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Thought I may start this thread to open the discussion into the players some people think may not be at the club for any number of reasons next year. Having looked through our list, I came up with 14 that I think fall into this category. Not to say I don't think all 14 wont be there, but that they're the 14 most in danger so to speak and anywhere from half to 10 of them may not be there. So thought I'd lay them out and see what other people thought or if there were other players people also thought would fall into this bracket. RETIREMENTS: Harley Balic (already retired) Cameron Pedersen & Bernie Vince: Now these two may retire off their own bat, or they may get delisted. But I highly doubt either of these two will be there next year. Pedersen is probably playing well enough at VFL level to be picked up by another club as a good depth player. Bernie is on the record as saying in the media he wants to play for as long as he can. If no other club is interested, maybe he'd be happy to sign on at Casey to help develop the young guys? POTENTIAL TRADE BAIT: Sam Frost: He's contracted and I think he'll likely stay, but with Lever to return next year and both Harrison Petty & Declan Keilty on the list, will Sam or the club see the writting on the wall on look to explore their options? Personally I think he's more likely to stay then leave unless we get an offer to good to refuse. Dean Kent: Out of contract and out of favor, Dean may look to explore his options at years end. With Jeffy not getting any younger, I think think there's a potential role in our best 22 for Dean, however a combination of form and injuries haven't allowed him to cement a spot. WA boy, however I think he's either about to or has just recently become a father, so not sure if his partner is a WA or VIC girl? 50/50 on whether Dean stays or goes for me. Dom Tyson: Similar to Frost, Dom is contracted and at his best we know that he's a very good player. However, with a midfield of Oliver, Brayshaw, Viney hopefully being injury free and Jones I think still having 2 years left in him beyond this year, is there a spot for Dom in our best team? He's also too good a player to be a depth player, spending half the year in the VFL IMO. We may use Dom to try and improve our draft hand, given we have no first round pick, or he may come to us and request a trade himself if he wants to further his opportunities. Either way, as he's contracted, it will need to be a good trade. Think Dom may be more likely to leave then stay, but that's just a gut feel. POTENTIAL DELISTINGS: Tom Bugg: I'm going to be honest and admitt that I like Tommy Bugg. I see value in a depth player like Bugg and was actually surprised when Vandenberg came in for Melksham the other week, as I see that as a role that Bugg would perform well in. Having said that, I'm a realist and the lack of matches Bugg has played this year, especially in the 2nd half of the year says it all. I expect him to be delisted, but hope another team picks him up as a DFA. Lachie Filipovic: Pretty sure it was 4 or 5 out of his first 6 games in the VFL D-League last year, Lachie was named in the best, and I was thinking to myself we could have a good one here! However to say this year has been disapointing from a supporters point of view would be a huge understatement. He looks athletic and agile enough, but from the half dozen games I've watched Flip this year, he just isn't competative enough in the ruck, doesn't get involved enough in the play, and can't seem to take a mark to save himself. I know rucks take time, but Lachie looks a long, long way off. This was most evident on the weekend when Mitch King injured his knee and instead of Flip going into the ruck, Tim Smith & Weideman were asked to share those responsibilities. Will be shocked if he's still there come next year. Dion Johnston: Quite bizzare is the Dion Johnston story so far. Recruited as a small forward and was talked up heavily in his first pre-season by Nathan Jones as someone to watch out for. And although Plapp regularly sung his praises re: his forward pressure and doing the team things at Casey throughout his first season, the main thing that stood out was Dion's inability to hit the score board or get much of the ball. Things seemed to be following a similar trend early this year, until Rawlings moved Dion into a small defenders role and it was reported Dion had also been teamed up with Nev as a mentor. Now since the move Dion certainly hasn't dominated, but he's looked a lot more at home in defence and there could well be something there to work with. He's no certainty to be on the list next year, however I wouldn't be surprised if he received a 1 year extension to push his case further, and personally I'd be more then happy with that. Declan Keilty: When we recruited Declan at the end of 2016 I was wrapped that we got him as I saw a huge amount of upside in this guy. Good CHB with the ability to play forward and pinch hit in the ruck. I then thought his 2017 was a little underwhelming and was a little surprised when he was given another year for 2018. However I'm glad the coaches did as I think he has been sensational down at Casey this year. Played mainly back with a couple of stints forward, Declan's aerial game especially has gone to another level this year. Now the club may consider delisting him given Lever & Oscar seem to be the prefered options, Petty is coming through and the fact Frost is also contracted. However given Declan's versatility and the fact Pedersen will likely be moved on, I think the club will see Declan as our new Pedersen with the ability to fill holes where required. I hope & expect Declan to be given a 3rd year on the rookie list. Jay Kennedy-Harris: Like many on here, about 6 weeks ago I thought JKH was an automatic delist come years end, however he's grasped this opportunity that has come his way thanks to good form in the VFL prior and an unfortunate injury to Stretch. I conceed JKH lacks certain tricks, however he does the team things well and there's nothing wrong with retaining certain foot soldiers. I'd imagine he's played his way into a new 1 year deal if he wants it. Mitch King: Of the two young ruckman on our list, Mitch King is the more promising. He does show a willingness to compete and drift forward to take a mark and goal. He's also had injury issues in his three years at the club including doing an ACL on his VFL debut back in 2016. However despite these admirable traits, King gets monstered on a regular basis at VFL level, meaning I'd hate to see what would happen if Max got injured and Mitch came in for him in the AFL. Mitch could well make it at AFL level, however I suspect that may well be up to 5 years away, which is a big investment to make with no guarentees. I'd imagine the club is more likely then not to delist and encourage him to join a VFL, SANFL, WAFL or NEAFL team and follow his progress. Pat McKenna: Was best on ground in the 2016 NEAFL Grand Final the smooth moving midfielder/half back with good kicking skills. The talented junior cricket star has been crueled by hamstring injuries since joining the club, but in the last few weeks he's finally been able to get out on the park for Casey. Baring any major hamstring injury in the last few weeks of this season, I expect the club will give him a further 1 year deal in the same manner they gave Hunt 1 year after his initial 2 years that were hampered by back issues. Tim Smith: Has been in & out of the team this year and been not to bad when given the opportunity. Has shown that he is a very good and mobile forward at VFL level, and his aerobic capacity makes him an ideal call up for either of Hogan or Tommy Mc, should injury or suspension strike. Given the clubs eagerness to play him and name him as an emergency on a regular basis, I expect that he will also be given a 3rd year on the rookie list. Finally I thought I should briefly touch on four other players who could fall into the above category, however I suspect there's next to no chance of them leaving/being delsited/traded. These players being Jayden Hunt, Billy Stretch, Aaron Vandenberg & Sam Weideman. Apart from the fact that 3 of these 4 are contracted, I feel as though the club rates all these players far to highly and/or have invested too much for them to consider parting ways with, even if they requested a trade. Interested to hear if other people agree, or if there's others you feel may be in danger or ones that I listed above who I think will stay, but you think will leave?

