PINK VOID by Lucky Lucy

The most coveted fixture of the AFL calendar is the Friday night game which has in recent years become the competition's showcase. The clubs vie heavily for the honour, prestige, exposure and the big bucks that Friday night football can bring, especially if it's your home game.

Tomorrow night the Melbourne Football Club gets a rare opportunity to step up onto the big stage and it is doing so together with the Western Bulldogs in a classy fashion by giving something back to the community in the form of its support of Australians diagnosed with breast cancer through the Breast Cancer Network Australia when, for the first time in a number of years, thousands will stand together and create the Pink Lady before the game.

This was first done in 2005 before a Melbourne v Adelaide game and the clubs are filling in a “pink void” by reprising the event for which it is anticipated that up to 16,000 women and men (yes, men can also be directly affected by breast cancer) will take part on the MCG’s hallowed turf.

According to Melbourne Football Club Director Karen Hayes, the Hayes said the purpose of the event is to build awareness and to demonstrate the support for women and families affected by breast cancer and to raise funds towards the network's ongoing resources.

Congratulations to both clubs on taking part in this worthwhile initiative and it is hoped that all football followers turn up to give their support and to be part of what will be a great evening.

The Demons will be getting into the spirit of the event by wearing pink and blue guernseys instead of the traditional red and blue and judging by the picture of Brent Moloney who modeled the uniform in the Herald Sun, the boys should go well in their new one off gear.

I hope a big crowd will join me out there tomorrow night.

THE GAME

Melbourne v Western Bulldogs at MCG – Friday 7 May 2010 at 7.40pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD

Overall Melbourne 83 wins Western Bulldogs 68 wins

At MCG Melbourne 43 wins Western Bulldogs 24 wins

Since 2000: Melbourne 10 wins Western Bulldogs 8 wins

The Coaches: Bailey 0 wins Eade 3 wins

MEDIA

Channel 7 - Delayed Telecast from 8.30pm (AEST)

Radio ABC774 K-Rock SEN Triple M 3AW

THE BETTING Melbourne to win $3.65 Western Bulldogs to win $1.28.

LAST TIME THEY MET Western Bulldogs 15.14.104 defeated Melbourne 15.7.97 in Round 8, 2009 at The MCG.

The Demons gave the Doggies a big fright and made all of the early running until Jason Akermanis, who had been quiet early, suddenly hit his straps and started kicking goals just before half time. Melbourne still held the lead at the main break (by three points) but the Western Bulldogs, with eyes firmly planted on a top four spot, were too good in the end and ran out 7 point winners.

Best players for Melbourne were Cale Morton, Brent Moloney and Matthew Bate.

THE TEAMS

MELBOURNE

Backs Cameron Bruce Matthew Warnock James Frawley

Half backs James McDonald Colin Garland Clint Bartram

Centreline Jack Trengove Jordie McKenzie Jared Rivers

Half forwards Brad Green Colin Sylvia Lynden Dunn

Forwards Nathan Jones Matthew Bate Aaron Davey

Followers Mark Jamar Jack Grimes Brent Moloney

Interchange Jamie Bennell Daniel Hughes Paul Johnson Tom Scully

Emergencies Neville Jetta Joel Macdonald Michael Newton

In Daniel Hughes Paul Johnson Jordie McKenzie

Out Joel Macdonald Stefan Martin Ricky Petterd (shoulder)

New Daniel Hughes (Sandringham 23 186cm 82kg)

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Backs Jarrod Harbrow Brian Lake Dale Morris

Half backs Ryan Hargrave Tom Williams Lindsay Gilbee

Centreline Ryan Griffen Daniel Cross Andrejs Everitt

Half forwards Robert Murphy Mitch Hahn Shaun Higgins

Forwards Daniel Giansiracusa Barry Hall Jason Akermanis

Followers Ben Hudson Matthew Boyd Adam Cooney

Interchange Dylan Addison Jarrad Grant Jordan Roughead Brennan Stack

Emergencies Josh Hill Will Minson Easton Wood

In Matthew Boyd Brennan Stack

Out Nathan Eagleton (leg) Brad Johnson (groin)<br style=""> <br style="">

WHATEVER IT TAKES by Whispering Jack

Friday night's game at the MCG promises to be an absorbing battle between two teams that allowed opportunity to go begging last week.

