The Red Fox

Demonland Updated: 1pm Tuesday 8 January FB: Fuzz demon_ruckle XX HB: Occo Madness Snake C: mickrocks cameron-the-bruce ucanchoose HF: coxy Cactus stinga FF: Hards doggo24 MelbourneFC FOL: Blessed_Hands* wise monkey Axis of Bob INT: Oxxx *tbc

I've got just the replacemet. 6'4" but with a massive vertical leap, three tme B&F with his club, agility, endurance and speed to burn. An absolute freak... He's also Demonlander, goes by the name of Blessed Hands. I'll speak to him this week and confirm him for the game.

I've got half a dozen Dees supporters (some who are on Demonland) who will line up this time around. A few guns too. Numbers won't be a problem for the re-match...

I'm back, and demand revenge for our last narrow defeat... <_< If we could get a game in Feb or March that'd be brilliant. Rollo are you in touch with someone at Saintsational so we can get the ball rolling?

Name: Trent Zomer Local Club: South Croydon Date of Birth: 09/06/1989 Height: 194cms Weight: 98kgs Nickname: Big Z, Zom Favourite Food: Bacon and eggs Greatest Fear: To wake up with red hair AFL team you support: St Kilda Best subject at school: Maths Favourite movie: Remember the titans, Anchorman Most memorable moment: Under 18 Grand Fina- 2005 If you have 3 wishes what would they be: 1. More Wishes 2.St Kilda Grand Final 3. Be as couragous as Shaun Dixon If you could invite any 5 people in the world to dinner who would they be: Dwayne Wade, Jessica Alba, Shaquille O'Neil, Jessica Simpson Team mate that inspires you: Brad Jones and Shaun Dixon Favourite football position: Ruck Best advice you've been given: You only get out what you put in What would you like to achieve during the 2007 season: Play consistent footy, and make finals Future career outside of footy: Architecture

From Saintsational: Trent Zomer-194cm, 94kg-Eastern Rangers. (Fwd) Spends a bit of time rucking but will never be an AFL ruckman. It has been up forward he has sown his best form in recent times. Very good sized body. Leads up well and has strong hands. He is a good shot at goal. From Bigfooty: Zomer played victorian basketball.... has a huge leap on him and good hands.. hes training with tiges. atm. will be interesting to see if they make anything of him... kicking is not bad either. From Bigfooty: Zomer played the first half of the year at CHB. Was handy. Probably playing better footy than he was credited with. He was pretty much marked down as a big boofhead CHB who ran through people, knocked blokes over, charged about but lacked smarts and a yard of pace. At the tail end of the season, leading into finals, Eastern lost their ruckman Renton to injury. This meant their one reasonable forward (Lobbe) was forced to ruck. To try to free up Lobbe and give them a target Zomer went to ruck and FF and did quite well. Was more a giant ruck-rover on ball. But played a good final at FF as a lead-mark player. Once he was in front spot he was big enough that no one would come buy him. Quick enough on a short lead. I'd say he was a VFL-level power forward in the making who could take an occasional run in the backline. Not too dissimilar to Jay Schulz.

