spirit of norm smith

MELBOURNE has welcomed two additions to its AFL coaching panel, appointing Nathan Bassett and Nathan Jones for the 2025 season. The duo will join AFL Senior Coach Simon Goodwin’s team, with Bassett to oversee the backline and team defence, and Jones to head up the midfield. They will accompany Troy Chaplin as part of next year’s line-up, who will make the switch to lead the team’s forwards, having spent the past seven seasons looking after defence. Bassett arrives at Melbourne with experience aplenty, coaching across ten seasons in different roles at Essendon and Port Adelaide. He joined the Power as a defensive coach ahead of the 2016 season, spending the two years prior at the Bombers, before switching to look after the Port forwards in 2019. The 47-year-old finished up his time at Alberton at the end of 2023, following eight seasons of service. General Manager of AFL Football Performance Alan Richardson said Bassett’s knowledge and perspective will be of significant benefit to the program and broader club. “We are thrilled to have Nathan join our club in an assistant coaching capacity,” Richardson said. “Nathan’s coaching experience over the past 15 years is incredibly impressive. From winning two premierships with Norwood in his early years of coaching, to spending time at Essendon and more recently Port Adelaide; we are excited by what he can add to our program, with specific focus on our backline and team defence. “We look forward to welcoming Nathan, his wife Nicole and his children Charlotte and Will, in preparation for the 2025 season.” Melbourne will welcome home a favourite son in Jones. The much-loved Demon, who is a Life Member and played 302 games for the club, had his first official taste of coaching in 2024, leading Peninsula Grammar’s Boys First team. With an existing understanding of team structure and game style, Jones will return to help bolster the Demons’ stoppage work. He will work alongside Sam Radford, with the pair aiming to maximise the group’s strengths, while integrating new talent into the midfield mix. Richardson was equally as pleased to bring Jones back into the fold. “It’s really exciting to be able to welcome Jonesy back to the club,” Richardson said. “He has an incredibly thorough understanding of our foundations and the game, and obviously has some strong relationships within the program. He’s ready to hit the ground running and have an immediate impact. “Jonesy is a passionate Melbourne person, and we look forward to welcoming him, his wife Jerri and kids Bobbi, Remy, Odie and Dove back to the club they called home for 16 years.” Jones was drafted to Melbourne in 2005 and went on to play the second-most senior games in the club’s history. He retired during the Demons’ 2021 AFL campaign after captaining the team across five seasons and being awarded three best and fairest titles. Prior to coaching, Bassett enjoyed a 12-year playing career, initially drafted to Melbourne as a rookie in 1997. He made the move to Adelaide the following season, where he went on to play 210 games across 11 years as a Crow – all alongside Demons AFL Senior Coach Simon Goodwin. Retiring at the end of 2008, Bassett made the switch to coaching in 2010, taking up a position at Norwood where he was part of two premierships. Bassett and Jones join the red and blue following the departures of Greg Stafford and Andrew McQualter in recent months.

Here’s a reminder … Langford is seriously very very good. I have seen him live at Stingrays games and for Vic Country v Metro. Seen him on multiple Coates leagues games off the app. Don't worry about the potential phantom drafts others put out where he might be 15 or 20. He’s top 5 in my books alongside Lalor, O’Sullivan, Smith & Draper. All could be number 1. If he’s available, I’m taking Langford. He’s footy winning ability, marking , endurance, strength, kicking and footy IQ are high quality. Sure he doesn’t run 20metres in 2.88 seconds but his game is build differently.

Analysis of our list, best 23, draft strategy and likely 5 & 9. He covers with good insights (for an Eagles supporter) and knows the history of our drafting with reasonable detail. Worth a listen imv.

Not crazy but with these picks, he should have a beer in his hand …in my view, Dees would be crazy to miss Langford

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1245422 end of trades, delistings and retirements pre the draft in my view, clubs are seeing this draft as being very deep and will look to add in some cases between 4-5 new draftees. I can see the stretching of picks, and going into the early 70s perhaps in this years draft.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1250598 good story about Harrison (Harry) Oliver on the AFL website. He’s a Dees supporter and had an excellent year both personally as a skilled & tough half back, but also with 3 Premierships (Vic metro, Brighton Grammar and Sandringham Dragons). He showed his ability and toughness, especially in the APS game v Haileybury where his marking and defensive spoils in tough conditions were critical to the BGS win. It shows the strength of this years draft that he is ranked about 25-28 in most draft predictions. He’s a ready to go type. Great left foot disposal will be an asset wherever he goes. Plays like … yes Luke Hodge is a fair comparison. No backwards steps.

