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Went to training this morning Jesse Hogan trained, put that bit in Jesse Hogan injury update topic Max King returned to full training Mitch Clisby still looks a bit restricted Shannon Byrnes did the whole session No sign of Roh Bail Jamar, Garland, Vince and later Dawes did a lighter session, including a ridiculous handball competition with about 6 balls in the air at one time Roos gathered group together and spoke for a couple of minutes, asked one of the staff what was said, it was along the lines of yes it was a win, but no it wasn't a 120 minute performance, which you need if you want to play finals, they need to remember where they are at, the Kangaroos present yet another great challenge and the team needs to 'perform' for 120 minutes Asked a few about Sunday, Roos was pretty calm at half time, tinkered with the match ups, made mention of the 'misplaced' effort, left it to the players, who made a pact that they had served up rubbish to the supporters again, and in the second half that was going to stop, and they were going to win Towards end of session they split the group into AFL and Casey, Riley went with the Casey group, whether that means anything this early in the week, they did more handballing and kicking drills whilst the AFL group kicked for goal, so maybe it was just fitness. Cam Pedersen reckons he was trying to kick to Jack Watts with that great long goal Myself and Christian Salem reckon the World Cup is now wide open, due to the results up to now, we both thought Van Persie's headed goal would take a 'wonder goal' to beat it as goal of the tournament, and he would have looked ridiculous if he had missed it On his winning goal, said he just went back and did his routine, which he has done a thousand times before, didn't think past kicking the goal The whole mood of the group was upbeat Any questions feel free

I know ch7 news are going to feature it but here are some pics off twitter about todays opening of the bridge named in honour of the great man. The Jim Stynes Bridge from the Navigation Drive and McCrae St End at Docklands Fantastic honour for the late, great Jim Stynes with the unveiling of the 'Jim Stynes Bridge' at Docklands pic.twitter.com/Dc7js2aHP9 Lynden Dunn, James Frawley and Jeremy Howe at the 'Jim Stynes Bridge' An emotional opening of the "Jim Stynes Bridge" by Sam, Tiernan and Matisse Stynes. Jeremy Howe, Lynden Dunn, James Frawley and Nathan Jones with the Stynes children at the Jim Stynes Bridge Sam Stynes and her children at the Jim Stynes Bridge pic.twitter.com/3yLXiVlzGm there are some more on twitter but here are a select few

Jesse did about 40 minutes running, none flat out, this morning at training, watched closely by 3 members of the fitness/medical staff. I asked him at the end paraphrasing "it's sweet mate", "no probs, just taking it slowly" "did a bit" Told him there were 30 pages of nervousness on Demonland "tell them not to worry" He also was smiling and giving thumbs up to any MFC staff who asked him how he was going.

Why, they do know they have supporters, and they do know there are fan forums, and they know I post on here, so they use me to answer questions for the supporters out there, Jesse knows every supporter wants him on the field and he actually appreciates the support

You provide some value with your training reports, but my god, these comments make me cringe.

Hi Jesse!

Anal retentive? Not when it comes to apostrophes's's' you're not ....

He will. Give the guy a go. He was an absolute gun in his first two years, and has a debilitating injury for at least two seasons. Explains completely why he was down on pace and skill. Fully fit and up and running he is another Nathan Jones, except a better kick and overhead mark. Jack Trengove fully fit would be an important player in any AFL side. He was not number 2 draft pick for nothing. He will certainly have a much more distinguished career than his morose fellow draftee now at GWS, apart from being a much better bloke and leader. JT up and running again will be like getting a number one draft pick into the team except a hell of a lot more experienced.

