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I know they call him Dunny, but this is a bit much. Could've given him some reading material at least.

Alex Georgiou was only with us for one season, but moves back home to Norwood and is now the Skipper of my beloved Redlegs. Good luck to him and the boys on their journey to go Back to Back to Back to Back! Yeah baby! http://www.norwoodfc.com.au/News/LATESTNEWS/ALEX_GEORGIOU_TO_LEAD_THE_LEGS.aspx

The photos are carp There was a bloke from geelong that they had lined up to do some arty black and white shots but he pulled out.

Been down the track of McKenzie's disposal efficiency previously, it is at the standard of a solid AFL player, but if you want to continue down that path, feel free, I will never win against the mindset of some supporters. The point I have been trying to make is that I agree some of the kicking in the last few years has been poor, poor because it has been rushed, wrong option, etc etc, so Roos has them kicking and kicking and kicking. and kicking Yesterday no kicks missed the target they were aimed for, he even had them bombing it in to the 50 to a contest, is this a poor kick?, no it is the 'get out jail kick' being practiced, best bit of this was JKH and Garlett buzzing around the feet of the big boys. The two incidents I have highlighted, Tyson stopped the run when he should have just kicked to Hogan, Roos let him know in no uncertain terms he is to take the simple option, Terllch kicked to a 1 in 3 because it was Hogan, when Jonesy was all on his own, hence the almighty spray he gave Terlich It beggars belief that some supporters don't think the players practice their kicking and want to get better, I too though expect a must better showing this year, mainly because of what Roos is coaching

But magically enough, as soon as ASADA came up with evidence the players were injected with Thymosin Beta-4, Essendon suddenly claimed they were injecting them with the very legal Thymosin (despite that drug having no apparent health benefits for athletes). Essendon have changed their story so many times throughout, basically every time ASADA presented damning new evidence. They denied there were ever drugs, then they knew there were drugs but didn't know what they were, then they didn't know the drugs but knew they were good, then they were "cancer fighting" drugs according to their coach, and finally they were the "good" Thymosin, after ASADA presented evidence citing mass orders of Thymosin Beta-4 to Bombers HQ. Oh, but there's no records because everything was coincidentally destroyed or missing when ASADA came asking for paperwork. And yet, this is all ASADA's fault! Essendon clearly take us for fools.

Now that the Federal Court has spoken (and done so in a clear and unambiguous way), it's time to get back to the topic of dealing with alleged drug cheats and to this little piece of nonsense of yesterday morning from the Herald Sun's chief football writer:- Essendon players could boycott NAB Challenge games if AFL dont backdate anti-doping bans What does this concept of "provisional suspension" mean in the crazy world of an AFL which fines clubs for employing people who tell bad jokes?Mr Magic (on Saintsational's "Essendope" thread) asks the same question:- There can only be one answer and that is that everything to do with the AFL and Essendon is provisionally suspended from reality.

I have a question: People keep talking about back dated suspensions. How can any period of suspension be backdated because the players were not suspended, they played out the season and have been training through the off season...i.e. not suspended. So when the decision comes down and assuming it is guilty. Wouldn't all suspensions be from that point, like all other convictions by WADA or associated bodies. its not like they are sitting in jail awaiting trail in a criminal case and then get timed served. While it made be bad for the competition, going on the example set by all other sporting associations, even cycling, their consequence if found guilty it maximum suspension, but ask those olympians and and VFL players. The AFL will have a plan to deal with that outcome.

