Lucifers Hero

Looks like we may be joining the top-up party: http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-02-02/demons-seek-topup-rookie-for-suspended-melksham?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS+feed%3A+AFL+Latest+News But we would upgrade a rookie to our senior list and top up the rookie list to maintain a full list. However, it seems we are not too fussed: "It is believed the Demons are in no rush to bring in a new player in place of Melksham, with the club under the impression the player would be inadequately prepared from a fitness point of view, as well as being behind in understanding the club's game plan". As Melksham was never really there, we are not going to miss him...its more a case of keeping the overall numbers topped up.

There is much media discussion about top up players, payment of salary etc for the non EFC, AFL clubplayers. The press seems to have forgotten that we have one - articles like this one don't even mention MFC or Jake: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/essendon-to-pay-carlisles-st-kilda-contract-this-year-20160131-gmi4ai.html" I really like the position MFC has taken: An early, clear statement that Jake was recruited for the long term...nothing to see here folks. No hue and cry about top-ups or salary payments, no whinging etc. (that is not to say our lawyers are not having discussions with the AFL) Nothing to distract players, coaches, admin or fans from getting on with football. No attention from the media. No spotlight on us. We are quietly going about our business like a really professional club. People say a club needs to be successful off the field first to be successful on the field. Well, MFC is kicking an abundance of goals in most areas off-field, it is only a matter of time before the on-field results follow. I've moved beyond being hopeful; I'm finally ready to believe.

I can't get behind the paywall so am responding just to your comment. Does the article say anything about CAS rules on player payments? Or have they found some backdoor way around the CAS rules? As I understand those rules players cannot be paid by an entity connected to the AFL, while suspended. Hence why the AFLPA was trying to get compensation claims against EFC and AFL settled out of court - players would get money sooner rather than later. Those 3 organisations have gone very quiet of late...not sure what they are hatching. I don't trust any of them! Maybe CAS suspension and appeal rules are so watertight that players will have to take their medicine

Does anyone else think our talented young men players have overstepped the mark with their outspokenness? Hewitt was brash, at times obnoxious but he always showed great respect for the game and usually for other players, especially the greats of the game. Kyrios and Tomic have potential galore but Kyrios' on court behaviour and the media comments of both, make me cringe. Their latest antics: Kyrios answers mobile on court: http://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/australian-open-2016-nick-kyrgios-in-hot-water-after-answering-his-phone-on-court-20160123-gmcphj.html Tomic puts down Federer (rightly or wrongly I don't know but not very smart): http://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/australian-open-2016-bernard-tomic-takes-aim-at-roger-federer-20160123-gmcptn.html Maybe they should let their racquets do the talking until they actually achieve something!

This is EFC bb! You know those guys that think themselves above the law and will bend the rules to suit themselves!. Any idea where to find the Code that talks to player payments while suspended?

Someone should pay him...Essendon are paying 'their' players - whether this is just those still on their list or not I don't know...I suspect it is. It would be wrong if all 34 players are not treated the same. The AFL said today any payments to players by Ess would be within their TPP. However, if we are 'morally' obliged by the AFL to pay Melksham it should NOT be in our TPP in my opinion. From a cash flow and profit perspective I think there is a strong case for the non-ess affected clubs to request the AFL to pay the salary. Port, Bulldogs, StK and us are the poorest clubs in the league and can least afford to throw away a few hundred thousands of dollars. Edit: "...Bombers chief executive Xavier Campbell confirmed the banned players would be paid during their suspensions. "They will be paid by the club. We'll have to work within the confines of the WADA code and we'll work closely with the AFL and we've had discussions to that effect," Campbell said. http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-01-12/manifestly-unfair-bombers-hit-at-cas-verdict?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS+feed%3A+AFL+Latest+News

Having heard this week that Grandpa Weideman and our Barassi are great mates reminds me of the 50 year GF celebration the players had at the Bentleigh Club last year. When the GF players were on the stage reminiscing I recall one (Brian Dixon, maybe) saying the GF he remembers the most was the one we lost in 1958!! The players are still livid about that. So I would love to be a fly on the wall when Grandpa Weideman and Barassi get together for a few beers!

Sorry 'hoopla', I need to reword that sentence: I just hope he quickly comes to terms with the fact that he is now an AFL player who will be given the development and opportunity to be the best he can be and does not need to be the messiah people hope for ...and is not burdened at being a high draft pick as it means zip.

I thought, taking an extra mid/on-baller not so critical as: - the club has confidence in our lower pick mids/on-ballers: Stretch, Harmes, ANB, Kent, Bugg etc - Next year's draft runs deep for mid-fielders/on-ballers - Mitch King and Liam Hulett expected to be rookied by Melb which says all the mids we wanted were gone so we went for need. Overall, a balanced result.

Good comparisons and a real compliment to the kid. Dangerfield, Parker and Gray were 'Big Fish' we went really hard for pre trade. We missed out on all so now we will grow our own: Oliver!! ...along with Brayshaw, Viney, Petracca, Hogan, Weidman etc etc etc etc Let the good times role! Ok, it is all potential but I am enjoying the post trade morning!!

Love the gif! The difference between Tyson and Viney (love both) is that Viney has serious hurt factor. Probably more so than anyone in the league atmo so no slight on Tyson. Viney leaves ops bloodied and bruised wondering what just happened! With no 'beg your pardons'! Not bad for a 'little' guy...with plenty of attitude!

