Young Blood

I'd like to have a chat to Pederson. Seems a really nice guy. Frost might be the backman that goes into the ruck in a pinch if we can't land another taller forward.

BINGO

Yeah like I said the lineup is just who I think is currenlty our strongest team. I was more after suggestions of who the side can bring in with the roster spots we now have. Not sure who in the Premiership window would look at Dawes but I agree might be worth trading in a package. I really don't think we should just be putting Dunn on the trade table straight up. Frost has played three OK games for us. He looks exciting and has potential but to take out our most steady backman? We still want to win games next year. Frost and O-Mac will get there opportunities. Its important not to rush those guys in. O-Mac will take a bit longer to develop then Brayshaw etc. Plus I put V next to Dunn's name because he will be a Veteran for the club next year meaning he along with the Rookies doesn't count in our list of 38 players. Handy for picking up more players.

Might be better as a Half forward. I agree with others that his toughness around the ball is just not up to scratch for midfield. Could be a good player for depth across half forward behind Kent, Watts, Petracca, Pederson if he can build on his intensity especially defensively.

Apologies if this has already be done to death. But I thought I'd set out the team we currently have for next year now that players have been delisted. I guess for most of you this will be a bit obvious but doing this for my own benefit to wrap my head around the players we have and where we need more depth/talent to continue to improve. I understand more players will go and be traded etc. But this is IMO our most competitive side of current players. I would like players like Garland, Lumbumba, Pederson to be pushed out by younger guys throughout the season. Let me know who I have left out B Frost Dunn (V) Garland (22) (28) (27) HB Salem T. McDonald Jetta (20) (23) (25) C Tyson Viney Brayshaw (22) (22) (19) HF Pettracca Pederson AVB ® (19) (28) (23) F Kent Hogan Garlett (21) (20) (26) Fol Gawn Vince N. Jones: (23) (29) (27) Int Watts Harmes ® Howe Stretch (24) (19) (25) (19) Depth: Backline: Lumumba (28) Grimes (25) Terlich (25) O. Mcdonald (19) White (19) ® Midfield/wing: Michie (23) M. Jones (27) Trengove (24) ANB (19) Forward: Dawes (27) JKH (20) Newton (23) Hunt (20) Ruck: Spencer (25) King (20) ® ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- So its clear that the team needs some depth at each position - Regardless of whether Howe and Garland are leaving we do need another backman. Need another steady player to go alongside Frost, White and O'mac while they develop. - Obviously we need another ball winning midfielder to add to our depth. I think with the boost of Petracca and development of Brayshaw, ANB and AVB the midfield will be better but we need some more steady players to back them up. Would be good to have another younger player pushing the midfield. I would like to see Jones and Vince take on different roles next year where they carry less burden and are able to move away from their tags. Another player to keep knocking on the door with Michie would be terrific. - As stated by others a marking forward who could go into the Ruck in a pinch. I think Pederson could fill this void until we find someone. But a younger tall would be great. Now who could fill these gaps?

why on earth would Port get rid of a key midfielder for any of the suggested trades? They will be pushing very hard for top four next year. Having Watts and/or Howe or a pick isnt going to take them to that top echelon of teams next year. With that in mind surely Hamish himself wouldn't leave a club like that to come to Melbourne. i'm not trying to be negative. But he is 25 yrs old. If he is not injured next season he will be in his prime playing for a Premiership. Baffles me. I'm not trying to say I wouldn't love him at Melbourne. But not sure about the why...

whats more alarming is that he is only 21! I think preseasons are really important and another one for Dean will hopefully help his body over the course of a season next year. Looking forward to seeing him and Petracca solidify their positions at half forward next year!

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