PSD - Luke Ball

[RandB]

I wouldn't have a clue what interactions are taking place between MFC and Ball/Ball's management. Based on our past attempts of trying to lure a decent player, it probably involves a powerpoint presentation.

Exactly, so why get so worked up about the whole thing?

Whilst I don't indulge in it myself, Twitter is a public forum, and comments posted on it are treated as such. Schwab's comments were blunt, and he could have relayed the same message of the MFC's approach to leadership, in a more professional manner.

I think stating the policy of the club is very professional and re-assuring. You have to remember that Schwab gets hit with many many supporters saying/asking this that and the other and sometimes a blunt but respectful answer is the best. He stated our club policy without getting caught up in specifics that are not for public consumption at this point in time.

 

[Ausyid]

I want Ball for one reason above and beyond everything else.

Leadership both on and off the field.

He is a very good player but that's not why I want him. Its his attitude, maturity, determination and the way he handles himself that makes me desperate for Melbourne to get him.

We aren't as stupid as Carlton. We aren't going to offer the captaincy to someone who is yet to play a match for us. However if Ball's number one value to us is leadership, and setting a good example both on and off field for the kids coming into our side who we hope to win us a Premiership or 3 in the near future than we surely must put him in a position where this can be most beneficial - the leadership group. Then when J-Mac retires at the end of 2010 and we need a new captain we will evaluate who that should be, and if Ball is a Demon is 2010 he will surely be the best candidate for the job in 2011, and no-one will be complaining then.

Luke Ball is the exact type of player and person we need in our club and in our leadership group. If we do get him I have no doubt he will be captain in 2011, and a well-deserving one at that.

 

[Spirit of 39]

I agree with Ausyid.

Playing devil's advocate, I'm slightly worried about how our club will look if Luke decides he doesn't want to play with us. I don't think it will hurt our playing list too much, but it might be another kick in the guts we don't need.

This will be a real test of our football department, convincing Ball to come Melbourne. Please say yes, LB!

 

[Supermercado]

Every other player in the comp has rejected us in the last couple of years. What's another?

If we were - say - Richmond I'd agree with you that it would be a kick in the teeth to the entire club, but as a club on the way back up from the bottom I don't think it would be absolutely crucical to our psyche.

I'd love it if we got him. Not just because he's a handy player. Even if he turns out to be crocked and we get basically nothing from him we've paid nothing either so what's the damage?

If we get him then great, but if he says no then I don't think we're too badly damaged. I can live with Watts, Scully, Jurrah, Morton, Bate and (PLAYER TO BE NAMED) over the next few years.

 

[master bate]

I agree with Ausyid.

Playing devil's advocate, I'm slightly worried about how our club will look if Luke decides he doesn't want to play with us. I don't think it will hurt our playing list too much, but it might be another kick in the guts we don't need.

This will be a real test of our football department, convincing Ball to come Melbourne. Please say yes, LB!

Especially because we have so far made a very strong public push. I won't be too disappointed if we miss out on him in terms of a player, but I will be a little aggrieved at our inability to land a player at our club.

 

[CM Sean]

Especially because we have so far made a very strong public push. I won't be too disappointed if we miss out on him in terms of a player, but I will be a little aggrieved at our inability to land a player at our club.

Agreed.

 

[Crimson Azure]

Especially because we have so far made a very strong public push. I won't be too disappointed if we miss out on him in terms of a player, but I will be a little aggrieved at our inability to land a player at our club.

Players might be a bit this way now but you watch the players who want to leave their clubs in the next 3-5 years try to get to the Dee's when we climb the ladder.

Look at West Coast one of the stronger teams in recent history on & off the field, you don't see people killing themselves to get there, thats because they are down the bottom ATM. Geelong would not normally be a first choice for players but how many players who are not happy with current clubs would go there if they could from 07-10? A lot I say (they might not get a game though ).

Its all perception, short term we are not the best option but if they look ahead we are a top option.

