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Casey is always windy, which leads to the odd skill error, but in the main I thought the standard was pretty good, certainly better than recent years. And there's an evenness across the ground now. We really do have a lot of players fighting for the same spot. If they're all crud it means little, but most are solid. Gillies- really liked him today. I've questioned his kicking previously, but it was reliable and he moves well and makes decent decisions Terlich - no world beater, but looks like a pretty reliable defender who moves to the right spots Couch - played well, especially in the forward-line, plus did a ripping pass to Taggert for a goal Taggert - looked OK. Played on Dunn for a bit at half-forward and didn't look out of place and did a couple of nice things Byrnes - was dominant. It's easy to scoff at a reject, but he's actually a quality player that will add heaps as a small forward Frawley - made a couple of errors, but looked the best I've seen him for 3 years. Now that he has some decent support around him he'll take the game on like he used to Garland - very effective in a shut down role Davey - barely sighted. Not best 22 imo Kent - I love the look of the bog Kent - I rechon he'll become a good player Tynan - got a bit of it, but will struggle to cement a spot down back with others ahead Watts - will be a quality distributor - used it well, but just not aggressive enough for me in a first quarter marking contests Grimes - didn't see much of it Barry - didn't touch it much, but he's all class. Speed and a great kick. Did one lightening handball like it was hot potato that got his team on the move Toumpas - not prolific, but just such a smart player with skill. Moves beautifully and will be an A grader in years to come Viney - made the odd error, but just gets so involved. Quieter in the latter stages, but will become our most important midfielder quickly McDonald - typical effective game. Swapped sides at one point Spencer - did OK. No worse than Jamar these days N. Jones - not bad, without having heaps of it. M. Jones - I really like this guy. May take time to find his feet, but a great size, fast, and a lovely kick. Has a footy brain Magner - got a bit of it and was OK. Nicholson - got involved. His kicking is just too big of an issue for me Jetta - looks good. I like him down back and reckon he's close to being best 22 McKenzie - typical dogged game. Did quite well Hogan - not bad for a 17 year old. Didn't look out of place and did a couple of very nice things. Spent time on Frawley, who made it tough. WILL be a gun forward Rodan - did really well. Spins on a dime and is effective in stoppages. Will add short-term value Dunn - was pretty good - turned it over a couple of times Strauss - played well. Got a lot of it and used it well. He's not always in my side when I pen my best 22, but I will have to reconsider Stark - got a bit of it Blease- lively. Will be a weapon this year. Looking really fit. Sellar- got a few spoils and touches. Competed well. Sylvia - while he didn't star, he looked to have got back some of his power. He did a couple of nice runs through the middle where he backed himself to get around players. A bit to like. Fitzpatrick - took a nice grab and did OK. Pedersen - OK without being great. Will be a handy third tall. Moves well. There's a lot more voice, which is significant and they seemed far more organised than last year. They know their roles. The midfield is the key. It needs to be able to compete far better. We'll definitely be more competitive, but can the midfield get on top of sides like North, Essendon, Saints, and Richmond ? Saw Howe, Dawes and Bail doing lots of repeat sprinting on an adjacent oval with a number of fitness staff.

Hi Guys, I know that at times things can get heated in the threads and I know for a fact that our mods do the thankless task of cleaning up after some of the dust ups in here like digital age bouncers. What I find absolutely unacceptable is taking those fights/arguments into the PM (Private Messages) arena. I was sent a private message by one of our members that another member sent and it was absolutely disgusting. There is no way that that person would have written that in a thread so they should not be saying those things in PMs. The Code of Conduct still applies and as a result the user has been banned. This form of harassment is not tolerated and don't think you can take the fight to the PMs to hide from the moderators. We are about to embark on an exciting year and hopefully an exciting era. It would be a shame if you were banned and not able to participate in the discussion of the ongoing saga of the greatest football club in the world. Andy and the moderating team.

