Demon Jack

Really getting sick of the 'Melbourne need a key forward' narrative that's being regurgitated by the media. If any of the 'experts' out there actually watched us this year (although to be fair, I can understand why they probably didn't), they'd see that we need more midfield depth, outside run and probably another small forward. Our scoring woes have much more to do with our midfield connection than it does with anything in the forward half. Unless the club has totally given up on the likes of JVR and Jeffo, drafting another young key forward would only stall the development of the ones we already have on the list.

Without wanting to sound like a downer, I tend to agree. Long term or not, contracts don't seem to matter like they used to and opposition clubs are going to come hard for him every single year.

Cracking thread title

Good point. Cal Twomey's 2019 Phantom Form Guide: October update Jackson is ranked 14 here and Pickett isn't even in the picture.

Hope I'm wrong, but I'm thinking he's long gone before our pick 37. If we really want him, we'll likely have to trade up. As a starting point, North have picks 26 and 27 which is where he's likely to be snapped up.

Looking forward to this guy blazing out of the back half next year. Excluding Frostball™, we haven't seen much of that since Jayden Hunt's first few seasons.

Full article from the MFC website earlier this year featuring both AFL and AFLW prospects. No mention of their ages or when their potential draft year would be. THIS week, Melbourne’s Academy players participated in an U15 carnival with 10 clubs coming together across two days of matches. An abundance of talent was on display with each Next Generation Academy team filled with the future stars of AFL and AFLW. Speaking with Melbourne Academy coaches Tyla Hanks and Riley Bonner, we’ve noted some carnival standouts and players to watch in the future, including four father-son prospects. Oliver Green Son of club legend and current President Brad Green, Oliver was a clear standout during the carnival games. He was an explosion of excitement and energy on field and had the ability to break open the match. With clean skills as a developing inside-mid, he’s one to keep on the radar in the not-so-distant future. Tex Robertson Son of former Demon Russell Robertson, Tex showed plenty of potential. He uses the ball efficiently when his opportunities arise and is able to provide good run across the ground. Up forward, he offers a strong finish inside 50, not too dissimilar to his dad. Tigga Johnstone Son of former Demon Travis Johnstone, Tigga showed his talents through his knowledge of the game and footy smarts. He’s a reliable teammate, bringing others into the game effectively, while also using his own impressive skills. Max McDonald Son of former Demon Anthony McDonald, Max is similar to Tigga in that his footy IQ is high. He provides plenty of run outside the contest and uses his elite skills to the team’s advantage. Ziggy Tiltsen-Collins One of three players who flew down from Alice Springs for the carnival, Ziggy is a natural athlete and footballer. His aerial work is a particular highlight to his game, often seen out marking the opposition in a one-on-one contest. Mitch Liddle A real standout among the team during the carnival, Mitch exemplified the type of talent coming out of Melbourne’s NGA zone in Alice Springs. His aerial presence was dominant while his fundamental skills were at an elite level. Eric Junior Campbell Alongside Ziggy and Mitch, Eric is another young talent hailing from Alice Springs. Playing predominately in a small forward role, he is an energetic livewire inside 50. With a clear goal-sense, he’s dangerous with ball-in-hand near the big sticks. Taylah Palmer Taylah joined the carnival from Alice Springs and quickly put her name at the top of players to watch. She finished the day as the equal leading goal-kicker and demonstrated her perfected set-shot. As a talented forward, she also brings with her a strong overhead mark. Olivia Blythe Also having made the trip down from Alice Springs, Olivia is a tough inside-mid who isn’t afraid to attack the contest. A clear strength to her game is her passion to win a hard-ball and then bring her teammates into the match. Latahnia Anderson The third and final player to join the Girls Carnival from Alice Springs is Latahnia. She brought to the team a high energy and love of the contest with strength in tackling. While impressive at ground-level, she also has shown glimpses of aerial talents, creating a double threat. Misha Simmons Misha was among the team’s standouts for the carnival working well as a midfielder. She took the games head-on and provided clean skills at the contest. Sienna Roden Sienna shone during the carnival with her running capacity and passion for football. Taking every opportunity she got, her highlights included her elite finish around goals. Lily Brittain Whilst Lily didn’t compete in the U15 carnival this week, she is an Academy player to watch in the upcoming few years, having graduated to Coates League and Vic Country. Lily most recently represented Vic Country and is a natural footballer who uses the ball well and finishes strong in front of goals.

Good luck to him. We've done very well out of this deal and have a big chance to set up a hopefully very successful next decade.

Why is everyone so keen to write off Tholstrup? The kid will be fine. He'll get more midfield time next season and he looked great there for Casey late in the year.

I like that we've actually addressed some key needs that we've been lacking of late. We've gained some key forward scoring power in Mihocek, ruck depth in Heath and speed across half back in Jiath. Not to mention some midfield grunt/leadership in Steele while the likes of Langford and Tholstrup are still developing. Plus we have four first round selections to play with over the next two season. I'm still not sure if we're finals bound in 2026 but I think we've set ourselves up nicely for the years to come.

It's been a blast y'all! See you all again in 12 months time.

I'm going to admit, It's going to be a much easier watch seeing both Trac and Clarry play for the franchise teams as opposed to a Collingwood or Carlton. Much easier bitter pill to swallow.

Wowzers, I wasn't expecting him to come that cheap. Very happy with this.

"It was said you would destroy the Suns, not join them!"

I'll answer my own question

Has Steele indicated he actually wants to play for us yet? A minor factor in the overall scheme of things.

If we rate and want him, we'll find a way to get back into the second round or thereabouts.

I'm soooo ready for a GC death ride. They've lost a fair bit of depth during this trade period. I wouldn't put it past them to slide a bit in 2026. Ainsworth, Fiorini, Budarick, Flanders. None are out and out stars but all played a handy role at some point this season.

Happy with that. That effectively turns Charlie Spargo into CJ.

I'm pretty sure we'll only need a late pick for Kalani. He might not be a top 50 prospect in this year's draft, let alone top 15. I don't see teams calling his name that early.

I don't hate this. We're in the middle of cultural reset and need good people and leaders around the club and you won't find many better people that fit that mould better than Steele. If we can get at least two decent years out of him while he mentors the young guns (ala Daniel Cross) then I say go for it.

I'd be wanting either GC's pick 15 or their F1 if we give up both 24 and 28. If that's not the go, then it's a genuine head scratcher.

I wish Kalani well and hope he ends up playing 200 games for us, but I can't help but feel a little concerned that he's not considered to fall within the top 50 of what's considered the weakest draft in years. Fingers crossed for him.

Depending on how JT and the club view the talent available in the top 10-15, I wouldn't be surprised if we elect to only use one of these two picks this year and try and trade one on for more access to next years crop.

Restaurant is on Lygon St. He's off to Carlton.