The Western Bulldogs had St. Kilda on the ropes with ten minutes to go in what was a dull and dour affair considering the fact that both were top four aspirants. They allowed the game to fall out of their grasp in a game where neither side scored 50 points but the victors managed to boot three goals in the last six or seven minutes of play. It was the lowest scoring game ever at the Docklands and was roundly criticised as a spectacle. The Dogs lost an ugly game in an ugly sort of way and, in doing so, the early season premiership favourites lost their place in the top eight.

As a result of the Bulldogs' last minute collapse at the hands of the Saints, the Demons had a chance to fill the void and grab that position from their paws. It would have been an unlikely scenario at the beginning of the season but they were favourites against the Kanngaroos after beating Adelaide, Richmond and the Brisbane Lions in consecutive weeks. Melbourne's 50-point win over the then undefeated Lions was probably their finest moment since winning an elimination final in 2006. They were on their way back and a victory would have been the first time in Dean Bailey's 50 game coaching career that his team would have occupied a position in the top half of the ladder. However, it was not to be.

Melbourne didn't play ugly. It just played poorly in the first half allowing North Melbourne to dictate the terms by applying pressure and forcing them to make basic errors. They reverted to their nice flowing game in the third quarter in a six goal comeback but there were too many errors made at the end and the Kangaroos prevailed.

Tomorrow, Melbourne simply cannot allow the Western Bulldogs to dictate terms, whether it be by sheer pressure or by negative tactics. The Demons will need to try to replicate the way they went about their games against Richmond and the Lions. Brad Green made it clear in the media that Bailey wants the side to take the game on by launching "an all-out attack on the Western Bulldogs". To my mind I don’t care whether a team plays ugly or nice as long as it does whatever it takes to achieve the best possible result and usually that means to win. The Demons don't have the equipment to take on a team of that calibre in an ultra-defensive slug fest so the philosophy of taking a game on does have its appeal.

Green believes that the game will be fast with both teams playing "quick, attacking footy ... it's going to be exciting," he told afl.com.au.

That's certainly what Melbourne did in the main when it went through that mini winning streak but some subtle changes to the team's make up as a result of the last minute withdrawals by injured players in the last two weeks altered the team's make up.

Although Rohan Bail and Jordie McKenzie are both young and inexperienced, the team lost a lot of run when they were replaced by taller men in Stef Martin and Jared Rivers in consecutive weeks. The loss for what in all likelihood will be the remainder of the season of busy forward Ricky Petterd, with a shoulder injury will not help matters.

The selectors appear to have addressed matters reasonably well by including McKenzie, Paul Johnson (in for his first game this year) and newcomer Daniel Hughes who started out as a rookie way back in 2006. It's a tribute to his persistence that he's made it this far and, in a way, I liken him to those recruits from the VFL like Fremantle's Michael Barlow and Alex Silvagni and Geelong’s JamesPodsiadly who had to earn their stripes the hard way. Like Petterd, Hughes is not tall for a key forward but plays tall and can take a good grab. He has improved his ground play enormously since starting at the club and it will be interesting to see how he goes on debut.

Given that Green indicated that he expects the team to play attractive attacking football, it's interesting that the most interesting match ups will centre on the team's defence and, in particular, who will take on Barry Hall. I think Matthew Warnock will take on Hall, leaving James Frawley to look after Mitch Hahn with Colin Garland and Rivers on hand just in case.

I'm going to go out on a limb and tip the Dees by a narrow margin for no other reason than that they are back on the MCG under lights and, no disrespect to the Dishlickers who are a good side down on their luck but it's about time the home team shone on the Friday night stage. The last time, they had that honour was on a drizzly August night in 2008 when the Cats destroyed them to the tune of 116 points. I reckon they've improved by 20 goals since then!

My prediction: The Dees to be in the pink tomorrow night.

Melbourne by 4 points.

Melbourne

B: Cameron Bruce, Matthew Warnock, James Frawley

HB: James McDonald, Colin Garland, Clint Bartram

C: Jack Trengove, Jordie McKenzie, Jared Rivers

HF: Brad Green, Colin Sylvia, Lynden Dunn

F: Nathan Jones, Matthew Bate, Aaron Davey

Foll: Mark Jamar, Jack Grimes, Brent Moloney

I/C: Jamie Bennell, Paul Johnson, Tom Scully, Daniel Hughes

Emg: Joel Macdonald, Neville Jetta, Michael Newton

In: Johnson, Hughes, McKenzie

Out: Joel Macdonald, Ricky Petterd (shoulder), Stefan Martin

I can't believe Johnson is in. What a joke.

