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So long as he is fit for finals.

Rode passed the 'G tonight and happened to snap this pic. Thought it would be nice for all 'Landers to enjoy the moment in a week that's been good for football (i.e. when the Dees win). Hope the trimmed down resolution still looks OK.

All good here, though the nerves are shot, having the wife and kids doesn't help with that. Need our next game to hurry up as could do with a good dose of shouting at the maggots!

Best of luck.

Clint Bizkit - Melbourne

Casey do need an injection of pace.

Watts wasn't soft on Friday night, amazingly it was his skills that let him down. He won't get dropped, nor should he.

Would rather save the money, throw a sh-tload of $$$ at Dylan Shiel and use the leftovers on our improving players who will soon deserve a pay rise oh and we will need $$$ to give Jesse a massive deal.

Just watching the replay now. Some of the umpiring in the 3rd quarter is the worst I have seen. Bernie gets thrown to the ground off the ball, then picked up and thrown back down again - no free. Riedwoldt runs his big stupid head into H and gets a free. Dunn pushed over about 3 seconds after he marked it and no 50. Truly incredible, this should be looked at.

From the Hun: 'ON THE BLOCK: It’s hard to see Paul Roos making any forced changes after such a spirited win. Jack Watts lifted his intensity after a disappointing performance against the Crows and laid four tackles along with 14 disposals and a goal.' As Clint rightfully says Watts wasn't soft on Friday night and of course he wont be dropped. Roos has been crystal clear what his players need to do to remain in the team. Run both ways and play their role. Watts does both. A coach brave enough to drop an ex captain and much respected player would not hesitate to drop Watts if he wasn't meeting those two non negotiables. It really is ridiculous how a handful of commentators (and some DL posters) have run with this notion of him ducking his head and being soft. Equally ridiculous how some recommend dropping him as some sort of sign that his play is not acceptable. Such a position surely must relate to prefixed ideas about Watts that are unlikely to change, even when there is evidence to the contrary. It is also amazing how the goal posts shift for Watts. People criticized him for lack of intent, not tackling enough, not beating opponents one on one and not competing in the air and when he achieves those things (as the stats attest to, as does the vision and the fact he gets picked each week) suddenly it is the perceived ducking of the head, which some seem to be suggesting is a chronic issue when in fact it has rarely occurred and i would argue didn't this week. Watts brilliantly out points his opponent in a one on one duel, doesn't mark it but wins the ball and turns on a dime. What does Commeti say when he miskicks the ball - deplorable effort. Despite the fact that he had a man on his tail and he didn't kick the ball to an opposition player or on the full. It just went out of bounds, unlike Brayshaw, a brilliant kick of the ball normally who under no pressure kicks the ball straight out on the full entering the forward 50 (at a crucial time i might add). Watts drops a ball in the driving rain and it is evidence of his softness but Cross drops a similar one, Garland drops an even easier one (all by himself and when the rain has eased) and a tiger player drops a sitter. Barely a word said about those though. No mention - anywhere that i have seen- is made of his effort in the last second or so of the first quarter to fly into a pack, running with the flight of the ball. This is often seen as the very epitome of braveness yet Watts does it and gets no kudos. What about his effort to redeem himself after coughing up the ball with a miskick on the half back flank (which by the by came after he had gut run from the forward line tracking the ball as the tiges moved it forward) and the tiges scoring a point from the turnover? On the resulting (fast) kick out he wills himself to the opposite pocket and dives across the boot of a player having a shot on goal causing him to miss. Crucial - but again no praise and many of those with fixed ideas would say that it was simply a poor kick and Watts efforts had no bearing on it. What about Watts gut running? Look at where he gets so many of his possessions - in the back half. Remember he is a forward. I'd bet London to a brick that outside of our mids he leads the GPS stats (Saty could you check this at training please). But his critics would just say he jogs around at half pace and picks up easy kicks. Bollocks. Look at the goal he he got. He tackled Rance on the wing and caused him to handball our way and cough it up (though his critics would say he just got lucky and Rance made an error - he seems to get lucky a lot). He then ran with the MFC player, directed him to kick it to a leading player, kept running forward and then doubled back to offer the lead. After that gut running he was able to mark the ball under intense pressure from Martin (though not in the rain as i mistakenly posted previously). Does he get kudos for this gut running? No. The focus from some is on his lucky 50 meters. That was a crucial goal as was the goal he set up with the beautiful 15 meter handball he gave to Vandenburg (after snaring the ball from the pack - though i'm positive some would say this was lucky). Roos said Jones had improved because he had become a team player. Watts has always been a team player and this was just another example where he put his team mates into scoring positions (as opposed to firing away himself, which a more selfish player would have), as was the beautiful handball he fed to Newton about 20 metres from goal (Newton missed) and the tap out where he went third man up from a stoppage at the same end that ended up with Tyson. Kudos? Not a one. As someone noted that video of Watts bloopers on the AFL site is an absolute disgrace and the club should ask them to take it down. Even better they should produce a highlights package from the tigers game showing the plays noted above and the others he did, eg the marking contests he halved, bringing the ball to ground (something he has been roundly criticized for not doing - 'all we want is for him to compete!' yet when he starts doing it not a peep from this critics).

