the club too big, too solid, at the cost of his engine and ability to spread and run. Injuries hampered addressing his fitness base early on. However, this year they seemed to be working on building his engine (even at the temporary cost of reducing the punch in his kick) and thus addressing this imbalance.By teaming him with Jones they evidently intend to continue to get this balance right, i.e. trimming him down and increasing his ability to run all day. I suspect it may be easier to trim a solid player (Tapscott) down to the optimal for a modern midfielder, than it is to bulk a slender player (Gysberts) up to the same optimal.

Should keep us off the back pages for a couple of weeks, if not longer. Bring on the draft and season 2013!!! Go Dees

Evans and Nicholson upgraded to main list.

Interesting title. MOre interested in discussing "building a brotherhood" the other two elements have been done to death... The coaches job is to recruit a group of men who can successfully implement his game plan. If he gets the ingredients right the players build trust and confidence in each other as they learn their respective roles and play those roles as they should. The result is an increase in "brotherhood". Over time and with success this process builds into the type of bonds that win flags.

Whats with the "mankinis"?

At 17 did you ever start a new job, found yourself surrounded by men and realised you need to work hard for a year before you'll even get a chance to show your wares? If he looks a bit anxious and serious, good. I hope he's got challenges ahead of him, in terms of his development, that make him nervous and serious. If he was all smiles I'd be worried that he doesn't get the effort and work expected of him, or that we'd drafted Gomer Pyle.

No, in my view captains need to be playing in the middle from where they can both lead and assert themselves on the game, Grimes and Trenners did ok this year and will improve alot over the next two... Clark will be / is a great leader for the forward line, not for the whole team.

Got it. Toumpas gone unless GWS get wacky. Is Toumpas a obviously better pick than Wines?

If GWS take Tippett and Grundy and Whitfield, then surely we are looking at Wines Vs Toumpass?

And what is the history of penalties for "tanking"?

I'd say our official response from Don and the appointment of Finkelstein clearly indicate our intention not to be hung alone, if at all.

And she's re-introduced the term "alleged" into her lexicon... five in one article, must be a record.

I liked "Melbourne has engaged the services of of former Federal Court judge and Victorian Solicitor General Ray Finkelstein, QC, to handle its defence against allegations it deliberately lost games of football in 2009 in a bid to win early draft picks." Demons and league on collision course So the AFL have a former policeman and a tax lawyer vs our former Federal Court judge and solictor...

"Melbourne has engaged the services of of former Federal Court judge and Victorian Solicitor General Ray Finkelstein, QC, to handle its defence against allegations it deliberately lost games of football in 2009 in a bid to win early draft picks." Demons and league on collision course

I reckon Jack Watts replaced Jared last year.

I have more confidence in Sellar finding his next gear than Col stepping up to the elite.

I loved his selection of ideal dinner guests.It warmed the cockles of my pinko greenie heart.

Great analysis. I'd add Watts for his potential to provide an attacking back flanker to replace Grimes as he moves into the middle. HIs in-form phase in 2012, if repeated for all of 2013, would help us open up many teams on the counter attack while also lifting the quality of our defence.

Ivor Warne-Smith.

Bugger that, the AFL should be paying us for being the media fall guys for their dumb ass rules around the priority pick. They laid out the bowl of cream, we're just the latest cat to wander by for a taste.

Rodan today "We're hoping to get some success as soon as we can. With the players we've got - experienced players - we can fast-track that. Hopefully I can see some finals and near-premierships coming soon." Read more: http://www.theage.co...l#ixzz2BhfFFItG