IT IS probably unfair to call Melbourne a 'vanilla' club, but for as long as I can remember the Demons have been seen as a safe club, possibly conservative.
The club's nickname is the Demons, but they rarely act like it.
As a passionate Melbourne supporter, I believe it's time the club took a risk. The Demons need to recruit someone that can help it do what football clubs should aim to do - win games of footy.
After a 10-goal haul for Casey against the Northern Bullants in the VFL, there is more discussion about Brendan Fevola returning to AFL ranks. He has kicked 43 goals in six weeks and I hope Melbourne is watching.
Yes, it would fly in the face of the Melbourne's long-term vision, and cynics will say the former Coleman medallist - who was moved on from Carlton and the Lions after battling depression and a gambling addiction - could damage the Demons' brand, which has taken large strides in recent years.
And the cynics could be right, of course.
But there could be no doubt a fit, firing and focused Fev would help add more Ws to Melbourne's win-loss column.
Recruiting Fevola would be a high-risk, high-reward strategy, but two years of good service would be invaluable for a young outfit that has forgotten what it's like to be in the upper half of the ladder.
Penning in Fevola's name at full-forward in round one of the 2012 season would be mouth-watering for the red and blue faithful. One suspects his teammates would also walk a lot taller with Fevola on the field.
Fev could be a much-needed pillar in which Melbourne's multi-pronged yet undersized forward line - featuring emerging, athletic tall forwards in Jack Watts and Liam Jurrah and strong marking medium forwards in Jeremy Howe, Ricky Petterd, Brad Green and Colin Sylvia - could blossom.
Landing Fevola wouldn't necessarily inhibit the development of Melbourne's future key forward hopes in Lucas Cook and Jack Fitzpatrick either. Both are still slight, but could play deep forward for Casey next year and possibly the year after as their bodies develop.
And if they blossom quicker than expected, there's no doubt the Demons' hierarchy will get them into the senior side as quickly as possible - Fev or no Fev.
Of course Fevola won't be around for Melbourne's next premiership tilt, whenever that may be, but that shouldn't scare the Demons off.
The veteran forward could easily be what Ben Cousins and Barry Hall were to Richmond and the Western Bulldogs respectively. Both were huge risks that delivered solid returns. Yes, neither was able to inspire their teams to the ultimate reward, but we are led to believe they both had positive impacts at their new clubs on and off the park.
And with the introduction of Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney, clubs are increasingly looking to the second-tier leagues for the next James Podsiadly or Michael Barlow.
There is no doubt Fev is the most accomplished key forward outside the AFL.
What would there be to lose if the Demons signed him on a water-tight contract complete with behavioural clauses?
Fev is desperate for another shot at the big time, so his asking price would barely cause a ripple in Melbourne's salary cap.
The Demons should invite Fev to do a pre-season with them, and if it becomes apparent his mind and body are both in good nick, the club should pounce.
If Melbourne can snare him late in the AFL NAB National Draft, or in the pre-season draft, or as a mature age rookie, then it should be a no-brainer.
But it would mean the club has to take a risk.
Niall Seewang is a sub editor for afl.com.au and a Melbourne supporter. Follow him on Twitter @NCWang
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
