11 minutes ago, Ethan Tremblay said:

You are correct.

Link to post on BF.

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/welcome-to-port-adelaide-jimmy-toumpas.1113753/page-68

The crux of it is here.

"...The funny thing is, that I have heard from a mate that would know - that Jack Vineys manager has been in close contact with the club about coming across as well!!

Apparently he is looking for the chance to play finals and to be a part of a club that can realistically provide that as Melbourne is not likely to for a very long time.

Watch this space..."

 

Clearly the work of a troll!

Purple has a good track record with rumours but if that is what he is relying on for his source he has slipped down very badly. 

Roos just interviewed now on SEN:

- no injuries today...one small niggle but I didn't catch who it was.

- Gawn terrific today.

- Salem in best 3 today (maybe BOG) along with VanD and Tyson.

- Kennedy and Bugg played well today and performance have spiked since Christmas.  They are both 'competitors'

- Oliver was fantastic around the ball.  Weidman was very smart in the forward line...(I think he meant he has good footy IQ).

- Casey players did well...Plapp doing a great job and they got our game plan really well.

- Need to temper Melb supporter fans' expectations of Hogan...it is only his second year and needs to be a team effort.

- Consistency of mids to improve for us to be more dangerous.

5 minutes ago, binman said:

In which case 30 goals is unrealistic as a KPI. If he plays a high half forward who leads out and delivers to the deep forwards (as he seems to have played to according to Tappysquads) then 20 goal would be a reasonable KPI.

His key measures would then be goal assists, forward pressure and score involvements. 

I would think so.  In a similar role Tom Lynch hovers forward of the defensive 50 so doesn't do too much 'forward pressure' work but had a terrific 2015 - from afc website:  'He kicked 32 goals for the season but also worked hard to bring his teammates into the game. Lynch led the League for goal assists (30) and was equal-fifth for total score involvements (159)'.

Given we went so hard to get Lynch it seems that forward/link-up player is seen as a key role and it looks like Watts is being groomed for that.  If so, it is a lot easier understand how so many tall forwards Hogan, Frost, Watts, Pedo/Dawes/Weideman and resting ruckman can fit in the forward line.  Also, the link-up role is essential if we are to be more offensive in our game plan and that seems a perfect role for Watts, his skill set and footy IQ.  Can't think of a better person for the job!

Like the HS, Stevens has embellished what happened.

Jesse was gung-ho at the time he won RS (Oct) and sounded genuine but probably had a bit of post RS euphoria about it.  Then his manager slowed things down as ProDee has described. 

Since last Oct, Jesse et al have seen some great drafting, what life will be like with Gooding as coach, a new sponsor come on board, etc.  These are all things that give him and his management have greater confidence about the club an its future.

Jesse may well sign over the off-season but I'm relaxed if he doesn't as I have no doubt the club is doing everything possible on and off the field for him to want to extend his contract.  The club can do no more.  Quietly, I reckon Jesse will extend long term

15 minutes ago, SaberFang said:

Doesn't sound like a long-term contract to me.

If we're offering him $700K we're lunatics. Don't turn around and [censored] when his manager puts talks off for the season.

Agreed Saber.  The HS are guessing and using old info to fluff out a story. 

We started discussions with him 5 months ago so no new news on that one.  Then everyone decided to wait a while...Jesse had seemed gung-ho but his manager tempered things which was the right thing to do by Jesse. 

The $700K, who knows where they plucked that from!   Not much incentive to sign a long-term deal for someone who is already getting $500K!!!

The HS have no idea what is happening at mfc!! 

1 hour ago, drdrake said:

This time of year you have the variable of when was our first pre-season match.  You expect a little spike then, plus from memory our Family day was very early last year, I reckon it could have been early Feb.

The AFL should rank on Revenue from Memberships rather than membership numbers.  If that was the case West Coast and Adelaide would rank 1 and 2, the micky mouse membership numbers that Richmond/Collingwood and Hawthorn throw up mean nothing. 