Jon Ralph (who has connections with Richmond), mentioned this morning on SEN that there's starting to be some whispers about Alex Rance possibly wanting a trade. Said it would be a small chance of happening, but even so, if you're Josh Mahoney you're on the phone today to his manager surely. How could we get him? I'm thinking next year's first rounder and maybe someone like ANB? Richmond need some young talent desperately. The other more controversial option of course is IF Hogan has told the club he wants a trade at the end of his contract then we ship him off to Freo for pick 3 and a player and then use that pick 3 to get Rance. Thoughts?

"South Australian footy champ Kane Cornes says Adelaide's Brad Crouch is 'disgruntled' and looks set to return to Victoria." http://www.3aw.com.au/news/hawthorn-perfect-fit-for-brad-crouch-says-kane-cornes-20160623-gpqkn9.html Thoughts? Would we have to chose between him and Prestia, or could we have a crack at both and hope to get one of them?

Im a massive wrap for this kid. Have not heard anything since he was drafted as he has been injured but he was a very highly rated junior prospect at under 18s level. I rate him more highly then Dom Tyson and he reminds me a lot of Trent Cotchin. He is also another tall midfielder that can play inside or out. I hope we seriously consider getting into this kids ear at years end about the prospect of joining our football club. I think he will struggle to break into GWS emerging midfield talent because of his injury setbacks but he would add some serious class and talent to our midfield. Thoughts?

Now that the Free Agency and Trade period of nearly one month has come to a conclusion, I've given a personal assessment and rating of all the clubs of what transpired, where they are at in terms of picks and some comments about the performance throughout trade....month: - Adelaide - F Totally fluffed their trade season up by prolonging dealing with Sydney. They should have just signed up J.White and pick 23, when they had a chance, said goodbye to Tippett and his dad to the Harbour city. Instead they've put their draft picks 20,54,64,83 in jeopardy and nothing in return for Tippett. Not to mention possible draft penalties, sanctions. Nightmare trade period. selections: 20, 54, 64, 83, 101, 119, 137 INS: Angus Graham, pick 54. OUTS: Chris Knights, Kurt Tippett, pick 43. COMMENTS: Adelaide received an uppercut with no compensation for Knights. Then the knockout punch with the Tippett investigation. Will receive nothing in return except trouble and ramifications. Brisbane - B Didn't do a hell of a lot during the three weeks, but started with obtaining Brent Moloney by FA. Picked up Stef Martin late for picks 53,73. Has picks 8,24,33*,91,109 in Draft. INS: B.Moloney, S.Martin. OUTS: picks 53,73 COMMENTS: Doesn't have to rely a lot on Hudson in the ruck. And Brown should receive a little assistance up forward. Bolstered their midfield a fraction with Moloney. Remains to be seen how much of an improvement. Has some early picks to work with in 8,24 and 33. Carlton - D Vewy Vewy quiet during FA and trade period. Heard from a reliable source that because of the nature of contracts to their ruck division, their hands were tied in moving someone on. Could have been the over paid Warnock. IN: pick 71 OUT: Jordan Russell. Draft selections: 11, 36, 56, 71, 76, 94, 112. COMMENTS: Didn't lose much, didn't gain either. A change in coach may have added to the lack of movement, seeing Mick is happy with the list. However, another year on for Judd....they need to strike in 2013. Collingwood - A One of the winners in trade week from purely a draft pick perspective. Able to obtain first round draft picks for Wellingham and Dawes and they demand the best compensation. (I think there's something in that for all of us...don't you?). The big 'Q' comes in, ruffles Dawes feathers and role within the club and forces him to look elsewhere. Selections: 18, 19, 21, 39, 82 IN: Q.Lynch, C.Young, J.Russell plus picks 18,21,39. OUT: C.Dawes, S.Wellingham, T.Young, picks 42,48,58. COMMENTS: Good net gain in picks for the Draft. F&^%'n impressive actually. They have a guy that can be competitive in the ruck (more than Dawes anyway), and haven't lost much in pace and experience. Should be able to cover Wellingham. As much as I despise them, excellent period. Essendon - B Snagged the biggest name in Goddard and Daniher for Father Son at pick 10. Lost Monfries to Port Adelaide (no biggy). Reasonably quiet and got their FA deals done as soon as the bell rang. Quiet in trade period. Picks: 10 (Daniher - F/S), 35, 52, 55, 75, 93, 111, 129 IN: Goddard, Daniher F/S, pick 52. OUT: Monfries. COMMENTS: Didn't lose much. Two big INS. Goddard will be important, but can he deliver - or is his mind on the PGA Tour. Fremantle - C+ Relatively quiet period. Selective pick by Ross Lyon in Danyle Pearce from Port. Bit of pace and carry addition. Lost Broughton to Gold Coast. Non plussed for Freo. IN: Pearce, pick 37 OUT: Broughton, pick 60 Selections: 17, 37, 40, 80, 98 Comments: I'm interested to see how Pearce goes under Ross Lyon. Picked up a second round pick for Broughton. Other than that, not much movement. Geelong - A-/B+ At a time when their list is turning over through retirees, they've breathed new life into the list whilst the iron is still hot. Wells is managing the turnover quite well, there's no chance of bottoming out anytime short term as many on these boards would have you believe. (I've been saying this for a couple of years). Their development is a good indicator and they need to manage it delicately which I think they're doing very well to date. IN: Caddy, Rivers, McIntosh OUT: Byrnes, picks 36, 59, G Ablett compo pick. Picks: 16,79,97 COMMENTS: Cats won't be drafting much this Draft, and it may be just 2 selections after promoting Stringer. Won out on Caddy among big competition. And managed to get two experienced players including McIntosh for ruck duties to help West. The big 'O' delisted, so their rucks are a little concerning. Gold Coast - B Big plus is obtaining Jack Martin in the mini-draft, also got some needed experience into the list with Tom Murphy and Greg Broughton. I thought obtaining pick 13 for Tom Hickey was another