Fitz Fitzpatrick

13 minutes ago, Skuit said:

So you're saying many are overestimating the future potential of our list - which there is no way to refute at this point in time. And your evidence is that many overrated the list in 2010, but you agree that this list is more talented. Then a comparison to North Melbourne that I can't comprehend. Do suggest it's time for a rebuild?

we havent finished the last rebuild yet

I dont know when it exactly started but there is some massive group think tidal wave regarding how talented the list is. No one has proven anything yet and all this hype stinks of 2010 for mine.

the list is no where near as talented as the group think line says. its fascinating to watch an opinion of a few gradually build to assumed fact, yet no one really stops to analyse.

at best this list is tooled to replicate Nths last few years. mid-lower top 8 at best. There is far too much talk and assumption of 'we just got to hang on until these kids get games in to them and we will be a great side'. 

Its only 7 years since the last time i saw this play out in the media and on this site but it is eerily familiar. Our list is nowhere near as talented as some seem to be assuming. 

And yes the predictable response to my pot will be "this list is more talented than 2010" - and yes i agree, it is. But thats not my point> The point is it is NOT as talented or as well positioned as many are assuming. Its a tough comp and most sides are as well or better placed for the future. - Collingwood and Stkilda included.

5 hours ago, dimmy said:

Please let Weidermann Devlop !!!

hes a bust.move on

2 hours ago, bingers said:

The sad reality is that MFC is a poor - mediocre side, with some ability to occasionally pull off an upset.

Club

club made a big error in drafting for needs instead of best available when going for Wiedeman. forced the issue and i think we have Lucas cook Mk2. i get the whole 'talls take time ' argument and totally agree.

However , GOOD talls that take time, show some glimpses along the journey. Weed shows no hunger for the contest nor ability to find the ball. of course hes got a limited tank but the talented fwds show a bit. 

Weed is a bust i fear. 

Goldne rule - draft best available and trade for needs using the players drafted as currency. Club forced it out of desperation for a F50 partner for Hogan. we will regret it

20 minutes ago, The Chief said:

Pederson has to play every week in preference to Weideboy for the rest of the year.  Pedo has given more in 3/4's then Weid has given all year.  

Cant understand why anyone would be suprised by this. Group think on pedersen here has been remarkable. hes playing as he usually does

Weed is looking more lucas cook than anything else at this stage. compare him to hipwood who is even skinnier than weed. Hipwood competes and contests the ball. Weed is a bit of a wallflower. Reckon he might be a bust. im happyto let him fill out but even the skinny ones display attributes of competitiveness even though they lose any contest they are in. weed just doesnt compete.

23 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Save this for another time mate..

hows defining his strengths a criticism? thats a bit precious. i was calling him a potentially great chf, not sure how that is sensitive mate

4 minutes ago, Roost It said:

I wonder how you bozos would go whilst your Dad is dying of cancer on the other side of the country. The last few years would of been very tough. 

Hes a top liner and when he settles he'll win the Coleman more than once

Noi he wont. He could become a great CHF roaming up the ground but he will never be a prolific goal kicker. Its not what he is. Could be an incredible Riewoldt type CHF though

Selection night isnt helping us.

Kent would have been perfectly suited to tonights game. Run, hardness and speed.

Pedo brings physicality to the contest and wouldve freed up hogan from all those 1 v 3 marking contests.

yet again melkshams decison making and skill is letting us down big time. Yes he has the tank to get to contests but thats no good if he then grubbers it to an opposition player. I want in a casey jumper ASAP

Goodwins judgement is concerning me slightly at this early stage

2 minutes ago, spirit of norm smith said:

chip chip

muck around muck

around in a circle handballs  

handball to a player under pressure

turnovers

viney has 4 turnovers

rubbish 1st half yet 

so much talent under performing

good - salem  weideman  watts gawn Jones

poor - viney  

DId anyone watch the Nth Geelong game? An absolute class above us. 

