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Just got back to Brisvegas and walked in the door and jumped straight on Demonland. Not sure how much analysis from those who were at the game exists above this post but I thought I'd share my thoughts anyway. Firstly, I love going to Southport. Ground is always in good condition and there's lots of good vantage points. I was lucky enough to be standing on the fence for the whole game directly behind the Melbourne interchange entrance. I really enjoyed this unique perspective as I was able to get a bit of insight into the personality of the players in terms of their footy brain, communication, positivity etc . . Interestingly one of the most quiet players appeared to be Jack Grimes. Rodan (who didn't seem to get much of it) was really impressive. At one point when Watts marked on the wing closest to us, he was basically coaching him. Told him to slow down, look through the options, pick the right one and then when his kick went to the right option reinforced his effort with a positive. Might seem like a little thing but highlighted for me why he and Dawes and Byrnes have been brought to the club. Before I talk about the match, it's important to note that it was bloody hot. Hottest day we've had up here in over a month and 11. 50 - 2.10 would be the hottest part of the day. Little breeze to speak of. We noticeably tired in the second half. The main reason I ventured down to the Coast today was to watch Hogan and Toumpas and in the first quarter I could have happily headed back up the coast because Hogan made it pretty clear that he is the real deal. He faded a little in the last quarter but he took a series of contested marks and could have easily taken more. More than once he overcame being in the least preferred one on one position to win the ball (in the air and at ground level) and created space for those around him. Can't wait to see him in 2014! Casey watchers are in for a great year. Like many have suggested throughout the pre-season Jimmy Tompas has given an obvious insight into why he's so highly rated but it also becomes obvious that he will need some time. He had one sublime moment on my wing when the ball was poorly handballed by a team mate and he was seemingly left to contest a hot 50/50 ground ball. I thought to myself at the time, that I would find out whether this kid goes hard or not. Not only did he go low and hard, he actually beat his opponent to the ball and spun imperiously out of confestion. Smacked of class. Give him time but he'll be a beauty. Don't think he's played too many games in heat like this. He was really struggling with the conditions but kept working hard. He's a confident young kid and seems to be coping well with the structural demands of the team rules and doesn't hesitate to tell his team mates where they need to be. My other highlight for the day was Dean Terlich. I really like the cut of his jib. He's an intelligent footballer who seems to have jelled really well with the team. He knows his role, he knows the team structures. He'll become more and more comfortable with the tempo and he'll better utilize his good kicking skills. I'd definitely have him in the team ahead of Strauss at the moment. Strauss had an intersting game. He was really good in the areas that I have questions marks about him. He competed well one on one and was strong in the contest but his run and carry and end product was a little disappointing. Matt Jones shows a bit too. It was clear that he got better and better when the early fiz had gone out of the game. He got alot of the pill. He's clearly a neat kick who works hard from contest to contest. Decision making and adjusting to the tempo of AFL footy will be his challenges. When we were up and about and travelling well in the first half I was marvelling at the fact that with what was basically our entire spine missing we still had some quality tall targets up forward. In addition to Hogan, Pedersen and Sellar are genuine players. They both have big bodies are flexible and can take a mark. Pretty good back-up in the key position department. Likewise down back with Frawley and McDonald out we still had Gillies, Garland, Dunn and Watts capable of matching it with the bigger Gold Coast bodies. But just as I started to marvel at our depth in this area, Dixon started to get on top of Gillies and the game turned. Gillies tries hard and is a great size and certainly worth persisting with. Dunn was ok one on one but his much talked about kicking was poor today. Watts was good. Calm with the ball in hand and made good decisions but didn't do anything over hard or courageous that would have you going home thinking we'll see a pack bursting Watts this year. Also wanted to make mention of Magner. I've had him pigeon holed as a slow, hard working trier but having seen him today and watching the Renmark replay I think he deserves a spot in our starting 22. He reads the ball really well in the centre. Today he got it first dibs numerous times and his hardness and tackling pressure are of a very high standard. He and Jordie might find them fighting for a position if Viney consolidates as expected. Good to see Grimes get a few touches. He spent alot of time off the ground early in the second half. He's clearly being carefully managed given his history of injury and if this has been the case all pre-season it could account for his lower than usual disposal numbers. Sylvia was Sylvia. He failed to find much space when in the midfield and didn't hurt on the scoreboard when he went forward. He's at the crossroads. I thought Jamar looked it great nick and was getting around the ground pretty well given the conditions. I think he'll definitely have an improved season if he stays healthy. All in all, I wouldn't be slashing my wrists over the final result. McDonald, Clark, Dawes, Frawley, Trengove, Blease, Viney and Jetta all out of my best 22 missing and the heat was a genuine factor. Disappointing we couldn't get anything close to our best team on the park this pre-season but the positive is that we're not far away from doing exactly that and it might make round 1 all the more interesting. Potato cakes surprisingly good. Happy to answer any specific questions.