Edit: I also reckon that's pretty tough on MacDonald. One bad game and he's out. Rivers could be considered very lucky given we're playing the Dogs and he hardly set the world on fire last week.

Edited May 6, 201015 yr by titan_uranus

We have no bigmen, I suggest you get used to it

Martin needs to grow as a player.

Even if PJ is not a long term option, I'm not sure it does Martin's development any good if he plays purely because we have no one else.

He needs to go back and re-earn his spot.

We have no bigmen, I suggest you get used to it

Martin offers more to the team, especially in the future, than Johnson does. What do we expect from Martin if we don't give him time at AFL level? We've given Johnson that time and he's never taken his chance. Bad move I say.

I'm happy Joel Mac got dropped.

He's filler at the moment and will be a list clogger soon.

miller still isnt in

i thought he would have been a good chance

but i guess its better to give the kid ago

miller will b gone next year you would think.

does johnson really need to return?

could jamar do it on his own or is it worth having johnson in?

Melbourne

B: Cameron Bruce, Matthew Warnock, James Frawley

HB: James McDonald, Colin Garland, Clint Bartram

C: Jack Trengove, Jordie McKenzie, Jared Rivers

HF: Brad Green, Colin Sylvia, Lynden Dunn

F: Nathan Jones, Matthew Bate, Aaron Davey

Foll: Mark Jamar, Jack Grimes, Brent Moloney

I/C: Jamie Bennell, Paul Johnson, Tom Scully, Daniel Hughes

Emg: Joel Macdonald, Neville Jetta, Michael Newton

In: Johnson, Hughes, McKenzie

Out: Joel Macdonald, Ricky Petterd (shoulder), Stefan Martin

I can't believe Johnson is in. What a joke.

Johnson for Martin----TICK: Martin performed poorly last week, PJ isn't great, but will contirbute just as much as Martin did if not more. PJ better backup ruckman, allowing Jamar more time forward

Pettard for Hughes---- TICK: Like-for-like swap. This is the reason Hughes is on the list. Has played well at VFL level. If don't play him now, then when?!

Joel McDonald for McKenzie---- TICK: we had 1 too many slow defenders last week. MacDonald was average last week, and Rivers is better than him. McKenzie is an extra runner we need!

Inclusions that should come in the next 2-3 weeks= Wona, Morton, Bail, Watts

Hopefully Bail gets in next week.

The Martin for PJ swap is the only thing I am really unsure about. We keep persisting with this guy when he has shown so little, but I suppose if you're going to sit on our list and get paid, you might as well do something. He has to be given the chance to prove to us that he is worth retaining next season. I won't hold my breath.

Great to see McKenzie back and a nice left field choice with Hughes.

On a side note, what does the week's selection say about Miller's future at Melbourne?

really happy for danny hughes....great bloke.....have watched a lot of him at casey....is a stevie J type....although flashes in and out of games so hopefully can put in a 4 qrt effort on friday

go dees

The Martin for PJ swap is the only thing I am really unsure about. We keep persisting with this guy when he has shown so little, but I suppose if you're going to sit on our list and get paid, you might as well do something. He has to be given the chance to prove to us that he is worth retaining next season. I won't hold my breath.

Great to see McKenzie back and a nice left field choice with Hughes.

On a side note, what does the week's selection say about Miller's future at Melbourne?

i thought this is what he needed to get back in (team mates injury) and he didnt get chosen so i guess its going to be even harder to get in the team

all over?

PJ was shite last year, but I think some people forget he was good the year or two prior to that. Very athletic and quick for a big man, and definitely has more to offer than Spencer and Martin at the moment.

On a side note, what does the week's selection say about Miller's future at Melbourne?

And I believe he kicked 3 goals for Casey on the weekend?

Miller's future is as bleak as can be.

But then, we've already seen Newton back for 2 games, and now PJ's back, so maybe there's hope yet.

Martin offers more to the team, especially in the future, than Johnson does. What do we expect from Martin if we don't give him time at AFL level? We've given Johnson that time and he's never taken his chance. Bad move I say.

I'm not a big wrap for Johnson either. However Martin is going to need time and some serious application if he is going to fulfil what many see as his "potential". Time at Casey won't hurt.

Martin needs to grow as a player.

