manny100

In terms of the 8 our season is pretty well done. It's now all about balancing wins and getting games into youth. Better to get games into them now than wait until next season.

Goody talks frequently about how we are transitioning the team for another shot at the 'big one' so get games into them now..

I would play as definites Langford, Lindsay and Windsor. Kolt and Jeffo as many games as possible providing they show some encouraging incremental improvement most weeks. Goody in the presser was ok with how Jeffo presented against North.

I would even play Howes back and try McVee up the ground.

I would bring in Lowestfor Sparrow and move McVee into a different role.

3 minutes ago, Howard_Grimes said:

I've been guilty of writing off players early in their careers or at least not buying the hype. Every case is different.

But let's look at some important details in Kolts case.

I'd argue his body coming into the AFL system was already behind many of his peers in that draft group. Never had a full season at under 18's level. Played VFL last year and then straight into a modified off-season at the end of 24. Following the modified off-season, scans showed a stress fracture which meant he's completed virtually no serious pre-season training.

Now for him particularly, this is having an enormous impact on his game-day performance imv and would be the main reason behind why is in and out of the sub role and not playing full games. It's completely management related. Any young player who developes stress fractures that early on in their young careers would be treated the same. And perhaps his 'annoyance' at being sub is due to his competitive nature and his desire and want to play.

I'm willing to wait until we see him have a full off and pre-season before making a serious call.

I agree with others that he hasn't shown a standout trait but again, a lot of this can be down to low confidence coming off no pre-season.

I for one love his engagement, energy, celebrating of team first acts and his competitiveness. And I've also liked some snippets I've seen around his decision making in general and his smarts.

Not comparing him to Cripps at all because the guy is a champion. But he was similar in that he needed to grow into his body, lose the puppy fat, get his body right and complete a full-pre season before anyone saw glimpses. I don't think anyone would have seen much to be excited about in his 2014 year. Go and have a look.

I have a feeling Kolt will bounce after he gets his body in order.

Good point you raise. Interupted pre seasons make it hard for any players let alone young players to make an impact.

Having said that our season from here is balancing wins with getting games into young players Kolt being one of them.

I would also like to see Jeffo get a few more games this year.

Never know with the tribunaL - Maynard-Brayshaw.

You don't throw your arm around like that in tight traffic and expect a 'fresh airy'. Always going to be damage.

Perhaps a momentary lapse by Xerri but that carries no weight with the tribunal.

He will get weeks for sure.

Any update Sparrow? Hope he is ok. Very nasty hit. I think we are all very concerned.

5 minutes ago, No10 said:

TMac in for May

Ta, TC carryover?

Howes playing. Tom Campbell and TMc not playing.

One of them carry over? Late change as well?

Some players take a few years to develop. He has the tools so its patience.

Luker probably needs a full pre season before a run in the AFL. The pneumonia really knocked him around and he would not have strength and endurance he would have if he got through a full preseason including gym.

The way Luker is playing is a credit to him.

We have seen how injuries have effected some senior players this season. McVee and Lever have not been able to recapture their best .

Not sure what his current circumstances are but in general during season CatB signings should to allowed to train and play (likely suburban or VFL) to enable them to prepare for their 1st pre season.

The AFL is a bit behind on these sorts of things.

1 hour ago, Ghostwriter said:

Some DA members at the airport today were talking to Kalani. He told them he’s looking forward to playing for Casey towards the end of the season. The boy’s a Demon, no doubt about it ♥️💙🥳

If he elects GC we will be very peed off with the Northern Academies.

1 hour ago, roy11 said:

Ignoring positions on the field for a minute, i do feel like we need a bit more upper echelon height on our list.

Our only players at 199+ are Verrall, Fullarton, Campbell and Gawn.

Using those same examples Collingwood still have Moore, Cameron and Cox at 200+ playing regularly plus Frampton and 2 others who are +200cm

Saints have King, Marshall Howard at 199+ playing regularly and 2 other fellas who are 200+

But also in conclusion is was absolutely despicable seeing Butler kick that many against us.

Agree, another reason why we need Kalani White at 199cm and a huge leap.

According to the Footy Show Melks is our only 'natural' forward. Of course Kosi a a 'natural' small forward who can excel as a mid. Think Melks will seet another 2 years. The game has changed and players can play longer than in the past.