Pretty sure Roos say on AFL 360 he showed the players this video: http://youtu.be/VcEYrjU_3sM He was using it to emphasise TEAM over individuals. Love it!

it would probably be 998 pages with "we didnt do anything wrong" 1 of "Stand by hird" and 1 with a picture of Jobe

Finally got around to rewatching the game in its entirety, and I could not believe how many goals Jordie McKenzie was involved in. It was like..."There's McKenzie...there's McKenzie...McKenzie again...and again...should've been a free to Frawley there, but it's okay cause there's McKenzie." Destroyed Stanton and provided the quick handball out of the pack that won us about five or 6 massive second half goals. Easily his best game of all time. Also, I vastly underrated James Frawley's game. He was a colossus all match. Should have kicked another goal from dead in front, and sometimes his chasing wasn't very good (but honestly I don't think he could have affected many of those situations anyway); but other than that he was spectacular. Part of me wants to grab the pick so we can on-trade it for a ready-to-go mid, but another part of me just wants Chip to sign so he can become the world's greatest swingman for our club and not for Hawthorn or some other random team I hate. PS that marking contest where Crossy opened himself up and drifted in front of the oncoming Paul Chapman is just about the bravest thing I've ever seen a person do on a footy field. He is very very lucky not to be in hospital right now with half his ribcage lodged in his guts.

I have no direct contact with Jesse but regular contact with ex teammates, school friends and other people close to the family. Very strong word pre the changeover with CEO, footy department etc that his family were not happy and with us being viewed as a basket and uncertainty surrounding the club. The view was he would not re-sign a new contract till he saw how the club was going and if there was to be changes for the better. I have been told after last year games with Casey Freo had put the feelers out but Hogan was in now way responsive to their approaches. As a closing carrot dangler or food for thought Freo allegedly mentioned they would be prepared at that early stage to be guaranteeing a figure around the $400k per season mark. My mail is since Jackson, Roos the older players and all the other changes Jesse's parents are happy with the way the club is headed and how Jesse has been looked after. I've also heard unconfirmed his parents have moved from Perth, possibly down to the south west of the state, so what does that say about any go home factor. So my take on it is all the rumour an innuendo is just the local clubs (not heard anything about Meth Coast other than media) doing their due diligence with WA born players who's contracts are up for renewal. The fact he has not signed at this stage just fuels the media but truth be known the club and Jesse have concentrated on getting him right. I think we have turned everything in our favour where to the point everything I hear now is positive towards Melbourne and how much he is enjoying it there. By all accounts very close to Viney, Toumpas, Dawes and Mitch. I'm like the rest in that I don't know what he will do and think getting out on the track is his major focus

Can't see why... taken in the context of a conversation (as opposed to an isolated comment) it would probably just elicit a smile and appreciation for the thought. hardly worth singling out for criticism.

Sunday evening was a real healing experience. This is my second year as a member (third year I've supported the MFC, and third since I've moved to this country), and the first Dees game I saw at the 'G was Essendon vs MFC last April. Watching it with my Weagles supporting Father In law and my Bummers supporting Mother in Law was a real respect winning moment, as well as work &my WAFL mates yesterday, especially wearing my scarf to work & on the train for the third time in three years was a fantastic experience, have just made the decision to blow off my Mrs birthday (and our anniversary) for the Weagles match in August.

And then Dawes has soft tissue issues next year and we leave Hogan to struggle up forward on his own assuming he can get back on he park too. Frawley is a required player, if he leaves we will get compensated but we would be stupid to push him out the door.

He said one of the funniest lines I have heard in this saga. After banging on about Essendon and how they have been victimized for what seemed an eternity, he said a number of times to Gerard " now don't take sides Gerard ". Hysterical. I actually wonder if Robbo is simply just a moron with a loud voice.

the main reason I visit this site is to discuss the details of Matthew Pavlich's business concerns

So Essendon is arguing to the Supreme Court (re: dismissal of Robinson) that the supplements program was a mess, while at the same time arguing to ASADA that it wasn't?

Been talking to Nev for five years, he is not lacking in confidence, just loving being in his preferred position and given a specific role, asked him why Chappy kept trying to hit him on Sunday, "I just told him he was old and past it".Think because of the past Nev has gone under the radar, like his mum, very knowledgable about footy, think the conversation with Roos was more along the lines of who he will get this weekend, same with Jordie

That is Jimma's book title. The Bastards stole it and forever tainted it.

Saty, I know you here it all the time but Thanks a heap for all your training reports !!! For all us interstate and oversees fans they are an invaluable source of information and association to our club. Loved some of the images after the game on Sunday showing the Melbourne members going off the collective heads long after the siren had sound - I hope you were one of the lucky ones there !!!