I was there today and some of it was really interesting rather than a highlights reel. The first thing to note was that apart from a couple of the young boys, we are a much physically stronger list than last year. No skinny legs, Muppet arms etc... Even a lot of the newer recruits have some serious size about them. The scratch match seemed to be planned around ball movement from defence to attack. At times, when the umpire blew the whistle or there was a goal/behind, one of the coaches would move the play to the other end of the ground or the wing, and give the ball to the defensive position team. If any of you guys remember that Dean Bailey's main practice emphasis was on running patterns when Dees had the ball, you would have been happy to see the succession of handballs moving the ball forward today. There were few poor kicking options chosen. If things were closed down, they ran and handballed in patterns until a gap was found. It was refreshing to see. If the half-backs had no options forward they would simply run into spaces between half-back and centre line until a gap was found - a little like Hawthorn or Fremantle. There was no Mitch Clark, no Dawes, and Pederson hardly ever went forward after the first 5 minutes. So the emphasis was not on our forward structure whatever it might be. It was on moving the ball out of defence. Some of the interchanges of handballs was outstanding to watch because it looks like the horrible Melbourne habit of panicking and handballing to a stationery target is gone. 1. Hogan - have to agree - star in the making. Leads well, contests well. Was bumped off the contest or led under it by mature defenders but his leading and contest at the mark is of a very high standard. . 2. Jones - Very vocal around stoppages and efficient with the ball.. 4. Watts - With the ball in his hands he is simply a gun. He still hangs back a bit when he could contest and did it a few times in the first half. However, it seems he was being instructed to play wide and loose at times. 5. Toumpas - His pace of the mark is amazing. Didn't get a lot of it but was clean when he got it. Hits the ball at full pace which is exciting to watch. 7. Viney - was in and at every contest, but was unclean and sloppy at times. Obviously loves the hard stuff. 8. Frawley - Definite backline general and I reckon I saw a bit of his old arrogance at times. He is in for a huge 2013. 10. Byrnes - Everywhere, quick, accurate and knows where the spaces are. Those looking for a forward spot have to get past him. BOG today. . 12. Sylvia - Hardly saw him, but was efficient when he had it. 13. Jordie -Usual great work rate, but a few times handballed when kicking was clearly the right option. Other players let him know this each time. 14. Dunn- was everywhere today, often in the right place at the right time. He reads it so well and with Watts looks to be the rebound 50 designated player. His kicking still is outstanding. Also some fumbles and strange choices. 15. Rodan- Amazing first half. He was in everything and leading into spaces other players could not find. 17. Blease - One of the best today. His running to the next play after disposal was excellent. His kicking a little wobbly sometimes but he just kept running and getting it. 19. Strauss - Some people don't like the phrase "elite kick" but I can now confirm he is one. Great game down back and after watching our defensive kicking out from the backline over the past 5 years, he is a must for starting 22. 20. Garland - Didn't notice him a lot but he is that quiet 'humphrey' type. Efficient but not brilliant. 21. Pedo - OK, but didn't impact contested opportunities when he could have. 22. Magner - As usual went hard at every contest and did some good set up work through the wing at times. 23. Tynan - grew in confidence in the second quarter and had about 6 good, solid touches in a row. Cleaner by foot than I expected and seemed to understand our defensive structure quite well. 25 TMac - Didn't stand out but his spoiling, reading of the game and defensive positioning was good. 26. Nicho -didn't notice him a lot. 27. Gillies - He makes our starting back 6 more problematic. Reads the play OK and is very aware once he has the ball. A good game. 31 Grimes- Spent a fair bit of time on the bench but was OK when in play. His kicking was cleaner than previously. 32 Evans - didn't notice him a lot - just OK. 33. Barry - didn't get into the game much and might be a year away. Very quick. 34 Kent - Liked what I saw. Looks ready to match it physically and is team oriented. Skills might need some refinement. 35 Tappy - Was playing as a forward and the emphasis was on defense, but was quite good in patches. 36 Davey - Chased and tackled really well but we want him kicking. Didn't win or receive a lot of the ball. 39 Jetta - Didn't get a heap of it but when he was involved looked really, really good. Ran well, kicked well, made options well. 40. Jamar - Bustled at the bounces and throw ins but provided nothing around the ground. I thought he was out done by Spencer today. 41. Davis - Looks made for defence and positions well. Still not convinced of his kicking but he was marginally better today. 42 Pencil - Broke even in ruck contests with Jamar but provided run and options around the ground. A good game. 43 Taggert- Really goes at it but doesn't win a lot of it. 45 Jones - Really surprised me, did some top notch stuff and could challenge for a spot. 46 Terlich- saw him do some nice things, but didn't notice much 47. Couch - Got better as the game progressed and ended up playing really hard and really well. Looked more ready than last year. 48. Fitzy - He is SO unco but played a good game at times. His pace and second efforts for his size are surprising. On today's performance will definitely challenge Pederson for that 3rd forward/ruck help position. It was a game that highlighted the half-backs and the midfielders. All of them had a go and showed their wares at times. I have picked Viney in my Supercoach starting 22 but on today's performance I am not sure if he is ready. Tynan, M. Jones, Terlich and Fitzy were the ones who surprised me today. Davey and Sylvia were disappointing Loved it - the footy is back!