Family Day is on Feb 28: http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2016-02-17/family-day-at-luna-park Last year it was in early March.

The revenue for Rich/Coll/Haw is massive as a result of high membership numbers.  On average a member is worth about $200.  Those clubs get an extra 35,000+ members ie $7 million!!  Not only that they also get heeps more revenue from members buying merchandising etc.  There is further spin offs as they attract more sponsorship $$ who can market to club members.

Membership numbers are critical for financial well being and to provide facilities for players.  I heard to day that facilities is one of the top drawcards for FA's.  Needless to say we need every member we can get.

35 minutes ago, old dee said:

Understatement of the week LH

Not even said tongue-in-cheek od!  .

No excuses from players anymore!

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-season-2016-paul-roos-yet-to-commit-to-demons-for-2017-20160217-gmw6r4.html  Goodwin taking on more game and non-game coaching roles in 2017 was always a given but there are some interesting things in this article. 

This comment made me chuckle:  'This {the transition} may not stop supporters from urging Roos to remain should the Demons press for finals, or calls for him to step down early should the season not unfold as hoped'.  Yes, us DL's are very good at extreme mood swings from one game to the next!  We are such a fickle lot! 

But more interesting were insights on where our team is at:  Having assessed their own list and that of rivals, the Demons believe they will have 20 to 23 "good" players this season, up from "13 decent players" in 2013, whom they can rely on each week to perform. Their analysis shows the top-four teams have about 27 whom they can call upon.  That is an extraordinary turnaround in list quality.  The big gap with the top-four, of course, is in experience but that will come.

Also," Internal valuations show there was a 27 per cent discrepancy last season in terms of what could be considered over-payment, but that margin is set to be slashed to 4 per cent this year, meaning, Mahoney said, "we are getting to the stage of paying the players what they are worth".  Going from 27% to 4% 'overpayment' in one year is absolutely huge.  I suspect that as a few highly paid player contracts expire this year that 'overpayment will disappear altogether - a very good position from which to manage our list and salary cap.  (Just as long as they leave plenty for Jesse )

These show how hard Mahoney and Roos have worked behind the scenes to right the ship from a list admin perspective. 

From the article, I got the impression Roos may like to stay at mfc but Mahoney's comment caused me to doubt he will be invited to.  I guess we have to think about the $1+m we save. 

Now we need the icing on the cake:  players to do their job!!

28,759 today.

While that is up on same time last year (26,592 on Feb 16) it is really disappointing that we have added only 2,500 since before Christmas.

It shows how critical it is to win games to win back the hearts and wallets of the general supporter.

Maybe it is only us diehards on DL's who are optimistic about our prospects.

Hopefully, the upcoming Family Day at Luna Park gives it a decent boost.

Schools warned not to use banned players

"Victorian schools have been warned not to use the banned  34 Essendon players in any coaching or mentoring capacity even if it is unpaid work...The warning to schools came after one leading grammar school in Melbourne sought clarification from the AFL if they could use one of the 34 players in their football program".

WOW!  I'm gobsmacked!  What symbolic message is this so called 'leading' school giving students: its ok to cheat, its ok to take drugs!  Can they not see the danger?  I wonder what the parents think?

Crickey, I'm beginning to wonder if it is only DL's who keep fighting the good fight, for drug free sport! 

15 minutes ago, deanox said:

I don't understand this action. 

Stumping up money to protect originally, I understand.

But he lost. He is disgraced. There is no longer a benefit to your club.

Why waste the money? 

Obviously not disgraced in the eyes of the benefactor. 

And maybe it wasn't for the benefit of the club...re read my post just before yours...its the most logical explanation...

By all accounts Little and Hird weren't very buddy, buddy towards the end and neither was the AFL with Hird. 

I tend to think a coterie member put up the $750k... you know one of the influential type that miraculously 'convinced' Charter, Alavi etc not to testify at the AFL Tribunal. 

