Fitz Fitzpatrick

Assume Parish and Curnow selected in draft and assume they are what pundits forecast. Assume all players fit and in form and reflect potential. What is everyone's optimum centre square lineup? It's Qualifying final 2016 opening bounce.

If you have to name a best lineup in the centre square round one, assuming parish is what it says on the box, who would you have at this stage? Let's assume all midfielders are healthy and in form.

The difference is that poor lad didn't have a safe word!

Im sure. Sounds awesome

Forum footy? that would've been superb.

Possible this is his last season at MFC. If he doesn't improve he may well get delisted as it appears his trade value is fairly low. If he does improve a bit and attracts interest as a free agent then MFC may not wish to match an offer from a club looking for that cream on top type player. Regardless, its setting up for a fascinating stage of his career.

How many of you guys have met other Demonlanders ?

What makes you lean towards Curnow more that Wiedeman, ben? Is it his injury concerns or does Curnow offer more versatility? Haven't seen much of either.

Had to dig through the family albums for that one.

As a casual observer I find it fascinating how quickly and seamlessly Stuie can argue himself in to a losing position. Unfortunately it destroys threads in the process.

Watts's biggest advantage was the fact we didn't have any talent on the list. We do now. Watts at his potential best , is damaging but he no longer an automatic inclusion. i remember being impressed by his mid season patch of form , but i did find myself swooning over acts of play that would not have raised an eyebrow if another player had performed them. Fact is, the bar is set so low with JW now, that a one on one contested mark gets us excited and screaming that JW has turned the corner. Would I want the ball in his hands 80m out from goal in a grand final? YES Would i want him in a contest for the footy at half forward in a grand final ? NO WAY . Hes a cream on top player but we are hopefully accruing talent equal to his that also wins their own ball.

It doesn't have to be one without the other, middy. You are both correct. As is PR. The list of players rpfc is referring to were poor choices and in my opinion would not have been A-graders anywhere. BUT, there was also a very poor development program at the club in which players, including above mentioned , were not developed properly. Poor draft picks not developed properly will just be poorer than they would've been otherwise. Gysberts, cook, magic etc were NEVER going to be guns.

This is more like the old BH we all know. Succinct.

Hi thirst for the contest is 3rd rate and so many blokes on the list show him up for that now. Yes he's a cherry on top type, but i reckon Petracca as a HF can offer so much more IF he is what pundits forecast. I accept that is an IF at this stage.

I dont rate his marking at all. Being outmarked by Jamie Bennell in a one on one against WC stands out amongst many examples. His kicking is elite and vision and decision making are very good.

I knew you wouldn't resist, Jumbo!

it will be fascinating to watch him respond to not being automatic inclusion. i agree he could benefit from more talent around him but i reckon that extra talent could keep him out of the side. he's not the only bloke that can kick anymore

JW is a microcosm of the MFC . his best has become pretty good but his worst is terrible and his consistency is so far not good enough.

Yes good points. I reckon 2016 is the first year that he will be constantly under pressure to retain his spot. And that is a good place for us to be.

The side is about as combative and physical as it's been for 15 years now. If Trengove can return and we pick up a Curnow or Wiedeman as well as Parish plus the inclusion of Petracca, I'm struggling to fit the Jack Watts of 2015 in to the side. I see his best spot as high half forward but have others rotating through there. I normally steer clear of pencilling in draftees but for the sake of discussion I have done so. Watts strength are his elite skills but he's no longer Robinson Crusoe on that one. He can also make good decisions however we now hopefully have others who can do that plus provide a target with physicality. Where do others see him in the 22?

Jeez, thats a hell of a night, FD. we need to make this happen!

Whether the current commission or AFL executive intends to or not, the ball has begun rolling and in a few years the combined club debt will have reached a point where the discussion of "trimming" club numbers will begin. there will be so much debt that supporters for the trimming will point to that as why it is "necessary" to downsize the melbourne club numbers. the writing is on the wall - some can't see the end game yet but to me its pretty bloody obvious. in the meantime MFC needs to get its [censored] together fast. At the moment it can point to a supporter base in its twilight years with a sprinkling of younger generation supporters and a 'closet' in AAMI stadium as its base of operations. I would say that those for decreasing team numbers , could make a fair case for MFCs demise in the medium term should the status quo not change

You think your avatar might represent a night on the turps with fellow dlanders?

Awesome idea! If we could get the club to somehow become involved , with staff and some players present, it could be a great way to kick off 2016 with a nod to us as a football club. lets get it done

Matt Jones has limited time ahead of him at 28 , and will never be a match winner but i think its a bit harsh to put him in the same basket as terlich. He did a great job on enright this year and is a fair distributor around the packs. Ideally he never gets a game but he's not as bad a depth player as some perceive