Melbourne's Christmas List
Melbourne's Christmas List:
A superstar to suddenly appear.
The Demons are relying on improvement from within to make them a top 4 side in 2007. They didn't make any trades and their draft picks won't be making an impact next season. Melbourne fans will be wishing that many of their young players, like McLean and Moloney, continue to improve and that they will have one or more players suddenly take a big step into superstardom.
If Lynden Dunn or Paul Johnson can step up next season then the Demons will be contenders. Johnson is bigger and has been in the league longer, but he is very injury-prone. If Demons fans are going to wish for another key position forward star then they better get behind Dunn.
Dunn was a high draft pick in 2004, going to the Demons at pick 15. Bate went a couple of picks ahead of him and he has already established himself in the Melbourne side. It can take longer for taller players, when compared to smaller players, to become AFL players but Dunn is ready now. If Dunn had played every game last season he would have been in their top five for goals. In 2007 he would be a lock for a top 4 spot there along with Neitz, Robertson and Davey, as long as they play him.
Melbourne fans will have other items on their Christmas list. The health of Neitz and White is very important, one of them goes down and the Demons are looking at a top 3 draft pick instead of a top 3 position on the 2007 ladder. Melbourne fans will also be wishing that Pickett keeps up the physical play, Davey keeps producing freakish goals and that Nathan Carroll continues to befuddle opposition forwards. But their biggest wish will be that one player on their list makes a rapid improvement and propels them into a top 4 team.
Melbourne need a young player like Dunn to step up or Daniher will be done.
A superstar to suddenly appear.
The Demons are relying on improvement from within to make them a top 4 side in 2007. They didn't make any trades and their draft picks won't be making an impact next season. Melbourne fans will be wishing that many of their young players, like McLean and Moloney, continue to improve and that they will have one or more players suddenly take a big step into superstardom.
If Lynden Dunn or Paul Johnson can step up next season then the Demons will be contenders. Johnson is bigger and has been in the league longer, but he is very injury-prone. If Demons fans are going to wish for another key position forward star then they better get behind Dunn.
Dunn was a high draft pick in 2004, going to the Demons at pick 15. Bate went a couple of picks ahead of him and he has already established himself in the Melbourne side. It can take longer for taller players, when compared to smaller players, to become AFL players but Dunn is ready now. If Dunn had played every game last season he would have been in their top five for goals. In 2007 he would be a lock for a top 4 spot there along with Neitz, Robertson and Davey, as long as they play him.
Melbourne fans will have other items on their Christmas list. The health of Neitz and White is very important, one of them goes down and the Demons are looking at a top 3 draft pick instead of a top 3 position on the 2007 ladder. Melbourne fans will also be wishing that Pickett keeps up the physical play, Davey keeps producing freakish goals and that Nathan Carroll continues to befuddle opposition forwards. But their biggest wish will be that one player on their list makes a rapid improvement and propels them into a top 4 team.
Melbourne need a young player like Dunn to step up or Daniher will be done.
