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Just on the Spencer topic the one thing I absolutely love about him and a fair few of his teamates should seriously take a big leaf out of his book, is that he is always in the thick of the action sticking up for his teammates when they go down. He goes in and bats for his mates and doesn't take a backward step. Remember he lost his [censored] against the cats Nab Cup when Toumpas when down and the week before he did it against Dustin Martin who was trying to rough up Daniel Cross, threw a few good ones at Warnock from the blues too.. He just loves a good scrap. That game against Brisbane when Pedersen got dropped and no one ran in to stick up for him was one of the most disgraceful act I have seen the club dished up this year. Hopefully that will be the last we see of that.

Get over it people. Neeld has the runs on the board as an assistant. It was only a matter of time before someone picked him up. No shame in trying and failing.

Merry Christmas one and all. These are the final training Pictures for the year. Click on the picture to access the gallery. You can start the slideshow in the bottom left hand corner. From the start From the scratch match

true, but waving the flag doesn't have to involve the biff (or anything else reportable)

Jokes aside, Neeld will be the least of their worries. He was highly regarded as the midfield coach of a premiership team. Just because he didn't cut it as a senior coach doesn't mean he can't perform other coaching roles.

Salem and Toumpas are my boys to improve and watch.

The ball!?!

Oscar Mac - no. He's a beanpole. With Tom, Dunn and Frost ahead of him I don't think he'll see many preseason minutes and would need to play super well to even be considered. ANB - no. He trains well. He's got good endurance. But this knee dislocation will probably mean plenty of time in the rehab group whilst they make sure it doesn't happen again plus get his conditioning back and therefore I can't see him being given much of a chance in the earlier preseason games Stretch - maybe - he had that vital head start of a couple of weeks training. But then has been held back a bit. I could see him getting a bit of preseason footy, maybe coming on in the second half of games. He's a skinny body though so I dont think they'll be too keen to risk him Brayshaw - maybe - he seems to have an appetite to get involved in training. A natural go getter and I believe he had a small scare on Friday but otherwise has been progressing well in training. Petracca - maybe/probably- whilst the training intensity is clearly testing him (which is not a surprise) you can see he's got the size, skills and power to not only compete but to beat experienced players. The questions will be on his repeat efforts and adapting to the pace of the game. But if he keeps making improvements then I think he's on track for preseason footy. He does too many classy things to not be given a chance Last year JKH adapting to training like an absolute pro. He pushed himself in the running, was assured in any skills drills and in any match simulation drills was bobbing up everywhere with his reading of the play and intensity. It's early in preseason but I haven't seen that level from any of the knew draftees. Maybe because the standard of the group has improved. JKH then well and truly backed up his training form in the preseason games. ANB's injury may well cost him time in the preseason games depending on how many of the senior players we play. But otherwise all 4 mids should get a look in for preseason games and form will dictate.

There's only one currency in play here as far as I can tell, and that's notionally 'time' !! Yes it's costing EFC a motza but they seem to be getting some back off of their insurers, god knows how. They dont care about the money. The typical EFC devotee is that stupid they're coughing up fighting money. It truly boggles the mind. EFC know they will have to rebuild thoroughly in a couple of years but if they can squeak though in the meantime it is , to them, a win. This is what infuriates me about the whole thing, the utter contempt with which they have not only initiated this debacle but deign to continue it as a farce. WADA needs to find the biggest stick it can grab and get practicing swinging it. Essendon not only need to be punished but ought to be made an example of.

Many of the more successful clubs now select about 10-12 'on-ballers' with no mid-field per se. Line up then is those plus 3 backs, 3 fwds, 1 ruck, Bench (also mostly 'on-ballers'). Training reports and our recruiting point at Roos wanting about 10-12 'on-ballers' ( + some on the bench) who can play defensively and offensively running hard both ways. Hawthorn and Port are exceptional at this type of line up. Sydney not too shabby either! In future the 'traditonal' line-up of B, HB, M, HF, F, Followers, Bench will be useful in newspaper diagrams of teams but not for much else.

So Minnesota are down by 14 at Miami late in the 4th Quarter. We score 7 kick off and they fumble at the 5. We score 7 again Sweet! Game is tied and with 40 seconds left we punt deep in our endzone to send it to OT. We botch the friggin snap and the punt is blocked for a safety. We lose on a blocked punt safety after being up by 14 then down by 14 only to come back for that to happen. I get in my truck late for work (Normal Monday) and as I'm listening to the post game radio show I remember I bloody well tipped Minnesota as well. A few quick thoughts on the games that actually mattered though. Pats and Packers seemed to just be in cruise control, Detroit and Indy have very flattering records compared to how they are playing at the moment. Both could be one and done in the playoffs, Saints have gone from one of the best home teams in the league to a stinking team at the dome, Seattle at Seattle in the playoffs yeah good luck with that anyone and stupid Dallas keep winning. I don't like Dallas winning and Romo flogging teams. I need some comedy during this time of year.

