I have been heartily disappointed with our performances to date and other than and because of Round 1, have picked us to lose each week since. But I believe we'll beat Sydney because:

• Our poor relative fitness level won't be as problematic on the smaller SCG
  
• Sydney will be without Goodes who has proven over the years to be unstoppable when we play them
  
• Jamar will dominate (and that's whether Mumford plays or not. I admit I don't know why Mumford is out and whether he'll be back, but I don't think it will make a difference)
  
• it's not obvious but bit by bit players are starting to understand what is needed and those that don't won't be picked this week (ie, Sylvia)
  
• it's not obvious but bit by bit the coaches are starting to understand which players should be playing where. For example, Davey had no gametime on the ball in the first few weeks. He's gradually getting more time there and in so doing getting into the play more. He is still, though, our only reliable disposer by foot of the ball, unfortunately
  
• while Ted Richards is an honest trier, he doesn't have the combination of size and mobility to play on Clark
  
• McKenzie will tag Josh Kennedy and limit his ability to influence the game.
  

Now, I might be a delusional optimist but early in the week is the right time to make these predictions. It gives everyone an opportunity to start thinking positively.

However, as this is Responsible Gambling Awareness Week it is incumbent upon me to recommend that you don't place a bet on Melbourne to win based on my optimism.

Appreciate the positive sentiment, but dreaming. Will be another belting. We're a long way form anything at the moment, especially a win.

Depends which Sydney shows up, but they would have to play so far below their standard this year for us to even have a crack, I have a bad feeling......

We do have a habit of going up there and winning against form.

However i could not tip Melbourne to win this a or any game at the moment.

No.

The team is still 5-6 weeks away from a sound performance.

Hard to believe that Black Caviar's win dividend was more than the Hawk's.

Nice try and I enjoyed the positivity....but no. I want to agree with you but I just cant.

I struggle to see why we will beat Gold Coast, let alone Sydney.

We will win because the flying pigs told me so by writing words in the sky with precision formation flight. Really.

We have a shot in this game believe it or not. But jamar needs to tap to advantage not just randomly.

I admire the optimism, but you're dee-lusional.

Although I believe that we're about a month away from turning it all around, a win this week would not surprise me.

over the weekend i also went to the tigers swans game and agree with the points made in the OP

Sydney hare not unstoppable, but we'll need to play alot better than we did on friday night.

What Richmond were able to do (which we might struggle with) is get the ball in the hands of their midfielders from kick in's with ease

Dee-lusional is better than dee-pressed??

What Richmond were able to do (which we might struggle with) is get the ball in the hands of their midfielders from kick in's with ease

Then we are screwed!

Strike rate of this sort of thread currently running at about 0%.

Thread title of the year is still ..."Relax ... We've Got This"

Thread title of the year is still ..."Relax ... We've Got This"

Yep I will never forgive myself for starting that thread. Boy that one bit me in the backside. Am I in for a chance of dumbest thread of the year?

Yep I will never forgive myself for starting that thread. Boy that one bit me in the backside. Am I in for a chance of dumbest thread of the year?

I wouldn't beat yourself up over it Cowboy. We've all done it.

But yes, you're a short-priced favourite at this stage!

Just saw Watts, Rawlings and Brown @ Carl v StK...

I wouldn't beat yourself up over it Cowboy. We've all done it.

But yes, you're a short-priced favourite at this stage!

I'm the black caviar of dumb threads!

Just saw Watts, Rawlings and Brown @ Carl v StK...

BT said we are playing Carlton next week too. Channel 7 are getting value for money that's for sure.

Form aside, there is one very good reason why we will not win... I'm going to the game.

No.

The team is still 5-6 weeks away from a sound performance.

Hard to believe that Black Caviar's win dividend was more than the Hawk's.

a dollar four??? seriosly?

Sydney are one of the best contested teams going around, so I LOL at the suggestion. But I hope I'm wrong.

a dollar four??? seriosly?

Yep - Hawks were something like 1.02......

We will win because IF our players are

- tough

- uncompromising

- disciplined

- united