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I won't be bothering the wife tonight.

It was an impressive debut. But Barry Predergast will tell you he's no Lucas Cook.

I have an inside word on Jesse - lets just say he is gonna be a Demon longterm.

great morning. Signed up the kids. Girl 15/Boy 4 Met the lads and they were great . Even got a photo with Schwabby !!!.( who has a bad tatt.) Must have parked next to Maldonboy unless there was someone else there with Maldon Plates? Saw WJ sniffing around looking for a story . My boy got his first Jumper and got it signed all over the back. I got Jack Viney to sign across the Chest . he Still will not remove the Jumper. Sung the song ,bought the jumper ,did the forms. Indoctrination complete.

He clearly got caught up with his defensive acts in 2012, but in his first two years he took the game on and hunted the footy. To pigeon hole him as you've just done is very short-sighted.

I don't know how often I've harped on this over the years. The truly great ones always show how good they'll be virtually straight away. The truly great ones are great at a young age and don't need defending ALL of the time.

The Richmond game was s/house, but they looked pretty good against a strong North outfit. The midfield is obviously our weakness and a gun off half-back to compliment Watts is desperately needed. I take a fair bit from the North game. As others have mentioned, it was a win under normal rules. Dawes will struggle as the main man. He'll be better with Clark back. This team is crying out for Jack Trengove to be the player we hoped. As a midfielder Grimes makes a great backman. Jordie McKenzie will do my head in this year. I don't think he's good enough, but I know he'll play every game and finish top 5 in the B&F. Joel MacDonald simply isn't up to it. I'm not a Dan Nicholson fan. I get very nervous when he gets near it. But there are also plenty of positives. Most importantly the coaches now get to work on the areas that weren't up to scratch. That's what these games are all about.

Ok guys and gals, ive read all the comments and some of you have forgotten that we have been crap for a while.....we are not playing finals this year so get over it. I saw a different demons side especially in the 1st game. North had a good list out there plus they will play finals his year. Richmond gamewe had a lot lesser side than the 1st game. In my honest opinion we needto alll suck it up this year as there will be a few lows and a few highs, we just have to ride the roller coaster that is MFC. Overall we will get there just not 2013 or possibly 2014. I will bet that Neeld will turn over about another 6-7 players this year come end of season. So lets hang in there think long term and try to enjoy the wild ride......giddy up.

You will not cheer someone unless they play at their optimum for 5 years?

Just got back, here's my take. The main difference between the two games (apart from the obvious difference in fatigue level between us and Richmond) was in the forward structure: first game we built a solid forward line around Dawes, Hogan, Pederson and Howe. Byrnes was presenting at their feet, and Kent also looks a likely type playing across the half forward line. Not only is that (sans Clark, obviously) close to our A1 forward line, but Dawes was conspicuous in the way he was directing traffic and making sure we held our structure. We never got pulled out of shape, so there was always something for the midfielders to look up and kick to. A couple of leads and marks from Howe, in particular, looked sharper than any Melbourne side I've seen in ages. In the second game, Dawes didn't play, Hogan was used sparingly, and after Spencer went down, Pederson spent a fair bit of time in the ruck. Suddenly Colin Sylvia was our major marking target across half forward, so the midfield looked a heck of a lot worse, because there was nobody presenting, and no big body for the get-out-of-jail-free kick to a contest. Then the smaller forwards started creeping up the ground going after the ball, and the whole structure collapsed (I was reasonably impressed that the coaching staff obviously adjusted to this and altered things, and the last quarter was significantly better from a structural point of view ... there's an example of game-day coaching from Neeld, if anyone wanted it.) Oh, and Hogan is gonna get me to a bunch of Casey games this year. Loved him. He, Dawes and Clark are (touch wood) going to be pretty incredible.

The following was posted by a Richmond supporter elsewhere. It actually puts things into a better perspective. We played an inferior team against Richmond and we were also fatigued, while they were fresh with close to their best line-up. Some game time percentages for Richmond from the two games tonight: vs Dees Rance - 100 Nahas - 94 Astbury - 93 Houli - 90 Vickery - 88 Batchelor - 87 Maric - 85 Riewoldt - 84 Cotchin - 84 Tuck - 82 Ellis - 81 Grigg - 80 Pettard - 80 Deledio - 77 Newman - 75 S.Edwards - 76 Morris - 75 Martin - 72 Conca - 72 A.Edwards - 70 Vlastuin - 67 Jackson - 61 McDonough - 13 Arnott - 13 So pretty close to best 22 playing most of the game. Given the Dees were tired and Richmond fielded a pretty strong team the result of that game is not surprising. vs North Riewoldt -100 S.Edwards - 94 Ellis - 93 Rance - 90 Dea - 89 Griffiths - 88 Batchelor - 86 Derickx - 84 McGuane - 84 White - 82 Morris - 81 Martin - 79 Jackson - 79 Newman - 77 Vickery - 74 O'Hanlon - 72 Vlastuin - 72 Knights - 64 Conca - 64 Arnott - 60 Tuck - 55 McDonough - 51 Cotchin - 42 Deledio - 38 So the stars sat it out more and fringe players got a lot more game time. The only team that should be suggesting Richmond "played like it was round 1" is Melbourne.

