Premiership tilt

[demon g]

I think some of you might agree that this melbourbne side is one of the most promising i have seen. Probably more promise than 2000.

With that in mind i honestly belive that in 4 years we may be the next big thing

Without looking too much at future trades, i see these guys as the basis of a premiership team.

FB: Garland Warnock Martin
HB: Davey Rivers Frawley
C: Morton Grimes Moloney
HF: Sylvia ______ Miller
FF: Bate Watts Wonawonnamirriiwomeri??
R: ______ McLean Jones

B: Bennell Jetta Jurrah Bartram Petterd Strause Blease and whoever else we add etc

and then (and sorry for tanking talk) if we pick up some picks and get (sorry for butcher scully talk) butcher and scully etc

possibly our side could be something like

FB: Garland Warnock Martin
HB: Davey Rivers Frawley
C: Morton Grimes Moloney
HF: Sylvia Butcher Miller
FF: Bate Watts Wonawonnamirriiwomeri??
R: ______ McLean scully

B: Bennell Jetta Jones Jurrah Bartram Petterd Strause Blease and whoever else we add etc

the only hole would be the ruck but who knows what 4 years could bring in that department.

i know its an optomistic view but i cannot help but be a bit excited about the future

 

[Andy_Mac]

Assumes we get Butcher at pick 2, Richmond finishes last (Scully) and we win +4 games:

B: Cheney, Martin, Frawley
HB: Bennell, Garland, Rivers
C: Morton, Grimes, Davey
HF: Woneaemiri, Watts, Bate
F: Green, Butcher*, Maric
R: Messen, Jones, Blease
I: Moloney, McLean, Strauss, Spencer

Depth: Petterd, Miller, Sylvia, Warnock, Dunn, Jetta, McNamara, Valenti, Buckley, Jurrah

 

[Dez!]

I think in the coming years thanks to the good core group of young players we've gathered we will be able to extend someone like Brad Green's career. The way I see it Greeny probably has about another 2 years where he's required in the midfield for us and once players like Grimes, Blease, Strauss, Buckley, etc establish themselves in our midfield we can have what we've always wanted but haven't been able to do, play Brad Green as a forward. If that were to happen I can see Green being of immense value to us until he's about 33/34, that's how I see it anyway.

*Just thought about that after looking at Green in the forward line of your team Andy.

*Also it's Meesen, learn thy name of our saviour.

 

[Dez!]

Assumes we get Butcher at pick 2, Richmond finishes last (Scully) and we win +4 games:

B: Cheney, Martin, Frawley
HB: Bennell, Garland, Rivers
C: Morton, Grimes, Davey
HF: Woneaemiri, Watts, Bate
F: Green, Butcher*, Maric
R: Messen, Jones, Blease
I: Moloney, McLean, Strauss, Spencer

Depth: Petterd, Miller, Sylvia, Warnock, Dunn, Jetta, McNamara, Valenti, Buckley, Jurrah, Bartram

*Added Bartram to depth, I believe he's got what it takes to become a best 22 player though.

We've also got rookies such as Jordie McKenzie, Daniel Hughes and Rhys Healey that look promising at the moment. So there is a hell of a lot depth available there. Just imagine if we can keep this group together, exciting times lie ahead for the Melbourne Footy Club.

 

[Colin Grigson]

*Also it's Meesen, learn thy name of our saviour.

Meesen is nuthin' but a monkey's uncle...

 

[KickLongTackleHard]

We have some good youth coming through. But I have a few concerns for our midfield to be honest. There is a lot riding on Strauss and Blease. While they are good picks with big wraps, there is still alot on their shoulders. If they weren't to turn out to what we hoped, or even one didn't..I dunno. I'm just finding it a bit hard to see our midfield being 'awesome'. I think to win a flag you really need this. There's still a gun mid we need to pull out of the bag I think.

Morton-gun, but suggested wingman?
Jones-needs to take a big step in the coming years.
Grimes-gun
Moloney&Mclean-if can stay fit will win alot of hardball for us

I'm just trying to find out Bartel/Mitchell..maybe it's just too early. Scully might be the 'obvious' answer but,

What do you guys reckon?

 

[Andy_Mac]

Hawthorn's mid didn't win them a premiership.

Don't get me wrong, you need a good midfield but i dont belive its the be all and end all.

oh yeah.

Might want to add Aaron Davey-'WMD'

 

[KickLongTackleHard]

Yes Davey needs to be added.

I guess its not, but it sure helps.

Brisbane - Lappin, Voss, Aker, Power
Geelong-Ablett Bartel Corey
West Coast- Judd, Kerr, Cousins
Hawthorn- Sewell Mitchell Hodge Crawford
Sydney- Goodes Kirk Bolton
Port - Wanganeen, Pickett, Carr, Kingsley

Most of these guys were gems, particularly in their grand final year.