Coniglio would be a great pick up. He can play inside and outside, decent skills, has good pace to break away from packs, and is a goal kicking midfielder. He's only shown his talent in patches, like Tyson did before this year, but clearly has the potential to be a superb midfielder. Would also be a good option when resting forward as he crumbs the ball well and is reliable on the run heading towards goal. He's best mates with Dom Tyson, but not sure if that means anything. It will all come down to whether he wants to head home to WA, or play his football career in the heartland of footy VIC. He's not as tough as Shiel, but he's quicker. Either would be a great addition to our midfield for years to come.

I think Frawley has been brilliant this year and still can't understand why people want him traded? Once Hogan comes back in Frawley and again strengthens our already strong backline. Dunn would take third man and even be more dangerous. He still has a good 7 years left of footy.

Sorry, I thought they were deadly serious so I've lodged a cross action on behalf of the MFC for damages involving Chris Heffernan, Gary Moorcroft and Trevor Spencer.

Seems to me that they were spelling out what the anti doping codes provide in cases of no fault or negligence, a subject that has been discussed ad infinitum in the past here and elsewhere. Several cyclists were given substantial reductions for giving evidence that resulted in the sanctions against Lance Armstrong while in one case, an athlete was exonerated because he was administered a prohibited substance whilst unconscious. Ben McDevitt was criticised heavily by Paul Little for stating the offer was still on the table but Little described it as a bullying tactic. And no wonder, he wants it all to go away - Essendon and Hird are actually contesting the show-cause notices because they understand that if the players provide the levels of assistance required to avail themselves of the offer, then they will be well and truly cooked. As an aside, judging by the way information is coming out it's not looking good for the AFL and certain officials (including a former official) either.

He's the same player. It's just our expectations of him that have changed. It happens with heaps of players. As a first year player we get enamoured with what they can do. Look at everyone's glowing comments about Salem. However, as they get older our expectations rise with how we expect them to develop. If Salem was a 3rd year player doing what he's doing now then do you think we'd be talking so glowingly? That's what's happened with Hurley. He was a strong kid with no pace in his first year who impressed with his competitiveness for a 19 year old. Now he's into his 6th year and his competitiveness doesn't impress us anymore because it's not unusual for a 6th year player. But now we notice his lack of pace and the limitations this has on him. In truth, he's just a player who developed early. He may still develop further, but he's no worse a player than he was. Statistically he's actually a much better player now compared with when he started. It's our expectations of what he should be doing that have changed.

I've watched the 4th quarter 10 times already.

Jack Trengove comes back next year. He will make for a better side.

For those that can't read the link: Essendon To Take Federal Court Action Against Melbourne Football Club By Inside Sauce on June 15, 2014 Essendon insiders have confirmed that the club will today issue Federal Court proceedings against a resurgent Melbourne Demons following its round 13 upset victory. Essendon chairman Paul Little said that despite his club agreeing to play Sunday’s match against the Demons, with around 30 seconds left in the final quarter Melbourne took the lead and the process became fundamentally flawed, denying his club natural justice. “We won’t allow our players to be hung out to dry any longer,” said Little. “We took on this challenge under the assumption that it would land us a spot in the top eight. It hasn’t worked in our favour and I think we can all agree, that is due entirely to jurisdictional error and Paul Roos’ suspiciously healthy head of hair.” Exiled coach James Hird has also filed Federal Court papers against the Demons, who toppled the Bombers by one point in a nailbiter at the MCG on Sunday night. Speaking over Skype from France, Hird said his actions were motivated mostly by boredom and loneliness. “I’m just trying to pass the time until next month really,” said Hird. “The Tour de France kicks off in July and the latest in sports science will be on show at cycling”s biggest and most purest event. But until then, why not see if I can have a bit of fun and just mess around with some people’s lives?” THANKS JACK FOR THE LAUGH

You seriously rate him that poorly that you would offer him a pay cut ? Unbelievable.