Wife and 2 boys went, and we had a really good time. My reflections: My boys owe me 1 month of good behaviour for going on those rides. Max Gawn really is huge. Robbo said he was now 110kgs This was not the Pies, Bulldogs or Tiges day - most of the women were stunning. It was a really relaxed free kind of morning. Wanted to take wife and kids on ghost train but it was closed - bummer that! We got to sing the club song but it was the most passionless, flat uninspired rendition you have ever heard. The coffee lady was slower than a Collingwood supporter on the way to the dentist. I hope I win the shoes. Didn't win the raffle - never do, never will Enjoyed the morning immensely - it was our first time there.

First thing is first, we will not make finals. I can tell you the coaching team were extremely pleased with aspects of our team defence which has barely been spoken about on here. Watch the North game again and have a look how many times they had to slow the play down, kick sideways and take risks because we defended as a team. North had so many more possessions because they had to mess around with the ball at the back, and we pushed forward slowly and created pressure. Forget the kicking, forget breaking the lines, this is the base of our game and Neeld has improved the team....the rest will come. Other positives: Jack Watts has developed into a player who can defend well, counter attack well and find the ball extremely well. Another 2 years and he can become similar to Goddard, maybe not as good but close. We actually beat North if you don't count the extra 3 points they got for the super goal. For christ sakes!!! WE BEAT NORTH AT ETIHAD...there is a massive improvement.

Do you know Hogan is unavailable for Melbourne this season? I do now, after Dwayne Russell told me 563 times last night.

I have just read this whole thread and I cannot believe it is the 22nd Feb.....Yes that's right....22nd of FEBRUARY...... Ten posters have gone out the back and shot themselves Five have cut their wrists 7 have bought sniper rifles to shoot half our side. and one has such a bout of depression that nothing will save him All on the back of a 3 way practise hit out in FEBRUARY.... Lets keep it a little bit real folks.....

When all we had was the tanking thread, many were crying out for the footy to start. Now the footy's started, I just wish we could go back to the tanking thread.

He should take the afl to court for constraint of trade (and conduct unbecoming)

Great day as usual down at Luna Park. The kids loved it. The players were in good form - signing autographs, chatting to fans, kissing babies and smiling for cameras. Great team effort I thought - they all worked really hard in the clinches. Best on ground would go to young Jack Viney who beamed a big believable smile without fail for every camera pointed in his direction and conversed enthusiastically with every approaching fan (and there were plenty). The highest number of possessions would go to Jack Watts who had a line about a mile long waiting for his autograph. I think he was signing for the whole 2 hours. Don't be surprised if he's in the rehab group this week with a bandaged hand. On a negative note - the scenic railway was closed this year (C'mon. Luna Park without the scenic railway? Why not just get rid of the sauce at the pie stand as well.) On a positive note - the summer ride attraction of the "Power Surge" had been removed. Last time I went on that ride it was more like the "Sour Purge" than the "Power Surge" or at least that's how I felt afterwards. Also, this year there was no accidental double entendre style conversations about riding the Big Dipper. Many thanks MFC - t'was a great morning.

No worries H_T, while I'm not happy with the decision, I accept it and I wish to make this statement: Dear Members and Supporters of the Tall Defence XI, H_T and Rouge have today confirmed that all matters in relation to its decision of the Tall Defence XI selection in the 2013 draft have been concluded. As you know, the investigation that has lasted some fifty minutes and included statements from Jesse Ryder's manager and refered to articles and submissions from myself, has had a major impact drafting the best XI possible. From the moment the investigation commenced, I was determined to defend our selections against the allegation that I deliberately selected players who were not eligable. This has been achieved. The findings of the comprehensive investigation state clearly there was no directive from the Club Board or executive management to deliberately select players who were not eligable, and the Tall Defence XI never set out to deliberately select ineligable players during the 2013 draft. The Club recognises and accepts its responsibility in relation to selecting players who we believed were available, including the actions of our employees. The decision imposed by H_T and Rouge is significant. We have dealt with setbacks in the past, and we will meet this challenge. Many significant factors were considered prior to accepting the sanctions. If we were to pursue a legal battle, there would be a high cost in terms of time and resources, which the XI was prepared for. Clearly there were other considerations, including the impact on our cricket department, coaching staff and players as they prepare for the season ahead. There was also the recognition of the toll taken by this investigation on key people within our XI. On balance, we determined that accepting these sanctions was the best course of action to take for our XI. By accepting the sanctions, our XI can run out against the seven other XI's clear of any distractions and prepare for Nasher's decision. Thank you to all those members and supporters who have so strongly supported the Board and key club figures throughout this trying period. Tall Defence President/Selector

I'm still going to complain. He's on our list and it's a massive tease. I want instant gratification!

Not to forget Jimmy Toumpas. Hogan is destined to be a superstar. I don't care that it's only one game in a NAB Cup format - his talent is just so bloody obvious. I hope the club gives him a 10 year contract extension.

Is it just me or has Sylvia escaped a bit of criticism here?