I'll give a report when i get home, but just wanted to confirm if we didn't already know it - Hogan is a star!

When I saw the result, my heart sank. Not because I see this as signalling we're in for another bad year. Because I knew the ridiculous reaction it would spark on Demonland.

@melbournefc: Leading possession getters at half time: Watts 17, Grimes 14, M.Jones 13, Terlich 13.

And true to form we certainly like to PRACTICE getting smashed

OK ... at the risk of starting a sectarian war on this thread but in celebration of this week's goings on at the Vatican, here goes ... An Irish daughter hadn't been home for over three years. Upon her return, her father said, "Where have ye been all this time? Why did ye not write to us? Not even a line. Why didn't ye call? Can ye not understand what ye put yer old Mother through?" The girl, cried and when she gained her composure, replied sniffing, "Daddy ... I was too embarrassed, I have become a prostitute." "Ye what? Out of here, ye shameless hussy! Sinner! You're a disgrace to this Catholic family, so yer are." "OK, Daddy...as ye wish...I just came back to give Mummy this luxurious fur coat, her and ye the title deed to an eight bedroom mansion plus a $5 million cheque. For me little brother Seamus, this gold Rolex. Also for for ye Daddy, the sparkling new Mercedes limited edition convertible that's parked outside, plus a lifetime membership to the Limerick Country Club." She took a deep breath and continued, "and an invitation for ye all to spend New Year's Eve on board my new yacht in the Caribbean." "Now tell me again what was it ye said ye had become?" asked the father. The girl, cried again, "A prostitute Daddy!" Sniff, sniff. "Oh! Be Jesus! Ye scared me half to death girl! I thought ye said a PROTESTANT. Come here and give yer old Daddy a big hug."

How Gold Coast lined up: Out: Wilkinson, Brown, Martin, Gorringe, Weller In: Ablett, Harbrow, Hunt, Russell, Shaw FB: Broughton, Warnock, Murphy HB: Shaw, Thompson, Harbrow C: Rischitelli, Bennell, O'Meara HF: Stanley, May, Matera FF: Dixon, Day, Hall Fol: Smith, Swallow, Ablett Int: Brennan, Horsley, Lonergan, Prestia, Hunt, Russell Outside of Bennell (who was named), Tom Lynch and McKenzie this is the Sun's best line up. Out of my best 22 (others may disagree): Frawley, Clark, McDonald, Dawes, Trengove, Blease, Jetta, Viney and Kent - 9 players. Unlike some, I don't agree that this match meant nothing, but just as clearly if you take out your entire spine, as well as other good users and decision makers then you're clearly weakened as a unit. Especially when you're playing in exceedingly hot conditions interstate. It's not an excuse it's fact. Practice matches ARE important and once again the coaches would have got a lot out of it and the players will be involved in the review. But to be making an all encompassing determination of our preseason and likely prospects for season 2013 on a game such as this merely highlights more inept offerings by the footy stupid dolts that frequent this site. At least you're consistent.

The issue here is people and expectations. We were rubbish last year. What do people expect this year? Are we miraculously going to hit every target and consistently compete with mature bodies (granted Suns are not). I expect gradual improvement and I expect it when we have close to our best side on the park. How surprising that the Suns tall forward line played well when had no Frawley, TMac and Garland (second half). How surprising that we struggled through the midfield. We will improve this year but it will be inconsistent and frustrating at times. It sounds like most here wont be able to handle that.

I guess we need Frawley, Dunn, Viney, Trengove, Clark, Dawes, Blease, Kent, McDonald, Nicholson and Bail to be available before we can field our best team... Hold on, that's 10 or 11 players... almost half a team... I wonder who, out of the 26 we fielded today would hold their place... Jones, Watts, Byrnes, McKenzie, Rodan, Garland,Gillies, Sellar, Grimes, Jones, Howe... that's another 11... Then there's Davey and Jetta, who played well for Casey in their 2 point win over Frankston today... There! Doesn't that feel better. Bring on Port!

