BigMacjnr

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/new-name-emerges-in-dayne-beams-deal-as-trades-heat-up-20141011-114s3k.html

The Age reporting a blockbuster 5 club trade:

Collingwood: lose Beams, Lamumba Gain Pick 5, Varcoe, Greenwood, Jack Crisp (or pick from trading him)

Brisbane lose: pick 5, 21, 25 and Jack Crisp (or pick from trading him). Gain Beams, Christiansen

North Melbourne: lose Greenwood Gain pick 25

Geelong lose: Varcoe and Christiansen Gain pick 21 and Mitch Clark

Melbourne lose: Mitch Clark Gain Lamumba

Looks fairly balanced.

Fairly good for Collingwood in my eyes with Brisbane paying overs for Beams. Think Geelong win a little trading Varcoe for Mitch Clarke (hope MFC get a bit more from them)

Still reporting that Melbourne pick 23 + trengove for pick 12 or 10. Hope this is for a really good player trade like 2 very good GWS players:

picks 2, Evans and 12 for Shiel, Green/Tomlinson and Frost.

Tomlinson went to the same high school as Dom Tyson so could be a link there.

Trengove is an aggressive play. I can see it potentially happening:

- Trengove + Blease (or insert other steak knives here) to Richmond

- Pick 12 to North Melbourne

- Greenwood and NM second rounder to Melbourne

I would accept Trengove's loss a lot easier if I knew we got a very good midfielder in his prime in exchange.

We don't get Petracca if Saints trade the pick to GWS. That is who they want.

Agreed. And St Kilda might still take Petracca themselves which is why I would like them to trade to someone like the Bulldogs who will rate a key forward more than another midfielder.

I actually think the best opportunity for Melbourne is if St Kilda trade directly with the Western Bulldogs

St Kilda give up pick 1 and 2nd round pick

Western Bulldogs trade one of the aforementioned young guns plus pick 6

Then we have the opportunity to pick up Petracca who is meant to be something special and still gives us the opportunity to trade out pick 3 to a team looking a tall forward (Carlton, Fremantle etc).

Brayshaw is good but Petracca is meant to be the no.1 midfielder in the draft. Even if we don't trade out pick three and take Brayshaw I think that is more of a win than not getting Petracca.

Free agency doesn't work because the players have too much power in trade/free agency. NBA is probably the closest sport I can think of where there is somewhat of a salary cap and free agency works.

In the NBA - firstly, when the players are in contract, they can be traded to any team without their consent. This means that you don't get scenarios like Caddy going to Geelong for a much higher pick than they would have had to give up etc.

Secondly - teams do not get compensated so they are forced to trade star players before the deadline - the Love trade (1 year before he was out of contract) where he Minnesota received 2 no.1 picks and a future first round pick for Kevin Love (win win).

Third point - the team who has the player on the list is able to offer their free agents more money/years than those bidding on them, which provides an incentive to stay at the current club.

The AFL has haphazardly introduced these Free Agency rules without fully understanding how to go about it. It they could introduce the above changes.

I think the AFL did a great job with the delisted free agency period but see little point to the pre-season draft. Catergory B rookies is a stroke of genius.

While I am on a bit of a roll - the AFL should take over the talent pathways in the northern states and put a lot more emphasis on those programs. That would mean more talent coming from QLD and NSW and would also stop Sydney etc. from picking up the best midfielders in consecutive drafts with end of round picks (2014. and 2015).

Dont see Grimes going to GWS purely from the fact that $cully would be his VC and heard from a good source that JG despised T$ even when they were teammates

Need to give GWS someone of 2nd round value in that scenario to make it an even trade for both clubs.

That's interesting 'the grint'. Never knew Grimes hated Scully...did your source tell you why?

Generally in agreement with your suggestions (including hanging on to Toumpas) but why are we trading out Fitzy to the Bulldogs for a 4th round pick and then not using it? Personally I would rather see Spencer traded out than Fitzy as I think that he is more versatile as a mobile forward/ruck than Spencer if you want to get rid of a tall.

I just think he needs a new home. If he is not getting a game for the entire year when we are down on forwards than I think it is time to let him go and give his spot on the list to someone who they will play. Fourth pick because I am not sure if they would use a third rounder on him (maybe their third rounder for our fourth?).

