spirit of norm smith

Happy if he’s our pick “5”

A few here are questioning Langford athleticism. He’s 192cms and plays tall, with excellent contested footy, long kick and very good overhead. Resembles some other very good players. Who am I? draft profile … WEAKNESSES Given his height and size, XXX will most likely end up an inside midfielder, which means there is still improvements to be made in his contested ball winning. When he does come to terms with his build, he will look to be more powerful with it, and could work on his burst speed. ANSWER: Bontempelli draft profile …WEAKNESSES XXX is not a big runner, and only managed 13.2 in the beep test at this month's NAB AFL Draft Combine. That's something to build on, but will probably come as he grows more familiar with his size and strength. With greater spread from a contest, it will allow him to pick up a few more uncontested possessions and run with the ball more. ANSWER: Cripps

Agreed. The best reference is the actually footy played through the year. Langford has demonstrated his elite footy talent. The best players are well known before the combine athletic testing. And the stars of today didn’t all excel at the combine.

Agree super risky given the academy and father son picks. The player trades should all happen first. Likely we will wait to see how Freo negotiates other deals and what if any pick retains. Picks can be traded on an ongoing basis right through to live on draft night

Pick 5 options … depending on who’s “available”. Lalor, Langford, Smith, Draper, O’Sullivan… they are the most likely top 5. Only Ashcroft is off limits due to father son. Dees will have to see who is available at “5” . I’d say our choice will be a midfielder. Any of the 5 youngsters named would be an excellent addition. Xavier Lindsay is the Smokey but likely goes pick 11-12. I cannot see us choosing a taller player like Armstrong, Tauru or Trainor at 5. Imv Murphy Reid is now outside the top 10.

Gus is gone Now it’s farewell to NIBBLER Heart and soul player A Leader Best 22 each and every week Premiership player 🏆 tough call to only get “28” in exchange (effectively “33” after Academy and father son picks) … given finished 3rd in B&F and 2 years in contract to run…still he had decided to go and we supported this … no bargaining power 😭effectively same pick we have Crows for 29yo 50 gamer Mcadam 😭

Agree. Pies want a 2nd and 3rd round pick in 20s and 40s. Why? He wasn’t best 22. Dees apparently getting pick “28” for Nibbler. Will likely be pick 33 once the father son and academy picks get done (Ashcroft, Lombard, Ben Camporeale, Marshall, Kako all should be nominated in before pick 18!!) and the Nibbler finished 3rd in MFC B&F . Dees getting screwed but have little to argue with as we have agreed to let him go.

@John Demonic agree. Actually also enjoyed Fritsch’s goal v Eagles where he contests, breaks tackle then snaps from 35 out to nail it.

Reported that … Demon Alex Neal-Bullen’s move to Adelaide should be fairly painless, given the personal circumstances in him wanting to return to South Australia. The 2021 premiership player is contracted for two more seasons, and the Crows’ second-round pick – which is coincidentally tied to Melbourne – will likely seal the deal. The Dees sent that to Adelaide last year for Shane McAdam. (😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭)

Interesting article from today’s Melbourne Age with the players nominating their expected number 1. “The players' pick We asked 10 of the best junior players in Australia who they thought (not including themselves) would be taken at No.1 in this year's AFL national draft. Here's what they said. Jagga Smith Nominated: Josh Smillie “When he’s at his best, I think Josh Smillie is the best player in the draft. It’s his ceiling, and what he could be. But if you want a sure player, I think you can go Levi Ashcroft – he’s as good as anyone.” Isaac Kako Nominated: Jagga Smith “He’s really consistent. Someone’s got to do it, and it’s always him. I love watching him play and love playing with him – great player.” Harry Armstrong Nominated: Jagga Smith “I think he’s got the work-rate and attitude, and it comes off in games.” Alex Dodson Nominated: Sid Draper “He’s an extremely hard worker, a great leader, and I think he’s going to forge a really good AFL career.” Josh Smillie Nominated: Jagga Smith “Just his professionalism and the way he goes about it. He’s everything you want in a player as well. You could just see him being the perfect AFL player.” Jack Whitlock Nominated: Finn O’Sullivan “Country boy, he’s just got that resilience about him. He hasn’t had the best year this year with injury, but his talent is through the roof. That was shown through his unreal bottom-age year, and even his 16th year, when he took out the medal as the best player of the championships.” Matt Whitlock Nominated: Finn O’Sullivan “I think it’s going to be hard to pass on him, even though he hasn’t had the best year with injury. I feel like he’s such a special player, and he’s definitely someone who’s going to be a premiership player [in the AFL].” Sam Lalor Nominated: Finn O’Sullivan “I reckon he’s got the highest ceiling. He hasn’t been at his best this year [because of injuries], but when he’s on, he’s the best player.” Harvey Langford Nominated: Finn O’Sullivan “I think he’ll suit a club really well, just with how he’s able to interact with the other boys and get around everyone. He’s a great leader, and an amazing player.” Finn O'Sullivan Nominated: Sam Lalor “I think he should be one. He’d be an awesome fit for Richmond. He’s got a great mindset, and is a really powerful and explosive player. His footy talks for itself, and he’s also a really social person, so he will form some good relationships with coaches and players.”