It was an interesting morning. Blue team was clearly the "A" Side, although they put a couple of the senior guys in white to be the leaders (Frawley and Sylvia to start). They often pulled things up at stoppages and moved the ball to somewhere else on the ground to do a different drill/set play. It made things a touch hard to follow at times. Also, there were so many new faces out there it was sometimes hard to know who was doing what. Saw Dawes, Howe and Bail (I think it was Bail) heading to the running track at the start of the game. It was a little disappointing to not see Dawes but better to keep him fit and healthy for the real thing I guess. I was very impressed with Hogan. He looks to be a really good prospect. Did some great work early on, clean hands in one on one marking contests and showed great vision spotting Davey in the goalsquare and hitting him from the boundary with his left on the run. He suffered a little when Frawley went and sat on him later in the game. Viney is an animal at the contested ball. He was doing really well in the stoppages. I do think his kicking under pressure let him down a bit today. Toumpas is every bit as classy as people have claimed. Some of his kicking was awesome, although on one occasion he tried to be too cute and kicked a soft ball right into the man on the mark. Watts put in well. Made some very good spoils, set up play and had a dashing run through the middle where he showed that he still has pace to burn. He and Dunn look to be hte designated kickers from defence. He also looks to team well with Tom MacDonald. I didn't notice Pedersen all that much. He beat Fitzpatrick in the ruck when they went into the centre, but I don't know that he did too well as a forward. I admit I wasn't really looking fro him, so he may have had more of in impact than I realise. In the last quarter he joined the Whites and seemed to break even with Davis. Fitzpatrick took a few strong marks, but I don't think he goaled. He did do some good work on the ground fighting for the loose ball and trying to release teammates. Obviously Byrnes was very good today. He just managed top be in the right place at the right time, always giving the option to be the last man in the chain and converting his chances. He's going to be real value for us this year. Strauss, like Pedersen, I didn't notice all that much. Looking at other reports he had a good game, but I just didn't see him do much. I suspect this is due to my focus on other players more than a comment on his play. All in all, it looked to be a significantly improved team to last year. I don't think they are in the same league as the big boys just yet, but they are certainly getting closer.

When I read about being "rabid" I dropped my thermos and broke it, as well, I burnt a hole in my tartan rug, with my cuban cigar. Off to the club for a cognac now. Toodle pip!!!!

