If I was Mark Neeld...

[CrowsFan]

The three I have been hearing are the most likely are Burns, Bickley or Sanderson.
Haven't heard a thing about Harvey, and the talk of Eade has disappeared

[Maca24]

The three I have been hearing are the most likely are Burns, Bickley or Sanderson.
Haven't heard a thing about Harvey, and the talk of Eade has disappeared

Ok thanks. well I remember talk on Eade but as you said, that slowed down a bit.
Scott Burns would be their best option IMO.

Saints can choose from Robert Harvey, Malthouse?, Sanderson, Eade and Harvey.

[pyronerd]

The three I have been hearing are the most likely are Burns, Bickley or Sanderson.
Haven't heard a thing about Harvey, and the talk of Eade has disappeared

Ok thanks. well I remember talk on Eade but as you said, that slowed down a bit.
Scott Burns would be their best option IMO.

Saints can choose from Robert Harvey, Malthouse?, Sanderson, Eade and Harvey.

I think I saw an article a few days ago saying that Nettlefold announced that they won't be chasing Malthouse while he is contracted, so I hope that Melthouse either approaches the Saints (very unlikely) or that he announces that he is leaving the pies

[Maca24]

What they could do if their desperate to get Malthouse is give Rob Harvey a 1 year contract, then once it's over sign Malthouse up. Just an idea  :P

[ajjewell]

As a Carlton supporter I wouldn't mind if Neeld wanted Brock McLean back in exchange for Colin Sylvia I think that would be a fair trade

How on earth is that a fair trade? lol
Don't think Melbourne would accept that.

I agree in no way is that fair.

Neither do I but there would be no harm in trying ;)

[ajjewell]

What they could do if their desperate to get Malthouse is give Rob Harvey a 1 year contract, then once it's over sign Malthouse up. Just an idea  :P

About the only person who they could convince to take the team on for a year would be Todd Viney, no other coach in their right mind would get involved with a club knowing they would only be there for a year

[Maca24]

What they could do if their desperate to get Malthouse is give Rob Harvey a 1 year contract, then once it's over sign Malthouse up. Just an idea  :P

About the only person who they could convince to take the team on for a year would be Todd Viney, no other coach in their right mind would get involved with a club knowing they would only be there for a year

I am talking about the saints  ;)
Harvey is an assistant their.

[ajjewell]

Sorry my bad

[RiOtChEsS]

there is no chance we get a pinch of power for McLean unfortunately...

great write up Mac, well thought out 8)

[simma1978]

With the appointment of Mark Neeld, it has made me curious to review the melbourne list.
If I was Mark Neeld these are the things I'd be doing in the preseason, up to round 1.

1. List

First off I'd be analyzing the list closely. Obviously Melbourne aren't a short term premiership threat, so start building for the long term. First thing I will do is put together a best 22 that all should be around for when melbourne hits it's peak (4yrs)

B: C.Garland (23), J.Frawley (23), L.Tapscott (20)
HB: J.Grimes (22), J.Rivers (27), B.Green (30)
C: J.Trengove (20), J.McKenzie (21), C.Morton (21)
HF: M.Bate (24), J.Watts (20), J.Howe (21)
F: L.Jurrah (23), J.Gunston (20), R.Petterd (23)
R: S.Martin (25), B.Moloney (27), N.Jones (23)
INT: A.Maric (21), S.Blease (20), J.Gysberts (20), M.Gawn (20)

RESERVES: L.Cook (18), T.McDonald (18), J.Fitzpatrick (20), J.Bennell (21), J.Strauss (21), A.Wonaemirri (23), R.Bail (23), L.Dunn (24),

So their list isn't to bad. Rivers can be a short term fix until they can find a solid young CHB.
Back line is very strong and young, good signs for melbourne.
I'd play Brad Green off a half back flank. His leadership down back would be a great help, plus he can provide nice rebound. I believe a fresh start in this position could give him a longer career and produce better football out of him.

In the Ruck departement I believe Jamar is below par. I would be looking at trading him on.
They should have Stefan Martin who is 25 and had a great year at the helm, with one of the youngsters
(Fitzpatrick, Gawn, Spencer) playing 2nd ruck.

In the middle the Dees have a lot of promise. I'd be keeping Moloney as he is their best midfielder and can teach the youngsters well until he retires. Nathan Jones is the hard nut in their with a guy I rate highly, Jordie McKenzie.
Jack Trengove and Cale Morton are the future, and will develop into solid club players atleast.
Jack Grimes will play a lot of on ball aswell with Blease and Gysberts switching through also.