To summarise 2024: Gus medical retirement Trac injury ends season halfway Pies beat Dees twice team finished 14th Trac wants out Clarry wants out media negative pile on to the Dees President resigns CEO resigns JS29 Four year ban did I leave anything out? I know there’s some good news lightly sprinkled through the year but it’s a damaging summary

as being reported … comings and goings for Casey (added) Casey Demons have regained their 2023 best and fairest Deakyn Smith, who joined North Melbourne VFL this year. (Departed) Ryan Valentine has joined Coburg Lions Roan Steele (runner-up in the best and fairest this year) has joined West Perth WAFL. Casey best & fairest and captain Mitch White has left and joined Rosebud Other notable VFL changes Williamstown tall forward Corey Ellison (ex Casey) is moving to Frankston Werribee’s Kye Declase is expected to move to Box Hill Hawks North Melbourne small forward Sam Lowson is heading to Southport North will also have to replace Jack Watkins, who will train with AFL club Port Adelaide and try to win an SSP rookie-listing. Watkins won his successive John Law Medal as the Kangaroos’ VFL best and fairest, averaging 24.9 possessions Frankston has brought in Sandringham co-captain and key midfielder Darby Hipwell, who won the Zebras’ best and fairest in 2023. Port Melbourne is keen on delisted Western Bulldogs small forward Charlie Clarke. Former Dandenong Stingray Kade De La Rue has left North Melbourne VFL and will join Frankston.

DD36. I am a huge Langford supporter and would be pleased to see him in red and blue next year. If Crows did massively surprise and take Langford ahead of Draper, I’d be very tempted to draft Draper. He’s also an elite midfielder imv.

@picket fence no love for Petty, nor Sparrow, nor Bowey, nor Howes, nor Tholstrup. Lots of work to do for kbrown and Jefferson in my view.

Blake Howes got his debut in 2024 after a frustrating run of injuries over the two prior years. In 2024, Howes played as a mid-tall defender played 16 games averaged 14 disposals per game Imv his best game was shown in the high of 22 possessions in Rd23 win over the suns , including 10 marks a year to settle in and show he belongs 👏👏 Howes should continue his confidence to develop and become a regular. He fits in. He could either be a floating defender or alternatively might return to his original design as a half forward with good movement, skills, marking and goalkicking. There is a space there with ANB’s departure. He’s athletic. At 192cms, he’d have some aerial ability to be dangerous. He could play a role like Hayward at the Swans. I think he can be the new athletic HFF in 2025 and beyond.

Heartbreaking. Absolutely heartbreaking when I heard the news. Your boy goes to school and doesn’t come home. Terrible Sadness is all I feel. Hopefully the Dees reach out sometime to support his family. I would fully support whatever the MFC club and our community can do in these tragic circumstances.

Agree. If we grab Smith as polished skilled mid, then Allan is in play as contested ballwinner. If we take Langford is predicted, then we might take Lindsay who is the most skilled player in the draft in my view.

Understand 3x premiership forward Jack Gunston will be delisted by @HawthornFC today... But will be picked up in the rookie draft next month! Club and player all on the same page and happy with the plan to free up another list spot. This is a joke. 33yo. 260 games. 3x premiership player. Rookie 🤮🤮🤮🤮

Agreed. It’s moves and countermoves!!!

