Young Blood

Really liking how positive everyone is about this kid. Refreshing for this Forum. Great disposal work, decision making and tackling. Played his role in each game with is what is being preached every second by the coaching staff. Consistent effort was the main thing I liked from him. Along with Harmes, Brayshaw, ANB and hopefully Petracca, Billy will be part of a really compedetive young group for us. He is also one I can see as a definite long term player along with Viney and Brayshaw. In it for the long haul. People have talked about him being lightly build. But he has the perfect footballers frame with those long arms and broad shoulders. Will do some work on the weights over summer and be better for it. Don't doubt that he will improve his endurance running too. Only way is up for Billy and very happy he is demon.

her [censored] here Roosy, We're only in the second week of finals for christ sake. I think its ok for supporters and people on this forum to discuss the player and how they would feel about him at Melbourne. But to say that this is a horrible decision and blow the whole trade thing up? Nothing is signed. I don't know any players that have actually been confirmed going to any club. All speculation and media hype.

Terlich might just be kept as a backup if Grimes is to go. But who knows. I like that the club were tough on him this year. Constantly pushing him to improve the defensive side of his game, not just use his rebounding attributes. Might turn around like Pederson did under similar circumstances. I think the coaching staff see more in Matt Jones then Bail, Fitz, Riley and Mckenzie. He has the leg speed that the club needs. Not saying that he has a place in the side. But he did 'play his role well' in a few games this season. Went unnoticed at times. Kept for depth perhaps.

You mean you sobered up?

Essendon supporter?

People talk about his size. He is exactly the same height as Prestia. If Melbourne can't find an elite midfield player from Goald Coast I think this is where we should look next. He has similar traits to Prestia

thats a shame. His highlights when he was at Richmond are impressive.

I agree. Roos always talks about this team having less 'talent' then their opponent. We all know Watts hasn't had a career defined by his talent. His issues have predominately been around his intensity and contested football. I actually think he improved on a lot of those things this year and can build again on them next year. We don't have too many players who can do what he does on the wing here. Ridicule me all you want but I would like to see one more year of Jack Watts at Melbourne Football Club.

I don't think his style of game fits too well. Loves to break free of his opponent and use the corridor most times. He is very predictable. If would be good if he could adjust his game and use the ball like some of our other backs (salem, jetta, dunn) where they move the ball sideways or handball back to a man with vision. I actually think its OK for him to use his strength to break free of his man but should look to give the ball of straight away in that scenario instead of trying to charge forward.

yeah I don't think he is a done and dusted player either. I think he has a lot more potential and has shown it in short bursts. Seems to perform better across half forward and as a lead up type player. Definitely a potential upgrade/replacement for Dawes. Especially when is happy to be used in the ruck in a pinch (Dawes just doesn't want to) Pederson is a player who many counted out a year or two back (including the coaching staff to a degree) but has developed into a consistent competitive player, who can run, tackle well and take contested marks. No reason why Brown couldn't develop into a similar role to Pederson. I would probably prefer Tomlinson at this stage. Has more athleticism and a bit of experience down back. Also a huge plus which Roos and a lot of people are highlighting is the need for endurance running in players. Tomlinson has a great tank for running his players off their feet. Actually enjoys long distance running like Tmac We could have a group a midium-tall players with good running who can play both ends or good marking wing players. T. McDonald Pederson Watts Vandenberg (Tomlinson)

lol when he plays his face does look rather funny. Slightly constipated look.

I don't know if we will be able to get a 'skilled tall forward' but I think the other 3 are definitely possible. I think we should look at another forward. A lot of people have very high hopes for Kent but I wouldn't want to put too much pressure on the guy. Would have been nice to get Tom Lynch as a medium forward who can mark well. I think we will look around for a similarish type player. Curnow could even be that player. forward line for me at the moment looks like F: Garlett Hogan ?? HF: Watts Pederson Kent I know there are players who can slot in to the forward line ANB, Petracca, JKH, Newton, T-Mac, Howe if he stays etc. But I think another consistant goal kicker (like Garlett's avg) would be really great. I would hope if we can get one more marking forward it will mean Dawes can become a reserve. If we got real depth Pederson could be too.

He did say that mid season but yeah.... MFC make him staaaaaaaaayyyyyy!

Now we just need to sign him on. Preferably longer then 2 more years where he will be 22. gulp... "I can't say (if I will ever move back to play in WA)," he said. "Obviously I am enjoying my time here and the list we are obviously growing is going to be pretty unbelievable I think. It is pretty obvious and I think in a couple of years we are going to be a pretty good side. I can't be certain but at the moment I am very happy where I am and enjoying my football." Hogan I hope we can improve a little bit quicker over the next "couple of years"

It was good to hear this http://www.sen.com.au/news/09-15/hogan-named-rising-star I'm sure a lot of the Gold Coast and GWS players have said similar things about building together as a young group. But I think there is a better understand on what needs to happen next at Melbourne and I think the young playing group are buying in. My favourite line is when asked about getting along with other young players at Melbourne he states, "we all have that competitive edge", I believe he's referring to Brayshaw, Petracca, ANB and Harmes. He talks about liking playing with Brayshaw because he "puts his head over the pill". If Melbourne can continue to surround Hogan with hard edge players like the young group we have, and of course players that will deliver the ball with more precision and efficiency into the forward line, then there is hope that we can keep this gem of a forward.

yes please! He clearly has a problem holding his alcohol. Suns just needed to keep him out of the clubs.

I agree. Worried if we don't improve that Jesse will start to look back to home out West in a few years

Harley Bennell charged with disorderly behaviour, will be traded

I think the idea is to try to replace some of these players like Fitzpatrick with better quality consistent players.

If Cripps wins then Jesse will be very angry. Could be good for next year. Chip on his shoulder type thing. Not that he really needs it. Hope for Hogan RS.

Being a Melbourne supporter, we have been through something similar (probably worse) with Jurrah. But I get your point. I think the club will be careful.

On Brayshaw 'Not great user of the ball but linked up well going long to Hogan many times during the year' Brayshaw isn't a great user of the ball? Why so many contradictions? Waaaay to much green ol Freak.

The nightclub culture up on Gold Coast is [censored]. I would be happy for Melbourne to have a stab at trading for him. Not saying that it would necessarily be any different here but I would hope he might fall into a more professional group and be influenced by players like Garlett who was able to mature and play good football for Melbourne this year.

I have edited myself. Glad we all agree that Harmes is in that group of younger players that will build this side up!

One or two posters on here seem to right off guys that have played one or two games, a lot of them teenagers or 20 yr olds. Harmes has been one of them. I think James could turn out to be a terrific player. Like ANB, Stretch and Brayshaw, James was drafted and placed into the side because he loves contested football and it shows. I've posted before about Harmes' ability to get his hands free when being tackled. He is slippery and manages to get the ball out in tight situations. His distributing of the ball will improve but his basics around the contest are terrific. His contested marks on the weekend were wonderful, the absolute highlight for me. Plays will confidence and a good hard edge around the contest.