big plus (big call by Saints). IN: Murphy, Broughton, Martin, picks 13,57,59,60. Plus G Ablett 2010 compo pick. OUT: Caddy, Hickey, picks 2,26,47,69. Selections: 13, 57, 59, 60, 87, 105, 123 COMMENTS: Caddy could be a big loss for them, time will tell. Experience down back helps and Martin in 2014 will be one to watch. They look forward to O'Meara showing his wares in 6 months time. GWS - A- Had to give them an A considering their position. Any club would love to have what they have. (smorgasboard of picks and advantages delivered on a silver platter by their parent the AFL). You just look at the picks they have and you know they'll clean up with the best talent. The Mini-draft was designed for them to trade for experience, but they milk it for the best young talent by trading for early picks. ie. pick 2, 3, 13 in this case. IN: Gilham, picks 2,3,12,14,28,65. OUT: Anderson, Hombsch, Martin*, Hogan*, Barry, Lee, picks 20,24,29,43,68. picks: 1,2,3,12,14,28, 65, 69, 86, 104, 122 *Mini Draft Barry & Lee GWS pre-selected COMMENTS: Still craving for experience, just building their squad with superior talent that will one day blossom. Leon Cameron will think it's Christmas....but they'll have a job keeping their talent from the "go-home" factor. Hawthorn - C+ Brian Lake was a big get for the Hawks whose window is open still. However they lost Clinton Young which was a bit of a surprise for some, as well as Murphy and Gilham. IN: Anderson, Lake, Spangher, picks 29,68,72. OUT: Young, Gilham, Murphy, picks 22, 44,65 Draft selections: 28, 65, 66, 84, 102. COMMENTS: Anderson (NT zone selection-GWS) will be one to watch, some talent apparently and Lake shores up defence. Is his best still there though? Melbourne - C+/B- Attacked FA and trade period as they stipulated late season/post season prior to starting. Had a mandate to proceed and warned the list to buy in or changes would be made accordingly. Targeted Byrnes as a FA which cost nothing. The FD rated mini-draft prospect Jesse Hogan "extremely highly" and with GC and GWS worked out the best solution by trading picks 3,13 for MD#2 to secure Hogan and Barry, plus pick 20 which was used in a trade for KPF Dawes. Pro-active throught the period and managed to secure Rodan with a late pick, Pederson from Nth with a trade for Gysberts. IN: Byrnes, Hogan, Barry, Dawes, Pederson, Rodan, Viney (F/S), pick 49. OUT: Moloney, Rivers, Martin, Morton, Gysberts, picks 3,14,48,88. Picks: 4,27(F/S),49, 53, 70, 73, 77, 88, 106, 124. COMMENTS: Damien Barrett says, "I don't get it". Well, I suppose not knowing the nature of the list, what is required, what changes have to occur and purely failing to have an understanding football in general - I can see how he doesn't get it. Clearly, the moves are about filling roles, moving on players not required or are not up to it. But addressing needs and improving the list short term whilst keeping a core player unit together and assisting them in areas of the game. On the front foot this trade period led by Neeld - not only walked the walk, but talked the talk. A busy summer for him awaits. North Melbourne – E+ I honestly don’t know the basis of their decision making, particularly Brad Scott’s. They must have good faith in the forwards they have, because they’ve gotten rid of what they would like to refer to as their depth. Losing McIntosh to Geelong, Edwards to Richmond, Pederson to Melbourne and Matt Campbell’s exit, leaves me a little bewildered. What hurt to an extent was not getting Jacobs across the line, when he wanted to come. IN: Gysberts, picks 42,48,63 OUT: McIntosh, Edwards, Pederson. Picks: 15, 38, 42, 48, 58, 63, 78, 96, 114, 132. COMMENT: I think they need to give support to Goldstein. Losing both Pederson and McIntosh, leaves them vulnerable. Perhaps the big ‘O’ ?? 4 picks inside the top 50, but one in the top 35. They need to choose wisely in the Draft, because I don’t think it’s been an overall positive outcome for them trade/FA wise. Considering where they are at, they need to strike. Port Adelaide – D+ Why hasn’t Barrett unleashed on this mob? Like the Dees many wholesale changes and delistings. Monfries was probably their biggest name “get”, yet Bombers fans and footy nuts would know, he’s not that great. Port Adelaide was gifted two second round compo picks thanks to the contracts of Chaplin and Pearce. Farcical in comparison to what the Hawks and Dees received. IN: Monfries, Hombsch, Neade, Stevenson, Heath, picks 30,31,85 OUT: Pearce, Chaplin, Rodan. Picks 29, 52, 72,88. Picks: 7,30,31,85,90,108,126. Comments: Inability to hold onto players exploring FA and trading in little quality speaks volumes. However the retrieval of compo picks for their FA losses was a plus for me in giving them a pass. Richmond – B+ Active from the outset and is becoming an attractive proposition or destination for those on contemplating a move….if they are good enough. Targeted Knights and Chaplin early and had them wrapped up a couple of days into FA. Snagging Aaron Edwards late topped off a good period for Tigerland. IN: Knights, Chaplin, Edwards, pick 43. OUT: Angus Graham, pick 50 Picks: 9, 32, 34, 43, 92, 110, 128 Comments: Traded smart and still and 3 picks inside first 35 will be handy. Traded for needs including another forward (3rd marking option) in Edwards. Knights if fit should be a good pick up and Chaplin handy for down back along with Grimes, Rance Newman & co. St.Kilda – E Disappointing for the Saints IMO. Disappointing that they couldn’t hold onto a star in the game in Goddard and disappointing that they spent most of their time through trade period negotiating with West Coast for Mitch Brown and couldn’t get him across with the Cripps deal. They used their FA compo for Goddard (pick 12) on a ruck in Tom Hickey of Gold Coast in his 20’s. My rule of thumb is if they are not an out and out star ruck, rookie a ruck or draft late. Pick 12 would have been a pretty handy pick up in the Draft. IN: Hickey, Dennis-Lane, Tom Lee, picks 25,26,41,44 OUT: Goddard, Cripps, picks 12, 37, 57. Draft Picks: 25, 26, 41, 44, 77, 95, 113, 131. Comments: Underwhelmed in the pick-ups of Dennis –Lane and Hickey for a high pick. Like the look of Tom Lee. Losing Goddard, Cripps and not being able to get Mitch