Match Preview and Team Selection - round 8

[Demonland 73,140]

ANOTHER BLACK PINK DAY by Whispering Jack

Wednesday: Last night the AFL Tribunal delivered an extraordinary verdict in the case against Jack Viney when it agreed with the prosecutor Jeff Gleeson's submission that the player should have avoided what was virtually the unavoidable contest. This made him guilty of failing to take a split second decision to pirouette away from a physical clash and, in other words, of showing courage on a sporting arena in front of more than 40,000 spectators and thousands more viewers on television and in other media.

Wayne Schimmelbusch, Emmett Dunne and Wayne Henwood who made up the Tribunal and who must be named and shamed therefore relegated the sport from one in which courage and skill is its hallmark to one in which fear of making contact with an opponent is an imperative of the game and in doing so, ensured that it took only 15 months for the AFL to produce another black day in Australian sport.

Viney's teammates will (pending a decision on an appeal) take the field on Saturday night with the responsibility of fulfilling his pledge not to change the way he plays, to attack the ball with ferocity and to never wave the white flag.

That exercise should be left to the fans in the stands as a message to those who run the game and are seemingly intent on destroying it.

A TOUCH OF PINK by Whispering Jack

Thursday: The controversy over the Viney report has overshadowed what is a most commendable initiative by the clubs involved in the game - Field of Women - to highlight the battle against breast cancer.

It also overshadows the fact that this encounter is one of vital importance to two struggling clubs which appear well out of contention for finals honours even at this stage but are desperately seeking victory to demonstrate to themselves, their supporters and the world at large that they're moving forward.

The Bulldogs are seemingly at a distinct advantage in that they are free of concern from major injury worries or the distraction of controversy such as that which has been raging around Viney this week. Whilst they are sitting on a three game losing streak, their form hasn't been all that dismal and they could easily have come out in top in each of the last two encounters. They have the more experienced campaigners in their ranks.

These teams met twice last year with honours even at one win each. The Demons in their second game under caretaker coach Neil Craig played their best game of the season at the MCG and held a massive seven goal lead halfway through the final term before running out of steam and almost ceding victory.

In the return match at Etihad, a similar lapse in the second quarter gave the Bulldogs the initiative and the eventually ran out 20 point winners but they were certainly not convincing in their victory. However, what they did achieve in between those two matches was that they produced consistent performances including some wins against more fancied opponents. They had an emerging young midfield, a solid core of steady experienced hands including the likes of Griffin, Murphy and Cooney and were on the up and up. The Demons, on the other hand, were going nowhere.

The emergence of a highly credentialed coach and the introduction of midfield depth and a playing strategy that is slowly starting to seep into the team's mindset is beginning to redress the many layers of on field deficiencies that once beset the Demons. Last week's game showed they have far greater leadership strength than they have had for a number of years. Nathan Jones continues to set the example around the ground, Jack Grimes is looking more at home leading a stable, revitalised defence and Chris Dawes has fired up the attacking division although it could do with one or two more players capable of scoring goals on a regular basis.

I see Melbourne well ahead of the Western Bulldogs in defence as well as holding a slight advantage in attack and if the week's distractions are not allowed to influence the team, I expect it to make the MCG its own Field of Men on this special day and to bring home the four points for the first team as a home team, even if not in the truly traditional colours of the club. A touch of pink and Viney in the jumper will do the job nicely.

THE GAME

Melbourne v Western Bulldogs at the MCG Saturday 10 May, 2014 at 7.40 pm

HEAD TO HEAD

Overall Melbourne 84 wins Western Bulldogs 72 wins Drawn 1

At MCG Melbourne 44 wins Western Bulldogs 26 wins

Past five years Melbourne 1 wins Western Bulldogs 4 wins

The Coaches Roos 0 wins McCartney 0 wins

MEDIA

TV - Channel 7, Fox Footy Channel @ 7.30pm (live)

RADIO - Triple M 3AW ABC

THE BETTING

Melbourne to win - $3.00 Western Bulldogs to win - $1.40

THE LAST TIME THEY MET

Western Bulldogs 16.11.107 defeated Melbourne 13.9.87 Round 23, 2013 at Etihad Stadium

The experience of the Bulldogs won out in the end and one of their best was Daniel Cross playing his last game in their colours.

