spirit of norm smith

VFL coach Taylor Whitford shares his thoughts on ten key players who have made a significant impact throughout the season. From emerging talents to seasoned veterans, Whitford's insights provide a deeper understanding of the individual contributions that have shaped the Dees' journey in 2024. Andy Moniz-Wakefield "2024 saw Andy assume a new role across half-back. There was a period of adjustment to his new role in that first part of the season, but after a breakout performance against Williamstown in round 6, he was away. He went on to average 26 disposals per VFL game and was rewarded with an AFL debut, playing six AFL games at the back end of the season." Bailey Laurie "Bailey was a consistent performer at VFL level this season. His work in and around stoppages made him a damaging player in the league, going on to average 24 disposals, seven tackles, and five clearances per game." Kai Windsor "Joining the VFL program this year, Kai played 15 games. This was a brilliant effort, considering some of the limitations he had coming into the pre-season through injury and surgeries over the course of last year. Demonstrating such great attributes, his speed and great ball use, at only 20, we can't wait to see what he can do in the coming years." Kynan Brown "Kynan had a brilliant first season at the club, making real strides in his game performance and role understanding at VFL level, being rewarded with AFL opportunities in the back end of the season. Playing through various roles, whether up forward, as a midfielder or on a wing, he averaged 17 possessions and three clearances per match, with the highlight being a massive 27 disposal and 24 tackle game against Frankston in Round 17." Matthew Jefferson "Jeffo was able to develop some real consistency in his game in 2024. He had nine games with two or more goals, finishing with 29 goals for the season, and he was 11th in the VFL goal-kicking tally. He was able to show more readily his capacity to take both contested marks and still follow up and be clean on ground level." Max Gregory "Off the back of an injury-free and full pre-season, Max would be one of the more improved and reliable players at Casey this season. He was able to tally a career-best 16 VFL games and was tasked with the opposition's most dangerous small forwards each week. We love Max's ability to win contests, but it's his speed and run and carry with the ball that was most exciting." Mitch White "What a season Whitey put together. Averaging 23 disposals and five tackles per game, he was so consistent in not only his performance on field each week but his ability to lead and teach our young VFL group." Roan Steele "Promoted to co-vice-captain this season, Roan continued to show his quality at the VFL level. After a slower start to the season than he would have liked, a shift to a new role at half-back allowed him to flourish, averaging 20 disposals and five rebound 50's in the games he played there." Tyler Edwards "Teddy took some real strides in his game in 2024. Playing in all 18 VFL matches, through a variety of roles, he found his feet both on a wing and was able to get some expose through the midfield." Will Verrall "Will had some strong performances within season 2024. He showed the ability to more than match it with more experienced rucks within the competition whilst being able to use his strengths around the ground. His Round 17 game against Frankston, where he amassed 18 disposals alongside 45 hitouts, was a highlight."

Thanks @Whispering_Jack Saw Lucca Grego in the championships and liked his aggressive style and running. Interesting to see him mentioned again in the TOTW. He attacked footy with competitive edge and won contested footy. Good one grab type of player. Also noted he had played recently in VFL for Williamstown so must be well rated to get that. He might be a pick in the “50” range that could be a handy pickup. Dont panic… plays like Zak Jones.

GAWN HAS TO BE CONSIDERED AS ONE OF THE GREATEST RUCKMAN TO HAVE EVER PLAYED THE GAME. CERTAINLY IS MELBOURNE’S GREATEST RUCKMAN

And he’s a heart and soul leader

Agree with another 12 months We grabbed him from across the country and plugged him in Needs an AFL preseason and the development of a full summer in the gym and on the track Whilst he is raw and his VFL 2023 form showed us little, we need to give him a chance. A punt , experiment perhaps but worth taking !!