Happy to trade out Spencer and get like a Jonathan Giles in...

Had a rethink of what/who we need, and what we may have available. Frawley compo/Priority Selection at start of 2nd round, And here's what I reckon could play out, and would be good for us.

Trade our 3rd round pick (43ish) to GWS for Frost

Fitzpatrick & our 4th round pick (61) to Bulldogs for Tutt & their 3rd round pick (46).

Clark & Pick 46 to Collingwood for Jackson Ramsay

Trade Frawley compo (P3) Priority Pick (P22) & Toumpas to Sydney for Malceski, Mitchell, Jones, Membrey & their 2nd round pick (40).

Effectively that monster trade becomes Pick 3 for Mitchell & Jones, Pick 22 for Malceski & Toumpas for Membrey & 40.

Evans & our 5th round pick (79) to St Kilda for ther 5th round pick (78).

Delist Blease, Tapscott, Strauss & Georgiou to go with Clisby, Nicholson, Byrnes retirement & Frawley's departure

Go to the drat with Picks 2 (Petracca or more likely Brayshaw), 24 (Stretch) & 40 (McLaren), 78 (Jetta upgrade) & Rookie draft with Picks 2 & 20.

It is a good effort but I think the Sydney scenario is a little dreamy and dislike the Clark and Fitzpatrick trades. Would Tutt clearly be in our best 22, if not I wouldn't pick up another player to play for Casey.

Who is Jackson Ramsey and how is he worth Cark & 46?! I would rather force Clark through the preseason draft than to give up a pick for a guy who has only played 2 matches! Would rather the straight swap of Lumumba who would be in our best 22 than that.

Like the ingenuity with the Evans trade. I think they will do something like this to any takers for Pickles.

Sydney will never trade pick 3 for both Mitchell and Jones who were both mid first round picks (could argue Mitchell would have gone higher if he wasn't a father son). I think a more likely scenario is to trade Pick 3 and Garland for these two. Would not give anything big for Malceski, can't give up potential 10 year player in early second round for a player with massive injury concerns and possibly 1-2 years left in him. And flat out no to giving up Toumpas for Membrey and pick 40. Membrey is undersized forward and hard to really tell his ability playing in a second rate league in NSW. Give Toumpas 2 more years...I have faith the kid will come good but not as good as Wines (screw you M.Neeld for over riding our recruiting team that day!).

So of the trades:

- pick 3 (Frawley comp) and Garland for Zak Jones and Tom Mitchell

- Pickles and 79 for St Kilda 5th rounder 78

- Clarke straight swap for Lumumba (not going to get much out of Collingwood as Clark is such a big risk, might also do late swap of picks)

- pick 22 and Grimes, fourth round pick for Jonathan O'Rourke and Sam Frost and GWS third round pick

- fitzy to Bulldogs for their fourth round pick

Finish

Out - Pickles, Fitzpatrick, Garland, Grimes, Clark, pick 3 (comp), round 4, PP22, P79

In - Mitchell, Z.Jones, O'rourke, Frost, Lumumba, GWS third rounder, P78

- Billy Stretch father son round 2/3 pick

- Use GWS third rounder on Oscar McDonald

- Pick 2 for Petracca

Delist Blease, Tapscott and Strauss. Potentially hang onto Georgiou for depth if we still lack key defenders.

Out: Jamar, Blease, Tapscott, Mckenzie

In: Gawn, Cross, Grimes, Michie

Need leadership out there and I think Cross and Grimes will be able to provide that. Is particularly important against the no.2 team in the competition. Cross pushes out Mckenzie.

Blease & Tapscott have just not shown enough to deserve a spot ahead of the players coming in. JKH might go instead of Blease as he hasn't done much either.

Jamar - why do I seem to be the only one putting him in the gun this week? Was really found out again Geelong and Brisbane. His lack of mobility around the ground is disappointing and will be telling if both he and Gawn are in the side against a fast moving Hawks. Gawn is in ripping form and should replace Jamar based on that.

Michie is an easy inclusion, gets multiple inside fifties, wins his own ball and spreads well...everything we seem to be missing out there.

Based on Casey report, Matt Jones is close to selection...as is Nicho unfortunately.