MELBOURNEfc has drafted four Rookies in today’s Rookie Draft. Selection 3 - Trent Zomer Height - 197cm Weight - 95cm DOB – 9/06/1986 From – Eastern Ranges A Tall who began the year as a key backman before finishing season playing up forward and in the ruck. Leading goalkicker for the 2007 season for the Eastern Ranges. Quick for his size, has an outstanding leap and spoiling ability. General Manager of Recruiting and List Management Craig Cameron told melbournefc.com.au “Zomer is a powerful key position player. Standing at 196 cm, he possesses a very strong mark, and has the potential to become a power forward for the Melbourne Football Club. He is also a very talented basketballer, and played for the Victorian junior side.” ................................................... Selection 19 – Austin Wonaeamirri From – St Marys Wonaeamirri was voted the Northern Territory’s best player at the Championships and gave them great run with his hard-at-it ball winning skills. He has strong pace and good vision. He is noted for doing the 1%ers with his ability to run and chase opponents down, and has a great ability to burst through opponents' tackles. “Austin Wonaeamirri is a quick indigenous small forward. He is a good kick for goal ,and loves to tackle and apply forward line pressure. He is known for his for his 1%ers, and his ability to break through the lines” said Cameron. ................................................... Selection 35 - Jake Spencer Height – 203cm Weight – 93kg From – Redlands Queensland Spencer is a tap ruckman who can ruck with either hand, and who often gives his on-ballers first use of the ball in good position. He is a legitimate 203cm, and he uses his height to good advantage. He moves well for a big man, and has a solid endurance tank. He has a ‘hard at it’ attitude, and has a lot of potential for improvement. “Spencer is an aggressive ruckman, who really enjoys the physical side of the game. He is originally from Townsville, and played basketball and rugby union as a junior. He has good potential, and will be given time to further develop his skills through the VFL.” said Cameron. ................................................... Selection 49 – Shane Valenti DOB – 29.01.1987 From – Sandringham Zebras A hard at it midfielder/forward, Valenti was a key component of the Sandringham senior squad in 2007. Trained with Melbourne over the pre-season, and becomes the second Sandringham Zebras player to be picked up in today’s drafts. “Valenti is a small midfielder, who is a very clever reader of the play. He rarely makes a bad decision, and played a full season with Sandringham in the seniors in 2007. He impressed us over the pre-season with his hard work, and really deserves his chance at the Melbourne Football Club.” Said Cameron.

Yep he took the last spot on our senior list. The rookie draft (where we'll select four(?) more players) kicks off in a few minutes.

No Saampi Richmond took Gourdis and Carlton selected Pfeiffer. See all selections

Yep good job Deanox, you nailed the rest of it...

I caught the interview, nothing too insightful and only a few callers’ questions. Here’s what I got: Adem Yze is jumping out of his skin, has been very impressive during training, offering advice and showing leadership on and off the track. Dean spoke of the importance of senior players advising youngsters and helping them with their development, and youngsters inspiring and pushing the senior players. Q: Defensive spine. How will it look in ’08? A: Carroll was average last season, but is training well. James Frawley coming on nicely, he just needs development time. Miller will be used down back at times to play on power forwards. Rivers back and training, he’ll slot back in. Whelan has lost weight, is super keen and setting himself well for a big season. Q: Which new recruits could play early? A: Mentioned that Cale will eventually be a tall midfielder who can push forward. Grimes has a particularly impressive approach to his football. When Dean called him to congratulate him on being drafted to the club, Jack replied “You don’t know what it means to me”. Same old line that if they work hard, and prove to be good enough, they will be selected. Dean went on to say that Meesen is aerobic animal, and he has something to prove. He’s attacking training and Dean expects him to do something in ‘08. Q: Staggered that we kept Miller, explain thinking? A: Dean coached Brad at Mt Gravatt. He’s always been impressed by him. Dean likes his aggressive style, and wants him to play aggressive football… Miller understands that. Will play both ends in the NAB cup, needs to be able to go both ways. Brad is best trainer at the moment. As I said... nothing new.

In todays Herald Sun - Star Demon Aaron Davey played half the season with a wonky knee AARON Davey can own up now, but he spent the final 12 weeks of last season desperately trying to keep a secret. The Melbourne forward first injured his right knee in Round 10 and amazed medical staff by somehow lasting until the final round of the season. --------- That's all well and good Aaron, really brave and all... But why the hell did we persist with him when the season was all but gone?

Oh dear me. That's gold...

How are we looking with the dates? Have we got word from HD as to whether November can be done? If we put the game back (anything after Nov 14th) I'll be able to bring in a couple of boys to boost the midfield. One who will blitz in the ruck if needed. I also wouldn't mind a shot a coaching should WJ & Finks not be available. Keep me posted...

