ignition.

Valid point regarding the abundance of talls, although not Dawes. Keep playing Fitzpatrick, get his reputation up and trade him to one of the clubs in the Boyd market (who lose of course). He won't make the final 22 next year with all those forwards listed (when Clark and Hogan come in).

I read in the Fitzpatrick thread people harp on about his excellent form at Casey and his fantastic hands. His dropped marks are from "nerves" and other such garbage excuses. Overall he has thus far failed to impress me at the AFL level, I am not going to get excited off the back of one game. Cam Pederson last year too showed phenomenal form in the VFL, he won his clubs best and fairest ahead of Ben Ross the 2012 J.J. Liston winner, but yet Cam has also failed to translate that VFL form at the AFL level. The recently drafted Tom Lee of St. Kilda is another prime example. On the point of Laidler I stated above I wouldn't jump up and down to get him, but the club could take full advantage of Fitzpatrick's "glimpses" and the absolute need for a big forward by other clubs because by the end of next year he will be as valuable as dust. People must stop becoming so one-eyed towards the quality and more so "potential" of their players and view other clubs lists in the same manner without the heart and love but in a logical manner. I hope Fitzpatrick can take it up another notch, I hope it pricks up the ears of a few clubs so they must compete to pay overs. It's as simple as that.

It amazes me that when a player shows a bit everyone jumps on the bandwagon thinking he'll be the next big thing. The club could have traded Stefan Martin a year earlier and got much more than what we did at the end of 2012. The simple fact is he won't make the best 22 if Clark, Watts, Hogan and Dawes are all fit. Then not to mention if Howe takes up a more permanent position in the forward set up. If he is showing something now trade him while the iron is hot. Make a club like Carlton (or the Lions who need a key forward) pay overs and take full advantage of their needs and desires.

If there is so much love strike while the iron is hot and use him as trade bait. We'll have Hogan, Dawes, Clark and Watts (hopefully) as all key forwards next year. He won't make the best 22 and struggle to crack the side if the forwards are uninjured. He could fetch a pretty penny during trade week.

I would consider Laidler, but definitely not Duigan as he is too old and his best is past him. As for Laidler I wouldn't jump up and down to get him, he is a depth player at best with the potential with more to come based on his age and previous performances. In regards to a trade potentially Fitzpatrick with an exchange of later picks (in our favour) only because I know Carlton are dieing for another big forward and Fitzpatrick can't cut it as a ruckman and won't hold a spot in our best 22 with the inclusion of Hogan and Clark next year.

So he's played a few games since this was first posted, I hope the hunt is on. The only question is what is he worth? and what would have to be paid? I think it would be extremely hard to tear him away from the swans but if there's a chance it's worth a shot.

I like Tom Boyd although I hope we don't get the option of obtaining him. Ultimately we need midfielders and or maybe another defender like Sharenburg. As much as I would like Boyd we already have Clark, Dawes, Watts, Howe and Hogan as forwards and yet desperately lacking in midfield depth. I hope we don't get the option of obtaining him to avoid some form of headache and so the recruiters can focus on trying to obtain the best midfield or best prospect (I hope they get it right with all the options as it's already a headache to decide).

All Australian team and final highlights. http://www.afl.com.au/video/2013-07-05/eyecatchers-under-18-all-australian-team-revealed

I hope they rap him up in cotton wool for the end of the season, give him a full fit pre-season and onwards to 2014 with Hogan and Dawes.

I liked this highlight reel of the game from SEN (actual audio and a little more). EDIT: Spelling

I generally don't like to harp on about players in a negative way but Gillies first quarter was atrocious. His kicking skills were shocking, he missed targets from what I would consider three clangers, one should of been a chest mark to a leading forward although instead was a grubber along the ground and another out on he full. I hope for his sakes he can improve these shortcomings because it's not looking good come the end of his contract (end of this year or the next, can't remember).