SERIOUS HIT OUT OR DANCING WITH YOUR SISTER? by the George on The Outer Intra-Club Casey Fields 15 February 2013. I think it was Kevin Sheedy who coined the phrase “dancing with your sister” to describe intra-club practice matches. Both could never be taken too seriously and a lack of true physical contact would be a no no ... So what to make of a “match simulation” for the same event, as described in press releases from the Club? Well, they had umpires. It all looked serious enough without the serious physical aspects, but keeping score was irrelevant especially when points scored saw the ball taken to the opposing half-back line for a restart. Anyhow you looked at whatever it was called, it was more than a normal training run, but less than the real McCoy. It certainly provided the opportunity to gauge how the newer recruits would hold up in a more intense atmosphere. No shows, as would have been expected were Clark, Dawes, Trengove and Gawn. Didn’t sight Jack or Max, but the other two were seen on the boundary, with Dawes doing the warm-ups. So he can’t be too far away from more serious work. Joel McDonald sat out and only did slight warm-ups with one of the training staff. Four quarters of about 15-20 minutes in 30 degree temperatures was testing for everyone, but it must be said that it was hard to find anyone seriously affected by the heat and exercise. No-one lying half dead on the ground after, as the whole group just walked calmly from the oval. Good signs, and the benefits of the current fitness regime and the Darwin trip may be showing already. The two sides were in blue and white respectively, and while the blue side had the ascendancy on the day, with only a few exceptions, it would be the side that we can see on the park next week. So just some observations: ■ Jack Viney is a seriously good player. He is simply into everything and just doesn’t stop. His natural ability is matched with a ferocious competitiveness that mean he makes the ball his time after time. He will play plenty this year,providing he can tolerate the demands of AFL at senior level. ■ Jimmy Toumpas is silken class and another natural footballer. Still working his way into the rhythm and speed of the game, he shows more than glimpses of his underlying talent. ■ Get excited about “Hulk Hogan”, and make sure you get down to Casey to see him play this year. This kid could be anything. At just 17 he is seriously scary and already can hold his own against long established players. ■ Shannon Byrnes went off in the last with icing to his calf, but probably because he overused his leg from the number of kicks he was getting. ■ David Rodan will be another positive in the mid-field with strong body and simply superb vision in the packs. He can dance through bodies and finds space effortlessly, the hallmark of a truly gifted player. ■ And Cam Pedersen will be another more than useful pick-up from last year. Strength, height and the ability to open space in front of himself produced options that we simply didn’t have last year. ■ Mark Jamar is back to his best. He is jumping off the ground again, unlike last year, and gave Spencer an absolute bath in the ruck. Sadly, Spencer still is not concentrating on the ball, despite his enormous height advantage, and apart from a good single mark, he did not touch the ball in general play or at ruck contests. By that I mean he did not touch the ball … ■ Overall, it was good to have so many players on the field at this time of the year. The fitness staff have to be congratulated as it will give us options in the weeks to come. ■ Impressive was the speed of movement of the ball. Yes, it is difficult to judge when we are playing amongst ourselves, but some of the change of direction and ability to break through lines with swift and accurate handball was a delight to watch. ■ Don’t expect too much from Aaron Davey this year. While his delivery is simply sublime when he has it in his hands, he has simply lost the yard necessary to make the electrifying moves of years past. He was unable to open space between himself and his opponent constantly, and barely touched the ball. A loose bouncing ball in the goal-square would have been a certain 6 pointer years ago, but today only resulted in a scrimmage and ball-up. ■ Have to give Rory Taggert a rub for a beautiful 50 metre goal from the boundary line ... and because his mum wasn’t too far away from where we were sitting ... Overall, the session was more than a dance ,,, it was quick, efficient and lacking in howler type blunders. There was plenty to be pleased about with lines of players like Watts, Strauss, M. Jones, Sylvia, Frawley, Barry, Tom McDonald, all showing the skills that they have consistently, repeatedly and properly. Take this into the season, and we have plenty to hope for. See you all next Friday …

Not such a bad comment. In the past our supporters have been depicted as Range Rover drivers, off to the snow, with patches on the elbows of their jackets. To now be described as rabid supporters, is clearly a description of a passionate following of a team that stands for something. I can live with that.

