Jordie McKenzie vs Jack Steven

Tom McDonald vs Nick Riewoldt

Therese would be the two obvious matchups but its impossible to say really. Roos could do anything.

Cant wait.

I'm just hoping that we have close to a full lost to choose from. Would be good to to unveil our new recruits

Lol at those who are disappointed we are not favourites. I think the optimism has risen to such levels the previous two seasons, we actually went in favourites against Brisbane and Port in those two years, only to be well and truly blown out of the water by half time, or even earlier.

Our last two seasons have been write offs by half time of round 1 the last two years, we have no right to go in as favourites against anyone other than perhaps GWS. That is until we have actually shown improvement, but I think punters have finally seen through early season optimism at Melbourne.

With all due respect, you're not exactly the champion of optimism.

If there's ever a chance to get a win at Etihad, it's when we don't have a losing record (yet), we have an opponent who ranks near us in terms of awfulness, we have a new coach and unbridled optimism, and any 'surprise' element we have with Hogan is still under wraps.

I think my pessimism stems from the 2-20 train wreck we just witnessed, and the fact that St Kilda had a percentage of 80 compared to our 55.

St Kilda have every right to be favourites and should beat us at their home ground.

would hope that Hogan starts rnd 1 against a depleted and hopefully confused saints.

He has played at Casey all season and showed that he can compete admirably at that level so is facing a different debut to Watts.

Hopefully surrounded by Clarke Dawes and more hardened and experienced players he may get some support if required.

The Watts debut was most noticeable for the treatment he received not being returned or even recognised by his teammates. He was continually double and even triple teamed and mobbed as his teammates avoided any retalaitory action and played with very subdued vigour.

Maybe my memory has dimmed with age but that was the most disturbing feature of his debut . The coaching was obviously negligent and that has now been addressed . I am hoping Roos the experienced coach will prepare and structure the team to get the best out of our squad not just rnd 1 but all season.

How are Melbourne not the favorites for round 1?!

I'd suggest the $2.05-$2.17 available would the shortest we've been against a Vic side for some little time.

Who knows, by the time some form is displayed in the pre-season we might even be in the red.

Round 13 last year against St Kilda we were paying $6.40. There are forces at play.

fb- Terlich - Frawley - Garland

hb- Cross - McDonald - Grimes

c- Trengove - Jones - Toumpas

hf- Howe - Dawes - Vince

ff- Hogan - Clarke - Blease

Fol- Gawn - Tyson - Viney

int- Mckenzie - Watts - Mitchie

Sub - Tapscott

Purely thinking about how Richardson Vs. Choco would affect our Round 1 clash,

I personally think Richardson will not be as demanding of a first win as Choco would be.

Choco doesnt seem to be a big picture kind of person, and would demand wins straight up.

Where a new coach like Richardson, will have more time to get improvement in the team.

Must win game.

Purely thinking about how Richardson Vs. Choco would affect our Round 1 clash,

I personally think Richardson will not be as demanding of a first win as Choco would be.

Choco doesnt seem to be a big picture kind of person, and would demand wins straight up.

Where a new coach like Richardson, will have more time to get improvement in the team.

Must win game.

So you think a rookie coach wanting to get off to a good start in his career wouldn't be demanding for a win?