SR and WH will compile their master list. They form part of the List Management Group (LMG) of 5 which have been meeting all year to discuss the current list.

The LMG work out who goes and who stays and what sort of new players we are after. If the LMG decide we need a KPP for defense then obvious SR and WH will go through the names of those types and have discussions with the other 3.

In the past the 1st pick is normally best available on the master list. The next could be a mix of best available or need depending on what the List Management group think is required and what will happen on the night.

In the past 7 years WH has always had a game plan which all are aware of and the discussions have all been had well prior to the draft night. The LMG have all agreed on the plan. The draft table is no place to be having 2nd thoughts.

Nothing will change with SR. He is very methodical and an excellent planner. The master lists will be compiled and the 'what if' lists also compiled if it is decided they will attempt to pick a certain type of player. You might have a Master list of 'Best available' and another list of 'type' players for later picks.

If for example you get to pick 55 and the LMG have decided we need a KPP over 192cm then we might have list of those rated types and tick them off up until the pick and see who is left. The thing is if you have 10 of those types on your list and they are all gone by pick 55 then you have to have plan 'B' and you might go back to the 'Best available' or another 'type' list.

All these things are decided well before draft night. SR and WH will pretty well know how most of the picks will go up until around 35-40 (as do most clubs) so they can factor those things in.

Alot of the discussion at the table is rarely if ever about a change in the plan. Most of it is just general chit chat or asking are we going for type or the Master list. That might happen when a highly rated player i.e. Mitch Robbo is still there at a later pick when it was expected he would be gone.

As for the final say.....that is all worked out by the LMG before the draft. It is a group decision based on a vast array of factors. Obvious Ratts might say he wants a certain type and then SR and WH will supply the names of rated players who fit that type because they are the experts. It is a collaborative effort by the LMG.

Regards Cazzesman

Cazz, one more question. How much input before and during do the MC led by Ratts have?

Geelong have had injuries and suspensions along the way that enabled them to slip new kids in now and then.

Guys like Mitch Brown, Gillies, Horlin-Smith and Guthrie are still running around the VFL. You can't fit them all in. And there is a guy called Laidler who came to Carlton because he rarely got a look in at the Cats.

Regards Cazzesman

So who goes out this week? We have Robbo out for Ellard.

Who do you want out to bring Lucas in? Brock?

Next week against the Saints, who goes out for Lucas to come in? Maybe we should play Mitchell ahead of Waite? there's a thought.

I know lets drop Eddie or Jeffy for Buckley against the Saints.

It's an easy job being a supporter, you can always do it better. I mean it's a travesty more supporters aren't invited onto the MC.

Do you think the LMG would be interested in getting TC 's assistance in this process, given its boundless wisdom and limitless vision of hindsight?

What are you on about? Never have I suggested dropping in-form players to blood kids... you do it gradually, responsibly and incrementally... throughout the entire season. It shouldn't be happening accidentally ie. forced due to injures.

That does not mean playing them as sub for 10 minutes and not to bee seen for weeks/months.

They learn and show a lot more playing with experienced guys rather than waiting for them to dominate in the seconds. They need continuity (see Brock) and the confidence it breeds.

You believe we do this well???

Can the 5 person list management team please do something to get Toby Greene. Talk about a Cousins clone, superstar!

Cazz, one more question. How much input before and during do the MC led by Ratts have?

The MC and LMG are different groups. Each line Coach probably wants something for their area so it would be a matter of priorities.

I'm only guessing but I presume the MC would work through with Ratts the sort of players they think they need to fill List gaps. Ratts then takes that info to the LMG and has further discussions. There are alot of pieces to the jigsaw.

The entire process goes on all year and not just at the end. Obviously they have to have it all sorted for the Trade period as well.

Regards Cazzesman

We've blooded a few kids, most of them look like likely types but suddenly they are not only that, they are now world-beaters.

The thing is, we should be doing that every year and with players from the ND, not just rookies. The next thing you know we'll be scared to delist because everyone 'shows a bit'.

I'd ask people on here to take a few deep breaths and wait for the next twist.