Even if PJ is not a long term option, I'm not sure it does Martin's development any good if he plays purely because we have no one else.

He needs to go back and re-earn his spot.

PJ is a long term option, and a very good one at that.

Give me 1 reason why he can't be.

i believe miller has kicked 9 goals in 3 games what are they plannng.....

PJ was shite last year, but I think some people forget he was good the year or two prior to that. Very athletic and quick for a big man, and definitely has more to offer than Spencer and Martin at the moment.

agreed!!

martin can ruck but cannot run anymore

pj can ruck and can run

for example the game against brisbane when he chased down Justin Sherman, it was bloody great

Martin offers more to the team, especially in the future, than Johnson does. What do we expect from Martin if we don't give him time at AFL level? We've given Johnson that time and he's never taken his chance. Bad move I say.

I agree. That was his first game since last year and he played in a team that did not have very many good players on the day. I do however believe that Johnson should be given an opportunity to step up from VFL to AFL level. I still believe that Martin has more of a future than PJ but having said that there were those couple of games prior to him getting injured where he really showed something. It is difficult because we all know how long it takes some ruckmen to mature into their bodies so how long do we give these players. We were all willing to give up on Jamar and now look at him. Stef will be devastated with being dropped as he has worked really hard over the last four weeks to prove that he should be in the first 22.

I'm not a big wrap for Johnson either. However Martin is going to need time and some serious application if he is going to fulfil what many see as his "potential". Time at Casey won't hurt.

I do agree that Martin's not close to fulfilling his potential, but I still believe he has a better chance to do that at AFL level, and I also think he's still a better bet than Johnson.

To be honest, though, neither are much chop (at the moment, anyway), and neither are likely to have a massive impact on the game.

PJ is a long term option, and a very good one at that.

Give me 1 reason why he can't be.

I'll give you 5:

1) He's had multiple chances at AFL level and never made it

2) He can't kick

3) He's no good as a forward

4) He's no good as a defender

5) He isn't fantastic in the ruck either

He does have good speed and agility for a man his size, and nobody can question his effort, endeavour and hunger (but that's the same for the entire playing list). But he's not going to make a decent AFL player. Martin still might.

The Martin for PJ swap is the only thing I am really unsure about. We keep persisting with this guy when he has shown so little, but I suppose if you're going to sit on our list and get paid, you might as well do something. He has to be given the chance to prove to us that he is worth retaining next season. I won't hold my breath.

Great to see McKenzie back and a nice left field choice with Hughes.

On a side note, what does the week's selection say about Miller's future at Melbourne?

Yes, McKenzie certainly adds some grunt to our team. And, I'm happy about Hughes. Saw him for the first time last week at Southport, and really liked what I saw. He's been on the Rookie List for a very long time. Nice to see him get his chance. Just hope he repays the Footy Dept's faith in him over such a long time.

I'm sorry to say it. But, although Miller was named in the best for Casey last week, he certainly didn't dominate the way he should at that level. Reckon he needs a lot of improvement to force his way back into the Melb side.

Th player very stiff not to get a spot is Cheney.

Th player very stiff not to get a spot is Cheney.

at the moment id rather cheney in and rivers out

at the moment id rather cheney in and rivers out

Probably why Bailey was having an extended chat with him at training as reported.

I do agree that Martin's not close to fulfilling his potential, but I still believe he has a better chance to do that at AFL level, and I also think he's still a better bet than Johnson.

To be honest, though, neither are much chop (at the moment, anyway), and neither are likely to have a massive impact on the game.

I'll give you 5:

1) He's had multiple chances at AFL level and never made it

2) He can't kick

3) He's no good as a forward

4) He's no good as a defender

5) He isn't fantastic in the ruck either

He does have good speed and agility for a man his size, and nobody can question his effort, endeavour and hunger (but that's the same for the entire playing list). But he's not going to make a decent AFL player. Martin still might.

your a harsh critic.

1. He is 25/26 years old and played 60odd games, while battling injury

2. He can kick better than Jimmy Stynes

3. He is not a forward, he is a ruckman

4. He is not a backman, he is a ruckman

5. He beat Aaron Sandilands in the ruck in the last game he played against Freo.

&

He has some real mongrel about him

He gets many more possesions than Jamar in the ruck

As No.1 ruckman, it allows Jamar to present at full forward

He is a hulk of a man and also moves around the ground very well.

All for all, I reckon PJ will have a fine career at the MFC.