Hannabal

But he loves the Dees

His family live in Sandringham, so it may have been an impromptu look. Why do you guarantee it didn't happen ? But I agree, it matters not.

Some time ago he was rumoured to have attended a Demons training session at Sandringham. I don't know who saw him and am not sure if they still post. And if true I wouldn't read too much into it anyway. It was supposedly about 3 years ago.

I'd rather retain Davey because he adds an element that is very difficult to find. He frustrates me but I see the benefit. If trading him secured Judd though...give me the pen.

Hmmm. Davey for pick 10. Pick 4 and 10 to West Coast plus a player. Worthy of consideration. And until Davey performs in a final or big game he'll remain tradeable for me.

The thought of him in a Carlton jumper makes me feel ill. I suspect they'll field offers from interested clubs and make a decision on his preference pretty quickly.

Does Judd have a say in where he wants to go ? Why would he want to play every second week at the Telstra Dome for the rest of his career ? The biggest stage is a couple of K's away.

Carlton appear to have front running in some media circles but why would Judd want to play every second game at Telstra Dome when he could play every second game on the greatest stage of all at the MCG.

Jack, obviously every club will do their due diligence with respect to his injury. For some reason you appear to hope his injury is greater than alleged as if it will vindiacte your stance. He doesn't have OP and this will be reflected in half a dozen cluns desperately chasing him. As we will and should.

Judd doesn't have OP. And I look forward to this being proved beyond doubt. Also, no one says he'll be the panacea for all that ills us. But don't underestimate the enormity of his contribution. Judd in the midfield induces a ripple effect through the entire team. It's palpable. The 3 greatest MFC players of all time are Flower, Barassi, and Warne-Smith. They're the best in 150 years of footy. And as much as it pains me to say this, Judd's better. And we can have him for 8 years, for 150 games. It's incumbent of this football club to do everything in its power to secure his services. Despite some on here that have no clue about footy or what he brings.

I posted this to a Melbourne supporter I admire, but I feel sums up too many Dees supporters. I only share it because it encapsulates my frustrations of all things Melbourne. "you "don't see Judd as the must get answer" ? You wouldn't. No disrespect and for all your quality posts, I don't see you as a footy person. You're not passionate enough for a flag and you fall into the blandness that typifies this club and its supporters. Don't feel I'm being harsh as you're a great Dees person and a very intelligent bloke, but you, and the average Dees supporter like you, is why this club is nowhere. Football clubs exist solely to win premierships. Solely. And without this steadfast mentality a club is bound to fail. And they'll make decisions along the journey that don't meet with what should be their sole objective, whether that be in their recruiting, trading, Board decisions, etc. And clubs that don't have this sole view won't win flags. They're too hard to win if it's not your total focus. I want a flag. I want this club to thrive. I want the best. I want Judd. And I simply can't understand anyone who doesn't rate, nor understand this opportunity. This football club is seen as irrelevant by every opposition supporter and just about every football media commentator. And yet some so called knowledgeable supporters have so little understanding of the magnitude this coup would be to the MFC. On the field and off it." All I can hear is the cost is too great. Rubbish. The benefits far outweigh any negatives. And what's the downside ? Oh yeah, we may not win a flag anytime soon. I wonder what that's like.

Exactly. I've been waiting over 30 years to recruit a 'Judd'. This football club is seen as irrelevant by every opposition supporter and just about every football media commentator. And yet some so called knowledgeable supporters have so little understanding of the magnitude this coup would be to the MFC. On the field and off it.