Brown having him want to come back to Victoria, hurt. Sydney Swans – D The reigning premiers had a disappointing period overall. In the end they were only able to obtain higher picks around the third round by trading out Heath, Spangher, Dennis-Lane. Not being able to get hold of Tippett hurt them more, not that they’d be overly fussed having won this years Premiership. Overall nothing in, for very little out. IN: Picks 47, 66, 72 OUT: picks 72, 85 Picks: 23, 45, 47, 66, 67, 103, 121, 139 Comments: Marginally improved their draft order standing, but that’s about it. Nothing coming in for a mature list may or may not hurt, however they’ve got a good record of list management and Delisted FA to come may see some handy input into a very good culture. West Coast Eagles – C- Mixed bag, just not sure if there is a net gain. Used their first round pick on Sharrod Wellingham early. Lost the big ‘Q’ to Collingw&%$. Picked up Cripps. Hanging onto Mitch Brown was a plus for West Coast. IN: Wellingham, Cripps, Morton, picks 46, 62. OUT: Lynch, Stevens, Stephenson, picks 18,41. Picks: 46, 61, 62, 81, 99. Comments: Despite an indifferent trade period, Wellingham should be handy having lost Stevens and Swift. Late picks in a quality Draft is a negative, so they will have to find some diamonds in the rough. Morton a very late pick not costly, could prove beneficial with the list they have where he won’t have to be relied upon, but could prove an annoying handful popping up from time to time. Western Bulldogs – C Considering their attractive picks, they have elected to draft in the main by holding onto good picks. Losing Lake will hurt short term but in the greater scheme of things, better to get something for him now, than not much or nothing in a year or two. However, they weren’t able to attract a KPF such as Dawes and lost out to the Dees. IN: Hunter (F/S), Stevens, pick 22 OUT: Lake, picks 27, 44, 71 Picks: 5, 6, 22, 50, 51, 89, 107, 125. Comments: Best picks next to GWS this coming draft and should make amends with what they have in selection. Rebuilding under McCartney and it will be a while before the Bulldogs feature again in September. Whilst the Lake loss is understandable, it will hurt. Picking up F/S Hunter and Stevens is a handy start and they should compliment them with early draft picks. If you disagree with anything in my assessments, feel free to discuss.

CHANGES 2012 - THE RIVERS RUN RED by The Oracle Melbourne coach Mark Neeld promised that the club would approach the AFL's free agency and exchange period with aggression and he has delivered in spades. Five players have been added to the club's primary list and another will come on board in 2014 after selection in the GWS Mini Draft. Two left the club as free agents, three contracted players were traded away and another eight (including three rookies) have been delisted after they were told they would not receive contract offers for 2013. Brad Green retired at the end of the season. The end result, after the carnage, is that fourteen members of the 2012 playing lists have departed, most of them involuntarily. When you add to that, the eight changes at the end of last year, it means that 22 players, virtually half the playing list, has been turned over since the end of Dean Bailey's reign as coach of the club. The rivers are certainly running red. The Melbourne Football Club's playing lists for 2012 were:- PRIMARY LIST: Rohan Bail Clint Bartram Matthew Bate Jamie Bennell Sam Blease Mitch Clark Lucas Cook Aaron Davey Troy Davis Lynden Dunn Jack Fitzpatrick James Frawley Colin Garland Max Gawn Jack Grimes Jordan Gysberts Jeremy Howe Mark Jamar Neville Jetta Nathan Jones Liam Jurrah Joel Macdonald Stefan Martin Tom McDonald Jordie McKenzie Brent Moloney Cale Morton Ricky Petterd Jared Rivers James Sellar Jake Spencer James Strauss Colin Sylvia Rory Taggert Luke Tapscott Jack Trengove Josh Tynan Jack Watts VETERAN LIST: Brad Green ROOKIE LIST: Tom Couch Michael Evans Kelvin Lawrence James Magner Dan Nicholson Jai Sheahan Leigh Williams We farewell former skipper Brad Green (retired), Brent Moloney (Brisbane Lions) and Jared Rivers (Geelong) who left as free agents and Jordan Gysberts (North Melbourne), Stef Martin (Brisbane Lions) and Cale Morton (West Coast Eagles) who were traded at the end of the exchange period. The club has delisted Matthew Bate, Jamie Bennell, Lucas Cook, Liam Jurrah and Ricky Petterd from its primary list and rookies Kelvin Lawrence, Jai Sheahan and Leigh Williams. We wish them well and it will certainly be a bitter-sweet experience to see many of them running around in different colours in the future. You don't have to look hard for justification for the hard decisions that need to be made in order to bring about changes when you're dealing with an organisation that has been starved of any form of success for a long period of time. The ingathering of new names and faces has been long awaited at the Melbourne Football Club and these are the first of the new crop who will take their places as part of the team in the near future:- # Dominic Barry # Shannon Byrnes # Chris Dawes # Jesse Hogan # Cameron Pedersen # David Rodan I haven't included Jack Viney whose name will officially become a Demon when his name is called out by his father Todd as second selection overall in November's national draft. The lists currently stand as follows but with delisted free agency on the horizon and the drafts coming up, there are more changes to come:- PRIMARY LIST: Rohan Bail Dominic Barry Clint Bartram Sam Blease Shannon Byrnes Mitch Clark Aaron Davey Troy Davis Chris Dawes Lynden Dunn Jack Fitzpatrick James Frawley Colin Garland Max Gawn Jack Grimes Jeremy Howe Mark Jamar Neville Jetta Nathan Jones Joel Macdonald Tom McDonald Jordie McKenzie Cameron Pedersen David Rodan James Sellar Jake Spencer James Strauss Colin Sylvia Rory Taggert Luke Tapscott Jack Trengove Josh Tynan Jack Watts National Draft Picks 4 27 (Jack Viney) 49 53 70 73 and 74* ROOKIE LIST: Tom Couch Michael Evans James Magner Dan Nicholson 2014 PRIMARY LIST Jesse Hogan * the places of these draft selections can be taken up prior to the National Draft by delisted free agents secured by the club and during the National Draft by rookie elevations.