If my hunch is right, never fear, they will likely call in the favour one of these day, then Hird will pay his dues. 

Nobody stumps up $750K cool ones for no reason ... we may not hear about it but whoever it was will want to collect from the teflon one

A good insight into how well the club is managing his rehab and expectations: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/melbourne-demons-jack-trengove-takes-step-to-afl-comeback-20160215-gmv0gx.html "Melbourne will still not publicly discuss a timeline for Trengove to come back as an AFL player.  But if the next few weeks go without incident, Trengove will return to full training".

My favourite part: "Melbourne are daring to think, not dream, that former co-captain Jack Trengove will resume his AFL career."  Its a journo comment not from the club nonetheless some real reason to be optimistic.

SEN is reporting that Hawthorn are looking for Fitzy to replace Roughead.  He is another guy who will be better for being in a high quality team. 

He can enjoy some wins, heaven knows any player who battled away with the Dees during the hard times then let go, deserves everything the game can give him. 

I fully understand and support why we let him go but he has always been one of my faves and would love for him to get a long run in the seniors with the Hawks. 

I just read the comments below White's pics - some extracts to warm the heart of an ardent Dee's supporter:

JW: I asked him what number he would wear and he said 34 haha

Robbo:  Son of a gun;  JW: Love right there bro

Fan: Sign him up now Dees, can't wait to see Jeff's 3 boys playing for the Dee's.

Fan: Good boy jeffy, he'll have a premiership medal, something you deserve

Great banter!

Let's hope Kalani (and his brothers) choose AFL!

7 hours ago, olisik said:

Jeff White just posted these pics of his son who is turning 9 this year. 

What do you guys think 

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1162763910409138&id=174239739261565

Another F/S on the way?

Great picks.

That they came from Jeff's wife and he posted this message:  My wife just sent me these of Kalani and I, what do you think Dees fans would suggest that if the kid wants an AFL career they want him to be a Demon!! 

Yes, another F/S on the way!! 

For those inquiring about the intra-club match, this is from mfc website:

MELBOURNE will hold an intra-club/match simulation session on Friday morning at Casey Fields. 
The hit-out will start at 9:45am.
This will be in preparation to Melbourne’s NAB Challenge opener against Port Adelaide at Playford Alive Oval, Elizabeth on Saturday, February 27 (1:35pm).
Friday morning will feature a combination of match practice and skills training.
The Casey Demons will also hold a BBQ on the day.
 

Here is a nice little update about training today:  

Jack Trengove takes major step forward, but two Dees injured at training

Some snippets:

- An upbeat Trengove, 24, trained alongside his teammates through almost the entire two-and-a-half hour session, before exiting Gosch's Paddock when match simulation started ... Trengove looked sharp in the full ground ball movement drills and received plenty of encouragement from teammates.

- While Trengove's presence on the track was a sight for sore eyes for Demons supporters, apparent ankle injuries to Tom Bugg and Dean Terlich were not.

- Jack Watts was back in full training after a modified fortnight period of rehab, due to a sore knee.

- However, skipper Nathan Jones was absent.

- Christian Petracca (toe) and Heritier Lumumba (ankles) continued their rehab programs away from the main group.

- The highlight of Monday's session came from youngster Jayden Hunt whose superb chase down tackle is exactly why he is considered a smoky for round one.

Very encouraging for Jack and absolutely fab for Jayden!

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-02-15/jack-trengove-takes-major-step-forward-but-two-dees-injured-at-training?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS+feed%3A+AFL+Latest+News

A few steps closer:  "Trengove looked sharp in the full ground ball movement drills and received plenty of encouragement from teammates.  He ran hard to receive the footy when going forward and on a number of occasions pushed back with purpose into defence...Match practice remains the only hurdle left in the luckless midfielder's bid to return to the football field via the NAB Challenge or the season proper". 

Go Jack!