When we beat Port in Round 1 I'm starting a we will win the flag thread.

We'll will be a seriously improved team when we limit discussion to who is actually on the paddock. The power teams don't worry about who is not playing they expect the team out there to do the job.

Can everyone take a deep breath and save all the wailing till the game is over and we have ALL the info post just whining clog up the topic....let Bailin post

Hogan just kick 20 Goals in opening 2 min. We have won.... you can now go do something else now worthwhile!

Thanks for the offer but I gave up smoking a few years ago.

At least I have to go away to get lost it seems... you seem to have managed it without leaving the comfort of your own home.

It's going to be a long year. Damn auto correct I meant to say I'm still enthusiastic about our season

Exactly like that. I'm not interested in "good tries" anymore.

@melbournefc: Sellar takes the mark on a 45 degree angle and slots it through for a goal - his first for the day.

Half Time; blue skies must be over 30 here, no worthwhile wind advantage, dees started well and dominated 1st and start of 2nd, Ablett went FWD and created a few opportunities, and got the Suns back in the game, can't recall going inside 50 in the last half of 2nd?? went to Rodan a few times but got beaten and suns rebounded 4.5 to 4.3 heaps of kick to kick in the backline, struggling to get it clear out of defense, the Suns are onto the switch and zone was making Ds nervous. other points of interest.. Hogan's 1st quarter great! Toumpas and M. Jones going well, Tapscott took a great contested one handed, nJones outmuscled Gaz in a nice bit of work on the wing, Warnock 'the wall' another ex making you jealous.. players look stuffed in the heat, now must attempt to find the gents... Bailin Out

That gherkin is leaning to the right. BH would love it. Seriously BH, it is not left wing to disagree with you about footy, nor are weak arguments the sole preserve of leftists, nor does a 'wrong' remark about footy expose a communist stooge. If there is a generalisation to be made from posts on this forum, it is that right-wingers are prone to call others childish names. But since I base that on a very small sample of a single poster who proudly flaunts his right-wing leanings and abuses others, it can't really be a valid conclusion.

The report I've been waiting for Goodvibes! Thank you for your depth and insight.

This is what I take from the pre-season to date. We are entering fifty more than previously but miss the marking power of Clark and Dawes. We are getting our share of the taps but the various mid-fields we have employed have been out-gunned. (Trengove, Viney and McKenzie may help here but we desperately need another gun midfielder). We have missed the run and contesting ability of McDonald and he is now an essential part of our backline mix (particularly post-Rivers). Gillies seems to be solid and consistent and a good decision maker. Dean Kent, Matt Jones and Dean Terlich have all shown positives and are of a size that can compete come Round 1. Sellar is by far the best option as a pinch-hitter going forward, also has the ability to play key-back (we have a keeper there!). Sylvia has had a full pre-season. None of our games have been at the MCG (where we play our best football). Davey is able to make a better contribution than 2012, if called upon, due to improved fitness. Dunn has found his position. Toumpas and Viney have shown they will be very good or better in the years to come. Hogan is a great pick-up as a leading/marking key forward of the future (also a good kick for goal).

Not sure but when I get through some commitments including a mate's bucks night which starts in less than an hour, I'll provide some notes on the game including the Demons who took part. I think the stand out Demon on the day was Nev Jetta who defended well all game, closely followed by Aaron Davey who was classy and skilful, took a few knocks and got little protection from the umpires. Tom Couch did well on the ball but doesn't get enough penetration with his kicks at times. Troy Davis and Joel Macdonald defended well. Dom Barry still has a way to go but he has the makings. Will not play a senior AFL game this year however, because he's far too light and easily brushed aside.

Ah a bit of sanity prevails

Idiot! West Coast Eagles formed 1986, played finals 1988. Adelaide Crows formed 1991, played finals 1993 Brisbane Lions, formed from ashes of Fitzroy, played final in inaugural year. GCS and GWS have had money, draft picks and players thrown at them by the AFL and will both be powerhouse teams. We are coming off a massive rebuild, have had to settle our debts and fight our off field battles with minimal assistance and maximum hinderance from the AFL and we are playing today with a still understrength side.

