Demon Jack

Heeney's exactly the type of guy I'm hoping we make a play for at the end of next year. Agreeed though, not sure if we will since we never seem to include ourselves in these conversations.

Did anyone see this coming? He played 19 games and didn't miss a game after his debut against Collingwood. It was clear the football department had a lot of faith in him but I had no idea of what a talent he is. He has completely changed the dynamic of our side with his legspeed and tenacity from half-back. I could watch this guy run all day.

If true, then my god this club has issues. They spent the farm to get Aish across from the Lions. Why trade him after one year? Especially considering Aish has done very little to increase his value over the last 12 months.

I like that he's set the challenge of playing 15 games next year. Very similar development path to OMac. Oscar played 2-3 games towards the end of 2015 and ended up playing 15 games himself this year.

If true, Fantasia from Essendon anyone? Might be why the Hibberd trade hasn't been completed yet.

This 'Trade Whisperer' account on Twitter is absolutely hilarious to follow. He bans everyone who questions his posts and has the maturity of an 8 year old. Don't know the validity of his claims and sources, but for what it's worth...

Considering Wells turns 32 at the start of next year, I can't see his body getting any better.

Simple equation: Good off-field culture + On field success = Destination club. We have one part of this equation sorted. Build it, and they will come.

Hard to imagine any clubs would take the punt. I like Dawes, I really do. He strikes me as a very smart and easygoing person, but even when he's fit, he provides very little upside. 47 goals from 50 games over four seasons, coming from someone who is being paid about 500k a year to regularly hit the scoreboard says it all really.

While not on the same scale, the same thing can be said about Geelong likely to pick up Deledio and Tuohy during this trade period.

Showed some fantastic form in the VFL earlier in the year which is incredible considering his recent injury concerns. He's in a similar spot to OMac at the moment. Just needs to lock himself in the gym over the pre-season. His first half against the Hawks was absolutely outstanding. Aside from the two goals he kicked with his first two kicks (he has a fantastic set shot routine as well), he was very creative with ball in hand. I think he was involved in the build up of a fair few goals in those first two quarters. Looking forward to seeing him in action again next year, but it'll probably take a few years for him to bulk up and get his body right

Faded towards the end of year but I'm 99% sure he was playing injured. Would love to see Bernie notch up 100 games for the club and I reckon he still has 2-3 years of footy left in him. Hard to believe he's only played the three seasons here at the Demons. Feels like he's been around a lot longer

Quick summary of Terry Wallace's analysis of our list - Good decision to remove the older players (Dunn, Garland, Dawes) from the team. Allows the youngsters to grow together. - Need a half back with good ball use. Therefore Hibberd will be a good pickup. - We're lacking a bit of ruck depth. Need Gawn to stay fit and uninjured. - Bit of concern regarding our lack of experience in our key position players. Expect some inconsistent performances. - We're a good chance of finals next year. We'll hopefully be a lock in 2018. - Damian Barrett expecting a 'curveball' move from us in trade period this year. Watch this space.

Next years second round pick is fair in my opinion. Especially considering we've had to wait a year for Melksham.

Melbourne's list is about to be analysed on Trade Radio.

Big news out of Carlton with Bryce Gibbs officially requesting a trade to Adelaide.

Vickery moving to Hawthorn is a done deal. Tigers set to pick up Pick 26 as compensation in the process, moving us back to Pick 28 when including the Brisbane priority pick. Can't help but feel that Essendon will now say that Pick 28 isn't enough and we need to 'sweeten the deal'.

Three year deal worth nearly two million dollars. Wells is a good player when fit, but he turns 32 at the start of next year. Add Chris Manye reportedly being offered at four year deal on similar coin and you have a stand-up routine suitable for any comedian in the country.

Has the tools to be a very, very good player in the future. Quite possibly a Shaun Burgoyne type when he matures and bulks up a little bit more. Saying that, he makes up for his lack of size and strength with his class with ball in hand and attitude. Strikes me as very professional individual as well. His goal against Hawthorn was also a defining moment for the club.

Was never meant to be played as a forward, despite this awesome effort. Although he's a big hulking and imposing figure, he never looked much of a threat inside the forward 50. Couldn't quite get a mark to stick and didn't hit the scoreboard often enough. He's much better suited in defence. Loved watching him take the game on from the back half inthe second half of the season. There was a terrific moment in the Hawthorn game which summed up our attitude for the day where he played on from the wing and pulled the 'don't argue' out on Luke Hodge. He then proceeded to run along the wing and bomb the ball inside 50 where Max Gawn plucked a beauty and goaled. Like many of our other players, the fact he's still only 22/23 shows how much improvement he still has in him. I think he'll prove to be a fantastic investment. And boy can he run!

Thrilled we were able to re-sign him earlier in the year. Very handy player to have in the forward 50. Saying that, I would love to see him push up the ground more where he can apply his speed more. But 25 goals in 20 games coming from a player who missed the majority of 2015 with a hamstring injury is a welcome return. Like most of our players, he'll only get better.

Thought we were crazy to give away Gysberts for Pedders at the time. Yet here we are. Did Gysberts even play a game at North?

Has come a long way since his Melbourne debut against Port Adelaide in Round 1 a few years back. Congrats Pedders!

Criminally underrated by the rest of the competition who are still fawning over the likes of Mills and Parish. However, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Might just end up being the best of the group of young talent we have. Some of the things he did this year I've never seen from a Melbourne (let alone any) player before.