ignition.

Rapped for him. He is a top bloke and deserves it.

I think that's a relatively fair assessment. Although, I believe that Viney, Oliver, Lever, and Gawn can take their games to a new level again. They are at a point, however, which is probably more dependent on how the team around them performs as to how much further they develop. Likewise, the development of the others will be catalysed if the team as a whole, including the game plan or execution of it, improves.

I'm glad you a thread on him (after I seeing him pop up in another yesterday). He certainly has the talent and I have no doubt he can perform at the AFL level. I'd be happy to see the club draft him with our first pick (if available). With our new indigenous program led by Matthew "Wrecker" Wheelan, plus the likes of Jetta and Garlett at the club, I'd easily back the club's ability to facilitate his transition from both Perth and into the AFL.

Not yet on the MFC site, here's a little highlights package.

I suspect we'll have to upgrade our pick no. 29 today so that we can confidently acquire Fritsch. I'm concerned the Bulldogs will snatch him up with no. 28. Supposedly they were shattered to miss out on Hannan last year (from their VFL team). I doubt they would target Fritsch to spite us, but I'm sure they are at least interested and predict we'll use one of our second round picks on him.

A fantastic acquisition for pick #66. He was genuinely impressive the day I saw him play against us. I hope he makes the most of this opportunity and continues to excel with us at home.

Yep agreed. If Mahoney an Co. fold on this one it will be infuriating. I believe Balic has the potential to be a very good player. However, based on his track record there is no need to jump the gun. It would take away from the original concept of targeting him (maximising the success of late picks).

I'm not arguing that a club can not build a team using late picks and development. But on that note look lets look at the premiers: Cotchin #2, Martin #3, Riewoldt #13, Rance #18, Ellis #15, Caddy #7, Rioli #15 (all first round picks). I'm arguing about currency. We have no Leverage, excuse the pun, to draft or trade a "star" in next years super-draft. I'll repeat that I'm thrilled we got Lever. But Mahoney & co. could and should have played it better.

Where they were selected is irrelevant. We could name just as many or more "star" players that were drafted early. One way or another, draft picks are currency. Early picks effectively offer a higher probability of selecting a star (particularly in next years darft) or used are used to directly trade a star (like Lever). I'm thrilled we acquired Lever. My qualm, however, is that Mahoney & co. rushed it and paid overs. They could have played it much better.

Paid overs. Well done MFC on bending over again. They went all in at first. Our first offer should have been the final offer. Isn't next years draft rated as another or near-superdraft? No wonder Adelaide were adamant on getting our first round pick. STUPID!

The former.

I disagree. We need to generate depth for years to come, not just focus on the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Keep in mind, Vince, Lewis, and Jones may only have a year or two left. We also need to improve the list at every turn, whether that's at the bottom end or top end. If Balic replaces and improves the position (increasing spot competition) of say Trengove or Kennedy from this year, JKH or Johnstone next year, so be it, it's a win. What do you think the probability is to draft "a star" with or between our picks of 45 and 63?

The club can now argue that he didn't even poll in Adelaide's B&F top 10, so why would they offer more? Obviously, a few of his votes were taken out. What a poor and unprofessional way to handle his departure. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/adelaide/jake-lever-told-not-to-attend-adelaides-bestandfairest-after-trade-request/news-story/b5a13c82a91449ab806c3017a431ed34

It's obvious I'm a fan of Balic. Now I hope the club can stick to their guns and get him with a 4th round pick. Even though I think he's worth pick 45 (3rd round), the club is in the right position to get him for less.

Quoted from KC of Casey in the Jack Trengove win the Casey B & F thread. "The runner up (of the Casey B & F) was promising youngster Bayley Fritsch who also won the VFL's Fothergill–Round Medal for 2017 which is presented to the most promising young talent in the VFL competition." Great to read! I hope we can acquire him in the draft (before another club selects him).

So did drafting Liam Hulett (pick #45). We may be saying the same for Mitch King (#42) and Dion Johnstone (#64) this time next year. Targeting Balic is not like going after Tom Mitchell or another Clayton Oliver. He does however show far greater potential than his current market value of a late 3rd or 4th round pick (#45 - 60). He was certainly better than Stretch and Bugg when he played against them (granted n = 1). Any upgrade in depth whether it's at the bottom end or top end of the list is beneficial.

I disagree. From what I've seen Lennon is an inferior player to Balic. Lennon also appears out of contract this year and I suspect he'll be delisted. The only reason he'll be re-signed would be due to Richmond's initial investment of Pick No.12 in the 2013 National draft.

I thought he was sensational in the game he played against us. He really stood out for me, and that is the main reason why I started this thread. For me he looked to be in a similar class to several of our young talents. If we can acquire him for a third, or particularly a forth round pick, it's great value! I see far greater upside in Balic over the likes of drafting another 18 year old Hulett or Johnston. Granted, Taylor may find another Hunt via the draft, but I saw Balic in a similar league, albeit a completely different role. Hope we grab him.

That has to be the most Gentleman-like argument I've seen on here. Hats off to you both

I'd be happy to take Lever, but why do we think he's the highest priority? We need a replacement for Vince and other fringe midfielders. It will likely be another couple years and the same will said for Lewis and Jones. If we're to truly challenge for a premiership we need one of, if not the best midfield in the competition.

Excellent proposal. It would be tough indeed. Certainly worth the discussion. Should also come at a lower cost than that rumoured for Kelly.

Who said we'rs restricted to one recruit?

I don't think Zac Jones gave anything away in that interview. However, our own Nathan Jones seemed to have greater trouble at holding a straight face when probed about it on the Thursday footy show a couple weeks ago (13/07/17). I can't recall exactly what he said, but you can tell Nathan wants him over. He mentioned how he's 7-8 years his younger and that they've never played together. He then referred to it as a fairy tale and a dream come true if it were to happen. Clearly, the club is targeting him (from list management to captain). We can only hope they're successful.

"Doesn't possess anything we need" or "we have too much of that type" are the biggest cop-outs I read on here. Steve you stated the same thing regarding the previous proposal for Tom Mitchell (and he's killing it if you haven't noticed). Are we or are we not trying to build a team worthy of winning a premiership? If YES, then we have two major windows approaching. The first includes Vince, Lewis, Pedersen, and Jones, while the second does not due to their respective ages and forthcoming retirements. It will be led by our young-bloods coming through. Thus, we will need to find replacements for the above players, while also continuing to generate depth. This will be done via a combination of developing our current crop, as well as drafting and recruitment. To maximise success we need to make the best use of all our draft pick assets (especially the late ones where Balic fits the bill). I'm not proposing Balic as the next ball magnet like Tom Mitchell or Clayton Oliver, but from what I saw he was impressive. He's certainly no worse than our own Stretch, ANB, Bugg, Harmes, and even Brayshaw, and he's certainly better than those at the bottom of our list. Consistent with the fact he averaged 31 possessions as a 19 year old in the WAFL last year makes him a very promising long-term prospect.

Cameron McCarthy is going quite well for them. With any late pick (draft selection or trade) there is some form of risk or deficiency. At his current market value, the pros vastly outweigh the cons.