Onto the Forwards. You may have noticed that I have Jack Gunston at Full-Forward! I'd be doing everything I can to secure him from Adelaide as Melbourne lack tall targets down forward. Alongside him are Jurrah and Petterd, with a great youngster in Howe at half forward. Watts is the future CHF while Bate provides a good lead up target and is worth having IMO.
Tom McDonald and Lucas Cook are guys that Melbourne are grooming for key forward roles. When these players are ready I believe they can fit in there with Gunston and Watts. Worst case scenario one of them gets traded on for a nice pick.

2. Trade Table

I have left out Sylvia, Jamar and Davey out of my team. I'd be looking at getting Gunston and some good picks with these players. Sylvia could attract a lot of interest at the trade table, and at 26 seems to be a better fit at a premiership contending club. Jamar is past it IMO, while Davey could be kept but may as well try and get something good for him.

Negotiate: Jamar, Davey and Sylvia.

Pursue: Gunston and Picks.

I think Melbourne get two first rounders for Scully? That should help them a long way along with their normal first round pick. That is 3 first round picks so if necessary we could give up one of these for Gunston, but preference would be Aaron Davey.
Colin Sylvia could attract a first round pick plus something else from a top club like Geelong, Collingwood or Carlton.

3. Train and Develop

Acquire the best possible recruiting and developement staff to ensure that youngsters continue to be developed to their potential, while recruiting top players in the future drafts.


Thats my opinions on Melbourne, hope it was worth reading :P

Jamar is a must keep and to even suggest to trade Sylvia is absolute nonsense, not to mention he's just signed a new deal!

[PowerBug]

With the appointment of Mark Neeld, it has made me curious to review the melbourne list.
If I was Mark Neeld these are the things I'd be doing in the preseason, up to round 1.

1. List

First off I'd be analyzing the list closely. Obviously Melbourne aren't a short term premiership threat, so start building for the long term. First thing I will do is put together a best 22 that all should be around for when melbourne hits it's peak (4yrs)

B: C.Garland (23), J.Frawley (23), L.Tapscott (20)
HB: J.Grimes (22), J.Rivers (27), B.Green (30)
C: J.Trengove (20), J.McKenzie (21), C.Morton (21)
HF: M.Bate (24), J.Watts (20), J.Howe (21)
F: L.Jurrah (23), J.Gunston (20), R.Petterd (23)
R: S.Martin (25), B.Moloney (27), N.Jones (23)
INT: A.Maric (21), S.Blease (20), J.Gysberts (20), M.Gawn (20)

RESERVES: L.Cook (18), T.McDonald (18), J.Fitzpatrick (20), J.Bennell (21), J.Strauss (21), A.Wonaemirri (23), R.Bail (23), L.Dunn (24),

So their list isn't to bad. Rivers can be a short term fix until they can find a solid young CHB.
Back line is very strong and young, good signs for melbourne.
I'd play Brad Green off a half back flank. His leadership down back would be a great help, plus he can provide nice rebound. I believe a fresh start in this position could give him a longer career and produce better football out of him.

In the Ruck departement I believe Jamar is below par. I would be looking at trading him on.
They should have Stefan Martin who is 25 and had a great year at the helm, with one of the youngsters
(Fitzpatrick, Gawn, Spencer) playing 2nd ruck.

In the middle the Dees have a lot of promise. I'd be keeping Moloney as he is their best midfielder and can teach the youngsters well until he retires. Nathan Jones is the hard nut in their with a guy I rate highly, Jordie McKenzie.
Jack Trengove and Cale Morton are the future, and will develop into solid club players atleast.
Jack Grimes will play a lot of on ball aswell with Blease and Gysberts switching through also.

Onto the Forwards. You may have noticed that I have Jack Gunston at Full-Forward! I'd be doing everything I can to secure him from Adelaide as Melbourne lack tall targets down forward. Alongside him are Jurrah and Petterd, with a great youngster in Howe at half forward. Watts is the future CHF while Bate provides a good lead up target and is worth having IMO.
Tom McDonald and Lucas Cook are guys that Melbourne are grooming for key forward roles. When these players are ready I believe they can fit in there with Gunston and Watts. Worst case scenario one of them gets traded on for a nice pick.

2. Trade Table

I have left out Sylvia, Jamar and Davey out of my team. I'd be looking at getting Gunston and some good picks with these players. Sylvia could attract a lot of interest at the trade table, and at 26 seems to be a better fit at a premiership contending club. Jamar is past it IMO, while Davey could be kept but may as well try and get something good for him.

Negotiate: Jamar, Davey and Sylvia.

