It was a long time ago but the game was held at the MCG and it was an Essendon home game (it seems that the AFL doesn't like fixturing Melbourne as the home team against the Bombers at the MCG because we haven't played against them as the home team for a few years):

ESSENDON

Backs Jay Nash Mal Michael Dustin Fletcher

Half backs Adam McPhee Patrick Ryder Jarrod Atkinson

Centreline Ricky Dyson Jobe Watson Henry Slattery

Half forwards Angus Monfries Matthew Lloyd Sam Lonergan

Forwards Jason Laycock Nathan Lovett-Murray Leroy Jetta

Followers David Hille Andrew Welsh Brent Stanton

Interchange Kyle Reimers Andrew Lovett Damien Peverill Adam Ramanauskas

Emergencies Heath Hocking Cale Hooker Rhys Magin

In Andrew Lovett

Out Scott Lucas (back)

MELBOURNE

Backs Matthew Whelan Colin Garland Matthew Warnock

Half backs Chris Johnson Daniel Bell Paul Wheatley

Centreline Cale Morton Cameron Bruce Simon Buckley

Half forwards Brad Green Matthew Bate AaronDavey

Forwards Paul Johnson Colin Sylvia Addam Maric

Followers Mark Jamar Clint Bartram James McDonald

Interchange Lynden Dunn Stefan Martin Shane Valenti Austin Wonaeamirri

Emergencies Nathan Carroll Nathan Jones Jeff White

In Brad Green Paul Wheatley Austin Wonaeamirri

Out Brad Miller (hamstring) Nathan Jones Michael Newton

Umpires Kennedy Sully Fila

Their rucks will be somewhat weakened compared to last year.

Their rucks will be somewhat weakened compared to last year.

I beg to differ. Jason Laycock is the worst ruckman I have ever seen at this level. And I let him know it too!

It was a long time ago but the game was held at the MCG and it was an Essendon home game (it seems that the AFL doesn't like fixturing Melbourne as the home team against the Bombers at the MCG because we haven't played against them as the home team for a few years):

Yep. Still waiting for that elusive home game against this rabble at the G. Weak by the AFL as I am sure we would request a home fixture against the 'Bombres' every year.

I would trade Paul Johnson for any ruckmen in the league apart from Laycock. He is diabolical.

Last time we hosted them was the 'Broadbridge' tribute game in round 1 2005.

Their rucks will be somewhat weakened compared to last year.

Ryder > Laycock.

In fact...

PJ > Laycock.

Ryder is a very good chance to dominate tomorrow night.

I would like to see the AFL fixture a Melbourne home game against Essendon at the MCG next year.............. . Come on Vlad & Ando. I dare you.

It was a long time ago but the game was held at the MCG and it was an Essendon home game (it seems that the AFL doesn't like fixturing Melbourne as the home team against the Bombers at the MCG because we haven't played against them as the home team for a few years):

Clash jumper issue. Could you imagine the AFL forcing Essendon to wear a clash strip against us

Clash jumper issue. Could you imagine the AFL forcing Essendon to wear a clash strip against us

Well they've got one. Although the AFL most likely don't like it against Melbourne.

Melbourne will wear their clash strip tonight. There is no reason at all why Essendon cannot follow suit for an alternative guernsey when played away against Melbourne.....it's up to the AFL to deliver or enforce this. The AFL should have 17 whipping boys, not 15.

Sylvia has picked a good time to be in career best form - he tore this game up last year.

Ryder is a very good chance to dominate tomorrow night.

My thoughts exactly. Many people say how weak our midfield is, but the ruck department needs special consideration. We are the weakest ruck department right now, particularly in terms of circumstance. We have Spencer as a reserve (to Jamar and Johnson!) and Meesen's out long-term. Thank goodness Russian is a great tap ruckman otherwise Ryder could really kill us.

Ryder > Laycock.

In fact...

PJ > Laycock.

Ryder is a very good chance to dominate tomorrow night.

Should we then put Stefan Martin into the ruck.

Should we then put Stefan Martin into the ruck.

I don't think Martin is capable of being a ruckman. I think he's much more suited to a key defensive role, or maybe a forward position. But when he was tried as a ruckman it didn't seem to work.

If you read the VFL report from this weekend, you'll note that German talks about playing Martin in different positions, including the ruck.

I have no issue with playing Martin at a lower level if by doing so he learns to ruck, thus eliminating the need to play PJ or any other relatively useless second ruck that we have on our list.

He actually did OK in small rucking doses.

By the way, German had Wheatley as BOG for the Demons, whereas I thought he was shite. Strange.

If you read the VFL report from this weekend, you'll note that German talks about playing Martin in different positions, including the ruck.

I have no issue with playing Martin at a lower level if by doing so he learns to ruck, thus eliminating the need to play PJ or any other relatively useless second ruck that we have on our list.

He actually did OK in small rucking doses.

I still think Martin's best football is in defence, but I guess if he learns how to ruck he couldn't be worse than PJ or Jamar, could he?

I still think Martin's best football is in defence, but I guess if he learns how to ruck he couldn't be worse than PJ or Jamar, could he?

If he learns how to ruck he is virtually cemented a starting 18 spot, which I think is what we all want to see.

It gives him an added flexibility and means he doesn't miss out on selection due to match ups.

If he learns how to ruck he is virtually cemented a starting 18 spot, which I think is what we all want to see.

It gives him an added flexibility and means he doesn't miss out on selection due to match ups.

That's a good point. It certainly isn't helping his development that he's being shunted around between FB, FF and ruck.

Should DB just play Martin in the ruck for the rest of the season?

So he is in the side playing.