Morton, Davey, Grimes, Blease? Time will tell, but there's a long way to go before we talk flags I think.

 

[The Wrecker]

All Melb. need is a stay at home forward (Butcher) a class ruckman (draft/trade) a class midfielder (Scully) and a pacy outside mid, preferably leftfooter (draft/trade). I would like to see Bartram replaced as a tagger also.

 

[demonfan9]

While it's nice to scribble down some potential premiership teams, it's also important to remember that not every player is going to turn into what we think. Our first round picks from 2002 to 2006 were:

Molan (injury ruined career, didn't play a game)
Bell (now just a VFL player in the bottom side)
Smith (the legendary 426 played just three games)
Sylvia (handy flanker but not what we expected)
McLean (solid midfielder, not a gun yet)
Bate (talented forward but can go missing)
Dunn (still hasn't locked down a position)
Jones (tireless worker but has his restrictions)

Some good players there, some disappointments too. Just important to remember that not everyone we pick is going to turn into a star. Even though Frawley, Grimes, and Morton (the following batch of first-rounders) have looked good so far, they still have a long way to go. Same applies for our other promising youngsters.

 

[KickLongTackleHard]

Yeah very much so, I guess this what I'm almost getting at. I think we need to someone to turn into a star that we don't expect to. I think what we have going for us is that the last two drafts have been strong in depth so hopefully that showns in our selections, but it shouldn't be taken as given.
I think the ruckman issue is the least of our worries, if our mid's are quality I don't think it would make much of a difference.

 

[Deefolt]

you guys are crazy, look at this year, bennell is a certain starter, wonna from last year, i guarantee there will be a few like that every year that come in, our side atm is going to be changed within four years, that first side that was mentioned may be, if your lucky around 75 per cent correct.
too many ins and outs to count.

 

[Deefolt]

While it's nice to scribble down some potential premiership teams, it's also important to remember that not every player is going to turn into what we think. Our first round picks from 2002 to 2006 were:

Molan (injury ruined career, didn't play a game)
Bell (now just a VFL player in the bottom side) personally never saw anything in this guy.
Smith (the legendary 426 played just three games)
Sylvia (handy flanker but not what we expected) he could turn out to be the player
McLean (solid midfielder, not a gun yet) but getting there
Bate (talented forward but can go missing) Will be a player though, give the man some time.
Dunn (still hasn't locked down a position) Yes he has but the coach doesnt like to play him at it.
Jones (tireless worker but has his restrictions) he will be the first man in to get the ball

Some good players there, some disappointments too. Just important to remember that not everyone we pick is going to turn into a star. Even though Frawley, Grimes, and Morton (the following batch of first-rounders) have looked good so far, they still have a long way to go. Same applies for our other promising youngsters.

read my thoughts ^

 

[Deefolt]

Assumes we get Butcher at pick 2, Richmond finishes last (Scully) and we win +4 games:

B: Cheney, Martin, Frawley
HB: Bennell, Garland, Rivers
C: Morton, Grimes, Davey
HF: Woneaemiri, Watts, Bate
F: Green, Butcher*, Maric
R: Messen, Jones, Blease
I: Moloney, McLean, Strauss, Spencer

Depth: Petterd, Miller, Sylvia, Warnock, Dunn, Jetta, McNamara, Valenti, Buckley, Jurrah

Miller is not a depth player, miller is a starter. This year he is showing what he is capable, more and more each time. I reckon swap Miller with maric, put maric midfield, Miller needs time at forward, now he is where he should be he is starting to excel. Do not change him, and melbourne stop kicking to robbo, other forwards need a kick to, remember newton isnt in the side, without him our side is pretty accurate

 

[Andy_Mac]

Yes Davey needs to be added.

I guess its not, but it sure helps.

Brisbane - Lappin, Voss, Aker, Power
Geelong-Ablett Bartel Corey
West Coast- Judd, Kerr, Cousins
Hawthorn- Sewell Mitchell Hodge Crawford
Sydney- Goodes Kirk Bolton
Port - Wanganeen, Pickett, Carr, Kingsley

Most of these guys were gems, particularly in their grand final year.

Morton, Davey, Grimes, Blease? Time will tell, but there's a long way to go before we talk flags I think.

Ypu are right. There are some great names in amoungst that list of players.

BUT what is important to remember by shear weight of numbers of the younger guys coming through right now you are going to get some gems. Not all will be superstars, but some will.

Take your pick:

Morton
Davey
Grimes
Blease
Strauss
Maric
Bennell
Wonna
Jetta
Valenti
Buckley
Jones
Moloney
McLean
Sylvia
Petterd
McKenzie
Bell
Dunn
Bartram

Who knows whats going to happen, Watts may end up playing a Pav type of role. Watts, Davey and Jones ... swapping with Morton, Blease and McLean... Hmmm...