What closed session, I was there and it was a really good session, from Ben Mathews and Daniel Cross 'it was pretty good' Lots of match sim and setting up the game plan, hence the closed session Standouts for me in the match sim, Jones x 2, Kent, Garlett, Garland, Jetta, Hogan, Stretch, Newton, Michie Roos wants the first simple option taken, and lots of movement so there are options, he pulled one run up because Dom Tyson stopped to try and get around him man, instead of kicking straightaway to Hogan who had got free in the 50, gave Tyson a gobfull Injury news, every member of the squad made an appearance at some time or other, Howie did a few little dance steps and a couple of handballs and left for a swim and weights, conservative estimate at least 4 weeks, Neal Bullen, was a bit down, just watched for half an hour, another 4 weeks, not sure whether they are going to operate just at the moment, being assessed Mitch White has a big toe injury, was keeping Jack Trengove company, latest visit to doctor for Jack was on Tuesday, all still progressing well Others on light duties or rehab, King, Oscar Mc, Bernie Vince (he is week away from full training) Other notes, Jake Lovett did the whole session, including the match sim, had to look for him, which was really good, no glaring mistakes, had a chat to him, top bloke, hopes to impress, didn't seem that knackered with all the running, so perhaps he is already doing extra Aaron Vandanberg's body shape is already changing, amazing what full time training can do, he is a big midfielder I though Billy Stretch would spend most of year at Casey, looked excellent today, speed to burn, didn't miss a kick What back Injury, during the session the ruck division got together, Jamar, Spencer, Gawn, Fitzpatrick, Pedersen and Hogan to do a bit of tap work and second effort, Hogan picked up Gawn at one stage and drove him into the ground, wonderful to watch, didn't get it on camera though, but there are others on my Twitter Demonpk Spoke to Dean Kent afterwards, he is finally fully fit and firing, feeling great Got the guns photo today and a half ... Sam Frost Again any questions feel free

8 reasons why James Hird lost his Federal Court Appeal

James just maybe what you did with Dank was unlawful Ever thought of that....? The Essendon list was bigger and stronger than other clubs at the time. Bones were broken. This is how the story emerged. Opposition players & coaches got very angry and made enquiries. This is from a very close source at Carlton who was part of that enquiry process. It happened. "Get me the good stuff (Dank) We are playing Carlton this week" You wanted to gain an UNFAIR ADVANTAGE...didn't you... This text came from your phone James. I read it and others via ABC 7.30 Report contacts.. And you still want to take this to the High Court and continue compromising the people's game?? In one respect i hope you keep your job so you can feel and hear the hatred and vitriol aimed at you weekly, the public will not forgive you James. On the other hand i would prefer to see the legal profession break you & show you up to be the tainted sportsman you really are. I despise you James Turd & your gutless club.... End rant. I feel better

Flower and Stynes are icons, could they be highlighted even more? Roos and Jones would do me as representing the current team. PS. Feel free to post my pic as a way of attracting more readers and members to Dland.

Someone get me a bucket. It's like reading a year 7's first essay. Just embarrassing. Seriously? What... the [censored]? Robbo is literally a parody of a journalist.

Don't want to burst the bubble and I actually rate Toumpas' pace but JKH isn't actually that fast in a straight line. Just very creative.

Sorry forgot one of the best in match sim coz he left session early, Watts, has gained a couple of metres of speed, burnt off a couple of opponents, reckons it's just all the extra running and Watt bike work actually doing it's job And for those who think he is slow, in one match sim, JImmy Toumpas ran down JKH from behind

Just to follow up on M_9's post, this from the Essendon (only) Board in response: It's true. ASADA has a player who has admitted to being administered what they believe to be TB4. I've seen an excerpt from ASADA's case summary which confirms it. Names of players and those who corroborated the admission are redacted. ASADA have a player who has admitted to being administered what he believed to be TB4 and also named every other player administered with it.

Uber Alex Georgiou @UberAGeorgiou Oct 15 I wish Mitch Clark good health. That way, I can play on him, massacre his soul & take artful photos of his shredded skeleton #NABTradeRadio View details · Uber Alex Georgiou @UberAGeorgiou Jimmy Bartel says claims he dived are "a load of rubbish." That's like me saying I've never killed a man & worn his teeth as a neck chain Uber Alex Georgiou @UberAGeorgiou After a loss it's important not to react hysterically. So I'm going to get naked & wrestle a crocodile #AFLDeesFreo pic.twitter.com/uEfJpv883w

well he has been found "guilty" of poor governance only so far i believe if asada's charges against the players are upheld then asada will proceed against him (and others) with charges related to organising use of performance drugs then if these are upheld and he receives a ban essendon have a good chance of terminating his contract without compensation of course he will probably try and fight it but he will be on shaky ground this will obviously take a good part of this year and by that time the board of essendon may very well look quite different he may also be offered under counter inducements by non club people to go somewhat quietly ulimately (but not now) i think the time will come when he can be sacked without a king's ransom.......but the damage elsewhere will be extensive and expensive to think..... essendon could have cut their losses a long time ago and be putting it well behind them. now.........

it was my understanding that hirds claim of 'just doing what he was instructed to do and at times it was under threat and duress' was in reference to what happened AFTER essendon self reported NOT in reference to the period of pharmacolocal experimentation big difference

How can they suspend Hird? He hasn't been issued an infraction notice.