Right, I've just re-scheduled my flights, I arrive home on November 14th. I'd love nothing more then to lead the boys into battle, but if the dates don't allow such a thing, then so be it. HD are there any openings for a game from mid-November onwards? If there is enough support for an October game then go ahead, and we'll try for another match later in the year. I'll watch with interest...

Yeah I'd like to go around for another year, but I won't be back from europe till mid-November. Any interest in pushing it back till then??

Back to the topic of whether Bailey 'wants' to trade Trapper... It seems to be agreed that all the candidates were asked what they would to with Trav if they got the job. From what I've read, Bailey's answer was different to the other candidates, and it really impressed the panel. Surely... obviously... it was more than a simple trade or keep response. I put it to you that playing Trapper as a sweeper across the half back line (as we did for the first time in round 22) was Bailey's idea. Riley was then instructed to give it a run in the final game - a couple of days after the interviews and once Bailey had been confirmed as next seasons coach. Plausible? TJ fans rest easy, I can't see him going anywhere soon.

Poll has been added... get voting!

Can someone please detail a full injury report from the game. I can only get the match stats here in London. Cheers.

Well I suppose I'd better contribute to this post... Let me begin by congratulating you Hards on your fantastic opportunity with ESPN in the States. I have no doubt you’ll make a success of this venture, as you did leading our great club over the past two years. It was an honor and a pleasure playing along side you Hards, and I would like to express my gratitude, not just your service to the team on and off the field, but also for your humbling recommendation. Rollo, likewise your contribution to the team cannot be underestimated, and we hope to have you back this year and for many more to come. Captaining the Demons… dreams are made of such things! I have been overseas since January, and have missed the entire football season. But I am as fit as ever, I’ll be home in November, and I am ready to lead a new generation of Demons in our charge to a historical three-peat over Saintsational. We’ve endured a tough year here at Demonland. But come this summer, on a balmy Sunday afternoon, 22 of our finest Demonlanders/Demonologists will have an opportunity to make amends for this dismal season. We will play with all of the spirit, passion and determination we long to see from our club. We will play as one, ferociously and flamboyantly. We’ll do our jumper proud, and by God we’ll sing our song with gusto when it’s all said and done. Keep your eye on the red and the blue…

What lesson is that exactly??

Even considering Jolly's improved form with the Swans, I think we came out on top with the his trade. We got Dunn with the draft pick, and as far as I'm concerned that's a win for the MFC. Simmons for Ellis was a mistake, but our need for a key defender forced our hand. If we could get a top 20 pick for Jamar then I'd take it and run.

To assist with the process, below are the '07 games tallies (as of Round 17) of the 12 players in the gun that Nasher mentioned. Their age (as of Jan 1 '08) is in brackets before their name. [30] Pickett - 4 [24] Miller - 13 [26] Ferguson - 3 [31] Brown - 14 [31] Bizzell - 9 [30] Holland - 7 [24] Jamar - 5 [21] C Johnson - 6 [27] Godfrey - 16 [30] Ward - 15 [23] Warnock - 2 [19] Neville - 0

Age was the major consideration there. Robbo's 29 now and has struggled with injury for the past two seasons. But you're right, on form he deserves longer offers than the younger CJ and Miller.

Trades notwithstanding, and being mindful that I have not seen a game all season... I'd propose the following with this seasons out of contract players. Delist Ryan Ferguson Nathan Brown Ben Holland Daniel Ward Matthew Warnock Heath Neville ® Daniel Hughes ® Daniel Hayes 1 Year David Neitz (v) Russell Robertson Byron Pickett Clint Bizzell Mark Jamar Simon Godfrey ® Jace Bode ® Shane Neaves 2 Years Brad Miller Paul Wheatley James McDonald Nathan Carroll Paul Johnson Clint Bartram Chris Johnson Simon Buckley 3 Years Jared Rivers Brock McLean Colin Sylvia Nathan Jones Michael Newton