1. Hogan - star in the making, clean up his kicking a touch and he could be anything. Next years rising star winner. 2. Jones - good performance, didn't dominate but was good. 4. Watts - sublime skills, along with Strauss we will have 2 punishing rebounding defenders 5. Toumpas - lot of his work was on other side of ground from me, but looked good 7. Viney - dominated second quarter, overall one of the games best 8. Frawley - some signs he may be up for a big year. 10. Byrnes - awesome display, best on ground in the first half, kids have their work cut out if they want to take his spot in the team. 12. Sylvia - pretty quiet game IMO, expected more 13. Jordie -worked his butt off, but kicking needs to improve 14. Dunn- some good signs, also some signs of why I sometimes call him Dumm. 15. Rodan- great first half, bit quieter in second 17. Blease - see above 19. Strauss - this kid may surprise many this year 20. Garland - belted Davey 21. Pedo - did some good things, overall positive but was disappointed at inability to impact on a couple of contests 23. Tynan - hardly noticed him, think he was on Byrnes early and was hobbling a bit after game 25 TMac - can see him having a real crack at the bluey this year 26. Nicho - kicking was actually alright, but didn't notice him enough 27. Gillies - not a bad game, guarantees there will be some fierce competition in back 6 31 Frank - didn't have a big influence 32 Evans - put in but see Frank 33. Barry, took his time getting into game, looked good the few times he did 34 Kent - put in, needs to be cleaner, but liked what I saw 35 Tappy - was hoping for more from him, but looked OK 36 Davey - disappointed with his input, needs to improve to avoid being Caseys highest payed player 39 Jetta, did some nice things, am expecting a good year from Nev 40. Jamar - in danger of being remembered as a one year wonder 41. Davis - didn't spray most of his kicks, which I found positive 42 Pencil - if only he could kick! 43 Taggert- goes hard this kid, slotted a nice set shot goal from decent angle 45 Jones - like this kid, expecting some time in firsts this year. 46 Terlich- saw him do some nice things, but didn't notice much 48. Fitzy - struggled to have an impact, as did most forwards for the whites due limited supplies, had one nice pack mark but was hoping for more. Overall I was disappointed with our kicking, but is their first hit out, but without improving this facet of the game, the 9-10 wins I am hoping for will be a struggle.

The overall standard today I'd say was good, but hardly crisp, never hitting the deck football. Plenty of the usual suspects kicks went astray at times (McKenzie, Nicholson, Spencer). Some of the players who were unusually quite for their relative experience were Grimes, Tapscott and Davey. As the game wore on, some players seemed to get more involved. Strauss and Couch in particular got better as the game wore on. I loved the look of Jetta running off a half back flank, he didnt get a lot of the footy but when he did he really stood out with his pace, class and decision making.u Jamar had the better of Spencer in the ruck duels, but around the ground they were fairly evenly matched although Jamar has far more presence at marking contests. There werent a lot of centre square bounces, as this was a game that could be stopped by Neelds whistle at a whim (he patrolled on the ground the whole game) and could then be moved 100 metres down the ground to try a different setup just outside of goal. Also quite often goals resulted in point kickouts etc etc. Pederson was fairly quiet throughout. Gillies after a fantastic first half went a bit quieter but showed good signs. Toumpas didnt get that much of it but looked slick when he did. Viney was Viney, if you saw him play U18s or VFL last year you know what to expect, the stepup in intensity didnt faze him in the slightest. Rodan was very busy, in the first quarter alone he and Byrnes combined passes about 5 or 6 times. Byrnes clearly BOG, his goals werent as a result of crumbing but of working hard to offer himself to teammates all over the ground.Hogan definitely shows he has 'it', attacks the ball well I think he will acquit himself very well at VFL this year.

If we accept that, we're accepting and announcing to the world that we "tanked". That cannot be undone, ever. We'll be "The Tanking Club" for the rest of days. Officially. That cannot happen.

I give up, you are actually debating something that hasn't even happened. Will log back in on Monday or if anything real happens, have a good weekend everyone. ...this is doing my head in.

Jeez you can crap on and over-exaggerate.

I watched quite a lot of Collingwood on Tuesday doing MS and there were a number of missed kicks and turnovers. It happens when 35 players from the one club are all on the park. And they didn't have the type of wind we saw today. It's best to measure it against other years and there's been a marked improvement. Just keeping it real.