"Mind you,"Robinson says, "the Federal Court wasn’t required in both instances to pass judgment on the political interference and the conduct of some individuals." And the High Court would be? How many imaginary straws can the Hird barrackers find to clutch at?

couldn't be.....could it?

AGREED. Lets not forget that Essendon were an average team in 2011, the won 8 out then first 9 in 2012 before having a run of soft tissue injuries. Definitely trying to get an unfair advantage. We don't want sport to be won by those with the best drugs.

Tom McDonald told me he is working on his kicking and he is now the the best kick in the league.

Apparently Collingwood are pushing for Father/s/son rules to be changed. This will help them draft guys who they know are Collingwood sons but they just can't remember exactly which one is the Father.

I spoke to someone at training who said this isn't true.

All is well with the world - Essendon are f-cked, The Socceroos have won and Abbott is on the skids.

It's kinda like having AFL blue balls. All the build up but no exciting climax

Luongo!!! 1 0 Australia

In order for this story to be true, it would mean that the evidence mentioned would have been in the form of a witness statement given by the player during the interviews with ASADA and the AFL. That would be the precisely the sort of evidence which James Hird and previously the EFC fought tooth and nail to have suppressed by way of the Federal Court actions. If true, it would be an additional nail in the Essendon coffin and it could also mean that the minimum sanction the rest of the players are looking at is 12 months.

Was always ever only going to take 1 "rat in the ranks" to bust essendon wide open, especially once theyd seen the evidence ASADA had gathered over 18 months.

Tim Lane always puts it so well:- Laser of ridicule closes on James Hird's feet of clay

Just out of curiosity and it may be a silly question - but can you please explain your definition of a "hair shirt wearing lemon sucker" person looks like. I'm picturing a person wearing a shirt covered in hair sucking on lemons!

And im still waiting for you to get me that disposal efficiency to prove that. Until that, he is a horrible kick... Sorry to say.. Im sure he is a great bloke to you and you love him to bits but when a senior player misses goals from 20m out against port Adelaide dead in front then back it up the week after with a miss from 15m out directly in front he has some serious issues with his kicking. And even if his disposal efficiency is up. He will always handball a lot during the games because you can tell from his body language he doesn't even trust his own kicking skills. Anyone can hit a target at training. Its the actual game day that's the big problem for us when the pressure and intensity goes up by 80% Come watch one of the Ovens and Murray clubs I play at and you will see we are also rarely miss targets too.

I dont get this. Since when have professional sports clubs needed a reason to sack anyone let alone a coach?

It's not just Essendon supporters who are being appeased ... a large percentage of non Essendon supporters are (or at least have been) in protective mode. That thinking is changing but from the get-go the outrage was coming from a loud (ish) minority. If this was the Chinese swimming team, Bulgarian weightlifters, road cyclists, Russian middle distance runners or American sprinters, the condemnation would have been widespread from most Australians right from the very start (in my opinion) The media would have reflected that thinking. The Melbourne media know deep down that Aussie rules fans don't want this issue and they'd prefer if it all just went away. Now, we as individual demon fans might think differently but do we speak on behalf of the large majority? As usual, the media are telling the large majority what they want to hear. The brand has been protected for the most part and too many have too many vested interests for there to be widespread condemnation. Most people I spoke to when this whole issue came out were defensive and were basically dismissing the issue. Now, after slowly changing their minds, they're sick of hearing about it. The Americans think in much the same way about their major sports (with regards to PED's) Their 4 big sports are almost certainly rife with PED use but they'd rather not know about it. The same could be said about soccer ... people are much the same all over. Hopefully the whole truth will eventually surface but I'm not sure that will happen.

cut out the heading text and paste it into google this should get you past the paywall.....worked for me

"To him, it’s not about money, even though by the end he could be as much as $500,000 out of pocket, nor is it about what ­people think of him, or whether other AFL coaches talk to him, or whether the AFL welcomes him back with open arms. No, it’s about standing up to organisations such as the AFL and ASADA when he believes their conduct was wrong" Maybe he should look at his own conduct and that of the organisation he was/is leading. He didn't like the way the investigation was handled, well there wouldn't have needed to be one or it could have been over in a matter of hours if his club could have come up with documentation showing everything they administered was legal and above board. All they can say is we know the players took nothing illegal or damaging to their health but we don't know what it was. Hah...