On 3/1/2017 at 10:05 AM, ProDee said:

No.  My disappointment is based on output.

One good year in 8.

A horrible disappointment.

love the avatar, Pro!

On 3/3/2017 at 8:23 AM, Clint Bizkit said:

Because they just got rid of Lewis, Mitchell and Hodge will most likely retire.

Think before you post.

Of course I realise that but thats my point. The very reason teams should fall after sustained success is exqctly that - the talented players retire. Clubs should then fall down the ladder and relad on fresh talent from the draft.

Free agency has killed the system because it allows the clubs who already had talent when it came in to effect, to stay at the top. They use their older stars as currency and continuously 'top up' to stay at the pointy end of the comp.

Your example of mitchell, hodge, lewis leaving should result in hawthorns era ending as they drop down the ladder. not for them to keep swapping out for new guns and remain at the top, like a Man U do in EPL. Its not good for the comp

I'd love to hear what everyone thinks but this comp is getting ridiculous.

Hawthorn have just exited one of the greatest dynasties in VFL/AFL history and now they are able to simply load up on talent over two off seasons and go again!

Tom Mitchell, Omeara and increasingly likely , a Dustin Martin. This comp is so lop sided now.

How the hell can they fit that in their cap?

The issue of destination clubs is wrecking the game.  Even if MFC became a destination club I would not be happy. It's not good for the competition.

On 2/27/2017 at 10:20 AM, WERRIDEE said:

B: MELKSHAM, T.MCDONALD, VINCE

HB: HIBBERD, O.MCDONALD, HUNT

C: SALEM, JONES, LEWIS

HF: PETRACCA, HOGAN, BRAYSHAW

F: GARLETT, WEIDEMAN, GAWN

FOLL: SPENCER, VINEY, OLIVER

IC: STRETCH, TYSON, JETTA, KENT

EMERG: VANDENBERG, J.SMITH, HARMES

Melksham is a very ordinary footballer. Too many are getting sucked in by his story and the fact he's a new recruit. He is depth only. Hibberd is a much better recruit. Melksham was an ordinary trade.Poor decision making and average skills under pressure. 

Jetta is an integral part of the back line . He breaks up play and his scramble defense is nearly second to none. Plays taller than he is.

Jetta remains best 22

20 hours ago, Spin-it-to-Goodwin-it said:

 

* Just realized none of the indigenous boys were there. Maybe training with the Boomerangs or something? Just guessing.

 

 

I would have thought more sport specific stuff would be better for these boys. 

On 12/21/2016 at 2:06 AM, Sir Why You Little said:

Maybe the corporate structure is wrong

We all just get used to it...

Commie in the ranks!

10 hours ago, Satyriconhome said:

And if he had stayed on the LTI for a year we would have paid the salary as well, it didn't work out, you never left a job under lesd than perfect circumstances?

To actually doubt the concussion issues is pathetic to say the least next time I chat to Gus Brayshaw or Nev Jetta I'll let them know we have some doubters amongst supporters about the debilitating affects a couple of concussions can have

Yours is exactly the reaction when a player doesn't fit the normal stereotype,  similar to bullies in school or the workplace, except you can do it from behind the anonymity of your keyboard

H came to the club, it didn't work, he has gone, I would just say thank you for his efforts

Bollocks

On 10/27/2016 at 0:02 AM, CHF said:

This is a long read that I have put together over the last few days mainly so I can think through where I believe the team is at and where the improvement for next season may come from. It is, of course, my opinion and it may generate a bit of discussion before the drafts. It is not like years gone by when we looked at low first round draft picks and there was a lot of discussion and speculation about who, where and why.

 

There was a lot to like about our last season but, given the heights that the Bulldogs rose to, in retrospect, our season was a disappointment. I think that the Bulldogs showed everyone that you play with the ultimate ambition in mind at all times and do not compromise no matter what the circumstances.