My point is i can't see mids being our biggest issue. We need KPF's and lots of'em.

 

[Headless]

1/ Simon Buckley: is currently injured and I'm not exactly sure what's going on with him at the moment. He showed some good signs last year and is willing to take the game on with his aggression and speed, but needs more awareness. Maybe.
2/ Nathan Jones: is one of my favourite players, is young and will always be on the bottom of the packs. Can kick a goal or two, needs to work on his disposal a little bit. Very confident.
3/ Clint Bartram: gets a lot of crap on this board, but I like him a lot. Is a very good run with player and had a superb debut season in 2006. I think there's a place for him in our best 22. Maybe.
4/ Jack Watts: is a hero. I can see him playing as a Pavlich or Riewoldt, having the ability to play up the ground as another midfielder. Please don't do a Luke Molan. Very confident.
5/ Brock McLean: is a very good player. He's still an option for captaincy and even if he doesn't get the role, he's a good leader. His disposal has been off this year so far, it seems to me as if he's trying to stab every kick. Needs to work on it. Probable.
6/ Matthew Bate: has been up and down like a yoyo so far this year. Is a very good contested mark and can wheel around onto his left, putting it inside 50. I like him as a lead up forward who takes a lot of marks outside the 50/on the wing. Maybe.
7/ Brad Miller: also gets a lot of stick on this board, but the fact is that he'll never be an elite full forward. He'll be a fantastic third or fourth tall and there's definitely still a place for him on our list. Probable.
8/ James Frawley: has catapulted himself from being 5th in line to arguably our best defender, playing on the most dangerous small (ie Motlop, LeCras etc). Very confident.
10/ Cale Morton: will be a ****ing superstar of the competition, possibly elite. I think he averages more than 25 disposals this year and has definitely been one of our best.. He's in his second season! Very confident.
11/ Paul Johnson: has been disappointing this year after last season's breakout. With Jamar, Meesen and Spencer all showing a bit, he has to lift his game. He has had a very good last couple of weeks, though. Maybe.
12/ Colin Sylvia: is very touch and go. He could turn out to be one of the best players in the competition, he could be a solid contributor or he could be delisted in two seasons time. Strong, aggressive and a good overhead mark. Maybe.
14/ Lynden Dunn: is under the pump. I like him at half forward, but it seems that Bailey disagrees, which is unfortunate. Brad Miller v2.0, being played out of position in my opinion. I doubt it.
15/ Ricky Petterd: is another one that I'm not convinced with. I think his best position is on a half back flank, but with many young players coming up through the ranks in that position, I'm not sure if he'll keep his spot. Maybe.
16/ Jack Grimes: will be a star, and a possible captain of the club. He's played well in his 2 games this year and had a super pre-season before getting injured. Very confident.
18/ Brad Green: has been a fantastic player for us, but I can't see him playing in our next premiership team. A great servant of the club, love him to bits. I doubt it.
19/ Addam Maric: hasn't convinced me yet, but looks to be a good player, capable of playing in the midfield. Maybe.
20/ Colin Garland: has had his super work of last year forgotten a bit I think, mainly thanks to Frawley dominating. Will hopefully be at the club for a very long time to come. Very confident.
21/ Daniel Bell: is under the pump, and hasn't really been the same since he got polaxed by Ben "Scum" Johnson. Needs to lift his game if he wants another contract. I doubt it.
22/ Brent Moloney: is one that I like for captaincy, as he absolutely bleeds the red and blue. He's only played one full season for us since he came over from Geelong, and has a very long, penetrating kick. Probable.
23/ James McDonald: won't be around when we next get into the grand final. Is so underrated and has been a fantastic servant of the club. Love him to bits. No chance.
24/ Russell Robertson: has been part of a great duo with David Neitz, has played it solo the last few years. Has been a fantastic servant of the club. Love him to bits. No chance.
25/ Kyle Cheney: has shown that he can take a good contested mark in his few games for the club. Looks a likely type and pretty confident down back. Maybe.
26/ John Meesen: has, believe it or not, shown something this year, and it was a damn shame that he got injured. I like him, and I'll be very disappointed if he doesn't keep his place on the list. Maybe.
27/ Jared Rivers: is fearless, courageous and.. always injured, but when he's on the park, he's a very good player for us. Great as the third tall and very good at leaving his man to help out his fellow defenders. Probable, if he can stay on the park.
29/ Michael Newton: won't be on the list when we get to our next grand final, especially if we draft another KPF or two this year. No chance.
30/ Tom McNamara: shouldn't be too far off from his debut you would think, especially if there's a few injuries to key backmen. It appears that Cheney is currently ahead of him, however. Maybe.
31/ Paul Wheatley: has been a good player for Melbourne, but his time is up, and younger players now have his position in the side. No chance.
32/ Cameron Bruce: has been a fantastic player for us, and was on track to win the Charlie in '04. A great servant of the club, I love him to bits. I doubt it.
33/ Austin Wonaeamirri: has been injured this year, but who could forget his debut season? Looks good, promising signs. Probable.
34/ Stefan Martin: is penciled in at full back and has the ability to play on the monsters (Rocca, Gehrig etc). Could pinch hit up forward. Probable.
35/ Trent Zomer: hasn't really shown much, but can play either end of the ground. Haven't seen a whole lot of ZOMG. I doubt it.
36/ Aaron Davey: is currently our best player and a dark horse for the Brownlow. Has had a breakout season and is in super touch playing as the sweeper. Very confident.
37/ Matthew Warnock: was set to be delisted two seasons ago, but since then has proven everybody wrong and has become crucial to our back 6. I like him, I think he's a chance, but probably the most suspect of our 5 big backmen.
38/ Danny Hughes: was delisted and then re-drafted, so it would be a good-feel story if he debuted. I haven't seen a lot of him. I doubt it.
39/ Neville Jetta: had a taste of the big time early this year, and he showed some good things. Will definitely be a player, looking forward to seeing him more. Maybe.
40/ Mark Jamar: is probably our best tap ruckman at the moment, but isn't good around the ground. Like the other 3 of our ruckmen, is on the chopping block and needs to play well to survive. I doubt it.
41/ Rohan Bail: has big wraps on him, but I haven't seen him play a lot. Didn't go to draft camp and was a late pick in the draft. Maybe.
42/ Jake Spencer: has had a taste of it, and I have big hopes for him. You would think that he would be elevated and keep his spot on the list next year and beyond. Maybe.
43/ Jamie Bennell: is going to be a superstar, I love him. Can't wait to see him play more, how good were those bursts of speed along the boundary line in his first few matches? Very confident.
44/ Shane Valenti: is a solid in and under player, but we do have an abundance of his type. Was unlucky to be dropped this week, but needs to play well to show his worth. Maybe.
45/ Matthew Whelan: has been a great servant of the club, I love him to bits. Wrecker's day are over though, and he won't be around for our next premiership. No chance.
46/ Sam Blease: broke his leg recently, but will hopefully be a very good player for us with his speed and skills. Maybe.
47/ James Strauss: hasn't had as much publicity as some of the other blokes, but can hopefully play a role off half back for us for many years to come. Maybe.
48/ Liam Jurrah: is an interesting one, as he has massive potential. I can't wait to see him pull on the red and blue, but you can't be convinced that he'll end up being a premiership player. Maybe.
49/ Jordie McKenzie: looks promising, and is the token ranga. Maybe.
50/ Rhys Healey: could be a good player, but I haven't seen much of him. I doubt it.


