ignition.

Oliver is strong over the ball but can't or doesn't kick on his left. When confronted and forced to use his left he will try and twist and turn out of traffic to get onto his right or get away a handball. It worked fine for him in the TAC cup as he can monster over other teens but I question how well he can keep it up against men, and how at times it may slow down or impair a set play.

Parish at pick 3 by a country mile. Champion data has him ranked as the best available player behind Weitering and Schache if they're to go at one and two (exc. academy players). Both Parish's contested and uncontested possessions are above average. Some consider his shorter frame a knock, I don't. The shorter builds of Murphy, Mitchell, A. Swallow or even Jack Viney haven't hindered them. Now lets say "if" Parish didn't develop into that week in week out on-baller, having the likes of Viney, Tyson, Brayshaw and Petracca named in that position ahead of him. He would make an excellent outsider midfielder who's more than willing to put his head over the ball, nor shrug a contest when encountered (a rare attribute in outside mids) - thus the team wins more contested possessions. He has silky skills, excellent awareness and poised under pressure. He also leads the U18 stats with the most meters gained. I think there is very little risk with Parish, rather than selecting someone like Curnow that just "might" develop into a "bigger bodied midfielder" (that flavour of the month word). Parish is TALENT, and the best available at that (hopefully).

F*** OFF! The theme song is awesome!

Today a foreigner or non-AFL follower gets off the train at Flinders street station, they view the logo and receive a free coffee. But who is this from... the city of Melbourne? A HUGE improvement over the pre-existing logo and looks great to us MFC supporters, but it hasn't quite hit the mark as it needs a greater influence to suggest that it represents a sporting club.

Kennedy for Toumpass I can come to terms with easily. But Howe for 29+50 = ~20 is just no! Pick 50 is worth squat, it's as good as 60 or 70 in this year's very shallow draft . Howe will flourish with the scum in his new role, understandably the club tried to retain him and didn't want to pay his asking price. If either of those newly acquired picks are used to retain Bugg then iI'll be at ease but for now I'm seething.

Horahhh... for getting f***ed up the a** again! What a wonderful trade period. [censored] this [censored]!

Treloar's been one of my favourite young players to watch over the last few years. I think I'm goin to loathe him running around in the Collingwood colours.

No! Although he should have been used as trade bait two years prior while coming out of contract and showing potential while Carlton were in the hunt for a tall forward.

I completely agree with you and as I stated yesterday I'm pleased by the lack of leaks in recent times. This trade period we need a Treloar, Parker, or Prestia etc. to catalyse our success by contributing to more wins in the short term that would alleviate or reduce the difficulties of recruiting free agents and other OOC players in future years.

Haha naive, who would have known that Carlton has the first pick, or Collingwood #7 & #25! Maybe if you could string two thoughts together you would realise we have enough to compete with any other rival offer - rather than forfeit the possibility. We have the money and in a draft offering a key forward (who would join Patton, Cameron, and McCarthy if the Carlton trade came to fruition) or key back with the first two selections, our pick #6 and Howe (who GWS offered a lucrative contract in the closing stages of the 2014 trade period) should be adequate. If not any possible pick obtained from the departure of Toumpas would be sufficient. We have the resources and we should be at the forefront of any trade battle to acquire his services.

Why did he nominate Collingwood followed by Carlton if the prior fails...

Why is Treloar not our number one target? He, Wines, Mitchell and Prestia are the best under 23 midfielders in the game, and Treloar wants a return to VIC. We should be a major player for his services, and he is worth any long term deal.

Aish is currently out of contract just like Treloar. Treloar is well and truly worth "overs" or the equivalent to that of any Hogan contract. I rate him a whisker better than Prestia. Understandably our poor form since 2007 has made us less than desirable, but both Geelong's and Collingwood's 2015 season and their lists are quite short of spectacular (aside from the obvious Selwood and Hawkins, or Pendlbury, Elliot and Swan who nearing retirment). So why or who at those clubs do they have selling themselves so well to attract the likes of Treloar, Aish, S. Selwood (brother), Dangerfield, and Smith? My point is if we fail again this trade period our recruiting department must be looked into and re-evaluated for its deficiencies. Knee jerk reactions are not required but something must be done whether it be an appointment or replacement. I'm actually pleased by the lack of trade information or leeks so to speak, I'm sure a lot of work has been done, but the club really needs to be able to sell itself like no other if we wish to succeed. Wins will do it, but it's high quality recruits this off season that will catalyse our success and contribute to easier recruiting for future free agency and trade periods. I also understand my statement may be bold or harsh, but since the Schwab era I've decided to judge the club as I see fit rather than unconditionally support every decisio. If we fail again this trade period by having to go to the draft something must be done and improvments made.

