MATCH PREVIEW AND TEAM SELECTION

[Demonland 73,163]

THE BEST TO LAST by Whispering Jack

Whoever it was at the AFL who decided to arrange the fixture in such a way that the last game of the home and away season would be a game between the AFLs 15th and 17th placed teams was most likely on the same gear that set Essendon up for a fall this week over the supplements scandal.

This game should have been the jewel in the competitions crown a send-off to the season at twilight with darkening shadows suddenly illuminated by the switching on of lights and possibly a touch of fireworks. The game deserved a match up like Hawthorn v Sydney Swans or even the now dead rubber Essendon v Richmond. They should have left the best to last but instead theyre giving us a matchup between miserable Melbourne and its last victim, the Western Bulldogs.

And we long suffering Demon fans who have been waiting for the season to end quickly since halfway through the second quarter of round two, are made to suffer longer even than the fans of the drug cheats. Beamer would call it karma. I call it !

Nine weeks ago, when the Dees headed them by more than seven goals at the midpoint of the final quarter at the MCG, you might have thought the Bulldogs' fans would be approaching this fixture with a similar mindset.

Not so.

The Doggies have gone through something of an epiphany since that night. First, there was the stirring run of seven unanswered goals that nearly snatched the points from Melbourne. Then they just fell in against GWS at Skoda and they followed that with admirable losses against the Bombers and the Hawks. They beat West Coast at home, troubled the Swans and knocked off Carlton and Adelaide before coming from way back at the Gabba to almost take the points against the in form Lions.

Suddenly, the Bulldog coach Brendan McCartney is a genius and his team is a potential power house of the future.

I don't know about that but what I do know is that the form lines of Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs have diverged remarkably over the past two months as we've drifted aimlessly and without purpose towards the end of the line for 2013 and it doesn't bode well for its prospects of a win this week unless something dramatic occurs between now and the start of the game.

THE GAME

Western Bulldogs v Melbourne at Etihad Stadium Sunday 1 September 2013 at 4.40pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD

Overall: Western Bulldogs 71 wins Melbourne 85 wins 1 draw

At Etihad Stadium: Western Bulldogs 6 wins Melbourne 6 wins

Since 2000: Western Bulldogs 11 wins Melbourne 11 wins

The Coaches: McCartney 0 wins Craig 1 win

MEDIA

TV - Fox Footy Channel Live at 4.30pm

Radio - 3AW SEN ABC

THE BETTING

Western Bulldogs $1.08 to win Melbourne $8.00 to win

LAST TIME THEY MET

Melbourne 15.13.103 defeated Western Bulldogs 15.10.100 at MCG in Round 14, 2013

The Demons controlled the game from early and led by 26 points at ½ time and 39 at ¾ time. Halfway through the final quarter the margin was up to 44 points at which time they put the cue in the rack allowing the fast-finishing Doggies to almost pull the game out of the fire.

The talls in the Demon forward line had a night out with Watts (4), Dawes (3), Howe and Fitzpatrick (2 each) were among the goalkickers.

TEAMS

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Backs Liam Picken Jordan Roughhead Dale Morris

Half backs Robert Murphy Tom Young Daniel Cross

Centreline Adam Cooney Tom Liberatore Matthew Boyd

Half forwards Daniel Giansiracusa Tom Campbell Nathan Hrovat

Forwards Luke Dahlhaus Tory Dickson Jarrad Grant

Followers Will Minson Mitch Wallis Ryan Griffin

Interchange Mark Austin Lachie Hunter Liam Jones Koby Stevens

Emergencies Michael Talia Jason Tutt Easton Wood

In Adam Cooney Liam Jones

Out Dylan Addison Jason Tutt

MELBOURNE

Backs Lynden Dunn James Frawley Dean Terlich

Half backs Jack Grimes Tom McDonald Colin Garland

Centreline Jack Viney Jack Trengove Jimmy Toumpas

Half forwards Matt Jones Jack Watts Colin Sylvia

Forwards Dean Kent Chris Dawes Aaron Davey

Followers Jake Spencer Jordie McKenzie Nathan Jones

Interchange Max Gawn Jeremy Howe Neville Jetta Luke Tapscott

Emergencies Rohan Bail James Sellar Rory Taggert

In Max Gawn Neville Jetta

Out Cameron Pedersen David Rodan (knee)

TWO DAYS LATER ...

The news that Melbourne could be close to securing a long-term deal with former Sydney premiership coach Paul Roos came like a bolt out of the blue as the final round of the season was about to begin.

In quick time, the discussion about peptides, the WADA Code and Supreme Court writs was off the table and the focus turned to the real likelihood that the Demons had pulled off a major coup just when everyone was starting to believe the On the Couch co-host's 57 denials made so far this month about having any desire whatsoever to coach a team in the AFL next year.

In one day, the Melbourne community went from contemplating the future under the tutelage of a steady, safe but somewhat boring Rodney Eade to discovering that the said Rocket had given the idea the rocket. Then we heard that another prospect for the coaching gig in Mark "Choco" Williams had been interviewed by the coaching selection panel and that the single word description of how Port Adelaide's premiership coach came across was "interesting". That's code for it didn't turn out as well as expected by one or both sides or "no dice".