Well. to those I know, and to those I don't, the very best of the season to you all. A safe passage through the minefield of holidays and have a very Merry Christmas. Cheers

sooooo you're suggesting Spencer is some sort of softc0ck because he wasn't able to keep his feet when aggressively shepherded by a mature AFL player?

I am not always a fan of Rita as she is usually on the extreme right wing of the Liberal Party, but she has really nailed it in this article. She has very deep connections into Carlton, and I suggest what she spouts here is almost certainly a reflection of all the other AFL clubs except Essendon. All of them want Hird and his band of cheats punished. None will object when the true verdict is handed down in Switzerland by CAS in mid 2015. Hird, Little and their mates will be left with no friends, and receive their just deserts.

Saty and the scooter. He's far more committed than others we've had up in the past.

He is not going out there and belting blokes Saty he is sticking up for his mates when they go down by getting into their faces and roughing them a bit. Big difference. Again most could take a leaf out of his book.The only stupid suspension we had this year was Dawes against Richmond and North. Other then I personally don't see it as a big issue.

Can't they just 'test' his height now with a tape measure ?

Somebody asked about the new recruits playing this year, my thoughts, with Neal Bullen out for now, think Brayshaw will get first crack with Vandenberg the smokey, Brayshaw just looks to be a footy player, everything with the minimum of fuss Billy Stretch, Oscar Mc and White will get time to develop, all are still growing, so the emphasis is on not breaking them Spoke to the fitness guys about Petracca's running style, he joins the one or two others who look horrible, they are going to work with him on it, he wastes a lot of energy, this would impact him running out games Roos has a completely different approach to young players than we have seen in the past, in the NAB cup expect Harmes will be given the chance to show if he is worth elevating and I reckon Hunt and KIng will be given a go before the new guys. We also have Salem, JKH and Toumpas. He will also want to see what Newton can bring to the table and Frost (who I think will be this years bargain pick up) Spoke to Dean Kent about the size increase, definitely bigger and stronger in the body, thinks he may have grown slightly taller as well, they do more testing after the Xmas break

Footage from his first game below. He came on as sub and had 9 touches and 6 tackles in under 2 quarters. He's only played a handful of games, but he's shown signs of being a good player already. He's really competitive, like Nathan, applies good defensive pressure, has good run and good skills by both hand and foot. He'll play as a half back flanker putting pressure on and rebounding. Also has scope to become a midfielder, as he showed late before being drafted. He's a talent, similar to Nathan at the same age, but less in the centre square and more run from behind. Same competitiveness, better skills and awareness than Nathan at the same age, and is quicker. I'd be happy to give up any pick out top 10 for him as I think he'll be a player and is flexible to play both defense and midfield. Would be a good get.

Too early to tell if he is a seriously good AFL player, but he was at TAC level. He is a hard nut as well. It is just another little thing to keep us interested this year, beside watching the Dees. Who knows if the recruiting guys are really interested? Just nice to look at possibly getting a player all year, instead of losing one.

replace the start of the web address in your browser with "news""http://www.heraldsun.com.au/subscribe/news/1/index.html?sourceCode=HSWEB_WRE150_a&mode=breached&dest=http://www.heraldsun".com.au/news/opinion/this-is-one-dispute-that-wont-go-away/story-fni0fhh1-1227163636719&memtype=anonymous http://www.news.com.au/national/this-is-one-dispute-that-wont-go-away/story-e6frfkp9-1227163636719

ah f log you degenerate poseur. didn't take long for you to return to your homoerotic self just be upfront, we are all adults here and will understand leave the closet behind

Maybe i will have to rethink previous statement.

Robbo must be on holidays aka lying paralytic on the Murray's bank somewhere near Echuca no doubt

Mark Neeld was a poor head coach, but by all reports a great assistant / midfield coach. I think the same could be said with Brendan Mccartney. I feel both of them have strong attributes that lie respectively other than being a head coach of a football team.

Great post - thanks. This is exactly the type of post that makes these training session threads absolutely worth reading.

everyone has the perception that all the fault was from Neeld.... & not from our own players & the past culture, which he inherited. it wasn't Neelds fault we haven't been able to develop our kids over the past 15 +/- years, & that our senior players mostly were selfish one way players... & now Roosy battles with this culture trying to rid it from our club. but he does have the respect of his charges.

It's a nothing article. Neeld is happy to have another job at AFL level and sing the praises of the club that signed him and Craig is happy to endorse a mate. Neeld's appointment at Essendon was announced months ago, no news here.

