It's time for some more of your input on the Melbourne v Port Adelaide game in Darwin.

Who do you think will win and why?

What are the game's talking points?

Match ups?

Importance of the game?

Best entries will be included in our match preview (we reserve the right to edit).

Cheers,

Andy

Importance of the game - Every game is important, just like to see a Melbourne win

Who will win - Melbourne

Why - Because I will be leaning over the fence from my front row seat at TIO imploring them to

Match ups - McKenzie will go to Rohdan to begin with, Rohdan is seriously lacking match fitness, and bury him everytime he gets the ball. Frawley will go to Scultz and the rest will sort themselves out

Talking point - which Melbourne and Port will turn up - it could either be one of the best games of the season or one of the worst

It's time for some more of your input on the Melbourne v Port Adelaide game in Darwin.

Who do you think will win and why?

What are the game's talking points?

Match ups?

Importance of the game?

Best entries will be included in our match preview (we reserve the right to edit).

Cheers,

Andy

Port are a rabble. If Melbourne don't win, and in truth, win convincingly, then any other discussion about 2011 will be a waste of time (other than who will be the next coach).

This is a game that all MFC supporters expect to win. Weather you think we can make finals or you are more measured about your 2011 expectations, a "home" game against the struggling Port Adelaide should get us the 4 points. But is it that cut and dry?

Aside from back to back wins against the bombers and tigers, Melbourne’s form has been inconsistent to say the least. Couple this with the game being played at a ground other than the MCG and game starts to look like much more of a contest. Whilst no one doubts the Demons class and potential, their desire and hunger to tackle and chase - to play at the level required at AFL standard in today’s game – is called into question every second week. If the “good” Melbourne” turn up to play then they will win comfortably. If the “insipid, Bruise-free, *inset Buzz Term here*” Melbourne travel to TIO then the game become much more interesting.

The conditions will be beaten up by the media to no end. In reality the heat will be foreign to both teams. Match fitness shouldn’t be a problem for the majority of the guys who walk out onto the field at this stage of the season. The team who are willing to push through and work harder in the heat will win. Not the team who use gloves, sweatbands, cool rooms etc.

Port won their last game at TIO – with a solid win over the tigers. They will have earmarked this game as a good chance for a win, in what has been a disappointing season, so I’m expecting port to have a red hot crack.

I’m hoping the Dee’s turn up with a desire to tackle and chase; a desire to earn a win rather than turn up and win. If this is the case i’ll back us in by 30 points. We’ll kick away in the last.

Other predictions;

Beamer & Jamar will be back to what they do best – dominating the centre bounces

Jurrah will kick 4 in a much improved showing

Aussie will be around the team and be inspired to come back to the dees next season.

Money Money Money

A week is a long time in football.

Two weeks? Even longer.

It may have been my bad case of man flu, it may have been the cold, but it felt weird not having the Dees play as the march to the finals revs up.

And yet, we look at last week, where all news finished effectively for the Dees when a certain tackle was cleared, to now. Two men, key to this particular fixture and to the future have both already been in the news, albeit for different reasons. Both symbolise two great things about the Melbourne Football Club.

Their names? Austin Wonaeamirri and Tom Scully.

Aussie is part of the indigenous 'brigade' at Melbourne. Along with Liam Jurrah, Aaron Davey, Neville Jetta, Jamie Bennell and rookie Kelvin Lawrence, they continue to deepen and enrich this club's great connection with the indigenous community. The club has done great things for the indigenous people of our country, and continues to do so.

Saturday night, in a way, the indigenous community says thanks. While its thanks are, of course, given regardless, it is noted by many that at TIO the bulk of the crowd are indigenous Australians. They cheer for every player, but the indigenous players get a roar, regardless of their team colours.

Yes, the club does get a pay day from it. But it is a way to continue fostering a connection with these players now and into the future, to set up the structures to have more indigenous talents ply their ways for the club.

Of course, other talents ply their ways too. And the spotlight will surely shine on arguably the brightest of them this Saturday, Tom Scully.

Figures are being bandied about. Offers have been received. The question is being asked. Lot of hype for a 20-year-old. Will he stand up?

Matchups

David Rodan vs Jamie Bennell - Jamie Bennell, in a key match-up? Really? Well, yes. He's our premier man against the Rodan type - and he was clinical against Richmond when Port won earlier this year. Bennell has done well this year on similar players, such as Nahas and Krakouer, but this will be a genuine test.

Port Adelaide Midfield vs Melbourne Midfield - Some of the greats of the game (see Cornes) versus the young guns. Melbourne have the edge in my opinion, but who knows?

The Game and The Prediction

Port have only won two this year - and one was up here, against Richmond. They have more Darwin experience, yes - but are struggling no matter where they play.

Melbourne need the win to rally and continue their push for a spot in the 8.

The reality is that Port are in struggletown right now. I can see them going close - depending on which Melbourne turns up. Honestly though, I'm expecting a typical ten-goal Melbourne win.