Melbourne coach Mark Neeld promised that the club would approach the AFL's free agency and exchange period with aggression and he has delivered in spades. Five players have been added to the club's primary list and another will come on board in 2014 after selection in the GWS Mini Draft. Two left the club as free agents, three contracted players were traded away and another eight (including three rookies) have been delisted after they were told they would not receive contract offers for 2013. Brad Green retired at the end of the season. The end result, after the carnage, is that fourteen members of the 2012 playing lists have departed, most of them involuntarily. When you add to that, the eight changes at the end of last year, it means that 22 players, virtually half the playing list, has been turned over since the end of Dean Bailey's reign as coach of the club. The rivers are certainly running red. The Melbourne Football Club's playing lists for 2012 were:- PRIMARY LIST: Rohan Bail Clint Bartram Matthew Bate Jamie Bennell Sam Blease Mitch Clark Lucas Cook Aaron Davey Troy Davis Lynden Dunn Jack Fitzpatrick James Frawley Colin Garland Max Gawn Jack Grimes Jordan Gysberts Jeremy Howe Mark Jamar Neville Jetta Nathan Jones Liam Jurrah Joel Macdonald Stefan Martin Tom McDonald Jordie McKenzie Brent Moloney Cale Morton Ricky Petterd Jared Rivers James Sellar Jake Spencer James Strauss Colin Sylvia Rory Taggert Luke Tapscott Jack Trengove Josh Tynan Jack Watts VETERAN LIST: Brad Green ROOKIE LIST: Tom Couch Michael Evans Kelvin Lawrence James Magner Dan Nicholson Jai Sheahan Leigh Williams We farewell former skipper Brad Green (retired), Brent Moloney (Brisbane Lions) and Jared Rivers (Geelong) who left as free agents and Jordan Gysberts (North Melbourne), Stef Martin (Brisbane Lions) and Cale Morton (West Coast Eagles) who were traded at the end of the exchange period. The club has delisted Matthew Bate, Jamie Bennell, Lucas Cook, Liam Jurrah and Ricky Petterd from its primary list and rookies Kelvin Lawrence, Jai Sheahan and Leigh Williams. We wish them well and it will certainly be a bitter-sweet experience to see many of them running around in different colours in the future. You don't have to look hard for justification for the hard decisions that need to be made in order to bring about changes when you're dealing with an organisation that has been starved of any form of success for a long period of time. The ingathering of new names and faces has been long awaited at the Melbourne Football Club and these are the first of the new crop who will take their places as part of the team in the near future:- # Dominic Barry # Shannon Byrnes # Chris Dawes # Jesse Hogan # Cameron Pedersen # David Rodan I haven't included Jack Viney whose name will officially become a Demon when his name is called out by his father Todd as second selection overall in November's national draft. The lists currently stand as follows but with delisted free agency on the horizon and the drafts coming up, there are more changes to come:- PRIMARY LIST: Rohan Bail Dominic Barry Clint Bartram Sam Blease Shannon Byrnes Mitch Clark Aaron Davey Troy Davis Chris Dawes Lynden Dunn Jack Fitzpatrick James Frawley Colin Garland Max Gawn Jack Grimes Jeremy Howe Mark Jamar Neville Jetta Nathan Jones Joel Macdonald Tom McDonald Jordie McKenzie Cameron Pedersen David Rodan James Sellar Jake Spencer James Strauss Colin Sylvia Rory Taggert Luke Tapscott Jack Trengove Josh Tynan Jack Watts National Draft Picks 4 27 (Jack Viney) 49 53 70 73 and 74* ROOKIE LIST: Tom Couch Michael Evans James Magner Dan Nicholson 2014 PRIMARY LIST Jesse Hogan * the places of these draft selections can be taken up prior to the National Draft by delisted free agents secured by the club and during the National Draft by rookie elevations.

THE FAT CHRONICLES - FREE AGENCY by The Oracle Life was so much simpler ten years ago when we had a trade week that lasted, erm, well ... a week. Representatives of the sixteen AFL clubs would meet in the sponsors' boxes at Pricefixer Park on the Monday and that would be followed by seven days of argy bargy mixed with a little subterfuge and deception, stories would abound of players and draft picks changing places and in the end, perhaps a dozen or possibly twenty deals would get done, most of them singularly unspectacular. The result was often one of boredom mixed with disappointment met with a shrug of the shoulders and it was on to the next thing which was the national draft meeting in November. I must have missed something because, while this has been going on, those of us who have carefully watched the shenanigans of trade week have openly advocated that the entire process dragged on over too many days. Everybody was waiting for the action to hot up and reach a hectic, dramatic climax in the last day and a half. The pundits were all saying that the AFL should cut the player exchange period down to three days simply to restore some sanity into the picture. Well, the AFL, being the AFL, has suddenly taken a mysterious U turn following the introduction of free agency and has co-joined that concept with the trade period and extended it out to close on to the whole of the month of October. That's why I call it the "FAT" period, which stands for "Free Agency & Trade". The official AFL Free Agency Period runs from 1 October to 5pm on 19 October while the AFL Trade Period runs from 8 October to 2pm on 26 October. By the time we get to the end of the line on that last Friday of next month many of you will risk being left emotionally and physically wrecked by the twists and turns of the FAT period unless you are properly prepared for the ordeal. I'm here to help you get through this difficult time and to ensure that life remains as uncomplicated as possible during this time. The first thing to remember is the "much ado about nothing" rule which applies to a lot of the AFL's business. Despite the warnings of doom and all the hype about free agency, it's not really going to make a difference to most of our lives. One or two big names might change clubs, a number of hopefuls and lesser lights will get involved and a few of them could find new homes and some aging players will boost their pensions. That's it folks. No great dramas! If you don't believe me, here's the latest list of players available as free agents - Complete list of Free Agents: Restricted Free Agents Angus Monfries (Essendon); Brent Moloney (Melbourne); Troy Chaplin, Danyle Pearce (Port Adelaide); Luke McGuane (Richmond); Brendon Goddard (St Kilda). Unrestricted Free Agents Chris Knights (Adel Crows); Jordan Russell, Bret Thornton (Carlton); Ben Johnson (Collingwood); Ricky Dyson, Dustin Fletcher, David Hille, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Henry Slattery (Essendon); Luke McPharlin (Fremantle); Shannon Byrnes, Josh Hunt (Geelong Cats); Thomas Murphy, Michael Osborne, Clinton Young (Hawthorn); Matthew Bate, Lynden Dunn, Jared Rivers (Melbourne); Brett Ebert, Steven Salopek, Jacob Surjan (Port Adelaide); Jason Blake, Raphael Clarke (St Kilda); Jude Bolton, Jarred Moore (Sydney Swans); Quinten Lynch, Mark Nicoski (West Coast); Will Minson (Western Bulldogs). At a guess, no more than about half of this list is likely to change clubs. The rest will either stay put or retire. With a few exceptions (Brendon Goddard mooted to go to the Bombers very early in the proceedings) the changes are unlikely to represent much more than a blip on the radar although hundreds of articles will be written and thousands of discussions and arguments started on the subject with much time of that time wasted. The rumours, innuendo and scuttlebutt have already been flying around the media and the Internet for several weeks. Fear not and remember "much ado about nothing". Now, I've gone all this way without explaining Free Agency and that is because much of the information about the topic has been released by the AFL in dribs and drabs and if I didn't know better (and I actually don't) I would be saying that they're making it all up as they go. However, for a better understanding of the process, I refer you to FA explained by Luke Holmesby of the AFL's own site. He makes a good fist of it and I'll be back from time to time on an irregular basis to discuss the latest developments of this year's FAT Period. Sit back and enjoy the ride!