 

With that in mind I have decided to have a critical look at our list now that the trading period is over. I do not expect us to look at any delisted players and I do not think any first year players we draft into the list at the end of November will have an impact. You never know, they might ship in a mature aged player from the boonies that is a gem. They have done so in the past.

 

Forwards:

 

Hogan will only be in his third season and he still has a lot of development left in him. Development of not only his footy skills but also his physicality. I expect him to improve a lot next season with a further pre-season under his belt and a bit of work on making his set shot run up a lot more straight forward. I believe he will be a better player this season.

 

Watts had a very good season and I would expect him to at least maintain that quality this coming season. Not expecting a lot of development of his game but with a general improvement in the team, I could see him having greater impact because he will get the ball more in more damaging positions. He does use the ball so well. Would rather we had a different option as relief ruck.

 

Garlett had an up and down season and I sort of do not expect much more from him. I wish I did but I just seems that last season he was not switched on 100% of the time. I liked his short runs in the middle but we really do need him crumbing at the feet of Hogan and Co. He could be a factor in our improvement but I will not be counting on it.

 

Pedersen has another 1 year contract and I agree with this move over and above Dawes. Has a bit of versatility about him as he can ruck a bit and fill a hole down back if required. No improvement expected but with him, what you see is what you  get – a big body that can take a mark and kick a couple.

 

Kent is developing well and I can see that he will improve a bit more with a good pre-season and with a developing midfield delivering to the forwards. I can also see him getting a bit more time in the midfield where his physicality and speed will give us a bit.

 

Weideman had a taste last season and I, for one, liked what he presented. Will be a bit better next season but I think he will make a real individual impact from 2018 onwards. Maybe 10/12 games next season.

 

Hulett had a full season in the VFL and with a good preseason he may well begin to make some sort of an impact. I only saw him in a couple of Casey’s televised games But I think he might do ok in the future. Need Max to get hold of him over a cup of coffee and tell him about the value of a good pre-season and good mindset. Similar to Weid…. 2018 onwards for some significant impact.

 

Kennedy-Harris was injured a lot of last year and had little impact. We get anything out of him this season and it will be an improvement. I think this year is a year for him to get himself back on his feet with a view to 2018 and beyond.

 

Patracca has a lot going for him in the talent department and I expect him to show a lot of improvement next season as long as he can keep toes unbroken. One of the players I will be looking to drive personal and team improvement. Will benefit from having Lewis there. Will spend a lot of time in the midfield next year, in the early part of the season in particular.

 

I can see a lot of our midfield rotating through the forward setup and will cover those on the midfield section. Individual improvements from Hogan, Kent and Patracca with Garlett improving his form and Watts and Pedersen holding station and I think we will have very effective unit up forward. Improved delivery to the forward 50 will make them look better as well.

 

Midfield

 

Jones is Jones, we only have one Jones now. Will enjoy having a bit more quality experience around in the middle and will be more effective because of it. At least as good as last season and looking to see him enjoying his footy. Heading into his 12^th year at the club and will start next season as a 29yo.

 

Vince was quality and I hope he can maintain his form and fitness for the next season. Can see him switching more forward and, in some cases back to the HBF where he can use his long kicking to effect.

 

Lewis will bring a lot to the midfield and I look forward to him in Red and Blue for the next few years. If he plays with the same commitment and hardness he brought to the Hawks, our midfield will really step up. Will slot into the forward line at times as well.

 

Viney will improve again next season because he is the type that will not entertain standing still or going backwards in his development. He will also drive others to improve.

 

Tyson was very good this last season and I think he has a bit more improvement in him to reach his best. The next few years I would expect him to make small steps in improving his skills and stamina. Would not be looking for a huge stepping breakout season as such.

 

Vandenberg has a lot going for him but needs to polish his skills to keep up with others in the team. Will add to the improvement as long as he works hard.

 

Oliver had an exceptional first season and there is not limit on what he could become. Needs to drive and consolidate this second season and I could see the coaching team looking to hold him back a little for his long term development. Will be better next season and it will add to the team’s midfield.