I agree. Surely Dees “list manager” has been on the phone to discuss. Parfitt would fit into our team nicely maybe even to replace half forward role vacated by ANB. He is not of the high quality of ANB but useful addition. He’s a delisted free agent so costs nothing. Recent story on delisted players however mentioned others big it’s simply an opinion piece by Josh Barnes (code sport) and not any inside knowledge BRANDAN PARFITT Age: 26, Games: 130, 2024: The inside midfielder looked to have cracked Geelong’s on ball rotation mid year but fell back to the VFL and was cut. A premiership player, Parfitt has shown plenty across eight seasons as a hard tackling midfielder and even Chris Scott said he hoped Parfitt would find another home. Clubs that would suit: GWS – With James Peatling on the outer, a role-playing defensive minded midfielder would help the Giants. Collingwood – At his best, Parfitt would be a great foil for Nick Daicos and a fit Jordan De Goey. North Melbourne – A role playing mid that can take some physical pressure off the young ball users at North.

@Demonland how do we setup “votes” with a new topic. I setup the MFC 2024 GOAL OF THE YEAR. Previously I had setup with voting buttons but couldn’t locate. can you assist please … SONS

Agreed. Great work. It was inspirational from Viney. Never give in !! 👏❤️❤️

In 2024… Round 17 Kozzzzy ❤️💙❤️💙👏👏👏👏 (definitely the best) https://www.afl.com.au/video/1166651/kozzy-electrifies-and-flies-high-with-huge-hanger?videoId=1166651&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1720328444001 Round 17 Kade Chandler over the already media proclaimed (goat) Reid - nominated https://www.afl.com.au/video/1168091/mark-of-the-year-round-17?videoId=1168091&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1720413100001 Round 20 Gawn’s bravery for the second mark here in the video https://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/1616400/rd-20-gawn-soars-captain-courageous-draws-praise?videoId=1616400&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1722596100001 plesse find others if possible.

And Bang … Viney v Dogs… almost a reminder of the 21Gf https://www.afl.com.au/video/1088757/viney-gets-dees-rolling-with-ripping-runner?videoId=1088757&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1710641604001 Round 17 The Kolt 1&2 https://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/1595237/rd-17-tholstrup-gets-a-taste-and-doubles-up-in-magic-start?videoId=1595237&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1720322769001 Round 17 Bayley Fritsch (I particularly think this was almost the best for the year) https://www.afl.com.au/video/1166418/slick-fritsch-dazzles-early-with-spectacular-snap?videoId=1166418&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1720323514001 Round 19 Caleb Windsor ⚽️ https://www.afl.com.au/video/1177887/windsor-brings-out-inner-ronaldo-with-soccer-beauty?videoId=1177887&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1721541958001

here’s my top nominations Round 8 Bayley Fritsch Round 3 Caleb Windsor Round 15 Trent Rivers Round 16 Kozzzzzy Pickett https://www.afl.com.au/video/1158601/pickett-picks-his-spot-again-for-fantastic-fourth?videoId=1158601&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1719572035001 Round 20 Kade Chandler https://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/1611700/rd-20-crafty-chandler-runs-the-tightrope-with-cracking-opener?videoId=1611700&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1722024480001 opening round Jack Viney https://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/1501689/opening-round-viney-refuses-to-go-down-in-super-show-of-strength?videoId=1501689&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1709802346001 Round 3 Max Gawn https://www.afl.com.au/video/1098346/gawn-slots-captains-goal-to-set-up-blockbuster-fourth-quarter?videoId=1098346&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1711795443001

@george_on_the_outer agree. This is what I’ve been saying for 3 weeks. Stop the overhandballing. Get territory. Kick it. Even if it is a ground ball scrubber. One. Two handballs max. Then kick. Unfortunately the skills at this time don’t allow sharp precise handballing chains. If might work one in ten attempts . This is especially whilst we are depleted and spending a lot of time defending. Yes. Love Pisano already. Tough. Smart. Skilled. But don’t throw her to the wolves. Half forward with a short mid rotation is the max.

Ps. http://mfcde.es/3BrBGCu

❤️💙Gillard is definitely a key defender. Athletic. Strength. Direct at the footy. She has a bright future. She was LOST last week when playing forward after half time v bombers. 💙❤️💙❤️Kate Hore. Wow. What a leader. What a captain. She showed the way. Tough. Smart. Skilled. Just love that she’s a Demon ❤️💙Maeve Chaplin. She’s been great this year. Hard runner. Tackles. Solid and dependable. Another great game. 💙❤️Shelley Heath. So brave. Her shoulder could not have been right but she is tough and went in again. Her spirit and courage is unquestionable. ❤️❤️❤️❤️to see the debutants enjoy the win. With so many many injuries, we are calling on youngsters and Casey reserves top up players. Wow. What a win !!