Hi guys, I was there. I thought we have come along way from last year (not surprisingly). Quite a few missed targets to the grandstand wing (not making excuses but it is a pretty tough wind out there and a supporter next to me said the ground is NEVER not blowing hard!). Anyway, we have got some real talent coming through with the youngsters - Hogan (playing on chip did not look out of place at all - stupid rule that we have to wait to play him), Toumpas silky, thought JV a little quiet but meh, obviously Byrnes really good as well. Dunn and Watts look good, Davey unfortunately has lost a yard or two of pace, Sylvia involved, barry did some nice things. Like some of Taggert's play - did not recognise him at first. Thought Terlich turned it over a few times, matt Jones will be a starter round 1 I reckon - looks ready to rip. I think the main positive is that we have some more class and depth in the midfield.

I do like the sound of Kent. I mean who doesn't love Kent.

It was my first serious foray into the tanking situation tonight. Don't get me wrong, i was aware of what was going on, just never really thought anything would happen mostly because it can't be proved, and or both parties don't want it to go any further than it already has. Having just watched footy classified which some of you are talking like it was a huge beat down on Caroline Wilson, i have to say that this whole thing has been such a giant waste of time. Having heard the "witch" "cow" and other names which are way too harsh on someone just for their opinion...just say nothing will happen, i can't help but feel sorry for the people with the unnecessary levels of stress that seem to be prevalent in this thread. It's a shame really, i love demonland, the training reports, the hot off the press info on teams and such, but having this thread sitting on the top of the pile for so long has really been a drainer... i hope for all our sakes, not just us demonlanders, that we can move on soon. You can seriously go from page 40, to 60 and have 2 people still saying the same arguments, and not budging at all. It's a shame that the people with the most stubborn and incessant opinions are also the loudest on this website.

You blokes need to take your blinkers off and realise that if that is the outcome 1) we would have negotiated for it and 2) we should take it and run. It might make you feel good short-term but it would be utterly irresponsible of the club to waste resources fighting that and if the current admin did (which I do not believe they will at all) they should be out on their arses. Realise you need to take a pragmatic approach and all the huffing and puffing about court action would have been for the sole purpose of getting this outcome (should it eventuate). Suspended sentences and a short time in the sin bin for DB & CC and a small fine for the club (we could knock it off in one night of fundraising) would be an outstanding outcome compared to what might have been (banishment from early rounds of multiple drafts). It's not ideal, of course we'd all like to get off completely, but given the circumstances I would mark that outcome down as a win and get on with moving the club forward and letting Neeld get on with the footy.

Not even going to read it. She has no credibility. Might was well go and read the pyongyang times.

Strauss is best 22, and will remain there for the majority of the season, if fit.

I reckon Blease was good too as was Strauss which was a good viewing, Grimes will be better this year.....backs and forwards will be ok, midfield will be very average again this year which is why we are some years off being a good side. Got to remember the injections into the midfield (jones, toumpas, viney etc) are first year players at our club and by no means stars Was pretty average and if someone thought it was great or good then id recommend them to get to a top 4 teams training. Improvement is there but some forget how far back we are coming from that we have to pick up discards rodan, byrnes etc just to have decent role models in the club Got to keep it real i guess. I do credit neeld and craig for making it more professional at our club though, very thorough so congrats to the footy department

3 goals to Byrnes before half time.

Pre-emptive thank you for any reports or info from the people heading to Casey today. I have a long boring day in the office ahead and love to hear the fortunes from the praccie match Go Dees

I think the claim that GM is a deal maker is just her covering her backside if she's wrong. Then it'll be because GM "made a deal" and MFC were lucky. It couldn't possibly because AA was feverishly pursuing charges, without a considerations for the lack of evidence, but has now been replaced by the relatively level-headed GM. Also funny to listen to SEN this morning and hear that beauty remains firmly in the eye of the beholder. Some twit actually called in and said CW was good last night, and actually made Lyon look silly! Fancy that! Anyway, she's not a popular girl this morning.