Updated. Best guesses and estimates imv. This draft is very deep with good quality youngsters, and high quality even through the second round and beyond. I have the Dees holding at picks 5 & 9. I think it’s a choice between Langford or Smith at “5”, then a choice between Lindsay, Travaglia or Allan at “9”. Either way, Dees get two premium youngsters. There’s likely to be some pick swaps throughout but the first round predictions as is are: 1. Richmond. Sam Lalor. GWV 2.****Lions father son. Levi Ashcroft. Sandringham 3. North Melbourne. Alix Tauru. Gippsland 4. Carlton (via West Coast). Finn O’Sullivan . Oakleigh 5. Adelaide. Sid Draper. SA Sth Adelaide 6. Melbourne . Harvey Langford. Dandenong. 7. Richmond (via Gold Coast). Jagga Smith. Oakleigh. 8. ****Suns academy. Leonardo Lombard 9. St Kilda. Josh Smillie. Eastern 10. St Kilda (via Josh Battle compensation pick). Harry Armstrong . Sandringham 11. Melbourne (via Essendon). Xavier Lindsay. Gippsland 12. Richmond (via Fremantle) Tobie Travaglia. Bendigo 13.Richmond (via Fremantle, Collingwood) Luke Trainor. Sandringham 14. West Coast (via Carlton) Bo Allan. WA Peel. 15. **** Ess NGA. Isaac Kako. Calder 16. Port Adelaide (via Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs). Joe Berry. Murray 17. Fremantle (via Richmond, Hawthorn, Carlton). Taj Hotton. Sandringham 18. Greater Western Sydney. Jobe Shanahan. Bendigo 19. Greater Western Sydney (via Harry Perryman compensation pick). Murphy Reid. Sandringham 20. Western Bulldogs (via Geelong). Cooper Hynes . Dandenong 21. **** Lions academy. Sam Marshall 22. Richmond (via Fremantle, Port Adelaide). Jack Whitlock. Murray . 23.****Blues father son. Ben Camporeale. SA. 24. Sydney. Harrison Oliver. Sandringham 25. Richmond (via Brisbane). Alex Dodson. SA Sturt 26. Greater Western Sydney (via Isaac Cumming compensation pick). Hamish Davis. WA Claremont 27. Sydney (via North Melbourne). James Barrat - Bendigo. 28. Richmond (via Gold Coast, North Melbourne). Ollie Hannaford. GWV predicting the longest first round ever!! Some likely 2nd rounders: Matt Whitlock. Murray. Tom Gross - Oakleigh. Christian Moraes - Eastern. Kayle Gerryn - WA West Perth. Thomas Sims - Northern. Jonty Faull - GWV. Jesse Dattoli - Northern. Harry O'Farrell - Calder. Lachie Jacques - Geelong. Nathaniel Sulzberger - Sandringham/ Tassie. Jack Ough - GWV. Angus Clarke - SA Glenelg. Josh Murphy - Murray. *** GWS Academy - Logan Smith Charlie Nicholls - Central District SA. *** Crows. Tyler Welsh SA WWT eagles. Archer Day-Wicks - Bendigo. HFF. *** Sydney academy. Joel Cochran. Likely 3rd rounders: Clancy Dennis - WA Claremont Riley Bice - Werribee VFL. *** Crows father son . Luke Camporeale. Glenelg Sam Davidson. RICHMOND VFL Noah Mraz - Dandenong. Hugh Boxshall. WA Claremont Zane Cochrane - Oakleigh. *** Stk NGA. Adrian Cole. Sandringham. Dom Brew. Mid. Werribee VFL Jasper Alger. Oakleigh ***Port father son Louis Montgomery. SA Nth Adel. Oliver Warburton. Murray. Xavier Ivisic Geelong *** West Coast NGA Malakai Champion. WA Subiaco. Floyd Burmeister. GWV Will Hayes. WA Claremont. Jack Henderson. Werribee VFL. Bailey McKenzie. Sandringham after this it’s seeing who might have draft picks available, or will pickup rookie opportunities or SSP train on spots. As with every year, there will be some very talented young footy players will miss out on getting on an AFL senior or rookie list. Potential for 4th round or likely rookies: Josh Dolan. Sandringham Phoenix Hargrave. SA Sth Adel Cody Anderson. Eastern. Luke Kennedy . Sandringham. Patrick Retschko. Oakleigh Oliver Depaoli-Kubank. Tassie Lucca Grego. Western. Kade Herbert. SA WWT eagles. *** Port Adel NGA. Benny Barrett.Sth Adel. SA Ned Bowman. Norwood SA Cody Angove. WA Claremont Zak Johnson. Northern. Jaxon Artemis- WA Sth Frem *** GWS academy. Cooper Bell. Nash King. Mid. Calder Aiden Riddle - WA. Claremont Riak Andrew. Dandenong. Harry Charlson. GWV Luke Urquhart. WA East Frem Damon Hollow. Calder *** Saints NGA. Lennox Hoffman. Sandringham. Rhys Unwin. GWV. Jett Hasting. SA WWT eagles. Mitch Kirkwood-Scott. Sandringham Blake Leidler. Oakleigh. Keighton Matofai-Forbes. Fwd. Western. ** Ess NGA Jayden Nguyen Calder . ** Stk father son. Elwood Peckett ** Dees Father son Noah Yze. Oakleigh. **Dees NGA Ricky Mentha Gippsland

