Young Blood

signed on for another season (till end of 2016). Nice one! http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2015-09-24/pedersen-signs-on-for-2016

So he would like to move back out West. It's not the same as Jetta situation where he nominated one of the Perth teams and a deal will be done because he is a required player, mainly because Jetta doesn't have the off field issues. But I would say if he is moving home to be nearer family/support then both clubs would look at him. I was thinking the other day about how players nominate to go back home to WA (mainly in the great feat of losing Hogan). Have there been many more occasions other then Mitch Clark where a player has wished to go back only to be snapped up very quickly by a Melbourne club?

Pretty tough asking Jesse in this interview about fears of losing him out West. I think a lot of players would say things like "I would like to be a one club player" or "I want to be a part of the team when we're finals bound". But Jesse was honest. He loves his home back out West. He's going to keep his options open and take it "year by year" at this stage. Of course its a bit worrying for Dees supporter but I would rather he be honest.

Yeah I agree Wretched. I think he could work well playing a variety of roles for this team under Roos, whether is be tagging, half forward or runs through the midfield. Is a good all round footballer who can add to depth on our list. He is quite quick and athletic, something we really need. A strong platform to build on and become a better player at Melbourne. This isn't the big fish everyone wants of course, I understand that but I hope people realise that if we pick him up, he will be one of a group of new players to add to depth. Will not be the only mid we pick up.

Always found Colin pretty consistent and saves us many times on the last line of defense. One of our smarter players I think I would like him to stay. While our young midfield looks to continue to develop at a good rate I think the backline will take longer e.g. White and Oscar Mcdonald. Also Frost looks like he might spend most of his time as Forward/CHF next year, which means its important for Garland to stick around to help McDonald and Dunn.

Also just noticed in Jesse's exit interview on the Dees website that he believes Frost will play up forward with him. Is looking forward to playing alongside Frost, Kent, Garlett and Dawes next year. With that in mind I think we might see Oscar McDonald in more games next year.

Wrote this in another thread: Everyone is talking about recruiting another big bodied, marking forward to take some of the heat off Jesse/an upgrade from Dawes. There doesn't seem to be much out there at the moment in FA or possible trades. I actually think if nothing transpires that Frost might head forward. Big athletic body with terrific strength and decent leg speed. He is also a player that could could give Gawn a break in the ruck. I think if that does happen we might see more of Pederson at CHB where he has played some good football with his marking and running ability.

Yeah I agree I think he should stick around to add to depth across half forward. Doesn't necessarily need to find a lot of the footy as long as he builds his defensive pressure and when he does find the footy he uses it well ala Kent. Another midfield type player who can find a place across half forward is handy. Averaged 1 goal per game and a decent amount if Inside 50's. Doesn't mean much but he did play in 4 of Melbourne's 7 wins and again I have to disagree with Poita. While he has been in the system since 2011, he has only played 15 AFL games (4 Port, 11 Melb). Peformed well at Casey as well. He and Michie definately have my support moving into next year to put some pressure on team selection. Both can become important role players which Roos' is always preaching. Has the skills and is a decent tackler, But he definitely needs to build on his fitness. I think thats key for him moving forward. With better fitness I hope he can improve his intensity around the stoppages. Can build from here.

Or maybe its just because Hogan won Rising Star and Vince Best n Fairest. Someone had to state the obvious

Freeman before he got injured looks great. http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-11-13/eight-days-to-the-draft-meet-nathan-freeman

Skittles. Yummy.

Sorry guys. But we need to move on from Hamish. http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-premiership/afl-market-watch-hamish-hartlett-to-remain-at-port-adelaide-ben-lennon-in-demand-brisbane-busy/story-e6frf3e3-1227538944136 Neither party wants Hartlett to go and for good reason. It was a nice thought.

A lot of dreaming on this forum. Reality bites. Dream on!

Yeah it is a nice thought but coming from such a competitive, possibly top 4 side I think if he was to be moved on he would look at another finals bound team. I hope there is a lot of focus on trying to bring Redden to the club. He has the skill set we require.

I really want Redden. Much more likely to land him then Hartlett. His progression since being drafted has been terrific. Has the perfect mixture of zip and grunt that we need. Please Todd n co. please.

yup

This is why I never read other forums The Wrecker said: ↑ Hartlett is headed to the Swans or the Demons. Won't be at Port next year.

yeah I think he has shown that he can play when has the ball in his hands. Most obviously later in the season. Has the ability to break free of packs before a penetrating kick into the forward line which I saw quite a few times. His Inside 50's were consistent. Poita talked about 'his time in the system'. He got one game for freo and played 17 games for Melbourne. Might have been in the AFL system since 2011 but has not had much of an opportunity at top level. His last four games this season we great I thought. He also performed very well for Casey all year. I hope he continues to keep knocking on the door. I think he will keep improving his defensive side. When we picked him up I was told by a freo physio that he was a bit of a hot head. I think he is a tougher player and look forward to seeing his hardness next year. Would like to see his tackling incres. Has a good base to work from now.

great mentality mo64.... Who can be bothered talking about Scully, Morton etc. any more. Not me Lets talk about Petracca, Bayshaw, AVB, Stretch, Harmes etc. Lets plan the next 4-5 years for them and bring in others with the same mentality

Yeah thats really interesting. Everyone is talking about recruiting another big bodied, marking forward to take some of the heat off Jesse/an upgrade from Dawes. There doesn't seem to be much out there at the moment in FA or possible trades. I actually think if nothing transpires that Frost might head forward. Big athletic body with terrific strength and decent leg speed. He is also a player that could could give Gawn a break in the ruck. I think if that does happen we might see more of Pederson at CHB where he has played some good football with his marking and running ability. But I do hope we can either draft (Curnow?) or pick up a marking forward type player to build the depth of the forward line behind Jesse, Pederson, Dawes, AVB and Watts.

yeah or the club genuinely see him as a 'required player' as stated by coach and others over and over. Another season to build on this years improved performance. If he does not prevail I think you would still have him as the same value as this year. Only really good for a trade package.

Chris I think its important to have a more mature backline. Cooler heads, more poise etc. and Dunn, Jetta and Garland have those capabilities and will be able to stick together for you would hope another 2-3 years. I think the key is finding the balance. You don't want to throw young guys into the side down back where mistakes are obviously more costly. I think Frost, Omac and White will get their opportunities to line up with our older backs next year. I agree though we need to keep recruiting younger backs to develop behind our current backline. I think we'll look to do so in the draft. It's usually where you can pick up some less flashy, more steady players. But hopefully there are also some 20-24 yr olds available in FA or trade too.

"pretty certain" oath

I guess what I am trying to do with this post is show that we are now seeing a team that is building a good core group of players. We no longer have an obvious group of dead weight type players. We can really build on the improved list we have this year. Promising to see the list we have currently and that we can bring more depth and talent to the club.

Hope he sticks around to help with the development of guys like Stretch, Brayshaw, Harmes and ANB. All show good early signs of tough contested competitive football. Cross could help them further excel in this area.