Yoda

Hutchy just announced that we're into Caddy late and are definitely having a sniff around.

Warnock to Gold Coast trade just completed. We receive draft pick 52 I think I heard.

I hope we are doing all we can to transform the Dog's Bate interest into a pick/player that will bring a decent small forward prospect to the club. He's destined for Casey next year if he stays on our list and deserves another shot elsewhere for being a good clubman. * My feeling is that we will cave in the final hour and pick 39 it'll be.

I think we all know who they are and I'm sure Neeld will be more interested to see how they apply themselves against - for example - a West Coast away rather than a GWS at home.

Any kudos for the call?

Absolutely right. There will be a few stubborn horses among them who refuse to be dragged to the Neeld trough. That'll affect performance in year one but that's okay ... part of the weeding process.

There is a misperception among some that he is indifferent about the club. Couldn't be further from the truth. He called out the Scully shenanigans mid-season in order to help us with our campaign to secure maximum compensation and is now happy to come out and pump up Clark's tyres. Says a lot.

From the nadir of 186 and the insidious defection of he-who-shall-not-be-named, it's been quite some bounce back by the club. Schwab's dictum - "Don't underestimate the ability of a football club to move on quickly" - has been proved correct. And good on him, Stynesy and Gaz Lyon for kicking a few post-season goals. It's definitely lifted supporter perceptions and raised a bit of jealousy among opposition supporters (particularly the Clark signing coup). But the reality ... winning and playing hard contested footy week-in week-out will be all that counts starting round 1, 2012 and we will continue to be an irrelevance until that happens.

We'll know this club has made strides when it doesn't need a media blowtorch or a 'backs-against-the-wall' spur to come out and get their hands dirty. It'll just be assumed, week after week after week, that when you strap on a red and blue jumper you are prepared to hurt and be hurt for the duration of play. The window will open but first comes the change in mentality.

Hard to pot a guy who has a genuine crack every time he takes the field but a good Melbourne side won't have room for him in it.

Krakouer was preferred in 2011 but this guy played some very good footy at times in 2010. Has a strong work ethic and was one of Malthouse's favourites there for a while. Too easily dismissed I think.

Even Anthony Robbins would struggle to muster up any optimism for this player at this juncture. See ya Juice and thanks for the memories.

Despite the massive fillip of the Clark signing, I think we'd do well to keep a lid on the expectation heading in to '012. We've simply been sucked into the spruiking for far too long to get too overexcited this time. Despite the new, dynamic looking forward line and ruck set-up, Neeld's vision will take time to gel and he'll need a bit of time to weed out those who don't have the stomach for the bumps and bruises of the new 'Demons footy'. Making the eight will be a bonus next season but we should definitely expect improvement and a far more spirited approach to each and every game. It's bodies on the line time!

Would Strawbs approve? That's the question ...

Misson (not) Impossible *Sorry had to

I'm liking Aaron Davey for this role in 2012. Get him fit, get him confident again, stick him at the feet of Clark, Watts and Jurrah and watch him wreak havoc.

I'm liking the idea of him sticking with number 1 if Warnock is moved on. Otherwise ... number 11 to mark the marquee signing of the Stynes presidency.

Just in off Mitch Clark's Twitter feed ... MitchClark1 Mitch Clark Thanks 4 the support guys. I'm very excited about the chance to play for such a proud club. Looking fwd to earning the respect of my tmates 31 minutes ago