THE TEAMS

MELBOURNE

B: Neville Jetta, Tom McDonald, Dean Terlich

HB: Colin Garland, Lynden Dunn, Jack Grimes

C: Daniel Cross, Dom Tyson, Bernie Vince

HF: Rohan Bail, James Frawley, Jack Watts

F: Jeremy Howe, Chris Dawes, Cam Pedersen

FOLL: Mark Jamar, Nathan Jones, Jack Viney

I/C: Christian Salem, Shannon Byrnes, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Matt Jones

EMG: Mitch Clisby, Max Gawn, Aidan Riley

IN: Colin Garland

OUT: Alex Georgiou

WESTERN BULLDOGS

B: Liam Picken, Tom Williams, Easton Wood.

HB: Shaun Higgins, Dale Morris, Robert Murphy.

C: Adam Cooney, Ryan Griffen, Jack Macrae.

HF: Jake Stringer, Stewart Crameri, Tory Dickson.

F: Luke Dahlhaus, Liam Jones, Daniel Giansiracusa.

FOLL: Will Minson, Matthew Boyd, Tom Liberatore.

I/C: Jason Tutt, Fletcher Roberts, Lachie Hunter, Jason Johannisen.

EMG: Marcus Bontempelli, Brett Goodes, Michael Talia

IN: Daniel Giansiracusa, Fletcher Roberts, Jason Tutt

OUT: Marcus Bontempelli, Koby Stevens, Michael Talia

THE STATISTICS: ROUNDS 1 to 7 by Sam the Stats Man

The numbers are stacking up well for the Demons of 2014 - at least in comparison with 2013.

They have come from being the worst side defensively to middle of the road. They have players in the top 10 for kicks (Bernie Vince), handballs (Daniel Cross), marks (James Frawley), disposals (Nathan Jones) and shepherds (surprisingly Neville Jetta). Another player of interest who is shining when it comes to the figures is Dom Tyson who has been impressive all round and is probably just a little behind Nathan Jones when it comes to favouritism for the Bluey at this point in time.

Twenty year old Tyson has played just 20 games of AFL football and earlier this week, the Footy Classified panel looked at his statistics which measured up favourably against some of the current day stars of the game. He averages 18 handballs, 4.7 marks and 2.9 clearances per game, figures that eclipse Chris Judd, Brett Deledio, Brendan Goddard and Garry Ablett Junior in every caterory by a decent margin at the same stage of their respective careers.

The signs are pointing in the right direction statisticall heres my regular run through of the list to date.

BAIL, Rohan MFC 7 games, 3 goals. Has made an excellent recovery from the concussion issues that affected him in the past couple of seasons and has become an important contributor to the team.

BARRY, Dom CSFC 3 games, 0 goals. Some injury and form issues are slowing his development at Casey.

BLEASE, Sam CSFC 5 games, 3 goals. Battling to show the form necessary to gain promotion from the VFL.

BYRNES, Shannon MFC 5 games, 5 goals, CSFC 1 game, 3 goals. Has had his moments near goals.

CLARK, Mitch (retired).

CLISBY, Mitch CSFC 5 games, 1 goal. Getting close to promotion from the VFL.

CROSS, Daniel MFC 7 games, 0 goals. A strong contributor either in the midfield or in run with roles.

DAWES, Chris MFC 4 games, 8 goals. A team lifter since resuming his place in the team.

DUNN, Lynden MFC 7 games, 3 goals. Has stepped up and is producing consistent performances in both defence and occasionally in attack.

EVANS, Michael MFC 3 games, 1 goal, CSFC 2 games 1 goal. In between the senior and Casey team as he strives for consistency.

FITZPATRICK, Jack MFC 3 games, 0 goals, CSFC 3 games 4 goals. Concussed early in the opening game of the season and, Fitzpatrick was unable to reproduce the form that made him a promising tall prospect last year.

FRAWLEY, James MFC 7 games, 5 goals. Has had his moments but lacked consistent form. Now battling a toe injury.

GARLAND, Colin CSFC 3 games 1 goal, CSFC DL1 game 0 goals. Recovering from pre-season surgery and after four weeks at Casey is ready to resume his place in the senior side.