From the code Potential No. 1 selection Harvey Langford says it would be a “dream” to join Richmond as the countdown to November’s AFL national draft ramps up. Langford was at the MCG for the first day of the national draft combine on Friday, meeting clubs and completing physical testing. The Dandenong Stingrays product grew up a Tigers fan, idolising recently-retired superstar Dustin Martin. A 190cm big-bodied midfielder, Langford also made a VFL debut for Richmond in August. “Anywhere I go will be a dream,” Langford said. “But obviously going for Richmond, (that) would be amazing.” Langford said he would not be phased about carrying the No. 1 draftee tag if that was to eventuate. Richmond holds that prized selection. “To think that there is a possibility for No. 1 (is) pretty amazing. I guess we’ll just see how it all pans out,” he said. “Obviously there will be heaps of pressure coming into next year, but I think I’ll be able to handle it pretty well. I’ve got heaps of support around me, so that will help out heaps.” Langford was a joint winner of the Larke Medal as the best player of the under-18 national championships while playing for Vic County earlier this year. The 18-year-old averaged 25.5 disposals and 6.3 clearances per match during the tournament and models his game on Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli. “He’s obviously a bit bigger midfielder,” Langford said. “(I like) how he’s able to go down forward and impact on the scoreboard and in the air. It’s something that I try to do.” HARVEY LANGFORD Dandenong Stingrays Langford’s dominance had been flying under the radar before the national championships, and it continued on the national stage for Vic Country. The strong 190cm midfielder was joint winner of the Larke Medal after an outstanding campaign, averaging 26 disposals, eight score involvements, six clearances, six marks and 130 SuperCoach points. Langford’s contested ball-winning, penetrating left boot, overhead marking and forward half impact stood out throughout a well-rounded championships where he broke games open on a consistent basis. Langford doesn’t need a lot of the ball to have a big say on a game, helping turn the tide for Vic Country in their final game against Vic Metro with a big pack mark and goal. The Mount Martha product’s form in the Coates Talent League was emphatic for much of the campaign. He finished with averages of 152 ranking points, 26 disposals, five marks and five tackles. He also kicked 20 goals

My memory of the night will definitely be the standing ovation for Angus Brayshaw as he accepted Melbourne life membership ❤️💙love ya Gus💙❤️

Everyone agrees. There is a lot of talent in this draft and the Dees need to maximize our picks. It’s a reload this year. The young talent coming through is so well prepared. As we saw with Windsor, the young mids and running types can be solid contributors in year 1.

Agree. It’s super risky. It’s banking on the rebound. It’s backing yourself. Maybe they think getting a player “this year” allows extra development and the strength of this years top 15 is very good. Of course it depends on whether the pick availability and whether we can outbid others.

From Code Sports … Tom Campbell is the AFL’s great survivor. The journeyman ruckman – who has never played more than nine games in an AFL season – officially joined his fourth AFL club on Friday when he was unveiled as a delisted free agency signing for Melbourne. The 32-year-old, who was first selected by Western Bulldogs in the 2011 rookie draft, has spent the past 13 years on AFL lists for a total of 58 matches. In that time he has turned out in 11 out the 13 years he has been listed at AFL level, including four matches for St Kilda in the past three years as Rowan Marshall’s understudy. He also played 42 games in seven years as a Bulldog and 12 in three seasons at North Melbourne. “Tom is an experienced, competitive ruck, who we are excited to welcome to the club,” Melbourne’s list manager Tim Lamb said. He is an outstanding character, and will provide depth and maturity in our ruck stocks, which has been a focus for us this off season. “We look forward to having Tom and his family as part of the red and blue.” After his delisting in August, St Kilda’s David Misson said of Campbell: “Tom has been an incredible member of our playing group during his time here, having an invaluable impact on our emerging talent and ruck stocks. “His generosity and kindness have made an indelible mark on those around him, and we know will stand him in great stead for this next stage with his young family.” Campbell has the lowest average games played per season (4.46) of any player who will be listed for the 2025 season that has lasted in the AFL for a decade or more. His tally of 58 games is equal to Collingwood defender Billy Frampton, who has been in the AFL system for 10 years. Recently delisted Giant Braydon Preuss (28 games in 10 seasons), retired Richmond ruckman Sam Naismith (33 games, 11 years) and ex-Carlton defender Caleb Marchbank (63, 10 seasons) were the other players in the top five of the AFL’s game of survivor this year. Next year, Ivan Soldo (65 games, 10 years), Marc Pittonet (73 games, 10 years) and Lewis Melican (84 games, 10 years) will join those ranks. But Campbell will become the ultimate survivor after signing for Melbourne as Max Gawn’s understudy. He has been one of the VFL’s dominant big men in recent years and averaged 18.8 disposals, 4.7 marks and 3.9 tackles a game for St Kilda’s affiliate Sandringham this year. Campbell’s longevity does not come close to former Sydney, Gold Coast and North Melbourne ruckman Daniel Currie though. Currie played 10 AFL games in 10 seasons from 2007-2017 and once described himself as someone who had “given the term list clogger new meaning”.

Would love Bartel involved at the Dees. He’s footy IQ and leadership would be a huge addition. And he’d help with culture. Add also with Sloane, Bassett & Teague. That’s a good group to replace McQualter, Stafford and Plunkett.