Yes, be good to avoid this situation:

"Get the feeling the Eagles aren't too fussed about the NAB Cup. Daniel Kerr, Nic Naitanui, Beau Waters, Matt Rosa, Mitch Brown and Andrew Embley are sitting out the opener with various injuries."

Add LeCras to that as well.

They're aiming at a Grand final berth.

I am bemused by some of the angst on here. The intra club isn't for the supporters, it's for what is considered the best preparation of the season. I'll be there and look forward to getting a footy fix.

Bear in mind that the players will be taking this session seriously. Players like Bate, who wants to re-establish himself, Morton, who wants to create a position for himself down back, Dunn, who knows he has to put up or shut up, Watts, who knows every eye will be trained on him, Trengove, who's stepping out in front of many for the first time as a leader, Clark, who wants to impress at a new club, Davey, who is returning to the future, all of these players have something on the line at 3pm today. Every player wants to line up in round 1 at the quicker.

Well written Ben. I wonder if they will have the two captains on opposing sides?

I'm not overly fussed by the change but I can understand there being some dissappointment. This Intraclub has been advertised front and centre for weeks now on the club website. In the eyes of some at the club it is very much so for the benefit of supporters. Something as heavily promoted as this should be far more than an open traing session.

Posters must remember that there are many supporters who are not as clever as they are about all things football who would have been planning and looking forward to this day for a long time now. They would have been expecting a Intraclub game like they have seen in the past.

They have every right to be annoyed.

Neeld vs Viney

Misson vs any prospective club doctor

............... just because you can't be over 50 posts into a thread without some off topic, brainless contribution.

Think of it like dancing with your sister - you want to look good, but don't get too physical.

SUPERB!

I think our real intra club will be alot like that U23's game that was played last week.

Nobody outside the MFC will know about it, most likely out a Casey and during a closed session.

Neeld doesnt give much up imo, if we had a full on practice match today with huge crowds every other club would know what we are about.

Its that simple

Well said, I took a self imposed break from the board because the constant carping and negativity about everything was getting me down......I was hoping with a new season and everything new, that may change, but some posters haven't obviously

There will always be hissy fits unfortunately.

Rubbish for those going to what was advertised as "intra club". Again, Melbourne can do circle work for all I care but it's hard on those who make an effort to go see what they think is an intra club game.

I'm of the same view as you regarding circle work. But they've been given some notice at least before today as what to expect.

For those inerested there is a Live Chat at the intra club with Matt Burgan http://www.melbournefc.com.au/fanzone/livechat/tabid/16394/default.aspx

Can someone please paste the updates in here - I can't get the link working.

3:07 Ok ... I am now sitting on the balcony, with the great Neil Craig watching over my shoulder - he's interested in the chat session. He's been great for Melbourne already. Very funny man. Matt.

3:09 Ok, we're about to start ... I'll mention what's happening throughout - so I'll have to hold off on questions for the moment. Thanks for joining me. Here we go ... Matt.

3:09 COO Matt Green has the binoculars next to me - he might help out.

3:09 Siren has sounded - we're under way.

3:11 Bate has the ball and kicks to half-back ... Martin is tackled. Howe made the tackle

3:12 At the moment, the intra-club is very much like a match ... the ball has been thrown in and bounced a few times

3:13 Nicholson with a shaved head sends the ball into attack

3:14 Good hands from Martin and Davey ... Morton now attacking from half-back. Nicholson has started well.

3:15 Moloney won the ball from a Jamar tap and went for a checkside kick - kicks a behind.

3:15 He's on the blue team

3:15 Grimes on Howe, Bate on Moloney, Bail on Nicholson - some of the key midfield match ups so far

3:16 6 mins have played so far

3:16 Couch is now on Bail

3:16 Beamer working hard around stoppages

3:17 First siren - it was actually seven minute term. We might be playing eight sections by seven now ...

Anybody go over to Casey?? News Injuries...who was giving it there all?

Who cares if it wasn't a proper footy Match....Preparations for the weeks ahead are more important....Get Over it FFS.

goal from howe, pack mark from clark. another goal from blease

Hope they upload some footage! the chat thing theyre doing is a nice touch.

No mention of JT?

Is he having a run at all?

They're aiming at a Grand final berth.

Well arn't we- if not we should be.

Well arn't we- if not we should be.

Good Point Savoy...There is a cup to be won this year....Let us not forget that.

Sounds like Grimes is everywhere so far. No mention of Trengove? nor Tapscott, Sylvia.

e: Clark crashing packs too. yay.

Great mark on the 4/8 siren by Mitch Clark followed by a pressure goal. The guy can play.

What is the Crowd like? Any sign of "The Great One"?

Clark taking pack marks is all i need to hear....You Beauty.

4:06 Bartram lining up for goal -

4:06 behind.

^ that made me chuckle

What is the Crowd like? Any sign of "The Great One"?

Clark taking pack marks is all i need to hear....You Beauty.

I couldn't get down there today. Sorry.

..but there is something to gain... The coaches respect and a start in the best 22. It's a tough one but I wouldn't want to be the guy that looks like he's shirking any contests this close to the season.

4:05 Martin crashes in Bartram - good courage by Clint. Marking contest.

Stef Martin's leg-break kick went through for behind ...

leg-break and MFC footballers should never be in the same sentence

just going off to find a defibrillator

What is the Crowd like? Any sign of "The Great One"?

About a thousand according to Burgan. Stynes is there if that's who you mean. Also Lyon.