Get the statue ready Max Gawn 💙❤️🏆 2010– current (end of 2024) 224 games captain since 2020 Career highlights so far AFL premiership captain: 2021 Frank 'Checker' Hughes Medal: 2024 7x All-Australian team: 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 (c), 2022, 2024 Melbourne captain: 2020– 2× Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Medallist: 2018, 2019 AFLCA Champion Player of the Year: 2018 Neale Daniher Trophy: 2016

This gives some insights into Christian and his life and his vision

and are the Pies the platform for Brand Petracca.

Love to see Ricky Mentha on board with the Dees. Hopefully he can be a Cat B rookie under NGA Program.

“He needs to acknowledge that when you sign a marquee deal, you're a leader of the footy club." Phil Davis believes Christian Petracca and Melbourne need to get into a room and work out a solution.

65,000 members demand an explanation. Kate Roffey needs to go. Disconnected to the key issues at the club. Clearly either too arrogant or incompetent.

Let me think. He’s in the jar … not in the bin. Put his name in the jar for future consideration and discussion.

Delisting update 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 Kate Roffey (tbc)

I’d argue Chandler should be ahead of Spargo at start of 2025. He is above average for kicks and tackles. Average for goals. Spargo is high in goal assists but low in everything else, especially goals as below average. Spargo also has the comeback after a year away

Yes, Dees will help the Saints and take a future 4th round as trade. Rather than dilute Saints free agent compo. We are a nice club

Too slow. Too small. Cannot defend 1-1. Can kick accurately. But his best is behind him. Sorry I’m in the NO NO NO NO camp.

Trac - please forgive us 💔💔💔💔💔 Roffey does not represent us. Not meeting or speaking with you is a lack of duty of care. It’s not in her position description. It’s in her values and integrity. We love Trac and this has exposed the leadership at the club.

Kate !!! wtf. Kate has just fallen on her sword!! She hadn’t spoken to Trac at all !!! Wow Poor Jimmy Stynes would have been meeting with him, seeing him and caring for him

Sam Edmund. Sen. Port Adelaide has renewed its interest in Melbourne forward Kysaiah Pickett. Pickett signed a new 4yr deal only last year, but the Power continue to reach out as the Dees battle their latest bout of player turbulence. Understand Adelaide & Freo have also asked the question. No suggestion at this stage that Pickett is considering leaving, just that the interest has again been made clear

Kate Roffey. Thats the end. You are clearly not across the issues as CLUB PRESIDENT It all points to you You haven’t spoken to Christian or his family. Thats it. You may now leave … NOW!! Clearly either too arrogant or too incompetent. Either way, this is NOT THE MELBOURNE WAY. ———————————————— I am sorry Trac. 💙❤️💙❤️Please forgive our leadership. Don’t punish our supporters for this. 💔💔💔💔

Gone. Farris-White, Schache Retired. Brayshaw (medical), BBB (both knees) —————————————————- Free agent Going? Tomlinson (UFA) Going? Hunter ( out of contract ) Suspended?? Going? JS29 Trade request to Crows… ANB Doubtful…? Sestan That’s 9 off the list add ANW onto the list ———————————————— Unknown/TBC - Petracca (still 5 years on contract) Retire… or probably just go one more year??. Tmcd, Melksham One more year??? Adams, Verrall, Billings, Fullarton, Kentfield, Spargo, Laurie, Hore, McAdam*, Woey jnr

Pick 5 is concerned about MFC crowd size, Casey travel time, their brand, amount of MFC supporters on instagram and … the lack of heated towel rails in the change rooms.

Sorry how could I also miss Massimo D’Ambrosio

Neal-Bullen likely to finish 6th-8th in our B&F. Or could place higher in our strange MFC voting. He’s super fit. Played 23 games this year. Played 96 out of 97 games in last 4 years. Regular in a top team. My call Crows get ANB and MFC pick 51 Dees get Crows pick 25 and 42 that’s fair.

Yes it’s been another Tim Lamb deal. McAdam. 3 year contract. Cannot kick 35 metres. Cannot chase. Cannot tackle. No second efforts. Can kick a mercurial snap goal. Can take a 1 in 10 screamer attempt.