GAWN, Max CSFC 3 games, 0 goals. Another trying to break into the senior side after an injury-interrupted pre-season.

GEORGIOU, Alexis ® MFC 7 games, 0 goals. Promoted from the rookie list, Georgiou has made the most of the opportunities presented to him and has played every game in the AFL team.

GRIMES, Jack MFC 7 games, 0 goals. Seems comfortable on return to defence.

HARMES, James ® CSFC 3 games 0 goals, CSFC DL1 game 1 goal. Was showing promise at Casey until a punctured lung stopped him in his tracks.

HOGAN, Jesse (injured - yet to play).

HOWE, Jeremy MFC 7 games, 1 goal. Struggled up forward but relishing games down back.

HUNT, Jayden CSFC 4 games, 0 goals, CSFC DL 1 game 0 goals. Finding his feet with the Scorpions.

JAMAR, Mark MFC 2 games, 1 goal, CSFC3 games, 2 goals. Has made a good return to the ruck after a long period on the injury list.

JETTA, Neville ® MFC 3 games, 0 goals, CSFC 2 games 2 goals. Great last up game on Eddie Betts could be the turning point.

JONES, Matthew MFC 7 games, 1 goal. Quiet and unassuming but puts in every week.

JONES, Nathan MFC 7 games, 3 goals. The heart and soul of the Demons.

KENNEDY-HARRIS MFC 7 games, 4 goals. An exciting prospect who is so clean with his disposal.

KENT, Dean MFC 2 games, 1 goal, CSFC 1 game, 0 goals. Was showing something when injured and was reported in his first game back.

KING, Max ® CSFC 2 games 0 goals, CSFC DL 1 game 2 goals. Young lightly built rookie ruckman set to miss another month with injury.

McDONALD, Tom MFC 7 games, 0 goals. Solid emerging defender.

MCKENZIE, Jordie MFC 2 games, 0 goals, CSFC 3 games, 1 goal. Desperate to get back into the side after an early form setback.

MICHIE, Viv MFC 2 games, 0 goals, CSFC 1 game 0 goals. Broken jaw has kept him out in recent weeks.

NICHOLSON, Daniel CSFC 5 games, 1 goal. Unable to break into the senior team.

PEDERSEN, Cameron MFC 7 games, 2 goals. Much improved this season.

RILEY, Aidan CSFC 5 games, 0 goals. Coming back from a long term injury, Riley has impressed with his strong tackling at Casey.

SALEM, Christian MFC 2 games, 2 goals, CSFC 3 games, 3 goals. Impressing in the very early stage of his career.

SPENCER, Jake MFC 5 games, 0 goals. Played a lion-hearted role in the ruck in the early games only to suffer injury.

STRAUSS, James CSFC 4 games, 1 goal. Another returning from injury and unable to break back into the AFL team.

TAPSCOTT, Luke CSFC 2 games, 0 goals. Injury-riddled in the preseason and just finding his feet again.

TERLICH, Dean MFC 7 games, 2 goals. Steady in defence.

TOUMPAS, Jimmy MFC 2 games, 2 goals, CSFC 5 games, 0 goals. Went back to Casey and working hard on his game.

TRENGOVE, Jack MFC 2 games, 0 goals, CSFC 2 games, 1 goal. Broken navicular ended his season.

TYSON, Dom MFC 7 games, 3 goals. A great acquisition for the club and a potential future star.

VINCE, Bernie MFC 7 games, 1 goal. Going great guns in the club's revitalised midfield.

VINEY, Jack MFC 5 games, 2 goals. This future leader has shown great bravery and courage.

WATTS, Jack MFC 7 games, 5 goals. Sometimes unfairly maligned but there are some positive signs.

WESTRUPP, Maia ® CSFC DL 4 games, 0 goals. International rookie still learning the ropes in the development league.

[Deefender 232]

Nanny state meddlers.

Get used to only seeing your team train in their team colours because when

in competition they will be playing in high visibility vests.

[Ethan Tremblay 30,966]

Nanny state meddlers.

Get used to only seeing your team train in their team colours because when

in competition they will be playing in high visibility vests.