Dees by 68.

Melbourne coming off the bye against a team we should beat probably means a loss.

I’m hoping the Dee’s turn up with a desire to tackle and chase; a desire to earn a win rather than turn up and win. If this is the case i’ll back us in by 30 points. We’ll kick away in the last.

Well after a debilitating loss last time out the MFC roller coaster will hopefully now take it's inevitable up swing.....

Melbourne should be planning to have the ball in thier hands a lot, and play positive, strong football. WE can't underestimate Port - they usually play 2 - 3 quarters of good footy and so do we so it is not going to be as easy as it appears on the surface. But man for man we have a much more sillful starting 22, and a lot more grunt players (which in light of some refent efforts says a bit about Port). The sure hands of Gysberts, Trengove and Watts should be too much for them.

Dangers:

Schulz. Frawley should tear him apart, or Garland with his amazing spoiling attributes.

Gray. A really good footballer who is playing brilliant footy in a poor side.

Rodan. Bennell to run with him and run off him. Rodan is only quick off the mark - he can be caught after 10 metres or so. Bennell is quick off the mark and continues to accelerate. On recent form, Bennell does not deserve his place but it is horses for courses and he should play in Darwin.

.

Re-charged the batteries

The last time these two clubs met in Darwin, they played a cliffhanger with Jack Trengove providing the difference in hitting the ball through the goals for a behind and helping secure the 4 points.

Fast forward 12 months and the Demons are coming off the Round 16 Bye after 3 matches with 6 day breaks prior and Port Adelaide on the back of a Saints smashing in Adelaide in more ways than one. Port Adelaide went out with intent to unsettle the opposition to no avail.

Melbourne remain just outside the eight and if it has any finals aspirations in 2011 this game is a must win and then some. Preparation will be a huge key to this game and Port Adelaide will be smarting having handed Richmond a lesson in Darwin not that long ago.

The Demons last game against the Bulldogs in Round 15 saw a disappointing Friday night result, where the Bulldogs outfit simply outplayed Melbourne through efficient ball use and their star players in Cooney, Boyd & Griffen in particular performing very well. The Demons whilst very young and somewhat inexperienced have had inconsistent results as expected from prudent judges this season (very few), but strive for consistency of good and fluent play as they have shown here and there in 2011. They meet a similar young group this Saturday night in Port Adelaide, who have some experienced players in Cassisi, Cornes, Gray, Chaplin, Ebert, Schulz, Rodan and equally some good young players in Hartlett, Boak, Pierce, Banner and Trengove.

Not only will preparation be important, but tactically for the Demons to obtain four premiership points they must come with the correct attitude and application that has seen it win 6 games this season to date. The midfield needs to perform better than it did against the Bulldogs. They need to execute and be as efficient as possible, which will not be easy in humid conditions in Darwin. The Power coach will note how Eade's Bulldogs dismantled the Melbourne midfield by nullifying Scully at stoppages with Liam Picken, and Hudson getting on top in the ruck. If Primus employs the same tactics with a Kane Cornes, I feel Tom Scully will eventually run him into the ground. So they will need to rotate on Scully in the heat, and Dean Bailey will equally be wanting Tom to work hard around the ground and break lines to create. Other Melbourne mids will need to lift their game collectively. Moloney, Jones, Sylvia in particular. Gysberts & McKenzie at stoppages and clearances. I expect others such as Trengove, Watts, Martin & Petterd who did ok last start, to be very important in obtaining the result this Saturday night. Win the midfield and this game is virtually won. Go forward and press and squeeze every ounce of power the Power may have.

Speaking of power, let's hope TIO Stadium has plenty of back up generators after the last farce in the Richmond v Port game.

Prediction: Dees back on the winner's list, by 26 points in a tough night at work.

Creating the right environment

A lot has been spoken on the GWS & Tom Scully saga, and at a guess there will be more ( ), however I'm of the belief that all he wants to do is play the game he loves among his teammates.

It's games like this one, unique games. Eventhough it may be miles and miles away from the expanses of the MCG, the importance of teamwork, bonding, building relationships, sense of direction and team goals will come to the fore for many. Another small step in creating a winning environment.

Melbourne should be planning to have the ball in thier hands a lot, and play positive, strong football. WE can't underestimate Port - they usually play 2 - 3 quarters of good footy and so do we so it is not going to be as easy as it appears on the surface. But man for man we have a much more sillful starting 22, and a lot more grunt players (which in light of some refent efforts says a bit about Port). The sure hands of Gysberts, Trengove and Watts should be too much for them.

Dangers:

Schulz. Frawley should tear him apart, or Garland with his amazing spoiling attributes.

Gray. A really good footballer who is playing brilliant footy in a poor side.

Rodan. Bennell to run with him and run off him. Rodan is only quick off the mark - he can be caught after 10 metres or so. Bennell is quick off the mark and continues to accelerate. On recent form, Bennell does not deserve his place but it is horses for courses and he should play in Darwin.

.