 

Stretch I like. I like the way he seems to play a simple game. He positions himself well and has good speed of decision making and movement. I think his improvement will come from experience and physical development. I think he will be a better player next season as he settles into a position and game plan.

 

Trengove made a great return to the game this last season. Just to get back on the ground at the highest level was a huge win for him. Want see what he is like after a full, complete pre-season and I have my fingers crossed that he can compete for a spot and make an impact.

 

Brayshaw had an unfortunate run with concussion and injury last season and he was not at this best, Hopefully he will have a good pre-season that will allow him to step up from the quality of his first season. Has the potential to add quality to the team and is another that can develop to the very highest levels of the game if he gets a good run with injury.

 

Harmes seems to me to be inconsistent from game to game. Seems to wander in and out of games. I like what I see when he is ‘on’, up and about. Probably just my perception. Want to see more of his high level consistency but he may have reached his potential.

 

Neal-Bullen I have a lot of time for. I like the way he looks clean when he has the ball. Problem is that he does not get the ball enough. Really needs to work super hard so that he can step up and not fall into the category of “good quality VFL player”. Has the goods but is in serious competition with a couple of others that are a couple of steps in front of him.

 

Salem had a few health setbacks in the last season and I hope that he can manage them this season and give himself a good crack at a long string of games. I have him in the midfield but, like a few others, he will spend time in the back six depending on circumstances. Love his running and balance.

 

Hunt showed speed and courage and I like to watch him. I do scratch my head and wonder where and into what he will develop into. Could be anything or could crash and burn in a short time. Hope it is the former as I want to see his development as the team improves.

 

Bugg I have in the midfield but he can annoy any opposition player anywhere on the ground. I am not sure he can get any more annoying but I am sure he will try. I think every team needs a Bugg.

 

Backs

 

Tom McDonald is central to our defensive structure. Takes a great mark and reads the play well except when he decides to sidestep an opponent. If they can coach that out of him I would count that as an improvement.

 

Oscar McDonald has a lot of improvement in him. To be honest, I did not see much potential in him during his first few games but he did look better and better as the season progressed. Want to see a big step up after this pre-season. I now think the ability is there.

 

Frost is not a forward. He is, however a good young developing athletic back. Will develop over the next couple of seasons and will be a key player in seasons to come. Looking towards improvement this season.

 

Jetta. More of the same from him this next season and I will be happy. While I do not think he has reached his full potential, I do like what he delivered with consistency last season.

 

Garland. There was not a lot of joy for Col last season as there was a movement to get games into the developing young defensive players. When he gets the opportunity next season I expect him to rip into it. I think his opportunities may be limited.

 

Melksham I look forward to seeing how he goes after a year out. Should bring a bit of experience and nous to the team but he will need a good pre-season to knock the rust off. I can see him moving forward into the midfield on occasion as well as moving forward to kick a few.

 

Hibberd will be interesting to watch and, if he hits good form he will add a lot to the team. Looks to be a smart, composed player that has courage. Will be interested to see where we play him as I think he has potential to play back, mid or forward.

 

Wagner. I will be interested to see how he progresses this season. Played well in concert with Hunt last season but I had the feeling he was playing a bit light. Again, probably my perception. To my mind he needs a bit more weight to do the things his mind wants him to do. Want to see him succeed and I expect he will be on the main list next season.

 

Lumumba had a very difficult season with concussion and I hope he is fully recovered. He has a lot of ground to make up on other team members that stepped up last season and filled his role. Hope he gets back to playing footy and I hope he enjoys it. Not expecting a lot from him.

 

McKenna…. Sorry but I do not know a lot about him. Not even sure I have spelt his name correctly.

 

We look a little thin at the back and will need individual improvement in the young players to ensure we have a capable unit back there. Melksham and Hibberd will be critical to their success. We have Pedersen and Watts that can go back if required.