THE FAT CHRONICLES - CUT AND RUN by The Oracle Looking back at the frenetic activity of Friday morning's AFL meat market, one is touched by a feeling of pathos. Much of the stock in trade was little more than horse flesh; pathetic off cuts of inferior quality destined for one or two seasons in and out of the limelight before the inevitable final dumping and football oblivion. I could hardly believe how many were treating it all so seriously or that the AFL website was operating a facility such as Trade Week Radio with commentators rattling on and on ad nauseum about nothing much at all and talkback callers asking the same questions three or four times a day. I really do empathise with that sort of thing but only because I've been doing it here for years. Just look at the efforts of the Demons in the dying hours of the exchange period that seemingly lasted forever. It started when someone spotted David Rodan walking into AAMI Park but he wasn't there to celebrate the Storm's NRL premiership victory. In the blink of an eye, he became Melbourne's first Fijian born player at a cost of humble draft pick 88 which was soon to be one of the biggest players of the week, overshadowed only by the Tippett scandal but more of both later. Melbourne finally got its man in North's Carl Pedersen who managed two games in 2012 so it had to be considered an absolute steal that the player they traded for him (Jordan Gysberts) played only half that number this year. In order to balance the ledger the Demons had to grudgingly give up the coveted pick 63 but they managed to claw back number 74. When it was all over, the football departments of both clubs were seen heading in different directions at Etihad Stadium doing high fives and giggling to each other. The next step was to despatch Cale Morton back home to WA and the club that hounded out his now premiership winning brother allegedly for lack of a work ethic. Somehow, the Eagles had managed to secure pick 88 from Port Adelaide in an obscure trade deal and the Demons were only too happy to accept it back for possible use in upgrading a rookie at some stage in the future. Sad to think that Morton was once a top four draft pick: his epic fall from grace will go down in the history books. The Demon fire sale wasn't finished yet. Stef Martin joined Brent Moloney at Brisbane for two more useless draft picks (53 and 73). With that, the FAT had been well and truly chewed up by the club's football department and everyone pulled up stumps. The overall impression one got from the last day in particular was that the Demons were doing a cut and run from previous drafting disasters and making space on their playing lists for more recruits. Pedersen was the day's only real prize. For a full wrap of the club's four week marathon Octoberfest read this Melbourne’s free agency/trade summary. So if there are more to come (apart from national draft pick 4 and father/son selection), from where will they come? Well, in the next week, the clubs will lodge their first lists for the upcoming month or so and then there is a fortnight up to mid November during which they can pick up delisted players from other clubs onto their own lists. Then follows the national draft in late November and the pre season and rookie drafts in mid December. More players will come and go. One player who interests me is Port Adelaide's Ben Jacobs who indicated during the exchange period that he wanted to return home to Victoria and nominated North Melbourne as his preferred club. The Kangaroos stuffed Melbourne around over the Pedersen deal for the better part of a fortnight trying to extract a better (and ultimately, non-existent) draft pick to secure Jacobs so it would be a touch ironical if he found his way to the Demons. The club could certainly do with another midfielder so one assumes they would be open to persuading him to come across via the pre season draft where only the two new franchises stand ahead of the Demons. This places the club in a good position to snare him if something could be worked out with his management. Of course, GWS and GCS might well take him but one wonders whether Jacobs is the type of player they would want on their lists given their existing riches in that area. Moreover, those clubs might well have a bigger fish to fry. The big fish is Kurt Tippett and he, his management and his old club are all well and truly in the frying pan at the moment as we wait on the outcome of yet another AFL investigation. While the Crows face massive penalties if found guilty of draft tampering and salary cap rorting, there is a view that the player himself might come out of it with a sanction involving deregistration for a brief period but leaving it open for other clubs to pick him up, possibly in the pre season draft. That's where those new franchise clubs in might enter the equation. Whatever the case, recent events have shown us that the football season never ends. It just keeps rolling along. The wash up for the month so far - ADELAIDE In: Angus Graham (Richmond), draft selection 54 Out: Michael Doughty (retired); Chris Knights (Richmond); Brad Symes, Will Young (delisted); draft selection 43 Draft selections: 20, 54, 64, 83, 101, 119, 137 BRISBANE LIONS In: Brent Moloney (restricted free agent), Stefan Martin (Melbourne) Out: Josh Drummond (retired), Amon Buchanan (retired), Cheynee Stiller, James Hawksley, Sam Sheldon, Bryce Retzlaff, Brad Harvey (rookie), Josh Dyson (rookie), draft selections 53, 73 Draft selections: 8, 24, 33, 91, 109, 127 CARLTON In: Draft selection 71 Out: Jordan Russell (Collingwood); Bret Thornton, Rohan Kerr, Paul Bower (delisted); Nick Heyne (delisted rookie); Matthew Lodge (delisted NSW scholarship player); Blake Bray (delisted NSW scholarship player) Draft selections: 11, 36, 56, 71, 76, 94, 112 COLLINGWOOD In: Quinten Lynch (West Coast), Clinton Young (Hawthorn), Jordan Russell (Carlton), NAB AFL Draft selections 