Then, just as we thought all was lost and were contemplating the appointment of some third or fourth choice stiff who would be greeted by irate fans threatening to burn down the northern stand, Roosy calmly and deliberately told a national television audience that he was a 50-50 chance of coaching the Demons next year. In football speak that's tantamount to him saying that he had already mapped out the preseason including trips to the Kokoda Track, Arizona and the South Pole, that the coach's desk was being prepared and polished and that the name P. Roos was already being stenciled on an office door at AAMI Park.

The big question from the perspective of someone previewing the game against the Bulldogs is how will the players react to the news? In fact, its the only question to ask about this flakey group of players that has rarely risen above mediocrity over the six months of the current playing season.

There's hardly a player in the team who will not be under the pump to perform knowing that they are playing for a place in the heart of the new coach if not for a position on next year's senior list and this is especially so in the case of out of contract players such as Colin Sylvia (also a free agent) and Jack Watts. Both have the opportunity to leave the club and sign on to play elsewhere in the pursuit of team success at other clubs - success that perhaps a week ago seemed so far out of sight for this club that it didn't matter.

Suddenly, things have changed dramatically and this fixture against the Western Bulldogs takes on some significance for the future of the 22 players who will run out onto a ground where team success has been rare in the past six seasons.

For the first time this year the light at the end of the tunnel is flickering at Melbourne and that's why I think they will walk off the ground having left the best for last.

I'm tipping Melbourne to farewell the old and welcome in the new by winning this otherwise meaningless fixture by 4 points.

[DeeSpencer 26,083]

Western Bulldogs v Melbourne

Etihad Stadium. Sunday September 1, 4.40pm AEST

WESTERN BULLDOGS

In: A.Cooney, L.Jones, M.Talia, N.Hrovat

Out: D.Addison

MELBOURNE

In: R.Bail, J.Sellar, N.Jetta, M.Gawn, R.Taggert

Out: D.Rodan (knee), C.Pedersen

Handy in for the dogs. Can't say the same for us.

[Blistering 541]

In: Bail, Sellar, Jetta, Gawn, Taggert

Out: Rodan (Knee), Pedersen (Omitted)

[titan_uranus 25,045]

Round 23 Melbourne team
B: Lynden Dunn, James Frawley, Dean Terlich
HB: Jack Grimes, Tom McDonald, Colin Garland
C: Jack Viney, Jack Trengove, Jimmy Toumpas
HF: Matt Jones, Jack Watts, Colin Sylvia
F: Dean Kent, Chris Dawes, Aaron Davey
FOLL: Jake Spencer, Jordie McKenzie, Nathan Jones
I/C (from): James Sellar, Luke Tapscott, Max Gawn, Jeremy Howe, Neville Jetta, Rory Taggert, Rohan Bail
IN: Rohan Bail, James Sellar, Neville Jetta, Max Gawn, Rory Taggert
OUT: David Rodan (knee), Cameron Pedersen
NEW: Rory Taggert

Let's hope for a bench of Tapscott, Gawn, Howe, Taggert.

[Deemotivated 550]

We excel in picking really shitty teams... one last humiliating game for the year... bring on 2015

[The Lobster Effect 893]

Why would we bother bringing Sellar in, he's just going to be delisted in a few weeks...

[The Lobster Effect 893]

I'd like to see Bail get a run instead of Tapscott who's had enough chances lately

[DeeSpencer 26,083]

Sellar v Gawn for the ruck/forward spot is interesting. Depends if you want Casey to win or not I guess. But then again I'm not sure a team will ever win a game with Spencer and Gawn in the side, both offer so little up forward. Bring back the Fitz!

Besides that you'd think Howe was better last week and if fit keeps his spot. The final 2 spots could be out of Tapscott, Jetta, Taggert and Bail. Talk about minimal care factor. Everyone wants to see Taggert play but that's probably just for a change up rather than for any real form or expectation. Maybe go with Taggert for something different and pick one of the other 3 as the sub. Isn't much point playing Taggert as a sub, seems such a waste.

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

IN: Rohan Bail, James Sellar, Neville Jetta, Max Gawn, Rory Taggert

pure silk that group

[rjay 25,093]

Sellar v Gawn for the ruck/forward spot is interesting. Depends if you want Casey to win or not I guess. But then again I'm not sure a team will ever win a game with Spencer and Gawn in the side, both offer so little up forward. Bring back the Fitz!

Besides that you'd think Howe was better last week and if fit keeps his spot. The final 2 spots could be out of Tapscott, Jetta, Taggert and Bail. Talk about minimal care factor. Everyone wants to see Taggert play but that's probably just for a change up rather than for any real form or expectation. Maybe go with Taggert for something different and pick one of the other 3 as the sub. Isn't much point playing Taggert as a sub, seems such a waste.

Better for Taggert to play, it will at least put some interest in the game. He should have come up last week.