Even his articles are bogan!

I'm not much of a photographer but what they've tried to do with the lighting in the photos of all players is bloody terrible in my opinion.

For those who might be interested ~ Judgment. and ... If he's thinking about appealing ~ Leave to appeal to the High Court In order for Jimmy to get special leave to appeal the decision to the High Court, his legal team needs to convice two High Court judges that today's decision raised questions of law of public importance and that the interests of justice require the appeal to be heard i.e the "vibe" ain't enough.

Saty, what's the odds of seeing Vandenberg round 1?

I think your overeacting a bit.. His profile pic is him and Nathan Jones having a wrestle and a laugh while his background pic is him, Crossy, Dawesy, NJones all smiles after the Adelaide win. Whats the issue? And this was a tweet last December Bernie Vince @bvince23 · Dec 23 Nearly 25000 members for @melbournefc already. A pre Christmas record! Good to see everyone is as excited as I am about 2015!! That to me looks like he has moved on from the crows and is very much excited about our future prospects.

Yeh, I'm sure he really struggles with the ladies compared to your masculine self?

Sorry Wrecker we are working on different wavelengths. So how tall is your cousin now if he has been growing for the last 10 years between the ages of 20 and 30 years, albeit more slowly than in his teen years! Pushing seven foot is he? 1998 was a hot year, in an El Niño year but from then the world has continued to get hotter but at a slower rate recently. 9 of the 10 hottest years have occurred this century, it is getting hotter over time but not always in a simple linear progression that the likes of Andrew Bolt expects. But maybe that is all the complexity he can comprehend? Oh if it is getting hotter, it must get drier everywhere, if it rains somewhere the modellers are wrong. I better ring Rupert for further instructions.

I agree- I definitely believe that Peter Jackson deserves be a part of the banner.He is probably the best administrator we've had in decades!! As for the players,I've gone for Tyson and as a recruit , Lamumba.

That is the best news I've heard all summer. If Watts delivers on what I think he is capable of, that takes the pressure off a lot of players. I still think Jack Watts will be something special.

Good call on Nathan Jones. I actually recon Peter Jackson should be on there, he is the true saviour of the club.

My idea was based on having a tribute year to Flower and Stynes with Captain added. Simply that IMO you have that three or go back to a group of people as in the past. Wherever you try to draw a line there will always be somebody that is hardly done by.

I voted "other". If you are going to put a mix of current and past players on the banner then I suggest you keep it to those who have achieved something meaningful. Our captain has, three time winner of the best and fairest (admittedly not against the strongest group of players) qualifies him. Robbie has. Jimmy has. And David Neitz has. Unquestionably. Most number of games for our club. Most games as captain. Most goals for our club. A two time All Australian. Loyal in difficult times and just a ripping person. Many may not know but David received a career ending neck injury in round 5 2008 in the final year of his contract. As such he was entitled to something in the order of one years pay as compensation and of course his salary (contract) at that time was significant as he was captain. The cost of that compensation was the liability of the club and as we all know our financial position was poor at that time. David declined the payment. It cost him many hundreds of thousands of dollars. He had been playing footy for all his life; his career and earning capacity was over and in all likelihood he would never earn that sort of money again. But for the good of the club and at significant personal disadvantage he passed on the money. You'd go into battle with Neita knowing he'd always cover you. He's never received the recognition he's deserved IMO and now would be a terrific time to recognize his achievements and contribution - both on and off the field. Without disrespect Paul Roos is a Jonny come lately as far as our club is concerned. Dom Tyson has achieved nothing by comparison (and I love him). And Lynden Dunn? Drafted in 2004 and has put together 139 games. Having Dunny up there would just remind me how poor we have been. Let's recognize Neita, he deserves it.

Well, logic didn't work. If everyone thought and acted like you we'd have no club. Be thankful that they don't.