If Prestia and Parker are considered 2016 targets well and good. But for now "in 2015" we should be playing hard for Treloar, if not Aish. I'm getting sick and tired of seeing these headlines with the vast amount of quality players opting for Geelong or Collingwood. Let's face it, our list may not appeal too highly but neither does the Cats or Pies. I don't know if their recruiting or list managing staff are simply better at selling their respective clubs. But I do know if we fail again (like in 2014) to land another quality player "or big fish" I'll be calling for a head.

I believe you're right AF, I have a faint recollection of this.

I've always enjoyed watching Bugg since his debut season. When he's not niggling and getting under his oponents skin causing them to fault, he can use the ball beautifully out of the half back line. He's not that high end player we are hoping for but he'll certainly create competition for that Grimes/ Howe half back role - yet with more shut down ability.

After speaking to him my impression was that the deal is already done and I expect that he'll be signed as soon as trade week officially opens. This gives me comfort knowing the club is currently chasing other unknown targets. So please GET AROUND HIM! By all means he must prove himself and earn the respect of the club and its fans, however he shouldn't arrive with any negative connotations derived from the Essenscum supporter base.

While on holiday in Germany guess who my fiancee and I ran into yesterday, yes Jake Melksham along with Michael Hibberd. Initially running into Hibberd I had a very very brief conversion with him. A minute or two later and around the corner waiting for him was Jake. So straight out I asked "Are the rumours true mate, will you be at the Dees next year?" A little coy and thrown off he replied "it's highly likely". I responded "well i'm a Dees supported" and the conversation turned to his and our trip with him relaxing quickly. Overall we spoke to him for about 5 - 10 minutes and he was a very nice bloke. He didn't have to stand there and chat but he wanted to once we found that commom ground on travel. He asked us many questions as we did to him and shared the usual travel stories and experiences. Aside from the start we didn't talk any footy and I didn't want to push it, I got the impression that was the last thing he and Michael wanted to discuss and righfully so as I'm the same with my line of work atm while on holiday. Overall I think he'll enjoy a fresh start, and after that conversation welcome aboard I say and I hope he flourishes. Cheers!

Trade Dunn and Dawes, they will be of a reasonable value to any other club in their premiership window. Acquire at least two quality midfielders or up coming yougsters through free agency or trade. These include Dangerfield, S Selwood, Prestia, Bennell, Treloar, Aish, Bell, T Mitchell, B Jack, Z Jones (clearly some are very hard to acquire). Gold Coast, GWS, and Sydney (with their trade restrictions) should be of easier pickings. The loss of Dunn should be covered by Frost, Garland (if retained) and get more games into O Mac. Dawes' role can easily be covered by Pedersen at no expense.

Melksham NO THANK YOU! Never rated him and would much prefer to see Kent or JKH named ahead of him. Wasteful trade for both time and resources.

It' been awhile since I've been on demonland AF (currently in Europe). But all I have to do is read your posts and feel relieved there are still fellow Demon supporters talking sense, pparticularly during this time of year. Thank you!

I can't believe he took Petracca at pick two when Brayshaw went at pick three. Inexcusable... he must go now!

Well said Dazzle. The only pick I genuinely didn't like was Hunt, I remember thinking we could have got him in the rookies - but I won't hold it against JT. Overall I think he's done a pretty good job so far. As for saying we could of got this player who went there and that one that went another 10 picks later is the complete unknown of the draft that someone can not predict (e.g. Fyfe at #20, 2009 ND).

Uuurrrrhhhhggggg......

Vince, Jones, Hogan, T-Mac as top 4 - I'm guessing in that order 5th will be a battle between Viney, Gawn, Dunn and Garlett.