B: K Cheney, S Martin, C Garland
HB: J Bennell, M Warnock, J Frawley
C: C Morton, B Moloney, A Davey
HF: M Bate, J Watts, N Jones
F: A Wonaeamirri, ?????, B Miller
R: ?????, B McLean, J Grimes
I/C: S Blease, J Strauss, A Maric, C Bartram

 

[The Dr]

Headless - love the effort you've put in there and for the most part agree with you.

But couldn't let this one slip -

Jordie McKenzie: looks promising, and is the token ranga. Maybe.

You haven't seen Bate, Cheney's (or even Newton's) locks yet??!

 

[demonfan9]

Did a quick count of Headless' list.

8 Very Confident
6 Probable
19 Maybe
8 Doubtful
5 No Chance

Those 19 maybe's is where our future will be decided.

 

[saj_21]

B: K Cheney, S Martin, C Garland
HB: J Bennell, M Warnock, J Frawley
C: C Morton, B Moloney, A Davey
HF: M Bate, J Watts, N Jones
F: A Wonaeamirri, ?????, B Miller
R: ?????, B McLean, J Grimes
I/C: S Blease, J Strauss, A Maric, C Bartram

No Rivers? I see Warnock as a good stop gap for the next couple of years but think he will be surpassed by the groupd of Martin, Frawley, Garland lead by Rivers. Warnock has had the most goals kicked on him than any other player this year. I am not knocking his efforts and committment but think the guys around him will become better players than him.

 

[Headless]

No Rivers? I see Warnock as a good stop gap for the next couple of years but think he will be surpassed by the groupd of Martin, Frawley, Garland lead by Rivers. Warnock has had the most goals kicked on him than any other player this year. I am not knocking his efforts and committment but think the guys around him will become better players than him.

Somehow I missed him, he's definitely in the team.