RIP Aussie Rules

Don't forget the hard hats and risk assessments

[Lucifers Hero 40,359]

WJ, do you know if Jack had legal representation? Seems grossly unfair to send a 20yr old up against a seasond member of the bar (Gleeson). David and Goliath come to mind.

Could you also enlighten on why there is even a 'prosecution' at the Tribunal rather than it just be a 'hearing' of the facts.

[Ethan Tremblay 30,966]

WJ, do you know if Jack had legal representation? Seems grossly unfair to send a 20yr old up against a seasond member of the bar (Gleeson). David and Goliath come to mind.

Could you also enlighten of why there is even a prosection at the Tribunal rather than it just be a 'hearing' of the facts.

Someone has to present the facts, funnily enough this person is a Prosecutor

[jackaub 1,402]

Just emailed the club demanding they appeal. Suggest others do the same!

And to the AFL suggesting that they allow the game to live and stop being so obviously politically correct

They are ruining the game!

[Undeeterred 3,124]

Just emailed the club demanding they appeal. Suggest others do the same!

And to the AFL suggesting that they allow the game to live and stop being so obviously politically correct

They are ruining the game!

Bet your email to the AFL disappeared into the too hard basket inbox.

[rjay 25,087]

Bet your email to the AFL disappeared into the too hard basket inbox.

They call it the soft box at the AFL, the word hard has been removed.

[Earl Hood 6,101]

Maybe the umpires should blow the whistle and call dead ball if they see a ball in dispute and opposition players heading for a potential collision. Don't want anyone hurt after all do we. The next step will be some off side rule to eliminate the chance for a collision err I mean nasty bumping!

[wattsup 470]

And the AFL expects us to show up to the footy and spend our hard earned $$$ on tickets, $7 for a beer $6 a pie etc but the players are no longer allowed to go 100% into a contest for fear they might hurt someone, well AFL you can get stuffed you have lost me and I'm sure I'm not the only one

[The Chazz 4,077]

The problem how I see it is that there are so many individuals who are involved in AFL. Their role, be it minimal or at a greater level, can have an impact on the way the game is played, and also on how fans react is certain manners.

It's getting to the stage where too many of these individuals are using their role to make headlines about themselves, not what the game is about, and it is having a significant impact on AFL as we used to know it.

Look at the umpires for example, Razor Ray has 2 hours a week where he gets to have an impact on the game. Umpires in AFL are different to other sports, they are there to officiate, not dictate. The game doesn't need umpires to have so much say. Problem is, the media put bloody microphones on them so we can hear what is said. Sadly, the umpires think it's a way to communicate with the public, when quite frankly, I couldn't give a toss what they have to say.

Then we get to all the "journalists". These morons have become celebrities, and think they need to report on anything that could be seen as a negative, then turn it in to a major story. As fans, all we want to know is the basics - who's injured? Who played well at reserve level? Again, these idiots have are getting brought in as "experts", when their job is to report. I honestly taste vomit in my mouth when I see fwits like Ralph, Barrett, and to some degree Robinson on the tv, especially during a game. They use tha topportunity to inflate their own ego and create controversy. They can't impact an actual game, so they look for the next best thing.

Then we have those muppets last night on the "jury". How they could honestly say tha tViney intended to bump is an absolute joke. They didn't have to find him guilty. They chose the cowards way out, which in turn, whether it was thier intention or not, has created this media storm, and put their name up in lights for a few days. They have made a significant impact on the game, from a decision that was totally unnecissary.

Sadly, we won't go back to the days where we have 40-odd blokes running around an oval, putting their bodies on the line while following the direction of their coach, with a couple of blokes dressed in white there to officate the game and blow their whistle when something happens. Where we buy the paper the day after to read the report of the game, see who the paper picked as their best players, and tell us who kicked all the goals. Where any player that is reported gets a fair hearing and an appropriate outcome is achieved due to common sense working in conjunction with the rules of the game.

The game is a shadow of its former self, of which it's not hard to find the culprits for making it this way.

Edit - I should say that not "all" umpires, journos and other employees/contractors of the game are to blame. There are great journos - Flanagan, Quayle to name a couple. There are some umpires that do their job well. I think most would know the main people that I am talking about.