11 hours ago, daisycutter said:

i read it somewhere in the last week that they had decided on german, but after a quick google search all i can now find is that it could be in german or french (both being official swiss languages). i'll keep looking

DC, I found this from the AFL:

The Essendon 34 appeal: Frequently asked questions

Extract: 

Is the case really going to be conducted in French?

Oui. Yes. We're waiting for official confirmation of procedures from the Swiss court, but from what we've been told all the documentation so far has had to be translated into French.

An interesting article on the appeal - whether players should have taken their case to Australian courts instead of Swiss courts.  Appeals to home country courts by other athletes appear to have done that with some success

Essendon appeal will be lengthy: WADA president

It seems the 34 are in for a long wait: 

'The WADA President, Sir Craig Reedie, said:  "I understand that the Essendon players are heading to the Swiss Tribunal, which is the ultimate appeal process, and they are entitled to do that...It'll take quite a long time, he warned.' 

Realistically, as if the Swiss Fed Court cares two hoots that Paul Marsh and co want their case heard asap!  They will have to wait their turn.  Of course, Marsh will bleat on about delays being unfair etc but he is yet to learn of the big fish/small pond place the AFL swims in.  He might also learn some finesse if he is going to deal with Europeans - he will find a very different culture where subtlety is a constant subtext.  (Btw did anyone else pick up that all documents associated with this case so far, need to be translated to French.  You would think that alone will take many months!)

The bottom line: "I think in all honesty to be fair to the athletes in anti-doping we try to protect the clean athletes..."  (Reedie).   So many in AFL land have lost sight of that. 

Shortly after CAS suspensions were announced, I predicted that someone eg EFC Coteries would find training facilities for suspended players and hire a recently retired AFL/VFL coach/fitness staff. Well, it could just happen:   Malthouse to coach suspended EFC players!! http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/essendon-supplements-saga-mick-malthouse-in-talks-on-coaching-suspended-dons-20160213-gmtbil.html  Malthouse would be accompanied by his long-time fitness sidekick David Buttifant

Quote:  "There is also a question about how such a program would be funded, whether it could be paid by Essendon, the AFLPA, the AFL, the players themselves or  another method".  The answer to this will be interesting an whether it violates the WADA suspension rules".

Knowing the AFL's slickness it will find a way to fund the players training and coaching. 

Not sure whether I'm glad or disappointed my prediction may come to pass.  I guess the players are entitled to keep fit and prepare for 2017.  But I believe any funding should not come from the AFL/AFLPA as that is money that belongs to the game and other clubs!

It is just so damn frustrating players are being feted by all and sundry.  They will come out of this like martyrs!!

Edit:  Here is an updated article.  http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/essendon-supplements-saga-mick-malthouse-is-the-right-man-for-exiled-dons-20160213-gmtdxb.html Pours a bit of cold water on the idea of Malthouse  coaching.  Interesting article as it lists a lot of the do's/don'ts for players while suspended.

16 hours ago, Curry & Beer said:

who is currently the highest paid player and what does he get? anyone?

Jones.  My guess is an average of $750k p.a. annual amount over/under that according to front or back end loading. 

Lots of things would make his total contract.  My guess contract is front loaded to leave salary cap for young talent as Jones gets to end of his contract in 2019

7 hours ago, Wilbur said:

Wait  until the  fat  plodder  jab has to hand his  brownlow  back.  The squeals from the brain dead  efc fans  will be  heard in space.

Or wait till the 'request to appeal' (or whatever the right words are) is denied.  There will then be no appeal at all. 

The hue and cry about being denied justice will be deafening.  Then those 'brain dead' fans (and media, AFLPA etc) can add the Swiss Federal Tribunal to their long list of 'bad guys'!!! 

From what other posters have said the 'appeal' is part of a chess game with the insurance coy.  So presumably the players won't care if 'request to appeal' is denied.  Beginning to look like a very big, very expensive charade!