 

Rucks

 

Gawn and then daylight for two reasons. One, Max decided that he was going to be the best ruckman in the country and went and did it and, two, The rest of our ruck stacks stood still in development and skill. We will need another outstand year from Max so it is a good thing that he looks like he thrives on hard work.

 

Spencer is a good backup to Max. As above, Max moved up into the stratosphere while Spencer kept plying his trade in the VFL waiting for his chance, a chance that never eventuated. I like having him on the list as he is an honest footy player and I think when he is called upon he will do his best.

 

Mitch King just rising 20 years old and need  a lot of development. I hope he spends a lot of time having coffee with Max. personally I have not seen a lot of him but feel he needs to begin to show something.

 

I think we need to draft a ruckman this season.

 

Rookies.

 

White needs to work hard and develop quickly. Have liked what I saw in the very, very limited opportunities he has had at the highest level but there are a few others that are moving ahead of him.

 

Smith has had a few good wraps recently and I hope he develops to his potential. Will not have a huge impact next season but I will be watching to see how he goes.

 

So with good individual improvement from the likes of Hogan, Patracca, Viney, Brayshaw, Stretch, OMac and Frost and with the addition of Lewis, Hibberd and Melksham I can see us stepping over a few teams and making the lower reaches of the 8.

 

Lost me at Garland

good player and would improve us 'on field' but a bit concerned we might regret it in the long run. From all reports, a very divisive character. at this point we seem to have an extremely tight locker room. 

If we took him he would be a good replacement for Vince as he retires in the next 12-24mths

I think our list is insanely over rated...again. We have a few future stars, of course, but its a very weak list. Wiedman is miles off, , Hogan is severely over rated, our midfield has soe talent but the midfield game does not stack up against the current game. 

the future of the current list is that of a solid mid table team. We must bring in some pure talent. 

28 minutes ago, Bobby McKenzie said:

For years I have been sorry for the Doggies. I always hoped that GWS wouldn't win a flag before the Doggies who have been in the queue for so long. Now I am as jealous hell! I firmly believe we have a better list individually but we cannot at the moment match their teamwork and overwhelming desire to win.  Congratulations to them. They truly deserved it. Their success though must give us hope for the future.

i just dont see this great list that we are supposed to have. i definitely cant see the list as being better than the dogs. we have some potential for sure but it tails off pretty quickly and the few that are getting talked up really havent done much yet

8 minutes ago, SaberFang said:

After watching the Dogs today, I'm done with anyone who isn't dedicated to the club, dedicated to the cause, and dedicated to getting us our next premiership.

A player perpetually delaying their next contract doesn't interest me. Sign on or [censored] off. If you aren't 200% committed to the single goal of winning us our first premiership cup in however many decades, I don't want you at the club; it only serves as a disservice to the club and the rest of the playing group who are clearly on-board.

Absolutely. those who make excuses for Hogan are just deluding themselves. Premierships are won off the back of 100% buy in from all. Hogan is just leading everyone on and wasting valuable time and resources. 

he knows hes gone, we know hes gone, just make the decision and f%#k off. seeing out the contract and bailing next year is the most selfish of all the options he has in front of him. 

7 minutes ago, beelzebub said:

It might be good for him to stay but hardly the eow.

If he goes we'll get a good player. Don't see the manic worry.

Boyd today showed why you need a good KPF. It doesnt have to be Hogan , and its not going to be, but we arent going to get the job done if we dont find one. 

We need to shake the GWS tree and try and see what shakes loose. An embarrassement of KP riches

20 minutes ago, ProDee said:

Boyd is a [censored] forward and average ruck.

He played his best game in a grand final, so good on him, but he's never been better than ok in the other 36.

Hogan shits on Boyd as a footballer and only a simpleton would think otherwise. 

 

could have made a similar point re: Hawkins 2 hours after the 2011 granny as well. Boyd was a gun today. Whether that continues, we will see, but Hogan at this stage is all about 'potential' - today Boyd began to walk the walk