THE OTHERS

by The Oracle

In the TV series "Lost" the main subjects are the survivors of a plane wreck who are lost on what they originally thought was a deserted tropical island. They soon discover they are not alone: that there are "others".

So it is with the Melbourne Football Club. Yesterday, a squad of 26 took part in the NAB Challenge game at Vizy Park. The squad included a couple of rookies - Jake Spencer and Shane Valenti leaving 14 senior listed players and four rookies on the sidelines. For this week those 18 Demon footballers were our "others".

The question remains as to whether they will still be counted among the "others" when the ball is bounced for the first time when the real season opens on 29 March?

Today, I take a look at the current list of "others" and their short-term prospects from an admittedly not totally informed viewpoint -

Clint Bartram - played well but damaged an eardrum against Hawthorn. Should be right for next week.

Matthew Bate - apparently rested this week after booting four goals against the Hawks.

Sam Blease - VCE student on a modified training programme. Will see action later in the season starting at Casey.

Simon Buckley - not sure what the problem is with Bucks but he seemed to be hampered by some sort of a niggle at the intraclub game a fortnight ago. Hopefully, it's not too serious.

Mark Jamar - has been hampered with a foot injury and is expected back in the next week or so.

Liam Jurrah - making up for lost time and lack of conditioning with a modified training programme but all reports suggest he is something "special". Another who will eventually start at Casey.

Addam Maric - an end-of-season hip operation has curtailed his pre-season and he's looking at a delayed start to his year.

Tom McNamara – injured and hasn't been seen in practice match action this year.

Jared Rivers - rolled an ankle during the intraclub practice match at Casey Fields a fortnight ago. Rivers is an important player who is badly needed back fit and playing at his peak if the club is to progress in 2009.

Russell Robertson - out of action since round 10 last year with a torn Achilles. On the comeback trail but will still need several games at VFL level before making a return to top company.

Jack Watts - the Year 12 Brighton Grammar School student is training twice a week on the same special programme as Sam Blease and will be given time to develop in his initial season at the club.

Paul Wheatley - a calf injury has forced him out of action for over a month. Apparently due back in the next week or so.

Matthew Whelan – suffered a calf injury in last week's NAB Cup in Launceston after a sparkling first half and missed yesterday's game.

Austin Wonaeamirri - looking super fit but a hamstring injury incurred early in the game against the Hawks will see him out of action for the better part of the month.

The remaining "others" from yesterday were rookies Rhys Healey, Daniel Hughes, Jordie McKenzie and Trent Zomer. The closest of this lot to getting a game is Zomer who was an emergency yesterday. These lads and some more of the "others" should be seen in action later in the month when the Casey Scorpions begin their practice match programme.

As a footnote, I saw Jarod Rivers and Tom McNamara leaving the ground yesterday and they weren't carrying any noticeable injuries. McNamara appears to have grown a little taller than last year and looked to be Rivvo's height.

If you can update or clarify the information above, please do.