If you can't hit a target when the pressure is down then what hope do we have when the pressure is on in round 1? Garland, Frawley, Nicholson, MacDonald, McDonald, Magner, McKenzie, Grimes, Couch etc aren't going to suddenly be kicking well in round 1. Mickey Mouse is a cop out. These players are playing for their careers. It not though we played finals and had a delayed start to the pre-season. We've been training since October haven't we?

i thought that was rhyming slang for a second there...... don't worry mate, i was excited too.

I just blew the dust off my Mathew Warnock player worn jersey for a very good reason tonight. Number 1 is back baby! Absolutely loved his whole presence on the field tonight. Hogan looks to have that classic forward dominance with added modern skills. Look out Franklin i say.

She'll probably want her own privacy too.

First time I've been excited about anything footy related in months. Jesse Hogan = a reason to still be a Melbourne supporter come 2014, no matter how bad 2013 is!

Just turned 18 apparently. And to think some didn't want 'im to play.

Put simply, he's a bigger, stronger, quicker, taller, and a better version of Hurley. And have you heard how the media creams themselves over Hurley ?

Our defence was very good, but it has been good for a long time. We got beaten again in the stoppages. Our movement of the ball was good, except coming inside 50, where it was terrible. Midfield quality, and ball into 50 quality need a huge amount of work.

If you watched the Nth vs Rich game you would have seen a lot of turnovers as well.....As for our low possession rate,.I think you will find that Nth chip chip chip which makes their possession rate a lot higher......I think we had about the same inside 50's....Stand to be corrected on that Against Rich....I thought that they were fresh and keen and used the ball a lot better than us...... I liked that we came back against Nth and held Rich goaless in the last half We will be a lot better with a settled side after they play together for a while....

The thing to remember is that if not for the Mini Draft he wouldn't have gone into the draft until next year, so there is no point complaining that he can't play this year as we got him before he could be drafted.

It's revisionist crap to say Scully left because of the culture. It was always about the money.

You are absolutely spot on Srjennings on all counts...

Watching the NAB Cup game v Roos now.. it was all over by the time i got home from work.. Hogan does look good .. I dont want to get too excited tho.. a year to wait for him in the big league but will be interested to see how he goes in Casey all season.. it didnt do Jack any harm aside from a broken jaw courtesy of a hit from the scum bag Wojincski... it will be more our impatience to see him join his teammates.. In the mean time we can get excited about our young boys who CAN play.. i thought both Jack and Jimmy did well.. although not match winners they both showed a lot .. not overly concerned we didnt win - there were good signs.. just a shame we cant see the games on Fox.. Getting impatient for the real games now..

Mckenzie is a one trick pony, we will not make finals with players who do nothing except tackle. The game is about the ball, not the man.

ALL big fellas take time. Between 7 and 11yrs of age Hogan really struggled.

Exactly. You have no idea how many goals his opponents kicked, but you're happy to write him off.

Averages 41 and is Sri Lankas best young batting talent. All this from a natural keeper who couldn't score until he was 17. Already captain of the T20 side. Oh, and I picked him rounds ago

Wrong Colin.

Apparently, won't be respected until he has played huge finals matches, regardless of whether we play them

He moves really well and his field kicking needs refinement but he looks like he will make it easier to be Jack Watts... Kudos to the club for getting that deal done and getting those three.

The kid is good and is only going to get better... however, the most surprising thing for me is that this thread has gone to its second page and still no-one has suggested he is a future captain.

Incidentally, Wayne Carey has just said that Watts was "superb" tonight and could be in for an AA season.

Funny. You'd think some of the people on here were expecting to win tonight. Personally, I'm thrilled to get that close to North, given what they have done to us every time we've played them in the last decade or so (anyone know when the last time we beat them was btw?). We knew that Richmond was well ahead of us and once they got a bit tired we held them pretty well and won the second half of that game. I say there are more positives tonight than negatives.

My head is saying the opposition probably weren't paying him too much attention, it is only a practice match and it is very early days and I shouldn't get ahead of myself The Melbourne supporter bit of me is thinking he has great hands, can kick, had enough of an engine to go find his own ball on the wing, is quick, made decent decisions, is 6 foot 51/2, is 100kgs and just turned 18. Oh and he has that don't f...k with me attitude that might excite Mark Neeld amongst others Ok, I got ahead of myself

Must have missed that unless you are talking about the bit where Vickery lost it, gave away a free kick and a 50m penalty. Dunn remained calm, took the free and slotted the goal For what it's worth I thought Dunn was probably in the best 3 for Melbourne across the 2 games

We showed a bit. We look quite fit and a few of our new players were quite promising. Hogan looks the goods and Viney is a real goer. Watts and Dunn were both good down back and we ran the 2nd game out well. Attack on the ball was good and our overall endeavor was pleasing. Just need to finish better and improve our disposal. Thought our style of play was interesting - we brought the ball back into the corridor nicely and we kicked long and accurately to position on occasions. We had a whole bunch of new players in and it will take a little while for it to all gel. We didn't let the Tigers get away from us too much. Overall - reasonably pleased. That's a good hit out.

What fine?

Already done more than T$ has in his whole career.