Hopefully he can kick

He is rated as a better kick than his brother. Prefers to play forward but can play either end. Competitive kid with a really good head on his shoulders.

Would think that we would be having a good look at Oscar, as we have with all the draft hopefuls. Would be great to see the brothers tear it up for years to come at the Dees.

Biggest issue at the moment is that he will need around 10kgs to mix it with hulking forwards of AFL. Will spend the first year in the VFL if selected until he builds on the muscle.

I don't think they would keep him around for a year just to heal his broken leg..

Not a fan at all of just getting rid of blokes just to churn the list - you have to be mindful of what talent you are bringing in.

Due to Frawley's situation - we won't be bringing in FAs (unless they are a star), the draft always runs about 70 players deep (if deep is the right word...), Delisted FA has few hidden gems, and the state leagues are being mined by all and sundry lately.

Picks 4, 5, 27, 48, 70, 90 (Elevation for Jetta), and a DFA would almost see us out I would think.

That's 7 Primary List spots.

I think you are right concerning Riley. I was too harsh on the kid. Specially considering most people with nasty knee breaks take an extra pre-season to get back to 100%. Also agree concerning the free agency points. But we will surely be very active trying to trade out players and get some players from other teams and what gems haven't been already mined from state leagues. 7-9 primary spots.

Made a list interested to get some thoughts on who will be chopped at the end of the year based who is out of contract this year.

Definitely:

- Clark

- Burnes

- Blease

- Westrupp

- Strauss

Potentially out the door:

- Tapscott

- Clisby

- Evans (trade like Morton arrangement)

- Fitzpatrick (trade to Dogs)

- Frawley (free agent)

- Terlich

- Riley (depending on his contract and would be unlucky)

I think from this list above, and potentially a trade of other players not listed, that there will be 10-12 changes at the end of the year.

Also hoping for a recruitment drive for Casey affiliate players of decent quality and not what is the cheapest option.

Out of contract players from different clubs stolen this from a BigFooty thread (thanks Yoda):

- it seems to be up to date after a quick browse but may not have some of the latest signings.

Adelaide Crows:
Out of contract: Shaun McKernan, Jarad Petrenko, Matt Jaensch, Jarrad Lyons, Sam Shaw, Brodie Martin, Tom Lynch, Angus Graham, Sam Siggins, Rory Atkins, James Battersby (rookie), Charlie Cameron (rookie), Jake Kelly (rookie), Jack Osborn (rookie), Alex Spina (rookie),
restricted free agents: David McKay
unrestricted free agents: Ben Rutten, Jason Porplyzia

Brisbane Lions:
Out of contract: Brent Moloney, Rohan Bewick, Jordan Lisle, Marco Papporone, Andrew Raines, James Polkinghorne, Ryan Lester, Matt McGuire, Patrick Wearden, Jordan Bourke (rookie), Isaac Conway (rookie), Nicholas Hayes (rookie), Sam Michael (rookie), Zac O'Brien (rookie), Archie Smith (rookie)
restricted free agents: -
unrestricted free agents: Ash McGrath, Johnathan Brown

Carlton Blues:
Out of contract: Troy Menzel, Mitch Robinson, Chris Yarran, Sam Docherety, Sam Rowe, Tom Temay, Tom Bell, Nicholas Graham, Ed Curnow, Jeff Garlett, Levi Casboult, Simon White, David Ellard, Jarryd Cachia (rookie), Ciaran Byrne (international rookie), Blaine Johnson, Luke Reynolds, Heath Scotland (rookie), Ciaran Sheehan (international rookie), Cameron Wood (rookie)
restricted free agents:
unrestricted free agents: Kade Simpson, Jarrad Waite

Collingwood:
Out of contract: Jackson Ramsey, Tim Broomhead, Tony Armstrong, Quinten Lynch, Luke Ball, Jaryd Blair, Ben Kennedy, Marty Clarke, Jack Frost (rookie), Corey Gault (rookie), Ben Hudson (rookie), Kyle Martin (rookie), Caolon Mooney (international rookie), Peter Yagmoor (rookie)
restricted free agents:
unrestricted free agents: Nick Maxwell, Tyson Goldsack

