Gather Round is upon us and the Demons face off against the Bombers who are on a 17 game losing streak. Who comes in and who goes out?

McDonald out, Petty back, Kentfield to debut.

Laurie out for Fritsch with a bit of luck, if not anyone.

This has to be the time we make amends for losing to this mob regularly at Gather Round.

Double down on the forward pressure and run & gun game and get Matthews in for Laurie

Live vision of Tommy Matthews on debut:

I’m not sure a mystery Fritsch injury heals in one week, lots on here said 6.

I thought the Petty 23rd man role gave us something really interesting. I’d be tempted to keep that for one more week so Luker and Jeffo are cherry ripe chasing that spot (which might come with Petty back, T Mc out).

Rivers in, Kolt forward, Laurie out but only if Riv is training the house down.

Ahhh, the traditional Melbourne v Essendon game in Adelaide.

Because someone has to play Gold Coast at the 'G, don't they.

I'll be keeping a half-eye on tonight's Dogs-Bummers game and wondering what suits us best;

Option 1 - A completely soul-crushed Essendon hanging onto their coach for no reason except it is unseemly to sack a coach this early in the season, and if the dam cracks they might have to sack everyone.

Option 2 - A progressively wilting Essendon that just knows every week is going to be another substantial loss so all that matters is avoiding personal humiliations.

Option 3 - A wildly delusional Essendon that thinks because they offered a bit of fight when the Dogs were having a nap after half time that means they are actually on the right track.

Very pleasing to hear King say it is straight back to work and a look ahead to Gather Round. Essendon are dross and we should beat them, but I’m confident he won’t allow the younger heads to get carried away.

Can’t take them for granted either as a winless side as they have won the last 2 of 3 against us.

Still in disbelief how easily they won last year.

Not getting ahead of myself but I really want to go see full Gladiator mode on them (Plus a win in my home town is overdue).

1 hour ago, DeeSpencer said:

I’m not sure a mystery Fritsch injury heals in one week, lots on here said 6.

I thought the Petty 23rd man role gave us something really interesting. I’d be tempted to keep that for one more week so Luker and Jeffo are cherry ripe chasing that spot (which might come with Petty back, T Mc out).

Rivers in, Kolt forward, Laurie out but only if Riv is training the house down.

Jeez all of a sudden we have serious options!

Unless they are tired or sore, NO CHANGE!

Fritsch for Laurie if Fritsch is good. No change if not.

I despise Essendon above all others and I take great pleasure in their struggles. Hope we pulverise them.

You have to be kidding me dropping T.Mac and putting Petty back. Petty has been terrible needs to be dropped. Not a forward not a backman. Kentfield comes in for Petty and if Fritsch is available he comes in for Laurie but if he isn't Laurie stays in the side.

B: Lever, McDonald, Salem

HB: Tholstrup, Turner, Lindsay

C: Langford, Sparrow, Windsor

HF: Chandler, van Rooyen, Culley

F: Fritsch, Mihocek, Melksham

FOLL: Gawn, Steele, K.Pickett

IC: Howes, Langdon, Sharp, L.Pickett, Kentfield

EMERG: Laurie, Heath, Jefferson

Unfortunately we didn't win the first quarter against Gold Coast, but my little one's record is still;

8 wins from 9 quarters watched, and a 100% win rate for all games watched even for a short period.

What a gun.

Next week's game won't be broadcast free-to-air up here, so I'm already getting a little nervous about the result.

Okay, but on a serious statistical note, we have lost only 5 quarters so far this season, of which three were 1st quarters. That's a thing.

I can’t see Laurie keeping his spot.

I hope we don't treat this game lightly next Saturday arvo in Adelaide.

IN: rivers, kentfield
OUT: laurie, mcdonald

i love plugger mac, but we need a tall forward / ruck and petty needs to settle as the #1 tall back

need to start the game hot for a change, and pip any peptide bubble early

We owe this mob

The last few weeks will mean nothing if we stuff up next Saturday. We need to dominate from the get go & crush them.

It will then lead into a challenging game against Brisbane

Danger game

7 minutes ago, Fanatique Demon said:

I can’t see Laurie keeping his spot.

Yeah, without putting too much stock on statistics, sometimes they do tell you something; no score involvements, no 1%ers, no intercept possessions.

No impact offensively or defensively.

Kentfield in for T Mac

Can’t see too much change otherwise

45 minutes ago, Nasher said:

Fritsch for Laurie if Fritsch is good. No change if not.

I despise Essendon above all others and I take great pleasure in their struggles. Hope we pulverise them.

I'd be getting Fritta cherry ripe for Brisbane the following week.

No change unless Big Kent's game was worthy of an instant recall for one of Petty or Tmac.

In. Rivers if he’s 100% fit. Fritsch if he’s 100% fit.

Out. Laurie and … I seriously cannot think of anyone else to omit

Ins: me and my family

Outs: Today’s umpires

Controversial - I’m not bringing Fritsch back in - he’s not unconditional - I think Melksham keeps his place.