CHASING TIGER TAIL by George on the Outer

[Demonland 73,140]

The coach called for a competitive effort this week, which is rather strange given that the MFC team is supposed to be composed of professional football players. The groans from the supporters echoed throughout the suburbs again, as we could have expected a similar performance to that which we endured against GWS.

Yes, we were competitive against the Tigers ... the perennial 9th place finishers but we still lost by over 5 goals and if they had any semblance of skill, their 15.16 in front of goal could easily have yet another 10 goal plus hiding.

It is a sad indictment that Aaron Davey was the stand-out player for the side. His ball delivery and vision was simply sublime and he topped it with 3 goals and 20 odd disposals. He is probably playing his last season, yet no-one else seems to have the ability to try to impose themselves on a game.

There were others who try valiantly Jones N & M, Garland, Terlich, Magner, and even Mark Jamar who provided us with some real ruck competitiveness. (may we never see Jake Spencer trotted out again). James Frawley did his usual assassination job on Riewoldt.

But the backs were constantly under pressure as we could only manage 100 less disposals, 80 less kicks, 20 less inside 50s and 30 less handballs.

We simply dont have sufficient players prepared to put all the time. And this was against the forever middle of the road team in Richmond. This wasnt some powerhouse club. We will really see how competitive we are in the next 3 weeks, when we have to play Fremantle, Collingwood and Hawthorn.

Experience?... baloney!

Players get experience because they are good enough to play multiple games of football; duds dont! And we continue to fill the side with duds. In 2 years we still wont be experienced, because those filler players will have gone. to be replaced by either draftees or more filler players.

The coach has got to stop the experience mantra. What we need is a proper attitude to be shown to really make us competitive. The coach can only work with the cattle at his disposal, and try to improve and enforce a competitive approach. Giving games to fillers to give them experience is self defeating.

As R. Barassi said give me possessions, and Ill shut up!

In the meantime all we can do is chase Tiger tail this week, and next week it will be a similar story and the same the weeks after.

The supporters are getting all the experience they need..and its not good!

Melbourne 3.0.18 7.2.44 10.4.64 11.6.72

Richmond 2.4.16 7.9.51 12.14.86 15.16.106

Goals

Melbourne Davey 3 Dawes Dunn 2 Bail Evans Howe Nicholson

Richmond Martin Riewoldt 3 King 2 Chaplin Deledio Ellis Morris Nahas, Vlastuin White

Best

Melbourne Davey N Jones Magner, Terlich M Jones Garland

Richmond Ellis Vlastuin S Edwards Deledio Grigg Houli

Injuries

Melbourne Toumpas (ankle)

Richmond Nil

Changes

Melbourne Nil

Richmond Nil

Reports

Melbourne Nil

Richmond Nil

Umpires McBurney Hosking Foot

Official crowd 39,148 at the MCG

[Redleg 41,427]

I was sure this was Flash's last season, but if he plays like he did against the Tiges for the rest of the season, he will get another one at least. He is one of the few Dees who can kick a football accurately. He can also snare a goal or two.

[stueyspencer no12 73]

I was sure this was Flash's last season, but if he plays like he did against the Tiges for the rest of the season, he will get another one at least. He is one of the few Dees who can kick a football accurately. He can also snare a goal or two.

You are dead right! A dozen kicks from Davey are worth 25 from any other player we have at present. Why on earth was he omitted from the leadership group by Neeld?

[Radar Detector 1,347]

Despite the fact he's worn the sub vest more than any other player this year he sits second on our goal kicking table. I wouldn't rule out another year, there's nobody on our list that can play his role better...