Essendon:
Out of contract: Jason Ashby, Dustin Fletcher, Martin Gleeson, Sean Gregory, Will Hams, Kyle Hardingham, Michael Hibberd, Ben Howlett, Dylan Van Unen, Patrick Ambrose (rookie), Corey DellO'llio (rookie), Johny Rayner (category b rookie), Ariel Steinberg (rookie), Fraser Thurlow (rookie)
restricted free agents: Heath Hocking
unrestricted free agents: Dustin Fletcher, Leroy Jetta, Jason Winderlich

Fremantle Dockers:
Out of contract: Nat Fyfe, Matt DeBoer, Max Duffy, Josh Simpson, Anthony Morabito, Alex Silvagni, Jack Hannath, Scott Gumbleton, Keplar Bradley, Jacob Ballard (rookie), Sam Menegola (rookie), Craig Moller (rookie), Thomas Vandeleur (rookie), Michael Wood (rookie)
restricted free agents: David Mundy
unrestricted free agents: Garrick Ibbotson, Luke McPharlin, Matthew Pavlich

Greater Western Sydney:
Out of contract: Jono O'Rourke, Lachlan Plowman, Josh Hunt, Kristian Jacksch, Stephen Gilham, Mark Wiley, Tom Downie, Dylan Addison, Sam Shultz (rookie)
restricted free agents: -
unrestricted free agents: -

Gold Coast Suns:
Out of contract: Zac Smith, Tim Sumner, Karmichael Hunt, Luke Russel, Harley Bennel, Matthew Warnock, Steven May, Jeremy Taylor, Tom Nicholls, Tom Murphy, Jackson Allen, Brandon Matera, Michael Rischitelli, Greg Broughton, Nathan Bock, Andrew Boston (rookie), Jarrad Ellis (rookie), Josh Hall (rookie), Louis Herbet (rookie), Leigh Osborne (rookie)
restricted free agents:
unrestricted free agents:

Geelong Cats:
Out of contract: Mitch Brown, Lincoln McCarthy, Daniel Menzel, Jesse Stringer, Jordan Schroder, Dawson Simpson, Josh Cowan, Taylor Hunt, Jordan Murdoch, Jed Bews, Allan Christensen, Cam Guthrie, Nathan Vardy, George Burbury, Josh Walker, Brad Hartman, Shane Kersten, Michael Luxford (category b rookie), Jackson Sheringham (rookie), James Toohey (rookie), Nick Bourke (rookie),Zac Bates (rookie)
restricted free agents: -
unrestricted free agents: Corey Enright, James Kelly

Hawthorn Hawks:
Out of contract: Shaun Burgoyne, Brian Lake, Matt Spangher, Luke Lowden, Angus Litherland, Kaiden Brand, Kurt Heatherley (rookie), Ben Ross (rookie), Shem Tatupu (international rookie), Derrick Wanganee (rookie), Zac Webster (rookie), Dallas Willsmore (rookie)
restricted free agents: -
unrestricted free agents: Brad Sewell

Melbourne Demons:
Out of contract: Rohan Bail, Sam Blease, Shannon Byrnes, Daniel Cross, Tom McDonald, James Strauss, Luke Tapscott, Dean Terlich, Alex Georgiou (rookie), James Harmes (rookie), Neville Jetta (rookie), Max King (rookie), Maia Westrupp (international rookie)
restricted free agents: -
unrestricted free agents: James Frawley,

North Melbourne Kangaroos:
Out of contract: Robin Nahas, Ryan Bastinac, Nathan Grima, Liam Anthony, Levi Greenwood, Sam Gibson, Ben Jacobs, Taylor Hine, Taylor Garner, Tom Curran, Mason Wood, Mitch Wilkins, Timothy McGennis (rookie), Joel Tippet (rookie), Kayne Turner (rookie), Eric Wallace (international rookie), Max Warren (rookie)
restricted free agents:
unrestricted free agents: Leigh Adams, Michael Firrito, Brent Harvey

Port Adelaide Power:
Out of contract: Cameron Hitchcock, Campbell Heath, Matthew Broadbent, Paul Stewart, Lewis Stevenson, Tom Clurey, Mason Shaw, Sam Colquhoun, Jarrad Redden, Ben Newton, Jack Hombsch, Aaron Young, Brendon Ah Chee, Sam Grey (rookie), Kane Mitchell (rookie), Brent Renouf (rookie), Sam Russell (rookie)
restricted free agents: -
unrestricted free agents: Dom Cassisi, Kane Cornes, Tom Logan, Paul Stewart