Pursue: Gunston and Picks.

I think Melbourne get two first rounders for Scully? That should help them a long way along with their normal first round pick. That is 3 first round picks so if necessary we could give up one of these for Gunston, but preference would be Aaron Davey.
Colin Sylvia could attract a first round pick plus something else from a top club like Geelong, Collingwood or Carlton.

3. Train and Develop

Acquire the best possible recruiting and developement staff to ensure that youngsters continue to be developed to their potential, while recruiting top players in the future drafts.


Thats my opinions on Melbourne, hope it was worth reading :P

Very good thinking there Maca. For a while though i was thinking: Why are there so many people wearing the same numbered guernsey? ;)

[Maca24]

Thanks Marcz and PB.
@Simma - Sylvia signing a deal is irrelevant to me as this is my fantasy thoughts, not so much contracts etc.
Perhaps I made the wrong call on Jamar..

[simma1978]

Thanks Marcz and PB.
@Simma - Sylvia signing a deal is irrelevant to me as this is my fantasy thoughts, not so much contracts etc.
Perhaps I made the wrong call on Jamar..

Fantasy Thoughts - gee whiz! Well, my fantasy thoughts would be to get Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Buddy Franklin and Adam Goodes. I'd also like Sir Alex Ferguson as an advisor and  Ghandi as cheif motivator. C'mon mate - get serious. If you are going to post something like you have then you need to consider contracts otherwise it comes across as mindless dribble.

[Maca24]

Thanks Marcz and PB.
@Simma - Sylvia signing a deal is irrelevant to me as this is my fantasy thoughts, not so much contracts etc.
Perhaps I made the wrong call on Jamar..

Fantasy Thoughts - gee whiz! Well, my fantasy thoughts would be to get Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Buddy Franklin and Adam Goodes. I'd also like Sir Alex Ferguson as an advisor and  Ghandi as cheif motivator. C'mon mate - get serious. If you are going to post something like you have then you need to consider contracts otherwise it comes across as mindless dribble.

Why be such a prick?
I put a lot of effort into this, and it's just my opinion.
Copy my template and do your own if your such an expert  ::)

[Purple 77]

alright. NO MORE DRAFT PICKS!!!! What we have got, and no one else seems to realise is a great young side full of potential stars... who need experience. Its just the supporters are panicking that success isn't happening and failures are. JUST BE PATIENT GUYS! Keep the faith! We already have enough young guys  and that is exactly what melbourne shouldn't get, because we need experience! That damn youth policy bailey put in place has left us with no experience, even though 80% of the guys he got rid of were fair enough decisions.

Melbourne need to be very active in the trade period and sign some quality players. I believe, all we really need, is a key forward (chris dawes is out of contract, i no i no he isn't fantastic but key forwards dont grow on trees and they have massive impacts on teams) and an experienced, quality midfielder. I was also saying with those two things we need a good coaching panel but it seems we are going to get that (WOOT!). Melbourne can lure star players because we have good trade bait (the compensation picks) and a lot of room in the salary cap, not to mention we are a pretty attractive list (in terms of future etc, what were YOU thinking?).

Backline is great and we don't need any more defenders, all positions are filled in that area.

Midfield lacks class, but that can all change with a star signing like say.... Brendon Goddard who comes out of contract next year. Just think, Goddard comes to melbourne for 500k a year in exchange for the two scully compo picks which st kilda will use to rejuvenate their list, win win, sort of.

Ruck, looks really bright, keep the russian guys, martin is awesome, gawn looks exciting, spencer is good trade bait, fitzpatrick.... dunno, i'll give him a proper chance before i make a judgement.

Forward line is developing nicely, i understand why people think otherwise but again, be patient. A big key forward like dawes then all of a sudden we're looking good, with Jurrah's 3 goals a game, howe's amazing marking used as a CHF role, Watts being a half forwrad-backman, petterd applying the pressure and providing opportunities, Dunn's torps....... it looks good.

Trade Bait
Warnock wants out, fair enough as well, i really rate him and melbourne don't even consider selecting him in the team, disgrace that is

TRADE BATE (see what i did there? lol), much like warnock really, but is so inconsistent

Lynden Dunn, *sigh* why don't melb gives these quality guys a spot? Hope he stays.

GET OUT!!!!!

For god's sake get rid of michael newton!!!

Wonaeamerri

Robert Campbell

Jamie Bennell (draws gasps from the crowd), come on guys be realistic, do you see him getting more than 20 possessions and doing it on a regular basis?

Tom McNamara

Aaron Davey, lost all form, need so much more from a senior

And yeah that is pretty much all i got to say