Players play to win games & premierships, we aren't in position to challenge yet so its natural players will look at their own interests to get what they want ASAP: Wins & flags.

 

[WattsGoodForYou]

You're a dick. You've basically come out and said that Robbie Flower is not your type of captain. What a dick. Probably MFC favourite son and he's not your type of captain but Carey is. A bloke that shags his best mates wife and he's your type of captain. I'm glad you have no influence at our footy club! I hope we get Luke Ball but only as a player and not vc or c. Make our future stars vc Grimmes and co. Collingwood did it!

Please. Learn. To. Read. The. Post.

I have made no reference to any player. All i stated was a leadership structure involving a player who leads from the front. How i am rubbishing Robbie Flower is anyone's guess. But hey i gave you benefit of the doubt, pretty stupid of me. You can keep posting this sort of tripe and realize it gets you no where. Or you can just cut the crap or leave. Your choice.

 

[BigSexc]

Please. Learn. To. Read. The. Post.

I have made no reference to any player. All i stated was a leadership structure involving a player who leads from the front. How i am rubbishing Robbie Flower is anyone's guess. But hey i gave you benefit of the doubt, pretty stupid of me. You can keep posting this sort of tripe and realize it gets you no where. Or you can just cut the crap or leave. Your choice.

dont stress WGFY hes a WCE troll

 

[CM Sean]

Does anyone know when Luke Ball's decision should be made by?

 

[bighughie]

Does anyone know when Luke Ball's decision should be made by?

Contracts are up at the end of this month so I guess before then.

However I dont think putting pressure on him to make a choice is the right way to go about it; we've got to convince/prove to him by showing him that the club is on the right track, we've a good group of guys, that he can play a key role in our push forward and whatever other factors you want to put in there that coming to Melbourne is the right thing.

 

[cheney]

I want Ball for one reason above and beyond everything else.

Leadership both on and off the field.

He is a very good player but that's not why I want him. Its his attitude, maturity, determination and the way he handles himself that makes me desperate for Melbourne to get him.

We aren't as stupid as Carlton. We aren't going to offer the captaincy to someone who is yet to play a match for us. However if Ball's number one value to us is leadership, and setting a good example both on and off field for the kids coming into our side who we hope to win us a Premiership or 3 in the near future than we surely must put him in a position where this can be most beneficial - the leadership group. Then when J-Mac retires at the end of 2010 and we need a new captain we will evaluate who that should be, and if Ball is a Demon is 2010 he will surely be the best candidate for the job in 2011, and no-one will be complaining then.

Luke Ball is the exact type of player and person we need in our club and in our leadership group. If we do get him I have no doubt he will be captain in 2011, and a well-deserving one at that.

Good post and totally agree. He would be outstanding for the development of our young guns. BUT.. If we can not presuade him to nominate for the PSD so that we don't need to waste a pick in the ND, he obviously doesn't want to play for us and therefore do we still swoop if avaliable at 34 knowing he wont be 100% commited? Or cut our losses and draft a youngster and then look at a mcdonald in the PSD?

 

[bighughie]

Good post and totally agree. He would be outstanding for the development of our young guns. BUT.. If we can not presuade him to nominate for the PSD so that we don't need to waste a pick in the ND, he obviously doesn't want to play for us and therefore do we still swoop if avaliable at 34 knowing he wont be 100% commited? Or cut our losses and draft a youngster and then look at a mcdonald in the PSD?

This is pretty much the one and only decider; if he nominates for the PSD then we've clearly convinced him that coming to Melbourne is the best thing to do but if he nominates for the ND then he doesnt want to come to Melbourne and we shouldn't consider him anymore.

 

[CM Sean]

Contracts are up at the end of this month so I guess before then.

However I dont think putting pressure on him to make a choice is the right way to go about it; we've got to convince/prove to him by showing him that the club is on the right track, we've a good group of guys, that he can play a key role in our push forward and whatever other factors you want to put in there that coming to Melbourne is the right thing.

Thanks bighughie
Finger's crossed I guess