Richmond Tigers:
Out of contract: Matt Dea, Jake Bachelor, David Astbury, Ben Griffiths, Aaron Edwards, Jake King, Brad Helbig, Kamdyn McCintosh, Liam McBean, Matt McDonough, Todd Elton, Matt Arnot, Brett O'Hanlon, Todd Banfield (rookie), Ben Darrou (rookie), Anthony Miles (rookie), Orren Stephenson (rookie), Matt Thomas (rookie), Cadeyn Williams (international rookie)
restricted free agents: -
unrestricted free agents: Shane Edwards, Jake King, Chris Newman

St.Kilda Saints:
Out of contract:, Sean Dempster, Tom Hickey (?), Tom Lee, Trent Dennis - Lane, Sam Dunnell, Nathan Wright, Spencer White, Brodie Murdoch, Josh Saunders, Lewis Pierce, Daniel Markworth, Beau Maister, Adam Schneider, Darren Minchington (rookie), Cameron Shenton (rookie), Eli Templeton (rookie), Mav Weller (rookie), Jason Holmes (international rookie)
restricted free agents:
unrestricted free agents: Sam Fisher, Jarryn Geary, James Gwilt, Lenny Hayes, Clint Jones

Sydney Swans:
Out of contract:, Craig Birds, Harry Cunningham, Tom Derrickx, Matthew Dick, Alex Johnson, Jordan Lockyer, Harrison Marsh, Tim Membrey, Tom Mitchell, Myke Pyke, Ted Richards, Rhys Shaw, Dean Towers, Tommy Walsh, Jake Lloyd (rookie), Shane Biggs (rookie), Patrick Mitchell (rookie), Sam Naismith (rookie), Lloyd Perris (rookie), Xavier Richards (rookie), Daniel Robinson (rookie)
restricted free agents:
unrestricted free agents: Adam Goodes, Nick Malceski, Ryan O’Keefe, Lewis Roberts-Thomson

West Coast Eagles:
Out of contract: Nic Naitanui, Andrew Gaff, Sam Butler, Scott Lycett, Jacob Brennan, Brad Sheppard, Pat McGinnity, Ash Smith, Xavier Ellis, Will MacGinnes (rookie), Murray Newman (rookie), Rowen Powell (rookie), Callum Sinclair (rookie),
restricted free agents: -
unrestricted free agents: San Butler, Dean Cox, Darren Glass, Matt Rosa

Western Bulldogs:
Out of contract: Easton Wood, Clay Smith, Jason Tutt, Daniel Pearce, Tory Dickson, Christian Howard, Koby Stevens, Tom Young, Lachlan Hunter, Jason Johanniesen, Mark Austin (rookie), Alex Greenwood (rookie), Lin Jong (rookie), Jack Redpath (rookie),
restricted free agents: Shaun Higgins
unrestricted free agents: Matthew Boyd, Daniel Giansiracusa, Dale Morris, Robert Murphy, Tom Williams

I think Westrup was a good punt, like that new Adelaide guy Charlie Cameron (who is amazing). But if he can't make the seniors at Casey by the end of the year...I don't think they can afford to put so much time to bring him up to speed.

Agreed with general consensus:

- Clark (obviously although still think its such a waste of talent)

- nicho (decision making and skills),

- Byrnes (needs to retire: both lacks pace and lacks awareness),

- Tapscott and Strauss have to have momentous improvements before the end of the year

- Blease will have to show consistency which he has been incapable of so far but think they will look to trade him if they can

- Pickles and any others will be a decision of what happens around trade, FA and draft.

Most of the rookies will be safe I think this year, Jetta would have to be the prime candidate as has been stated often for upgrade.

Would love to be a fly on the wall for discussions on mid season player reviews and candidates for senior assistant coaches.

Will be a win/win either way with Frawley. Really want him to stay but could get a seriously good key defender from the draft with his compensation and go hard in the trade period with cash to spare.

Common folks back on topic.

