PaulRB

http://m.afl.com.au/news/2016-09-20/bomber-confirms-difficult-decision-to-leave-

So are we a "destination club" now!!??

We now seem to have a surplus of HBFs in Melksham, Hibberd, Lamumba, Hunt, Salem, Wagner. So suspect some of these (especially Hunt and Salem, maybe Melksham/Hibberd) will spend more time in the midfield/wing.

Another aspect of this move by the MFC to get Hibberd is that it's saying "our window has now opened and we now want senior football ready recruits to finish our prep and polish us up for a tilt.".

So when exactly can Jake rejoin training? Looking forward to what he will bring.

The average age/experience of the top teams really highlights that if we can keep this team together and developing over the next two years, we should evolve into something special as our boys age and gain experience.

I like Hunt as well. I think if Melksham and Lamumba were holding down the HBFs then Hunt would have been groomed and come in on the wing...

I think losing Melksham, the form fall of Dunn and injury to Lamumba has robbed us of a lot of experience and leadership in the backline. The result of this is OMac, Hunt and Wagner have had to step up earlier in their development than would have been planned for.

His miss from straight in front in the 3rd, which then was rebounded for a Dogs goal, cost us any momentum we had and signaled we were cooked. Hogan is still so young and raw, mentally more than physically. He will mature, but he has a way to go before he actually has what all champions have - the ability to single-handedly impose themselves on and win games of footy for their team.

Apologies. People started calling peoples "muppets" and I lost my cool. I love the Muppets! they rock. muppets.

Can we split out the Hogan thread into two threads For updates and discussion of his footy, form, fitness, etc... For trade news and general hand wringing, etc... Please?

I'd suggest the opposite of what the moaning Myrtle's believe. I think Hogan has seen the direction of the MFC these past few months and the need to be fully committed (See J. Viney). As a result he's about to commit for 4-5 years, and is letting his folks know.

I think he's gone home to discuss a very big decision with his family... It may all be coming to a head.

Much as i love Vandenberg, with Oliver and Petracca, etc... maybe he'd be traded?!

With Watts, Harmes and now Petracca delivering on platter balls to Hogan's advantage, he'd be crazy to move on. When it all clicks, it will be glorious...

Given the gushing over Oliver... we're going to pee our pants when Petracca finally plays.

Thanks CB, but to be honest I didn't notice Hogan chasing and pressuring the opposition as much as those I mentioned. not saying Hogan wasn't doing it as well, just noticed the other getting results from their defensive pressure acts...

A noticible difference in game style is the extra defensive pressure we are applying when the balls in our forward half. Lock in pressure goals, and retarding the opposition from opening and initiating breaks from their half back line... Vanders, Kennedy, Garlett, Kent and Pedo all applied heaps of pressure in our forward half. a good sign.

I got the sense watching Goodwin's interview that he was suppressing a smile and bemused at the lack of questions, ease of the "post-match" interview...

Just watched Goodwin's post game interview - and while the players and their development gets the plaudits, I reckon we're right on track with the succession and development of our next coach. No idea what he did or said at half time but a far improved team seemed to turn up after the long break. Simon Goodwin - Post Game interview

Cassius! Moves like a butterfly, stings like a bee.

Hits me as a mature young man with ambition and pedigree. Just like with Jack Viney (and Gary Jnr), there's much value in being the son of a player...

Big factor in him going so high is he can play mid and forward well. Taylor mentioned it in his summary and with the interchange caps, mids who can "rest" forward and damage a team are worth more than a pure mid, even if they may be silkier (i.e. as Parish appears to be). So good that we are in a position to develop him properly rather than fast track him as the new saviour for Round 1.

Be interesting to see how we develop and introduce him to AFL level footy over the next year or two. I recon he needs a couple of pre-seasons to develop the engine and strength to play as a key forward against men. I like what he should become, reminds me a bit of Matty Lloyd... here's hoping. Welcome to the MFC Sam!