Edited May 6, 2014 by billy2803

[hardtack 10,626]

I have it on good authority that Nerf are about to be instated as major sponsor for the AFL in 2015 and that Sherrin are to be replaced as the official ball manufacturer... this was after it was brought to the attention of the AFL that such an upgrade would result in a dramatic reduction in the number of finger injuries being suffered by players.

[Little Richard 6,265]

The players should wear black armbands on Saturday night to remember the death of the game as we know it.

[jazza 1,323]

reading through the posts in the last 12 hours.

weve finally grown some coconuts.

now WE are as one.

PR plays this us against them game very well.

this issue has united the club.

bout time.

[hardtack 10,626]

The players should wear black armbands on Saturday night to remember the death of the game as we know it.

All players from all clubs should wear black armbands... this goes much further than the MFC.

[Vipercrunch 2,827]

Surely as well as hi-vis clothing and full body armour, the AFL have to make the ball round to eliminate the random nature of a bouncing oval shaped ball.

Edited May 7, 2014 by S_T

[Little Richard 6,265]

Surely as well as hi-vis clothing and full body armour, the AFL have to make the ball round to eliminate the random nature of a bouncing oval shaped ball.

Yeah, it could be rather dangerous. We don't want the ball bouncing awkwardly into a players eye.

[Oneday 248]

reading through the posts in the last 12 hours.

weve finally grown some coconuts.

now WE are as one.

PR plays this us against them game very well.

this issue has united the club.

bout time.

You are spot on jazza, love your post. It is about time we as a club unite and it is just awesome to see everyone here of the same opinion and throwing so much support behind our club. Look at the big powerhouse clubs and take note as to the united front they always seem to present and that is something we finally seem to be doing.

I am getting this feeling that I haven't had for a long long time, and that is seeing that we are finally hardening the $%&* up and knowing that when I watch a game I am going to see our boys go in hard. Even better is now going to a game and wearing our colors with pride and not having to put up with the typical looks of pity from opposition supporters.

At long last it feels so good to have other work mates come up to me and say "you boys were so stiff with Viney, just love that bloke."

[Still Waiting 94]

Unless this is reversed it's bye bye to the AFL from me!

No kahoonas these days.

Let those 3 miserable tribunal members suffer for eternity. Hope they sleep well.....................not!

[Sir Why You Little 37,125]

I haven't given up hope that Viney,J. will be playing this weekend. It is still only wednesday.

The club must mount a case against this ridiculous finding.

If Jack had gone in with a raised elbow and been leaping off the ground...Yep 6 weeks i cop that.

But he didn't. 3 players were competing for the ball and only the ball. They collided.

For Gleeson to say that Viney,J. had time to execute ballerina manouvers to avoid cont is beyond absurd.

Attacking a contest is not taking out a player.

Grrrr.

[dee-luded 2,959]

Maybe the umpires should blow the whistle and call dead ball if they see a ball in dispute and opposition players heading for a potential collision. Don't want anyone hurt after all do we. The next step will be some off side rule to eliminate the chance for a collision err I mean nasty bumping!

Hang on, that would mean a ball up, & then the rucks would clash bodies? what then my fiend.

...... maybe the Umps could just blow the whistle & hand the ball one way or the other, telling the players to keep it nice. "no bumping & knocking over your opponent".

I wonder if the panel woke up this morning with nasty headaches, & will then ban drinking, after successfully giving out another suspension? and another coffin nail on the Bump.

..... let's all take up disco dancing instead !

[dee-luded 2,959]

Hang on, that would mean a ball up, & then the rucks would clash bodies? what then my fiend.

...... maybe the Umps could just blow the whistle & hand the ball one way or the other, telling the players to keep it nice. "no bumping & knocking over your opponent".

I wonder if the panel woke up this morning with nasty headaches, & will then ban drinking, after successfully giving out another suspension? and another coffin nail on the Bump.

..... let's all take up disco dancing instead !

need to BUMP this

[Sir Why You Little 37,125]

need to BUMP this

Hahaha....Joe Tex and the Sexolettes...Used to crank this in the car on the way to school....ahh the 70's..

[Deeman 1,512]

Australia has lost its way with the Jack Viney decision

[dee-luded 2,959]

Hahaha....Joe Tex and the Sexolettes...Used to crank this in the car on the way to school....ahh the 70's..

perfect for the footy show to pick this up... Sam ?