OK.. Fairly even match besides the string of GC goals in the third, last quarter i'ld say we got the better of them, Tappy got absolutely creamed in the back with a resulting "play on" leading to a GC goal, frees went that way today. Watts BOG. Sylvia was hungry, no Davey, Jetta, Clark, Dawes, Viney, Garland (2nd half, not subbed, well no vests?!), Trengove.. it was a practice match, a good hit out. BELIEVE PPL!!! looking forward to the real stuff. I just got hit with a footy typing this.

the same people make the same excuses over the last 5 pre seasons yet we end up rubbish in the real season, so how about some accountability. Pre season form does seem mean something to us. Get it. The trends and stats are there now.

Avaliable or unavaliable doesn't mean much. We don't win no matter who plays. The AFL better give us the priority pick now so we are not tempted to tank again.

Reckon if we keep practicing like this, we might have the fadeout down pat by the time round 1 rolls around, and be able to maintain it for 4 quarters.

Sorry to diverge but at first glance I misread your question. I nearly fell off my chair.

I work at Southport Sharks and I was absolutely thrilled on Sunday night when my manager told me the Dees are coming up for our practice match against The Suns. For those who don't know The ground itself is AFL Quality. The bloke who looks after the Gabba also takes care of our ground.There is an under cover grandstand on the main side of the venue. Facility is by far the Best facility in Queensland. Massive event centre, 2nd largest Pokies venue in Queensland besides the casino, A café, 300 seat food court, 80 seater fine dining restaurant and a balcony bar That overlooks the whole football ground. It's closer to surfers than what Metricon Stadium is and has loads of parking. So I hope I pump into a few of you die hard Dees supporter up here on Saturday.I will be floating around the venue as I am the events supervisor so if your coming up don't be shy to say hi. Cant miss me. Im the only Asian bloke that works there. Hope to see a few of you up here and hope to see a big win. Go Dees Phuong

For BOTH teams. And we've sent pretty close to our best available. Should be practising winning by now really...

so watts is back in my dream team side i guess...

Quarter 1 – Melbourne 2.3.15 – GC 1.0.6 Another day of hot conditions confronted the Melbourne players for their final hit out of the preseason competition against the Suns on the Gold Coast. In a low scoring contest The Suns hit the scoreboard first with a remarkable goal from Gary Ablett kicking from 50 out hard up against the boundary line. Melbourne hit back midway through the term when Hogan out muscled his opponent and snapped one through from 30 meters out. The remainder of the quarter was a even affair with Gold Coast doing well to get numbers back in defense which made it difficult for the Demons to get value for their higher inside 50 count. New draftee Matt Jones kicked the final goal of the quarter after a 50 meter penalty made his conversion a gimme from straight in front. The Demons taking a nine point lead into the first break. Notable players for Melbourne during the first quarter were youngsters Jimmy Toumpass and Jesse Hogan. Quarter by quarter updates now on MFC website

MFC tweeted good courage by Strauss dropping back into a pack... Good signs

You really are sticking your neck out I think Ill be a little bit cautious with mine. I do like Neelds approach and hope fervently we achieve improved results this year. Neeld knew he was appointed for 3 yrs he analysed the players on the list many of them high draft picks so with some perceived talent and presumably set them targets based on his experience and played them in circumstances that he dictated (although may have been affected by injuries)(having No Intimate Knowledge I have no concerns with any of his decisions) he had a say in the recruiting and release of players ( I have no concerns with any of his decisions) he has now had time with the players to display his character and the strategies and requirements he has of them He has a well rounded and I would assume selected coaching team who all have had time to digest his strategies and demands. In short I reckon he should be fine and a contract extension should be offered ahead of time to reinforce all of the above and the stability etc you indicate . However I would not make it conditional on the Club"not falling apart" but on actual improvement on the ladder with wins over many sides and close competitive efforts against the others. I am yet to be assured of the on field real time coaching patterns and strategies. If Neeld is right and with NIK I can only be satisfied that he is aware of opposition tactics and Industry trends and has the ability to use the tools( players )he has in the right combinations to achieve those results. I am dpositive and am even more positive than ever that the club is capable of great things But I really need to see that improvement in results and attitudes. When we win we do so and accept it as a result of planned effort and strategy not as a shock result, when we lose we hate it, but know we put our best planned effort and stategy in and are prepared to alter the strategy to win the next game. I dont expect to see the players slump their shoulders when things get tough I expect them to show pride not arrogance. Its something to do with culture and its growing. The club needs to make its coaching decision with that culture in mind and reinforce the message through its treatment of Neeld.