18, 21, 39 Out: Chris Dawes (Melbourne), Sharrod Wellingham (West Coast), Tom Young (Western Bulldogs); Paul Cribbin, Daniel Farmer, Shae McNamara, Lachlan Smith, Trent Stubbs (delisted rookies); draft selections 42, 48, 58 Draft selections: 18, 19, 21, 39, 82 ESSENDON In: Joe Daniher (father-son), Brendon Goddard (St Kilda), draft selection 52 Out: Angus Monfries (Port Adelaide), Mark McVeigh (retired), Anthony Long, Brendan Lee (delisted rookies) Draft selections: 10 (committed to Daniher), 35, 52, 55, 75, 93, 111, 129 FREMANTLE In: Danyle Pearce (Port Adelaide), draft selection 37 Out: Greg Broughton (Gold Coast); Antoni Grover (retired); Jay van Berlo (delisted); Gavin Roberts, Jordan Wilson-King (delisted rookies); draft selection 60 Draft selections: 17, 37, 40, 80, 98 GEELONG In: Josh Caddy (Gold Coast), Hamish McIntosh (North Melbourne), Jared Rivers (Melbourne) Out: Simon Hogan, Matthew Scarlett, David Wojcinski (retired); Orren Stephenson, Tom Gillies (delisted); Shannon Byrnes (Melbourne); draft selections 36, 59, first-round compensation pick for losing Gary Ablett Draft selections: 16, 79, 97 GOLD COAST In: Tom Murphy (Hawthorn), Greg Broughton (Fremantle), Jack Martin (GWS trade incentive selection), 2011 compensation selection end round one (R.Palmer), 2010 compensation selection round one (G.Ablett), draft selections 13, 57, 59, 60 Out: Josh Caddy (Geelong), Tom Hickey (St Kilda), Josh Fraser (retired), Andrew McQualter (retired), Sam Iles, Lewis Moss, Piers Flanagan, Alik Magin, Hayden Jolly, Michael Coad (rookie), compensation selection end round one (J.Brennan), Draft picks 2, 26, 47, 69 Draft selections: 13, 57, 59, 60, 87, 105, 123 GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY In: Stephen Gilham (Hawthorn); draft selections 2, 3, 12, 14, 28, 65 Out: James McDonald, Luke Power (retired); Steve Clifton, Tim Segrave (delisted); Jack Hombsch, Jake Neade (Port Adelaide); Jack Martin* (Gold Coast); Jesse Hogan*, Dominic Barry (Melbourne); Tom Lee** (St Kilda), Jed Anderson (Hawthorn); draft selections 20, 24, 29, 43, 68 Draft selections: 1, 2, 3, 12, 14, 28, 65, 69, 86, 104, 122 * denotes GWS 17-year-old list concession mini-draft ** denotes GWS pre-selection HAWTHORN In: Jed Anderson (GWS NT zone selection), Brian Lake (Western Bulldogs), Matt Spangher (Sydney Swans), draft selections 29, 68, 72 Out: Chance Bateman, Cameron Bruce (retired); Jarrad Boumann (delisted); Stephen Gilham (Greater Western Sydney); Thomas Murphy (Gold Coast); Clinton Young (Collingwood); draft selections 22, 44, 65 Draft selections: 28, 65, 66, 84, 102 MELBOURNE In: Shannon Byrnes (Geelong), Jack Viney (father-son), Dominic Barry (GWS NT zone selection), Chris Dawes (Collingwood), David Rodan (Port Adelaide), Jesse Hogan (GWS trade incentive selection), draft selection 49 Out: Brad Green (retired); Kelvin Lawrence (delisted); Brent Moloney (Brisbane Lions); Jared Rivers (Geelong); draft selections 3, 14, 27 (committed to Viney), 48, 88 Draft selections: 4, 27, 49, 53, 70, 73, 77, 88, 106, 124 NORTH MELBOURNE In: Jordan Gysberts (Melbourne), draft selections 42, 48, 63 Out: Hamish McIntosh (Geelong), Aaron Edwards (Richmond) Cameron Pedersen (Melbourne) Draft selections: 15, 38, 42, 48, 58, 63, 78, 96, 114, 132 PORT ADELAIDE In: Angus Monfries (Essendon), Jack Hombsch (GWS), Jake Neade (GWS NT zone selection), Lewis Stevenson (West Coast), Campbell Heath (Sydney Swans), draft selections 30, 31, 85 Out: Troy Chaplin (Richmond), Danyle Pearce (Fremantle), David Rodan (Melbourne); Mitch Banner, Simon Phillips, Steven Salopek, Jacob Surjan (delisted); Mitch Curnow, Jarrad Irons, Daniel Webb, (delisted rookies); draft selections 52, 29, 72, 88 Draft selections: 7, 30, 31, 85, 90, 108, 126. RICHMOND In: Troy Chaplin (Port Adelaide), Chris Knights (Adelaide), Aaron Edwards (North Melbourne), draft selection 43 Out: Angus Graham (Adelaide); Dean McDonald, Brad Miller, Kelvin Moore (retired); Andrew Browne, Jeromey Webberley, Dan Connors (delisted); Addam Maric, Piva Wright, Gibson Turner (delisted rookies); draft selection 50, 74 Draft selections: 9, 32, 34, 43, 92, 110, 128 ST KILDA In: Tom Hickey (Gold Coast), Tom Lee (Claremont), Trent Dennis-Lane (Sydney Swans), draft selections 25, 26, 41, 44 Out: Brendon Goddard (Essendon), Jamie Cripps (West Coast); Sam Crocker, Brett Peake, Dean Polo (delisted); Daniel Archer (delisted rookie); draft selections 12, 37, 57 Draft selections: 25, 26, 41, 44, 77, 95, 113, 131 SYDNEY SWANS In: Draft selections 47, 66, 72 Out: Jarred Moore, Mark Seaby (delisted); Eugene Kruger, Jack Lynch, Dylan McNeil (delisted rookies); Campbell Heath (Port Adelaide), Matt Spangher (Hawthorn), Trent Dennis-Lane (St Kilda); draft selections 72, 85 Draft selections: 23, 45, 47, 66, 67, 103, 121, 139 WEST COAST In: Sharrod Wellingham (Collingwood), Jamie Cripps (St Kilda), Cale Morton (Melbourne), draft selections 46 and 62 Out: Quinten Lynch (Collingwood), Koby Stevens (Western Bulldogs), Lewis Stevenson (Port Adelaide), draft selections 18, 41 Draft selections: 46, 61, 62, 81, 99 WESTERN BULLDOGS In: Lachie Hunter (father-son), Koby Stevens (West Coast), draft selection 22 Out: Brian Lake (Hawthorn); Nathan Djerrkura, Lindsay Gilbee, Ryan Hargrave (retired); Tom Hill, Andrew Hooper, Brodie Moles, James Mulligan, Justin Sherman (delisted); draft selections 27, 44, 71 Draft selections: 5, 6 (GWS compensation for Callan Ward), 22, 50 (committed to Hunter), 51 (GWS compensation for Sam Reid), 89, 107 and 125