How did I know that the bulk of Melbourne supporters would be apathetic about getting Judd ? They wouldn't know an opportunity if it ran over them. Let's have more and more of the same old. Let's not get the best midfielder of the last 30 years back at the MCG for 8+ years. Let's get this straight. Judd doesn't have OP. He doesn't have what Moloney has. Or what Ball has. He has some floating bone that needs clearing up. My source is impeccable. And yes Occo, we need a better defence, a better ruck, no doubt. But we have had a poor midfield for years, despite supporters on this site continually overplaying the quality of our midfield. It's where games are won and lost and where we've been losing ours. No doubt it's a work in progress but Judd would have a massive effect on our winning ability. He's the best inside and outside mid I've seen. Do you know how rare it is for players to successfully combine both facets of midfield play ? I doubt the average supporter understands how good Judd is. He's a freak. Just because we get Judd doesn't mean we forget about improving other deficiencies. That's the beauty of smart drafting; ie Westhoff; the natural maturation of your list; and astute developmental coaching. It's not "we got Judd but we'll have no defence or rucks for years". That's fanciful. Also, I knew the Moore and Templeton argument would be trotted up. It's irrelevant. It's nearly 30 years ago, it's pre drafting, and it doesn't take into account the successful trades since. Most out and out stars don't want to leave their club. This could be one of those rare opportuinities. It will be the biggest move since Barassi. I don't think some of you supporters 'get it'. I'm all for growing our own list and developing our young. But I also recognise one of the great opportunities to possibly ever present itself to this club. But, as I said, how did I know most Melbourne supporters would say "thanks but no thanks". Unbelievable.

Let's remember, West Coast can't have it all their way if he wants to return. Judd strikes me as an honourable type, but honour only goes so far. He's uncontracted and only a preseason draft pick away from leaving for nothing. But like most here, I doubt he'll do that. I suspect he'll nominate his preferred club or clubs of choice. So who's in the box seat ? Carlton have the front running and they'll throw everything at getting him. They'd be mad if they didn't. Essendon will go hard too. They have a reasonable pick and the cache to lure him. Richmond will want him, but I doubt they'd be on his radar. Collingwood will want him and have the resources, but they don't have the picks, and nor will West Coast want to deal with them. That leaves me with the Dees. I've got no real clue as to our club's mindset. If it were me I'd be going hard. This club needs to lift itself out of the mire. We need to become relevent. This is the greatest opportunity confronting Melbourne in 40 years. Now I know some supporters won't see the benfit and think I'm exagerating. They're wide of the mark. Yes he'll cost a lot, but imo, there'd be an extra 3-4000 members annually contributing over half a million dollars revenue. And amagine the marketing opportunities for merchandising, sponsorship, etc. Currently, most clubs have a membership churn rate of about 25% each year, but I suspect that will be substantially less with Judd on board, as well as previous members coming back - new ones too. So they'll be big bang for our buck. But as stated, I've no clue what this historically conservative club will do, or what we're able to do. Is it realistic ? I don't know, but in my view we should go harder than anyone. With retirements and delistings our cap should see us in a position to compete. And don't worry about his injury. A minor operation to remove some floating bone will see a fit Judd return to the best midfielder in the competition next year. A wonderful opportunity beckons. Let's hope the custodians of this club recognise the enormous prize at hand.

If someone had told me at the start of the year that the last the grand finalists and premier would come out of Collingw&%$, Hawthorn, North, Port, or Geelong I'd have thought they had rocks in their head. If the Dees have a preseason to remember, some luck with injuries, continued development in their youth, and land a couple of good recruits/draftees they could do anything next year.

"Fav players" ? I'm interested in your age, and I'm not trying to be rude. I'm only interested in a flag. Nothing else. Anything that can be done to better that goal must be done. Do you understand ?

Then you're stupid and wasting my time.

You're really offering pick 4 and Green. It won't get it done.

Make no mistake. The MFC should be celebrating for a week if it landed Judd. I know I would. It's not a flag, but arguably the next best thing. And could deliver one. If he wants to come back to Victoria we should leave no stone unturned in getting him. His injury (some floating bone in his groin) will be relieved by a minor operation. Let's stop being an also ran. An irrelevent club. A minor consideration. Nice. If he's available, get him. What would I pay ? Pick 4, Bruce, Frawley (West Coast were very interested last draft).

They wouldn't do a straight swap let alone throw picks in.

He's not worth a first round pick. Let's be realistic.

It was Vlad. And love him, or hate him, no one is in a better position to know how well the respective 16 clubs are run. After all, he oversees the 'handouts'.

OK. Thanks

You may be right. As with all things, time will tell, and we'll look back in judgement. How come though, as reported by Caroline Wilson on radio a few weeks back, the AFL wish Melbourne would spend more time trying to get their house in order than things like the Chinese initiative. Apparently the AFL are very concerned about our direction, the CEO, and will "tell anyone who listens". Losing 20+ admin staff in 12 months is one more concern.

Ah, the Captain. Now he's hard. Also, many confuse brave with hard.