2013 statistics (avg / game, exc. goals):GM = Games, G = Goals total, H = Hitouts, D = Disposals, M = Marks, T = Tackles. Jamar (R1): Age: 29 yr 10 m, Height: 198 cm, Weight: 101 kg. GM 9, G 2, H 33.1, D 8.1, M 2.3, T 3.1. Shouldn't even consider trading him, he committed to the club as the club did to him. If things are to turn around the club must show loyalty to its mature players and set a good example. He will also aid the development of the younger ruckman. Spencer (R2): Age: 23 yr 8 m, Height: 203 cm, Weight: 103 kg. GM 3, G 0, H 24.3, D 10.7, M 3.7, T 1.7. Spencer isn't as bad as some consider, he runs down tackles and can hold his own in the ruck. He adds depth to the ruck stocks and is currently ahead of Gawn (in "rucking"). Gawn (R3): Age: 21 yr 6 m, Height: 208 cm, Weight: 111 kg. GM 7, G 7, H 14.6, D 8.7, M 3.0, T 2.1. I really like Gawn I think in time he will become a real beauty and most likely acquire the number 1 ruck spot. Fitzpatrick (R4): Age: 22 yr 0 m, Height: 200 cm, Weight: 99 kg. GM 4, G 3, H 7.2, D 11.5, M 4.8, T 1.2. If any of the ruckman have their heads on the chopping block it would be this guy. I rate the other three ahead of him as rucks and majority of his time has been spent in the forward line, so with the inclusion of Hogan next year I can't see much room for him in the best 22. On another note I have also noticed others mention we should draft a ruckman and develop them, in relation to drafting a ruckman I would only do so from the open age categories (mens) unless if a steal was to come up at a later pick like last year with Brodie Grundy to Collingwood at pick 18.

That will help pay off the debt

SHEED is not worth pick 2, DUNSTAN is easily superior and if we want to make these ridiculous player comparisons I would say DUNSTAN plays like Mark RICCIUTO.

Beauty thanks mate!

Does anyone know where I can obtain a full replay of the VFL match yesterday? Unfortunetly I was on a fishing trip and missed the 1 in a blue moon TV aired Casey game. Cheers

Thanks mate!

Can someone please write a rolling conclusion of this topic, with any inside information (if possible) regarding these so called talks between Roos and MFC. Saves me having to read through 26 pages of pointless jibba jabba.

Ooopps sorry admins didn't notice this thread earlier.

I think it's a good idea although I would also like to see it implemented with the team analyzing two other high end clubs taking on each other. Non-playing Dees learn on match day

I figured some of the rankings here are quite shocking, especially Terry Wallace (the former Tambling selector). Anyway let's start. Dominic SHEED: Is not as good or as high as some consider, good but not a top 3 or 5 pick he will likely end up just outside that. He had a fantastic game against the divion 2 NT with 34 disposals but had a stinker vs the Division 1 Vic Metro. Josh KELLY ran rings around him. James AISH: I find him quite interesting, unfortunately since he was aged 15-16 he has had people label him as the "future number 1 draft pick" which in turn has caught media attention and blinded people's judgements. Without a doubt the kid can play, he has fantastic awareness and moves wonderfully. Although his light frame will be an issue and I can't see him gaining mass anytime soon or quickly after joining an AFL team. I also found it very intriguing that in round 3 of the championships he got tagged out the game, limited to 14 disposals - the 5th lowest for his team. Whilst Luke DUNSTAN went on a contested possessions rampage. Luke DUNSTAN: I won't lie, he is my favorite of the draft. He is already built, tough as nails and will slot perfectly into any AFL midfield. An ideal fit for the dees to improve our contested possession count (excellent partner for Viney too). He moves well and covers the ground nicely, has good hands, is a tackling machine, gets plenty of his own ball generating clearance after clearances. In relation to my top three (for the Dees) I would select DUNSTAN first and throw up between BOYD and AISH at two (if we get a concession pick). DUNSTAN will go in as that contested possession winner, in and under player while Aish would be your dish out I50 bloke (similar to J Kennedy and K Jack of Sydney). As for Boyd I just lick the lips of thinking about him and Hogan, but we already have Dawes, Clark and Watts (if he stays) within that list of tall forwards. At picks 4,5, and 6 I would have KELLY, SHARENBERG, and BILLINGS (no particular order).

Looks fantastic, if anything is to change please add in Howe and Hogan on the ends.

Priority Pick = More excitement for the fans = Increased Crowds = Increased Revenue = Decreased Debt & Therefore decreased loan = 1 cheap and easy solution for the AFL. Of course this is a short term solution that can be built on the back of P.Jackson's long term plan. Other short term measures must be made in order to increase the MFC supporter attendance at games for 2014 so that the club can at least break even.

I tweeted Simpkin trying to dig it in, no swearing, no abuse, just a chuckle at his "misfortune" as a reminder how his clubs name is already tarnished and he now can join the list of disgraced clubman for such a unprovoked cowardly act. Surely he will feel shame as he "has let down the boys" - player terminology.

Haha let's hope mate, let's hope. I'm just waiting for the day he has a blinder, and follows it up with some consistent performances or a great season so he can really stick it up to all those who ever scrutinized or doubted him.