Salem to come in for a full game. Frawley to have mysterious injury of the week and be replaced by Gawn. Aiden Riley to come as a sub.

Mckenzie, Toumpas, Barry, Blease will all have to bring a string of good performances to the table to be selected in the squad or hope for injuries. One of the things I love with Roos and the improved list + development is forcing players to be playing good footy before they come into the squad.

Why do we always play potential midfielders in other positions. We desperatly need midfielders - I know Taggert was drafted as a mid why not just develop them as mids.

Kent and Toumpas were also played upforward - it's fine if they are resting but we need to develop some good midfielders now!

I hope Kent plays some time in the mid tomorrow.

I believe they are following the Geelong and Collingwood model and playing new mids through the forward flank when they begin, so they don't get banged around too badly. Forward line is also a reduced workload which is what Rory needs after having an interrupted start to the pre season. His fitness may be part of the reason why he went missing in the earlier games and is only now starting to play more consistently.

IMO I believe people are being confused with the term rebuilding phase in Neelds statement, what I believe he means is that the football department has been overhauled to become relevant in todays game and the one major area they did when he stated we really only had Kelly O'Donnell and I think one other as development coaches now we have assistant coaches each having their own line coaches who I now believe are Casey's assistant coaches so that will be a great help in the development of the second tier players but this will take time but once it all gets up to speed when new players come to the club, support can be more one on one with them instead of a group which will quicken their progress dramatically.

They have taken a club who's method was outdated 20 years ago and has now only scratched the surface, people can say what they want about Neeld and co but we are heading in the right direction IMO and yes it may take a bit more time but at least we are catching up with the leaders of the pack.

The other part of his mantra is culture and to change a culture you have to show them a culture that also takes time, he always talks about roles and understanding your role, train at an elite level all the time not when you feel like it as in the past, prepare like a top athlete, recover like a top athlete etc.

The reason I believe Neeld bought in Rodan, Byrnes etc was to buy some time so they can develop some of the players so they can then step into that role without having the best players playing on them and having extra pressure on them.

So while some supporters want to sack Neeld I believe the club will honour his contract and those supporters who don't like it support the club or not that is your choice.

Could not agree more with Demon3165.

Neeld has made some really good decisions, and you can already see him trying to impact on the culture. Last year he started by dropping big name players if they weren't performing.He recruited depth players over the off-season to create more competition for spots as well as enabling younger players to develop at Casey and not have to play them before they are ready...in retrospect he maybe should have kept Toumpas back instead of playing him straight away.

The other aspect that has changed is the Craig role with the leadership team. Neil Craig spends a lot of time developing our leadership group, with leadership being a lamentable weakness in the last few years at the club along with its midfield. It will take time to see the changes and Neeld, or any other coach for that matter, was never going to be able to turn the club fortunes around overnight.

I do think that at least one Football Department head should roll at the end of the year. To develop our midfield into premiership contender MFC must remove Choco as midfield coach. I think a ready replacement would be the very highly rated Nathan Bassett, coach of the much improved Norwood team in the SANFL. The players don't seem to have the same connection and buy in with Choco as they do with the other head line coaches in Brown and Rawlings. Choco's contract expires at the end of the year. It surprises me that with the midfield performing so badly that people are calling for Neeld's head instead of Choco's... Nathan Bassett could almost be selected as a senior coach at the end of the year, if he isn't I would love for him to work at MFC in some capacity. - I also wouldn't mind Kevin Sheedy coming to the club, he has so much experience and has shown with the Giants development that he is still an invaluable asset to whichever club he is at.

I think the real improvement going into next season can come in the off-season if we are able to pick up some midfield players from other clubs, state leagues as well as draft picks. All this talk about the Port Power transformation should stop being seen as a magical transformation from nothing to their midfielders playing to their potential and not under performing. Everyone can see that we have the weakest midfield in the competition and I think if we can add Nathan Bassett as midfield coach (or someone of his ability) as well as make some key midfield pickups...then we could have a similar turn around seen by Port Adelaide this year.

It also means that our picks 49, 53 and 70 become 48, 52 and 68. Seeing as GWS also want to have a pre season selection, correct me if I'm wrong but they have to give up one of their live picks in the National Draft to do so... The last GWS pick before promoting rookie selections is pick 69 currently... so in essence that pick 70 (if they plan on using it) would be pick 67. Not much but there are three less chances of other clubs selecting a player that the scouting department had their eyes on.

