List Management for 2020/21

[Mofra]

We should be into Viney

No from me, we should trade for a need. An inside mid with questionable footskills doesn't seem to be a need right now.

If Viney leaves, it would kill Melbourne. A FS heart and soul player who never gives in is what they've lacked for the past decade. Sometimes building a team is about more than just putting the best players you can find together on the paddock (see GWS).

There's a certain 'something' you just need to make it work. We had it in 2016, and Richmond's 2017 had it too when they dropped some 'better' players forward of the ball and put in honest, pressure 100% never say die type smalls. Jack Viney is Melbourne's 'something' player, and for all his flaws I think they fall in a heap without him.
He is their Libba.

[The Doctor]

player who never gives in

Isn't that what we need? We lack grunt and never say die in the midfield.

How meekly have we rolled over in big games against quality opponents starting with the elimination final last year? In our several beltings since then it has come on the back of our midfield being obliterated.

Unfortunately our depth in midfield is not as good as we think it is. There are a few blokes who don't like it when it gets a bit tough. So what are we going to do about it?

This is the angle I'm coming from. To stiffen us up a bit more. Then if we can add a quality ruckman like Nankervis we have have a very powerful midfield.

[Grantysghost]

Isn't that what we need? We lack grunt and never say die in the midfield.

How meekly have we rolled over in big games against quality opponents starting with the elimination final last year? In our several beltings since then it has come on the back of our midfield being obliterated.

Unfortunately our depth in midfield is not as good as we think it is. There are a few blokes who don't like it when it gets a bit tough.

So this is the angle I'm coming from. To stiffen us up a bit more. Then if we can add a quality ruckman like Nankervis we have have a very powerful midfield.

I've got to agree. He gives us something we don't have in spades and that's the Clay Smith mongrel I'd like to see more of. His disposal isn't bad either, in a better side he would be spoken about a lot more. I'm really surprised he is not captain of Melbourne.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

I'd certainly take a player like Viney. He is something we need. But he'd probably cost too much.

[Axe Man]

I'd certainly take a player like Viney. He is something we need. But he'd probably cost too much.

Only salary, he's a free agent.

I'm in the no Viney camp, I think we have greater areas of need.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Isn't that what we need? We lack grunt and never say die in the midfield.

How meekly have we rolled over in big games against quality opponents starting with the elimination final last year? In our several beltings since then it has come on the back of our midfield being obliterated.

Unfortunately our depth in midfield is not as good as we think it is. There are a few blokes who don't like it when it gets a bit tough. So what are we going to do about it?

This is the angle I'm coming from. To stiffen us up a bit more. Then if we can add a quality ruckman like Nankervis we have have a very powerful midfield.

This is where we may need to make some tough calls. Who do you drop from our mid rotation of Macrae, Dunkley, Bont, Libba and Smith? Because I completely agree with you about needing some grunt in there, but who do you take out?

[Grantysghost]

This is where we may need to make some tough calls. Who do you drop from our mid rotation of Macrae, Dunkley, Bont, Libba and Smith? Because I completely agree with you about needing some grunt in there, but who do you take out?

I don't think Dunkley is in there now? He's a ruck/forward specialist these days

[The Doctor]

Only salary, he's a free agent.

I'm in the no Viney camp, I think we have greater areas of need.

I agree with that but why not try and address all areas of need where the opportunity exists? We are mid table and have been for 4 years for a reason. How ambitious are we prepared to be? Are we prepared to make some hard decisions on fringe types to make the space we need to get players in who address our needs? I'd love to see us also go after a creative smaller forward, a speedy winger, key defender etc. We should cast the net wide and see what we can catch in my view. Or do we put faith in the list and only make smaller modifications? This is what list management is all about.

FWIW I can't see us going for Viney or a ruckman and I think that's a pity. We have lost hard heads like Picken, Clay Smith & Matty Boyd and not really replaced that kind of grunt. Lost all 4 ruckmen from our premiership year and only replaced them with 2 young ones. So I do think these are important areas of need.

[GVGjr]

No from me, we should trade for a need. An inside mid with questionable footskills doesn't seem to be a need right now.

If Viney leaves, it would kill Melbourne. A FS heart and soul player who never gives in is what they've lacked for the past decade. Sometimes building a team is about more than just putting the best players you can find together on the paddock (see GWS).

There's a certain 'something' you just need to make it work. We had it in 2016, and Richmond's 2017 had it too when they dropped some 'better' players forward of the ball and put in honest, pressure 100% never say die type smalls. Jack Viney is Melbourne's 'something' player, and for all his flaws I think they fall in a heap without him.
He is their Libba.

What do you believe are our most pressing needs?

[bornadog]

What do you believe are our most pressing needs?

For me it is a small crumbing forward, outside pacey mid. Ruck backup would be good, but I don't think there is one out there to fit into our game style.

[Grantysghost]

For me it is a small crumbing forward, outside pacey mid. Ruck backup would be good, but I don't think there is one out there to fit into our game style.

I've changed from Tom Papley and Josh Kelly to Liam Ryan and Josh Kelly. Man that guy can play, so clean and makes great decisions. Can take a fair mark too ! I agree with your assessment. I'm also for getting as many good players into the side as you can. If it doesn't exactly fit a need, you can make it work.

[Bulldog4life]

Read that Quinten Narkle is potentially open to a trade.

I haven't seen a whole heap of him, but what I've seen I've liked. I'd enquire.

Yes he would be a good get.

[dog town]

Take Viney in a heart beat. The impact a true pro has on a list can’t be understated. Melbourne are still recovering from getting rid of all of their experience and culture years ago and had to parachute in Daniel Cross.

Not at the top of my list in terms of needs but as has been noted helps fill a void left by Boyd, Murphy, Picken and Morris.

[Mofra]

For me it is a small crumbing forward, outside pacey mid. Ruck backup would be good, but I don't think there is one out there to fit into our game style.

That's my take too - a small pressure forward, genuine wingman and ruck depth.

Ideally, a mid-sized forward as well but I'm hoping JUH plays that kind of role early in his career as he learns his craft. He has enough pace to worry teams on the deck and can take a grab if not played body on body.
Dickson is cooked, Lloyd slowing, I'm not convinced by Dale when the pressure is on, Greene showed glimpses two years ago but not sure of his future, and Schache plays like a mid-sizer and TBH I'd trade him.

[Bulldog Joe]

I've changed from Tom Papley and Josh Kelly to Liam Ryan and Josh Kelly. Man that guy can play, so clean and makes great decisions. Can take a fair mark too ! I agree with your assessment. I'm also for getting as many good players into the side as you can. If it doesn't exactly fit a need, you can make it work.

I think Liam Ryan is just about the most complete small forward in the game.

He can run, kick and mark at elite levels. I know we have no hope of trading for him, but can we clone him somehow.