Wells 11

Beveridge probably wasnt the doggies first choice either. Carlton got Malthouse as their first choice and before that they got Pagan. So you need a bit of luck in these things ...not simply access to "first choice" . Dew was obviously his prime pick but I wonder now if he isnt at home wishing he taken the position now. Imo he blew that. That ex collingwood dude was rejected by a couple of other clubs and we just fell into Mathouses egotistic desire for a legacy. Goodwin on the other hand would probably be coaching Adelaide now if we hadnt grabbed him. I agree that its hard to imagine dee success anymore.....but Im as hopeful as Ive been since 1988 coming into a season,

Imo the current system is just hopelessly compromised. Financial interests running over the top of an equal competition. I love the thought of a 17-5 format and hope they bring it in

wow...getting excited! What pick did we use?

I think lewis, Rockliff are pretty big tbh

If he wants to leave , he just has to come out publically and say "I want to be a dee". No club can keep a player that says that. Its in his court.

Do you think any of these would deliver Melb a training ground? Its a real question. Somehow I cant see Eddie having that in his mind as he visions this. Id like to think its a possibility though.

Its true...but theres nothing else to talk about right now.

if thats true its nothing to celebrate. Thats the worst case scenario

I think scenario 3 is going to be the worst for the club. It would be a year of full on speculation and every time we lost a game it would be brought up. I think most on here would agree that of he hasn't signed by the start of next season he's gone anyway. IF he is going then lets get it over and done with quickly. I hate break ups.

Youd be learning from a AA ruckman AND there would be a plan to give him more game time and protect gawn a bit also I would think. At the moment if Gawn went down the whole house of cards would collapse. We need to be more adaptable if we're really going to travel far n the coming years.

Just goes to show that no matter what the improvement someone is going to flip out that we haven't improved more.

I know what you're saying. He was always the one who would get us back on track re his disposals. The one who would sort out a chain of messy disposals not create them. You never know what injuries players are carrying and I lve what he's brought to the side but he's def a shadow of what he's been for us lately.

Essendon imo will be average next year as the suspended players take time to readjust and the others to slot back in around them. But they would be VERY up for their round 1 match. Id rather play them a few rounds in than round 1.

Great picks but the suffering involved in getting them was immense. Happy to leave that party!

I got to thinking on reading this that Gawn in 2016 is reminding me of Shwartz in 1994. Absolutely and almost ridiculously dominant. I hope we're talking big about Maxxy in 17, 18, 19 , 20 and beyond and not endlessly watching clips of him this season. I will pray for both his knees. Im sorry to sound anxious but hey...Im a demon supporter and Im not sure how to handle positive press.

same same. I think we'd love him if he came as a free agent but Im not sure we want to make the trade sacrifices to get him. I dont think any club would want to push the players to walk as FA as the media storm around it would be huge and just make things more difficult for them than its already been. We've got such a promising young list Im not sure Id want to part with players like Salem etc and picks to get him

which ever way it goes its a great platform for 17. Just missing may even be better than just scraping in and getting murdered in a final. As much as Id love that fairy tale I really dont think we're ready this year to do any damage. Theres no retiring robbie to lift the side on the ground and no Grinter types down back. Just missing would make everyone feel they "could have" and bust a gut over the summer. But happy days...3 rounds to go and we're still in the season instead of arguing about who our first draft pick is going to be.

for one or both macs? Great news. re the 2 years Perhaps its insurance if the whole club sinks post roosy . Or perhaps, as others have said, its pushing for a bigger payday down the track. Hopefully we have them both for years to come. Love that their brothers and holding down the 2 key back posts.

Its quite incredible isnt it. I guess the bombers fall back on "there wasn't any definitive proof" and it was really just " poor record keeping" or the players being "tired after training" and not filling in the WADA sheets properly. I would so LOVE it if Hurley or Hibberd walked.....while it would be great if they chose us I would enjoy it either way. Soon enough we're going to have to put up with all the glory stories about essendon rising from the ashes of all this, and that is seriously going to make me vomit.

Interesting re the dogs and Hurley purely from the point of view wondering what Gordon will say. Because of Cramari he's been one of those fully defending the EFC...so would be massive backflip if he then tried to get him to walk as free agent.

GNF there's so many on here that really enjoy your updates. Im one of them. Especially when they're positive like this one! Dont let the haters drive you away. This site would def lose something if you went. Things can change and If you're wrong, you're wrong.

Was reading on the AFL site talking about Riolis hit on Oliver " Rioli is a chance to be cleared after a fumble from Oliver left the two-time All Australian with no alternative but to hold his ground and brace for a collision. What an absolute crock of shite. 2 points worth noting here. 1. Lets remember what a good bloke he is by reminding everyone he's a two time all Austrailna. and 2. if thats "bracing for impact" then lord help anyone if he decides to go the bump. Im getting sick of the love affair with this dude. As someone on this site said imagine if it had been the other way around. Oliver would have been penalised and reported on the spot.

Im starting to have second thoughts about Hurley, regardless of whether we could get him. Ok...yes, he's been a superstar of the comp imo. But the way the game is changing with so much run and spread and speed Im not sure that Tmac isnt more of the new look prototype. Hurley dominated when the game was more like rugby, he's a fantastic mark, big body and strong precense. But he isn't quick. We didn't get to see him this year and how he managed that ...he may well have looked a bit different. Part of the reason Watts is blooming ( aside from better coaching, better support and more confidence) is the ball is coming to him at pace and space and that isnt exposing him as much to being physically mauled. He's gotten SO much better with his body use but I think the modern game suits him also...just as it suddenly suits Tom $. Im just thinking out loud. Any one got any thoughts on this? We may have to sell a chunk of the farm to get him and I just dont know if its worth it.

Maybe it's time his pic went up on the demonland

Of course. But its still good to hear about some of whats happening behind the scenes...regardless of how they pan out. Its why I love the site.