Sensational day here on the Coast. Light breeze, blue skies. Should be a good final hit out and a great day to watch footy.

Jack we may be less civilized but you should see the quality of our curtains. No sign of fading!

The NAB Cup's over and, despite the fact that it's not taken seriously by all and the system of deciding the grand finallists has its deficiencies, I would think the majority of people (barring Carlton supporters) would be pleased with the outcome. The Brisbane Lions took some pretty handy scalps with them on their way to the winning the silverware - Hawthorn, Collimgwood and finally Carlton who they exposed last night for both fitness and ability. I know you can't take all that much away from pre season competitions of this nature but I reckon the highlight for me was the overhyping of the Blues throughout the competition to the point where the pundits on the footy show (now there's an oxymoron for you) had them finishing on top of the ladder after 23 rounds, ahead of the Swans, Hawks, Eagles, Cats & Pies. Their road to the grand final was fascinating; they scraped in with a late surge against GWS, flogged two uninterested sides in the Swans and the visiting Dockers and lost to Adelaide (who had nothing to play for and put up stumps at ¾ time). The commentators were saying last night that they were at full strength except for Waite and Garlett and if that's the case, they're in trouble because they are Melbourne in reverse. They have a very good midfield (which didn't fire last night) a couple of good small forwards and nothing much else. They're in trouble as far as I'm concerned and if Richmond finally get their act into gear for an opening round game, the Blues could be staring at 0-4. Brisbane looked good. Some of their bit players are kicking on and they handled the game and the interchange rule far better than their opponents. They're a chance for the top 8 if they can keep that up. The other thing to come out of the NAB Cup to me is that the Hawks could be in trouble if their injuries continue to pile up. The Suns are improving but I still question the Giants who have stockpiled on young talent but don't appear to have the mature bodies and personnel around them to help them make the grade. As for Melbourne - we're taking some small steps after the clean out. The coach has made the bold moves that were definitely necessary after the tumultuous period that not only preceded him but "welcomed" him in his debut year at the helm. I'm sure he never expected it to be so hard for him to develop a team that he wanted to be the hardest team to play against.

Let go Stu. The signature and the obsessing are too much. Move on. Grow. You're becoming too creepy even for me.

Heading down to the game, will check in and provide some updates if lacking.. Carn Dees!

Considering he was injured virtually all of last year. he tried his guts out to clear the ball single handed, the other backs were playing up forward. Then when he did run around in circles and got tackled it was only because our totally inept midfield gave him nuttin, along with his newly formed back line with no experience. Sure he fumbled a few times but where was the assistance when he needed it? Things started to click when Dunn with 100 games of experience went down to help. One player does not a back line make. The new members that will be rotating through this year will certainly allow Chip to do one job not three.

His second half last week he did some seriously classy things. I expect a strong effort tomorrow might get him over the line. There should be no more putting games into kids, you earn them or you play at Casey.

*** Attention *** For all those interested, I am having a wager that Stef Martin will touch his hair more than he touches the pill in tonight's GF. Will report back after the game with how many touches but I'm going to say at least 15 will be visible from the cameras.

Last sentence a cracker but got your drift. Not completelyin agreement with it however. For example Strauss comes in but no Davis (who went ok in his only hit out and coaches apparently happy with his progress?). Think selection also relates to the opposition/matchups and coaches may also want to make comparisions. I think this tells us and also the playing group that indeed the bar is being lifted. i.e. Play well or we have others to take your place. As it should be in a good footy club.

I'd love to know how Club A paying 92% of the cap and Club B paying 100% of the cap equals both clubs paying the same.

When players do well at other clubs i'm not angey at them, im angey at our FD of the time who couldnt get them motivated to the same level. Its as much of a reflection on the club as it is the player

Moloney spat the dummy. It doesn't matter how well he plays for Brisbane; he had to go.

I lol'ed at the Sylvia lifts weights magnificently well comment. I backhanded compliment if ever I saw one