@Whispering_Jack thanks. It’s consistent with most of our rankings. Allan at 9 is interesting. Definitely getting seen now as top 10 and within Dees each at pick “9”. The only one change for me is they have Reid at 5th ranking. I have him 14-15th ranked.

Rookie list is a joke. SYDNEY has committed to redrafting defender Joel Hamling and swingman Aaron Francis in November's rookie draft after announcing the pair had been delisted on Wednesday. COLLINGWOOD has committed to selecting premiership player Oleg Markov in next month's Telstra AFL Rookie Draft after the 28-year-old was delisted on Tuesday. Markov and key forward Ash Johnson have both dropped off the club's senior list, but the Magpies say they will re-list the pair in the rookie draft on November 22.

Essendon is weighing up a move to off-load Melbourne’s future first-round choice for a first-round pick in this year’s draft. However the move will have to come after a bid for Essendon small forward and next generation academy prospect Isaac Kako. It means if a bid comes around pick 10 for Kako, Essendon could trade Melbourne’s future first-round pick for something in the teens of this year’s draft. The Bombers’ first pick is otherwise slated to be number 28, but Essendon will eagerly eye a jump into this year’s crop if a trade partner can be secured St Kilda has told clubs it is open to splitting one of its top-10 selections in this year’s draft as part of a strategy to capitalise on the depth in this year’s talent pool. The Saints have picks seven and eight in this year’s draft and have indicated they could be interested in trading one of them for two picks later in the first round. The two clubs best-placed to do a deal with the Saints are Richmond (which has 18, 20 and 23) and GWS Giants (15, 16 and 21).

Jay Clark - Herald Sun. Reports being called out … Essendon is weighing up a move to off-load Melbourne’s future first-round choice for a first-round pick in this year’s draft, while there's a club looking to move down the order.

@Ted Lasso yes we are nearly aligned. #5… likely Smith or Langford. Either is a great addition. 👏👏👏 However in outcome , I can’t see the Dees taking both Smith & Reid. in your scenario, at “9”, I think it’s either Allan, Lindsay or Travaglia. If Smith at 5, I’d take Allan at 9. They would compliment each other perfectly in a future midfield. Allan can play half back or strong inside midfield role. If Langford at 5, then it’s either Lindsay or Travaglia as the best choice. Again players added that present inside power and outside running.

It’s a No. Talented Yes. Queries over his discipline and defensive work ethic.

Pre draft … B: Lever, May, McVee HB: Salem, McDonald, Rivers C: Windsor, Petracca, Langdon HF: Chandler, Petty, Sparrow F: Fritsch, van Rooyen, Pickett FOLL: Gawn, Oliver, Viney IC; Bowey, Tholstrup, Sharp, Turner sub Howes depth: Spargo, Melksham, Hore, Billings, Moniz-Wakefield, Woewodin Laurie, Fullarton, McAdam, Campbell* Potential: Jefferson, K.Brown, Verrall, Sestan, Adams, Kentfield

Daniher was great in the finals but ultimately it’s the midfield that wins it. Lions had Ashcroft, Neale, McCluggage and Berry. Now they top up with Ashcroft mark 2 as well. Dees need to identify this year as the need to upgrade the midfield. It’s obvious. Armstrong is good. He can mark , kick it and kick goals. But he’s not elite. I’m happy for Tigers or Saints to grab him. We need mids to compete now and the future. JV7, Trac and Clarry together with the new wave of Windsor, Throlstrup and 5 + 9 is the answer.