[DeeSpencer 26,083]

Why would we bother bringing Sellar in, he's just going to be delisted in a few weeks...

The only reason would be so that you leave a dominant ruck in Gawn at Casey. Geelong have promoted West and rested Vardy so there is an opportunity to get the better of them in the ruck.

I'd like to see Bail get a run instead of Tapscott who's had enough chances lately

Dropping one guy who's played way more games than he's deserved for another who's played way more games than his deserved this year! I used to like Bail but he's been nothing but rubbish this season besides when he's been injured. But back to your first post Tapscott is contracted where Bail is out of contract I believe, and that could make all the difference.

[DeeSpencer 26,083]

IN: Rohan Bail, James Sellar, Neville Jetta, Max Gawn, Rory Taggert

pure silk that group

Can't kick, Can't mark, Can't run, big Max!, can't find the ball.

But in more positive news

Can run, kicks well for a big bloke, can tackle, big Max!, will be on debut

Come to think of it if we had Bail's fitness, Sellar's mature body, Jetta's tackling and lateral movement, Gawn's swag and Taggert's mystery it would be a great in!

[Tony Tea 2,809]

Putting a few players in the shop window.

[CHAMP 347]

We excel in picking really shitty teams... one last humiliating game for the year... bring on 2015

Are you saying that an alternative exists?

[Roger Mellie 4,103]

But back to your first post Tapscott is contracted where Bail is out of contract I believe, and that could make all the difference.

Bad luck - I'm pretty sure Bail is contracted until next year

[DeeSpencer 26,083]

The starting 18, especially when you put Gawn in the ruck instead of Spencer isn't actually too bad. It's our first choice backline, decent enough forward line and about the best midfield we can muster.

But picking the 4 for the bench and the 3 emergencies is a nightmare.

[RalphiusMaximus 6,088]

Great to see Taggert getting a run. I'm thrilled for the guy.

Oddly enough, I'm half hoping we get thrashed here, just so we have a shot at pick 1. We get done and GWS wins and we're in with a sniff of the spoon.

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

youve got to be kidding me

more public disgrace and another poor kid with a target on his back to not meet our expectations

i'll take pick 2 thanks

[DeeSpencer 26,083]

No Gawn, Howe, Tapscott or Jetta in the Casey team to play Friday night. So you can almost expect those 4 to play on Sunday. Interesting to see which or any of the other 3 (Taggert, Sellar or Bail) get held over as emergencies or to play Sunday.

[DeeSpencer 26,083]

youve got to be kidding me

more public disgrace and another poor kid with a target on his back to not meet our expectations

i'll take pick 2 thanks

Not to mention we'd have the whole Tom Boyd drama as to whether we pick him and screw our list balance or pass on the best kid in the draft. I'm happy with pick 2, let the big guy go and get our pick of the midfield talent. Worked well in 2007 when Carlton tanker harder and longer than we ever did to win the Kruezer cup, picked the acne covered battler and let Richmond run away to the bank with their current captain.

[RalphiusMaximus 6,088]

Not to mention we'd have the whole Tom Boyd drama as to whether we pick him and screw our list balance or pass on the best kid in the draft. I'm happy with pick 2, let the big guy go and get our pick of the midfield talent. Worked well in 2007 when Carlton tanker harder and longer than we ever did to win the Kruezer cup, picked the acne covered battler and let Richmond run away to the bank with their current captain.

It would be a hell of a trade option though. We could make a real play for a great midfielder with that up our sleeve. Maybe get a couple of up-and-comers from one of the expansion teams.

[What 18,810]

if Aaron Davey is the sub i will flip

[DeeSpencer 26,083]

It would be a hell of a trade option though. We could make a real play for a great midfielder with that up our sleeve. Maybe get a couple of up-and-comers from one of the expansion teams.

Yeah we could call up the saints or bulldogs and offer up a swap of pick 1 for pick 3 or 4 plus something else in the draft - second round pick maybe. Then we get the midfielder we want (hopefully) and a bonus pick. But the image problem is bad enough without us finishing last. If GWS go for Franklin I wouldn't be surprised to see them do that very trade. I'm sure the saints in particular would love to get a gun key forward in just when Riewoldt is probably going for his last year. Give the guy a year in and out of the team learning from a great and then hand it over to him.

[Lil_red_fire_engine 11,234]

Great to see Taggert getting a run. I'm thrilled for the guy.

Oddly enough, I'm half hoping we get thrashed here, just so we have a shot at pick 1. We get done and GWS wins and we're in with a sniff of the spoon.

Just so we get pick 1 and are forced to take the freak that is Boyd rather than the midfielders we actually need. That would be just our luck

[Yossarian 1,820]

No Gawn, Howe, Tapscott or Jetta in the Casey team to play Friday night. So you can almost expect those 4 to play on Sunday. Interesting to see which or any of the other 3 (Taggert, Sellar or Bail) get held over as emergencies or to play Sunday.

Not going to be heaps happy if our good news story for the week of Taggert debuting ends up being a media spin. Shouldn't have put the article out if there was doubt of him playing.