As I have posted on here before my best mate is good friends with Jesse, she just told me he has had a really good running week, no pain or discomfort, that will be stepped up and the club feels he can play the last five games of the year with no setbacks! She said he is in really good spirits in general, just always looks grumpy which she picks on him about, apparently made a funny picture saying he won $1,000,000 and then had his grumpy face on it. Apparently enjoying the club, loves roosy but still very frustrated about his injury, wants to be out there, wants to join the ride the boys are on And She told me he would like to stay at Melbourne beyond his current contract, while returning home to play for Freo is tempting but he really wants to repay the faith we have shown in him, apparenty still in regular contact with Mitch who has become a real mentor for him.

This doesn't need its own thread.

There will always be an otherwise best 22 player injured or out of form. You can't look at the current team now - by round 1 next year, circumstances will have changed. They always do. I've got absolutely no doubt that there will be room for Trengove in the side.

I think we get lost in the difference between overrated and not playing well/lost form. I think overrated is when you play a couple of good games and the expectation is you will be the next messiah and this doesn't come to fruition - Gysberts comes to mind ( for the record I was sucked in as well). Frawley had two years where he played outstanding football - followed by two very inconsistent years. The talent was obviously there and was consistently on display during his AA year. You just don't trade out those sort of players especially when we have such a good development team in place now.

400k is far from an over pay for Tom McDonald hes one of the best young key backs in the league, some have talked him up as AA full back this season (think he was listed as unlucky to miss in Rohan Connollys halfway AA team)

Trengove has the ability to break into the side but I reckon roosy will treat him like a new draftee and make him earn a run

who will you drop for Trengove He will have to improve a lot to be considered at all IMO.

I used to play footy and still play Basketball, it's at times a struggle to choose a fave sport. But one thing has always ran true in both sports and it is mentioned in this video: "You can't outrun the basketball". This goes back to the old mantra that quick ball movement beats quick players.

The things I here when I hear people (and most importantly his players) talk about coach Pop are: 1. He loves them as people despite his gruff exterior 2. He doesn't care about reputations and is willing to give a spray to his best players 3. They respect him 4. They respect each other, there aren't any egos 5. He's willing to recruit from everywhere and has benefitted from unusual recruiting of international players I'm not sure Roos will ever be described as coaching the beautiful game but what he does in developing a team culture is very similar to Pop.

Damn, man. That is some SERIOUS ball movement. If we can get even close to that, it won't matter who's in our forward line. We'll carve 'em up every week.

also, a lot of our good passages of play were started by quick handballs from Jordie McK.

So this is now our second-highest tally ever. It really needs to be curving up every single year though. Hopefully we can finish the season strongly, have another excellent off-season and crack 40,000 next season. I can't just keep having children to boost membership figures.

Bless you.

I found out what biffo's been up to these two weeks. don't try this yourself, you could get arrested

I'm with you. I dont want an early draft pick - I want him to stay. Only IF he decides to move on ( and I think he should be offered good coin to stay) would I then consider what he is worth and if we got pick 5 then that would be good.

I would be happy if we got pick 5 if he wants to leave. I wouldn't swap him for pick 5. Does that make sense ?

He is playing the hardest position on the ground and averaging over 8 marks a game. Now i know we chip the ball around a lot but he didnt average that in his AA year. I seriously believe people are marking him down because of him not signing a new contract. I would love to here Roos thoughts on giving him a pay cut and picking up 5 as compensation. I suspect he may have a different view.

Powell Ingerson Holland Hopgood Seecamp Godfrey. Sorry, I'm playing - I'm still in a good mood

jetta dunn garland frawley mcdonald howe plenty to like about that if we can ever sort out our key forwards

I was at a pub in Canberra with one watching, He was pretty smug before the game saying that they would smash us because of the previous weeks events and having everything to play for.. He was so proud of his club he was wearing a red and black band around his wrist (that his daughter made, those stupid rubber things) and that was it.. I was in my Melb polo, hoodie, scarf etc... I may have mentioned they may as well go out with a bang because itll be the last game many will play for a while, He responded with saying that he would give me a 40pt lead and they will still win.. I refused because i wanted to win fair and square.. He had kittens when Watts kicked the goal in the last and almost walked out.. Then when the needle dodger kicked two in a row.. he was standing up pointing and laughing calling me a choker.. It was quite a nice afternoon especially with 19 seconds to go. (i may have been watching through my fingers as the kick sailed thru)