THE FAT CHRONICLES - THE FAT SIDE by The Oracle Soon after the free agency exchange period came to an end on Friday afternoon, the AFL announced the compensation it was giving to cover the loss of players and it finally dawned on players and supporters that the system was more about allowing the free flow of players with more than seven year's service to their clubs than about "compensation". It should be obvious to all and sundry by now that when the AFL talks about compensating clubs, it does not speak of providing restitution for players lost within the system it has created but something entirely different. The results of the system speak for themselves. Here are the movements of the past fortnight together with "compensation" (where applicable):- Free Agency Movements - October 2012 ■ Adelaide Gains: Nil Losses: Chris Knights ■ Brisbane Gains: Brent Moloney Losses: Nil ■ Collingwood Gain: Quinten Lynch and Clinton Young Losses: Nil ■ Essendon Gains: Brendon Goddard Losses: Nil ■ Fremantle Gains: Danyle Pearce Losses: Nil ■ Geelong Gains: Jared Rivers Loss: Shannon Byrnes ■ Hawthorn Gains: A third round pick (66) Losses: Tom Murphy and Clinton Young ■ Melbourne Gains: Shannon Byrnes and a third round pick (49) Losses: Brent Moloney and Jared Rivers ■ Port Adelaide Gains: Two second round picks (30 & 31) Losses: Troy Chaplin and Danyle Pearce ■ Richmond Gains: Troy Chaplin and Chris Knights Losses: Nil ■ St. Kilda Gain: A first round pick (13) Loss: Brendon Goddard ■ West Coast Gains: A third round pick (62) Loss: Quinten Lynch The "compensation" was based on a document issued by the AFL which said: ''We confirm that the compensation formula will produce a points rating for players based on two factors: 1) new contract of the free agent and 2) age of the free agent. ''Draft picks will be allocated to clubs based on the net total points for free agents lost and gained during the transfer period. Draft picks will be allocated to one of five places: first round, end first round, second round, end of second round and third round.'' There are winners and losers there and the frustration at some clubs was obvious. Hawthorn received a third round compensation pick from the AFL for the loss of Clinton Young, and nothing for Thomas Murphy. Football operations GM Mark Evans has told of how the Hawks feel they have been "pick-pocketed" and that they are considering an appeal. Melbourne could also feel cheated with its meagre "compensation" for two players who a little more than twelve months ago finished first and second in their best and fairest. On the other hand, if remuneration is paramount in determining compensation then the Demons might also feel vindicated in not working too hard to keep either Moloney or Rivers if their new pay packets are so meagre as to warrant nothing more than a third round pick at 49. Port Adelaide was nicely rewarded for the loss of its two players with not just one but two picks but it was aided by some nifty footwork in the guise of a trade it worked out with Essendon over free agent Angus Monfries. However, it is certainly arguable that the two clubs were tampering with the draft system in a way designed to manipulate the free agency compensation outcome in favour of Port Adelaide. Monfries and his four year contract would have bitten deeply into what Port would otherwise have received. Essendon who were going to get nothing out of it were glad to pocket pick 48. The AFL is usually swift to knock such things on the head but, in this instance, it did nothing. The end of the story is that in a very short period of time it is likely that free agency will become exactly that as otherwise the presence of this arbitrary system of compensation will destroy it altogether amid feelings of suspicion from both the clubs and the public about the way it is administered. If you think free agency is done and dusted until next year, then you should think again. Between 1 & 13 November any player who has been delisted can be signed up by any club. In other words, free agency will be well and truly on for delisted players and with no compensation for the clubs they are leaving. This will facilitate movement for delisted players without their involvement in the draft or trading. Naturally, the clever club list managers will have already worked things out and have been in the ears of player managers. The result might be a reduction in trade deals over the final week of the exchange period as clubs wait for the free pickings of delisted players. And so it was that this week's trading was subdued in many cases because clubs were waiting on the outcome of the free agency compensation.The big news from Melbourne's point of view was the club securing Chris Dawes for pick 20 and an exchange of later picks. The coup put a lie to the claims by critics that good players didn't want to go there but it didn't stop them from turning their attention to new claims that the price paid was too high or that the club was using a scattergun approach to recruiting. Undeterred, the Demons continue to move forward with their plans. This week's excerpt for Melbourne from the AFL website's State of Play for week three:- North's Cameron Pedersen remains in the club's sights while contracted Rockman Stef Martin is attracting interest from a few clubs. The long running Kurt Tippett saga continues and we're seeing signs that Sydney's "nice guy" image is beginning to tarnish. The coming weeks will continue to see changes to every club's list. This ain't done and dusted just yet. Completed Trades, Weeks 1 & 2 ■ Richmond trade Angus Graham and pick 50 to Adelaide for pick 40. ■ North Melbourne trade Hamish McIntosh to Geelong for pick 36. ■ Collingwood trade Chris Dawes and pick 58 to Melbourne for picks 20 and 45. ■ Gold Coast Suns trade picks 2, 63 and 2010 end-of-first-round compensation pick to GWS for selection 1 in the mini-draft (Jack Martin) and 2011 end-of-first-round compensation pick. ■ Port Adelaide trades pick 48 to Essendon for Angus Monfries. ■ St Kilda trades pick 12 to GWS for Tom Lee (Claremont), picks 24 and 43. ■ Hawthorn trades picks 21 and 41 to Western Bulldogs for Brian Lake and pick 27. ■ Melbourne trades picks 3 and 13) to GWS for Dominic Barry, selection 2 in the mini-draft (Jesse Hogan) and pick 20. ■ West Coast Eagles trade pick 17 to Collingwood for Sharrod Wellingham