Craig Hutchison ‏@craighutchy Caro making noises about not doing next weeks show. Serious

I find it disturbing that the club has not been told. No official announcement from the AFL. Yet there is an article on the AFL website with the finer details of the outcomes. Seriously the whole thin is a bloody circus. http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-02-15/demons-face-500k-tanking-fine-reports

Now that Caro's back in town and pouring out her usual bile, I've temporarily re-opened this thread to include some updates. Firstly, this article from Mark Robinson which pours water over her allegations that Cam Schwab was "grim faced or "ashen faced" after the club's 2009 win over Port Adelaide - Melbourne Demons adamant they won't tank Caro's source was undoubtedly a dud but there's a fair chance the person involved would have volunteered this rubbish as part of an agenda against the club's CEO. Next, the hysterical lame-duck article that demonstrated the shrew's inability to distinguish between the real issues in tanking and the world of rumour and innuendo in which she lurks - Demons' lame-duck excuses ... and Don McLardy buries the shrew- From the President Eddie McGuire, a true football person, doesn't appear to be as sanctimonious about the subject - Eddie Slams 'Stupid' AFL Rule The bitter backtracker - No draft penalties likely for Melbourne And a far more nuanced piece from the Herald Sun's Jon Ralph - Demons appear likely to dodge draft ban despite seven-month investigation into tanking claims I'll be back with more but in the meantime, savour this - CAROWHINE'S HUMILIATION - http://www.triplem.com.au/sydney/sport/video/garry-lyon-and-caroline-wilson-head-to-head-on-footy-classified/

Why is CW being treated like Moses? I can't understand how another media outlet can give her tweet the time of day. If the sanctions are true the afl can shove it. See you in court [censored]. If I were working in the football world I wouldn't want to come work at a organization that throws its employees under the bus. Show some strength and integrity MFC.

Relax folks. Wilson's story is based on the unofficial outcome of the tanking investigation as discussed around the water cooler by the receptionists, PA's and cleaning staff in the building four doors to the south of AFL House.

everyone should settle down, stop being nervous nellies and just wait don't be spooked by someone who has been repeatedly wrong on this issue (and vindictive) fmd

Can any one confirm if wormtail is banned from the Melbourne football club? Caus she should be, and press conferences she attends all her questions should be ignored, the club should tell her, you make shite up anyway so why should be we bother talking to you as you will only make more shite up

Prepare to be disappointed. The club will only be fractured if people decide to put themselves before the club. You want to talk about principles and integrity? Then back the club when it needs it the most, back the people making the decisions and back the coaches/FD/players with the clubs and supporters full support. Don't have a whinge and quit on the club because you're not happy that the club won't cut off their nose to spite their face so that you (and others) can feel vindication and some short-term gratification that taking on the big bad AFL will give you.

If while holidaying in Saudi Arabia I become embroiled in a case of mistaken identity and end up facing the death penalty for a murder I didn't commit, but manage to negotiate my way to paying a fine instead and having a bit of a stain on my criminal record, I take it and get the hell out of there.

It does nothing of the sort - you don't even know what the specifics of the findings might be but I can guarantee the club would not be found guilty of "tanking" or "match-fixing". Kill the club is hyperbole to the extreme - what would kill the club is taking on city hall in a protracted court case when we would be trying to get off on technicalities. This outcome will have minimal to no effect on sponsorship but continued negative publicity due to a court case definitely would. Do you think our President's words could have been chosen to have the effect of ensuring the penalties on the club and individuals would be minimal? It's bluster to scare the AFL into thinking we will do it - it's no use having nuclear bombs if no-one thinks you will use them but you'd be utterly insane to.

Photos from today:

Low key practice match or match simulation as the FD calls it. Nothing exciting in particular but thought of the new guys that Viney is a class act, this sometimes gets lost because of his inside work. Toumpas really creates play and is always talking and telling teammates where he wants them, hasn't played a senior game but not frightened to take control. Terlich could be a good rebounding back, interesting to watch him and Jones (quick, good user) in the NAB. Barry didn't do a lot but as has been said before skills and pace are exciting, one pass was an absolute bullet nearly knocked a teammate off his feet. Hogan will give backs a headache at VFL level this year, moves well and thinks the game well for a kid. Kent got involved a lot and shows some real potential. Rodan and Byrnes are good pick ups in the short term. Of the players ready to emerge Blease has really stepped up, you can see this with his training and work rate now and he's getting involved in everything. Watts will be the go to man off half back, just thinks through the game and uses the ball so well. I wouldn't be to worried about Jamar, he did a few nice things and is moving really well. Along with Jones, Viney and Grimes in the middle our centre set ups will be a lot better this year.