Hello people. I know I'm getting in early but I'm going away (I will be back!). I'd like to sincerely wish all of my fellow Demonlanders a very Merry Xmas and a happy and successful (GO DEES!) 2015. We are all part of one big family. So whatever you wish for, I hope that your wish is granted (although a premiership in 2015 may be stretching it just a little!). Cheers and best wishes

DC I think it has more to do with the Greek/Roman tradition of the sun god, Sol Invictus and the winter solstice occurring around December 25. The celebration of Sol Invictus was the 25th and celebrated the rebirth of the sun and was co-opted by the Christians as the birth date for JC in the 4th century I believe but happy to be corrected!

Another MFC midfielder is born

its impossible to say at this stage if the new diet will help on gameday and with endurance and what not, but its already done wonders for the players body shape thats for sure Never seen an MFC list looking more ripped and muscular, even the younger blokes... and Dean Kent has not only finally shed his puppy fat but he is ripped as hell and the older ones,...Dawes, Cross and Jamar look in the best shape of their career

Can someone tell me what Xmas is? Is it Christmas without the Christ to appease the atheists or something else?

Oh maaaaaaaaan....

Fair enough too because lawyers work very hard and provide an important service to the community. Now, while I'm sunning myself on the beach over the break, I can catch up with some homework ~ AFL Competition Anti Doping Code

"The only possible winners are the lawyers." And people that are against drugs in sport.

Good wishes for peace on earth doesn't hurt anyone. Yes communities are split but a smile a handshake and merry Christmas goes some way to mending that split. Try it Biff it may make you feel good about yourself and others.

No its just you.

Maybe I've missed something, but what's this about?

Your right the game has changed so I can't understand why people still think Grimes is an automatic selection and there's no need for us to have some elite users of the football coming off halfback. I still use the term back six/forward six because that's how they line up on paper but ideally I'd have both back flankers and one of the forward flanks as midfielders who just so happen know how to use the footy.

Good article in today's HUN written by Rita P summarises in well from my view. She is not a sports writer so obviously not part of the HUN fan club. Worth a look IMO. This is one dispute that won't go away

Garland would not be a walk up start at every club. Over his career he has been good, reasonably consistent but not what I would call great or elite. TDI has said The Prince is playing off half back, so who misses out. Although Garland at times he may have had to play as a key defender I think he's better suited as a third tall.Jetta Frost Dunn The Prince McDonald Howe/Grimes/Garland Too many names so someone's got to go. The club targeted Frost for a reason, he played 16 games last year, has a bit of go about him and will hopefully form the back half of the spine for years to come along with McDonald. So The Prince takes a good intercept mark, breaks the lines with his run which is something we desperately need but we still lack an elite kick of half back. Jetta Frost Dunn The Prince McDonald Salem/Toumpas/someone-anyone There is enough experience there to allow us to try someone else who has the potential to be an damaging player for us for years to come.

I was excited when we got Craig and believe he did a good job in difficult circumstances. Neeld was either promoted beyond his ability or specified a task that was not achievable. Until his appointment as senior coach at MFC he was a winner yet here he was a nightmare. EFC have to be extraordinarily careful in their appointments at this stage and would have given careful consideration. We seem to be delighted to have picked up a sacked coach from the Doggies but in a different role.

Considering these two guy almost got our club dragged into this dopeing Saga could be the reason Essendon have employed both of them.

I have no affiliation with Gutnick but this view is mis-worded or just wrong. Either way it gets up my frock.If Joe had not thrown $3 million into the ring we would not exist. He didnt cheat or make the wrong decisions. He hired the executives he was advised to and they seemed to be competant. Nobody then knew how how badly they phoned in their work. Dont forget a few here who still pot Joe were behind Szondy. Money talks and BS it seems stinks forever. /end rant

When Chip walked out the door the collective IQ at the club was rocked in a way that reminded me of the devastating Earthquake that hit Melbourne and surrounds last year.

He made the mistake of letting the kid get up. This resulted in a goal. He was overly kind in the tackle. Spencer should learn from this.

GFY Clint. You know I'm an atheist/ anti corporate. You are merely doing this to antagonise me and the many that share my worldview. Apart from the footy sentiments we obviously all share , I find your comments to be duplicitous and disrespectful. and anyway the other half of the club are Jews who couldn't give a flying about Santa You rude [censored].

I hope we are targeting every good young (and some old) player who are out of contract and even some whom aren't. I had some mail that Zac struggled with the move to Sydney. Had a girlfriend he didn't want to leave who he hadn't gotten much time with before he was drafted. The mail was that once he played the couple of senior games and as things went on he acclimatised. To be honest if we got him I'm not sure it would be a huge poaching exercise. I think if he plays games and settles well then he'll sign on at Sydney. It's a great club, we can only hope after this year we'll have closed the gap somewhat. But if he still wants to be in Melbourne (the city) as well as struggles for a game then I really hope he picks Melbourne as his destination.

The last thing Sydney need is MFC pushing up the price of Zak Jones. I think the salary cap issues will come home to roost at the Swans. Hopefully we can land Zak aswell, have a couple sets of brothers playing at the club. And a few sets of father/sons... A real family club.