Hi Maldonboy38 I normally agree with you but have to disagree on JB

If we are dependant on him to win this game we are in deep pooh.

I doubt there is a course for this horse.

Everyone knows I see little in him however his form has been ordinary at best.

Play Bartram and we will not have to sub him off at half time.

When I look at the two sides I find it hard to see Port getting closer to the Dees than 10 Goals.

We have a lot more talent all over the ground however this is the MFC so anything is possible.

I am leaving the country on Monday for 10 days,

if we do not win I only have to hide for 24 hours and hopefully the blood letting will be over before I get home.

Go Dees

Bennell kicked 4 last year against them due to his incredibly clean hands in the greasy conditions but we need to stop Rodan, Hartlett, Gray and Hitchcock if we want to win so it will be interesting to see where he plays. Clint Bartram needs to come in for sure

The Race to the Eight Begins

After a week or two Saturday Night dawns upon us up in the hot, humid conditions that surround the Indigenous home of footy, TIO Stadium. A home away from home some may believe, with the strong connection of our multiple Aboriginal players and the community up North. In a week were contracts have been mentioned, Melbourne has given its last punch in the ever ailing round that is the Tom Scully saga, GWS have thrown caution into the wind and Eddie once again has opened his mouth, it is time for our club to stand up as a whole. These are the games where the players need to unite as one, stand up along with their foe Tom. Credibility as a club is on the line once again come the weekend.

Not only is the game expected to be a real toughy it is amazing to see that no-body has talked up the fact that the Dees have had the chop out of the bye and shall be refreshed and near peak physical condition to take on the lowly Power. With their vast array of inconsistent players and the odd A grader, David Rodan, it is amazing to think that a team such as this is being talked up to win after abysmal performances for multiple weeks on end.

The danger men for Port clearly will be Schulz, Rodan, Chad Cornes going on last week, Robbie Gray and Travis Boak. The match ups in order surely would have to be Frawley, Bennel, Watts at CHF, Tapscott and Jordie Mac. If all of the above get on top of their opponents then the game could easily be in the Dees favour. Men that need to fire for the Dees to win would have to be our indigenous boys, Liam especially and Jamar to get on top of the ageing warrior that is Dean Brogan.

People are wary of how dangerous Port can be in these conditions with the early win against the Tigs, but a win for them this week would put us out of contention and have under-fire Dean Bailey under immense pressure once more. A win for the Dees is paramount to keep alive the dream of September action.

Prediction

Dees by 20 points

Ins and Outs

Outs: Morton, Nicholson(Very unlucky)

Ins: Tapscott, Bartram/Davey/Macdonald

Bennell kicked 4 last year against them due to his incredibly clean hands in the greasy conditions but we need to stop Rodan, Hartlett, Gray and Hitchcock if we want to win so it will be interesting to see where he plays. Clint Bartram needs to come in for sure

DG everyone brings up this game, it is now over 12 months ago.

Not a lot since.

Are we keeping him for one game a year?

The Race to the Eight Begins

After a week or two Saturday Night dawns upon us up in the hot, humid conditions that surround the Indigenous home of footy, TIO Stadium. A home away from home some may believe, with the strong connection of our multiple Aboriginal players and the community up North. In a week were contracts have been mentioned, Melbourne has given its last punch in the ever ailing round that is the Tom Scully saga, GWS have thrown caution into the wind and Eddie once again has opened his mouth, it is time for our club to stand up once again as a whole. These are the games where the players need to unite as one, stand up along with their foe Tom. Credibility as a club is on the line once again come the weekend.

Not only is the game expected to be a real toughy it is amazing to see that no-body has talked up the fact that the Dees have had the chop out of the bye and shall be refreshed and near peak physical condition to take on the lowly Power. With their vast array of inconsistent players and the odd A grader, David Rodan, it is amazing to think that a team such as this is being talked up to win after abysmal performances for multiple weeks on end.

The danger men for Port clearly will be Schulz, Rodan, Chad Cornes going on last week, Robbie Gray and Travis Boak. The match ups in order surely would have to be Frawley, Bennel, Watts at CHF, Tapscott and Jordie Mac. If all of the above get on top of their opponents then the game could easily be in the Dees favour. Men that need to fire for the Dees to win would have to be our indigenous boys, Liam especially and Jamar to get on top of the ageing warrior that is Dean Brogan.

People are wary of how dangerous Port can be in these conditions with the early win against the Tigs, but a win for them this week would put us out of contention and have under-fire Dean Bailey under immense pressure once more. A win for the Dees is paramount to keep alive the dream of September action.

Prediction

Dees by 20 points

Ins and Outs

Outs: Morton, Nicholson(Very unlucky)

Ins: Tapscott, Bartram/Davey/Macdonald

I agree with most of what you say above.

however this line could easily be used to describe the Dees

"With their vast array of inconsistent players"

Surely we should win this game!!!!!!!!!!!

Surely

If we are again let down by Green, Sylvia and company then a few of them should be at Casey