didnt go with rose coloured glasses supporter and watch a bit of the hawks training as well. I thought it was pretty average, about 4 - 5 kicks out on the full in a shortened match which better teams would laugh at.....our kicking is pretty average unless under no pressure positives were toumpas (moves well), viney, garland on davey, byrnes, hogan (mark my words he will be a star) negatives - dunn n frawley still do occassional silly things but dunn looks better as a backman than a forward, tappy struggled, davey struggled alot and garland would give him nightmares, jamar has lost his mojo in marking, sylvia should carve up matches like this and didnt. No wonder neeld said our biggest loss last year was when we had our most experienced side, frustrating wouldnt be surprised to see nicolson and mcdonald soon in the leadership group.....nicolson was good today Pretty average but it would be when your missing dawes, trenners, howe etc it will be pretty average Improvement is there but we are miles off being just a "good" side which is why neeld is playin down expectations

For anyone who missed last night http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/melbourne-tanking-turmoil/xmbdjvf

Game over and most of the spectators are hanging around the water cooler giving their "unofficial versions" of what's transpired at Casey Fields. It was a good hit out. I didn't notice anybody getting injured. Apart from the known players out injured - Trengove, Clark & Gawn - Chris Dawes and Jeremy Howe were rested and both are expected to play in the NAB Cup Mickey Mouse round next week. I think James Sellar was off after half time but not entirely sure because there was a bit of team swapping going on (probably in contravention of AFL permit rules but so what?). Bring on the real thing!

Bail is at a "learn to kick" class!

I have a confession to make. I think the white team is tanking* * but don't tell Caro.

rpfc's guess: Bailey, Schwab no charge. Connolly apology about language used. No fine or suspension. MFC mea culpa on Connolly's words - bad image and all that. No fine. AFL delicately worded phrase on their own culpability in this, and even more delicate words on their being no case to answer for the club but for unfortunate words at an in-house meeting. CW apoplectic.

I have a feeling Kent would perform much better in wet weather rather then on a dry day however.

Sorry I must have been watching a different station to you?? What I saw last night was a very uncormfortable Wilson and when she called into account Gary's credibility on the topic Gary tore strips of here. The funny thing was I said to my Wife look at Caro's body language arms crossed in front of her leaning back in her chair No sooner had I said that to my Wife then Gary nailed her on that exact point . Oh god how I laughed Gary showed last night why he was a true champion of the MFC he had obviously been waiting for the chance to let her have it and he took that chance last night At one stage she was totally lost for words and could only mumble something in response Caro looked like she was about to take her batt and ball and storm out the door !!!! Bloody shame she didnt ! But To Gary I say Thankyou Thankyou so very much it was Beautiful to watch and "not before time " that somone took her down a peg on Public TV to show her for the true Buffoon she really is

woohoo footy!

It's an oldie but a goodie GV.Jack Viney, Jimmy Toumpas are going to be great acquisitions in the midfield. JV at the bottom of every pack. The Hulk is simply incredible (that's an oldie too). I was never a wrap for Rodan but he and Byrnes might add a bit while the young blokes develop. Also, Andy and I have just bought a hot dog each thereby making a solid contribution to the club in case it needs some extra funds after a possible announcement from the AFL later today.

Perhaps The Age should be found guilty of tanking. Rapidly declining readership base, appallingly low journalistic standards, cost cutting - surely it all points to one thing. They are tanking. I'd like to see Cameron Schwab write an article to this effect and place it on the MFC's official website ...

waste of time on the blood test bb. i can assure you it will be red'n'blue

Reg: If you want to join the People's Front of Judea, you have to really hate the Romans. Brian: I do! Reg: Oh yeah, how much? Brian: A lot! Reg: Right, you're in.

You're not suggesting she peed herself on national television, are you?