Weideman on SEN: -His grandfather and Barassi are great mates -His family is delighted about going to the Dees -Had spoken to Melb a few times over the months and knew we would take him!! -Delighted he is playing with Jesse...and who wouldn't be!!!!

Oliver won me with this comment: “I do pride myself on being competitive. I always have ever since I was little. I just see the ball and want to get the ball. I always want to win. I never want to lose,” Oliver told Fox Footy...“I think they (Melbourne) like my inside work, my clean hands, work at the stoppages and competitiveness.” I like the maturity in that...proud of his strengths and nothing egotistical about it! The words underlined would be music to Jesse's ears...he made similar competitive comments after the RS award. With that attitude Oliver will fit in nicely with the commitment our your brigade have made to winning. For too long it was ok for our players to accept losing/floggings. Can't help but think there is a new breed in Demon town!

Maybe Oliver is a late bolter only to the media and football watchers!! In a recent interview Taylor said we have a scout (whose name I have forgotten) who watches players from under12 onwards!!! Taylor would also have the benefit of scouts for underage players from his days at Collingwood. So Taylor has been watching him (and other draftees) for a very long time. If Taylor takes Oliver @ 3 he will have a damn good reason. And, it won't be because Oliver is suddenly making the headlines! I for one won't be doubting Taylor's choice.

EQ's list is her opinion of 'quality'...I think of it as her view of 'best available'. Emma watches a great deal of underage football so her opinion on quality is worth noting. Her mock draft in a week, is predicted order of players which is where club/recruiter research comes in...club's view of 'best available'/'needs' It will be interesting to compare the two.

surplus a graders...what a wonderful day that will be

Love this comment from him: “For me to run out on the G and play for Melbourne would mean the world to me and I’d make the most of the opportunity,” he said. Hope he gets a run in the seniors this year (2016) and have that dream come true! Line him up next to Jesse!

Shaun Smith was just interviewed on SEN and his comments about Joel were: - Played under 16's football; - Dropped footy to focus on VCE and basketball; - In the Dees' sights for nearly a year; - Dees liked his athleticism; - Last year he did some trials and kicking with the Dees; - Being son of a former player appealed; - MFC left it up to Joel to think about it for a year; - with Jeremy Howe going, it provided an opportunity for someone like Joel ... he alluded to maybe taking high marks like Howe; - Joel is 6'3" and Shaun sees him as a forward, has endurance and a tank. Sounds very good ... I'm dreaming that he could be the forward buddy we are looking for Jesse. Long way to go but he will be another Son of ... to enjoy watching in red and blue!

Wise, do you really think we don't understand that!! We are outraged because that could have been done on Monday! It wasn't - strongly suggesting we were not prepared to give up 25 on its own. We have! We rolled over - to that crap lot near the airport. That is the issue.

Peanuts?

The Age reporting the deal is done for pick 25! Can't believe we rolled over. At some point we need to take a stand during Trade week and show some mettle and play hardball otherwise we will always be seen as suckers and wimps.

As one of those 'junkies' the CAS hearing starts Nov 16 but most unlikely the verdict will be known before the psd (Dec 3). So it is still 'buyer beware''

Did we say a 2nd rnd pick or our 2nd rnd pick? Even if the latter, by the time FA comp picks for Leuenberger, Selwood and Academy selections happen pick 25 will be closer to pick 28-30. That seems ok.

A good throwaway line 'ManDee'...obviously its not possible to make a future event fact. My hypothesis was: there is a miniscule chance JM will not be available for rnd 1, 2016 because: - Not all 34 players will get the same ban...some will get a lighter ban eg 6/12 mnths - JM is one with a lighter ban (MFC would have checked if he was one of the 2 with 'abnormal' TB4) - He has served 6 months already. - He can serve 6 more months if he takes another 'voluntary' suspension thru this off-season. Where is the fault in the rationale? The point really is that the CAS related risk of taking JM is very low. Not saying it applies to you but lots of generalisations on here about player suspensions often based on wishful thinking and are looking at time banned rather than games missed. Out of interest, how many games do you think JM will miss?

I wonder why the 34 EFC players haven't taken another 'voluntary' suspension, just in case. Added to the 6 months already it means a 1 year 'voluntary' suspension would have been served pre rnd 1 2016. (Maybe they have/will and EFC/AFL will make it public after the GF). Note: players can still train with their club while in 'voluntary' suspension. Those on here that assume the 'worst possible case' ie all 34 will get (the same) 2 years with no backdating and no credit for any 'voluntary' suspension are unrealistic. Here is my rationale as to why:- - 2 of 34 players were found to have 'abnormal' levels of TB4. - I can see these 2 players getting a 1 or 2 year ban and the others getting a lighter 6mnth/1 year ban. - Any ban may include backdating and will include credit for 'voluntary' suspension served. People may not like that suspensions are served in the off-season but those are the rules. I trust MFC to know if JM is 1 of the 2 with 'abnormal' TB4...safe to think he is not. So if my rationale is correct he would get a lighter penalty (if any at all). The backdating and credits would see him available for rnd 1 2016. If he comes to us I hope MFC encourage him to take another 6 month 'voluntary'. Even so, IMHO there is a miniscule risk that he will not be available to line up in round 1 2016. If you think otherwise, please read this post again.