The others just have to work really hard. Eg JVR and Petty.

Jury out on Jeffo. Pretty natural as a junior, now looking comfortable at VFL level. I think we should play him for a few more consecutive games. He needs to be exposed at the top level.

Injury to Turner?? Is he right fir next week?

Fumbles galore

Jeffo, Verrall, TMc, Kolt, Brown and Woey all in with a chance.

This is why we traded our 2025 1st rounder the Dons last year.

" It comes on the eve of a 2025 draft crop that has possibly more than 40 per cent of the national draft pool having ties to clubs ahead of the year beginning."

" The Suns have access to Kalani White under Academy rules as well, with the son of former Melbourne star Jeff White to decide later this year whether he nominates as a father-son to the Demons or with the Suns."

Hoping like 'hell' Kalani picks the Dees. Perfect fit.

Class of 2025: Clubs bracing for compromised draft

"For top-level players from the northern academies, there has never been a restriction on when their respective clubs can match a bid on them at the draft. The changes announced this week for NGA players bring them into line with the rules regarding northern academies as well as father-sons."

Explained: How NGAs work, what the AFL's rule change means

Draft bidding and future picks revamp on hold, 'Jamarra rule' to change

Hope Kalani picks the Dees.

Its going to be way harder for clubs to get the required picks if they have 2 or more in the Academy/FS category. Clubs however can go into deficit using next years picks.

Gold Coast have their own 1st rounder plus Port and the maggies 1st rounders. They will be pretty well set to match bids on their academy players. They have 2 players likely to go top 20 with another one top 5.

So they will have plenty of points if Kalani nominates them.

GC are well stacked for talls so he will start way behind. He would definitely be better off footy wise coming to the Dees.

I think we will pick him up no probs.

No 1ST arounder this year but we have our 2nd rounder plus our 3rd.

Loads of picks in the late 20's and picks in the 30's and 40s, will be sought after by clubs with academy and F/S bids.

Only a 10% discount applies down from 20%. Although the AFL will continue to review this.

Points are only allocated to the first 54 picks down from 73.

That means if he is not bid on in the 1st 54 picks we get him free.

Agree with those who think its plain stupid for the AFL to allow sons of former players be eligible for the Academy. In reality if a father has been listed by an AFL club even without playing a game the son should not be club tied. It's ridiculous.

Talk about compromised drafts. I wonder whether They will take Prasad away from us next year?

Good video. He looks pretty darn good for his age.

He should prosper in a hard work AFL environment.

3 Goal turnaround.

3 goals late.

1 hour ago, burnthefushias said:

Prasad is averaging 16.5 disposals, 3 marks, 4.5 tackles and has kicked 9 goals in 8 games. He has very good skills, applies pressure and has a strong football IQ.

I'm sure Melbourne are keeping a close eye on him. Below is a glowing summary of his last game at TAC Cup level and a reference to his overall consistency across the season. https://central.rookieme.com/afl/2025/06/04/scouting-notes-2025-coates-talent-league-round-9/

"The bottom-aged small just continues to get it done week in, week out, checking all the boxes required of a modern day forward. Prasad was hot on the footy, comfortable going against bigger bodies at ground level and in the air to gain possession. He also pressured fiercely around the contest, laying an equal team-high eight tackles. Prasad finished the day with three straight majors, one from a smart run at a forward 50 stoppage, another from a contested mark deep insider 50, and the last by catching an opponent holding the ball near the square."

Thanks, looking forward to Kosy playing mid/forward with Prasad.

Talking about players coming through we have a heap playing under 15's ATM. I often look at this article from April'25.

Melbourne Academy | Players to watch

Oliver Green, Tex Robertson, Tigga Johnstone, Max McDonald - Father/Sons.

Academy - Al - Ziggy Tiltsen-Collins, Mitch Liddle, Eric Junior Campbell.

Have a read. If a few of that lot come up trumps we will go ok.

Then there is Marley Davey and the White twins later.

A real athlete and a project player. Needs a fair bit of size which will come in the AFL system. Certainly a lot to work with.

I hope he selects the Dees.

We only have Gawn, TC and Verrall at 199cm plus so room for Kalani.