These are just the first 3 tweets on the most recent article 'Demons: shock & awful' article. We need to make a public statement and tweet back our disapproval and not have this minority of kiss-asses represent the public (and us) on this issue.

Caroline Wilson's attack, as has been noted by many previously on this and other threads is a personal vendetta against key members of the MelbourneFC administration. Her articles have lost their merit in rehashing information that she has used in previous articles to reaffirm her points in her future articles. This is the sort of rubbish journalism that comes from FOX news in the US, where they are allowed to make statements in opinion shows and use these as facts in their news programs. I would have to say that this last article was 'pathetic and disgusting' - to use her own words.

This last article was the one which finally crossed the line for me. I could put up with the other articles but this last one seems to have lost all subtlety and is a blatant attack on all things MFC, including the great man Jim, without using any evidence to back up her points. It was just a negative opinion piece on the club.

I have seen that some people on this forum have already started cancelling 'Age' subscription but was wondering if we should not go further? The message doesn't seem to have had too great an effect so far due to the fact that she is the Chief Editor for the newspaper on all things AFL. I am putting it out there - what if we all joined forces and wrote separate letters to the editor of 'The Age'. I am not asking for anything nasty or over-the-top but just providing the message that CW's pieces on the MFC have gone too far, our opinion of 'The Age' has been tarnished because of this. Another possibility is to have a few of the members on this forum create a really well constructed letter to the editor with a blank paragraph that each individual submitting could make their own; so it doesn't look too copy paste.

The reason for this is that the MFC put out a very good press release, but beyond that are unable to combat CW without it blowing up in their face. So I put this call out the the Demonland people - can you take up the fight for the MFC and stop this CW monster from attacking the club we bleed red and blue for?

I can't believe the disgraceful attitude towards Dawes, by some around here.

Dawes would be in the top 6 players at the club. Only Clark, Jamar, Jones, Sylvia and Frawley are better players than Dawes.

And Farren Ray would be top 10. So is Byrnes.

Do people forget what a shambles of a club we are onfield? Do people forget that our list is in such a bad state at the moment?

Completely agree 'Bring-Back-Powell'. The football department has analysed our list and found some gaping holes: senior leadership, 2nd key forward target, rebounding defender, small forwards & midfielders. Byrnes fills the role of senior leader and small forward. Chris Dawes is a 2nd key forward target. Farren Ray is a rebounding defender who can have stints through the midfield. Regardless of how you saw them perform at their current/previous club (if they come across), if they fill the gaping holes in our list and play their role successfully in our team...isn't that all that matters?

Adding these older players that can play roles for the team also means that players are not forced back into the team before they have earned a game, as happened a few times this year due to injury.

Thank you to everyone who has chosen to post positives from the season. This is a refreshing thread.

- I am just ecstatic that the post season has well and truly arrived and the Dees are playing hard ball trying to fill the gaps in our list and make use of the massive investment into the scouting and trading section of the football department. I sincerely believe that they, along with our coaching and support staff, will make some big inroads into 'fixing' our list this off-season.

You all are not giving this guy a fair go.

He was today awarded the award for best international at the draft - above both Gideon Simon & Kurt Heatherley who have been signed by Richmond and Hawthorn respectively (not including Irish). He also could be leadership material as he seems to be very well spoken and best of all his nickname is 'the beast'.

He is 24, 197cm, 105kg (http://www.afl.com.a...40/default.aspx)

His results in the draft camp: top 50 in the beep test, 2.90 seconds for 30m sprint, 4th biggest hand span measured at 25.2cm, 80cm vertical jump and biggest running jump off left foot at 85cm.

Did I mention he is extremely athletic? I thought Nic Nat could dunk...but this guy:

[media=]

According to the draft video from the AFL website he has been in talks with 8 different teams, some of which are apparently keen (I am hoping one of these is the dees). In term of the list, he can be listed on as an international rookie and wouldn't take up the space on primarily list or an Australian rookie. The cost to the club is the rookie contract for 1-2 years and the time of the developing coaches to teach him the game. He could be a one hit wonder that never makes it but this is little cost for a large possible gain!