[censored] news. Really really [censored] news. That's half a season ruined because he was the only player chasing 3 opponents. Never should have even been in that situation. He's been very important for us, and I hope however get the lucky break to replace him does a good job. He'll be sorely missed.

Welease Woderwick!!

No. Decimated would mean we had four injuries across the whole list, and/ or two out of our best twenty two. What we have across our list is a quattuormation, or in regard to out best twenty two, a tribusmation. However if we get through next week without a quinquemation, while being durus et austerus, I shall be gavisus. Or as a famous Roman once said: I came, I saw, and I didn't lose any good players through injury.

Watts is still one of my favourite players. My son has the number 4 on his jumper. He is clearly in our best 18. Off field he is an asset to the club and he can help win back the younger generation. While he is a Melbourne player we all should support him.

I think it's obvious that we will make at least 2 changes. Hopefully that is it. I like the roos method of as few a changes as possible. Some of the comments on here about toumpas today in my opinion are too harsh. I not sure who wrote the report about the game but I could guess. He played as solid a game today as any Melb listed player. And some were pretty not up to standard. He had a couple of kicks which were smothered which possibly he could have done better. I think his poise with the ball is improving. A few times today he didnt just go with the first rushed option. He used his agility to get in a better position to deliver. He did make a couple of errors but not horrible ones which cost you a goal. In one play he got the ball deep inside the defensive 50 and had the best poise I've seen of him to deliver a kick to stretch outside the 50. In another he was in the middle of the ground against 4 opponents when they had the ball. He competed to stop an easy mark and then held the ball in in a tackle to get a ball up. They would have run it straight up the middle for a shot at goal. He get an applause from every around me for this. I was with a few mates and we all thought he is a chance for next week. Riley's second half was excellent. He was the in and under and most of his possessions would have been handballs. He was the best of the mids in my opinion. He had a set shot from just outside 50 in the last which just missed. I was disappointed with our senior players today. We got level half way through the 2nd quarter with a strong breeze and then gave away about 10 frees to finish the quarter. It was our senior players giving away the frees. Grimes gave away one on the wing and then threw the ball away to give them a 50 as well. I thought the frees were there. Having said that on grimes he was very solid other than that and one other piece of play were he ran up the middle and gave one of those stupid hospital handballs over the top to a player to get crunched. He could easily have kicked it before running into trouble as we had the breeze and the players down field to kick it to. I'm being picky here because I think it's something he does too much. I think he is a very good chance to play for jetta. Terlich played the best game I've seen him play for a while. He provided very good run and his disposal was good. He kicked the ball longer than he has in the past and it was working for him. Gawn had a shocker. He has to stop trying to mark the ball with 1 hand. He did it in nearly every contest. Just stand up, put both arms up and let them worry about you. So frustrating. I was a pederson fan last year and really thought he would go again this year. He is fitter than I've seen him. He just seems to be in cruise control and not desperate enough. I liked the way harmes and stretch played. Both seem to be getting it. Mckenzie went on the Goodes because he was killing it. Slowed him a little but not much. The 2nd half of the 2nd quarter cost Casey the game today. This is just my opinion.

Good luck, hope you are ok.

Essendon also has Satan as #1 ticket holder... but they don't advertise that for some reason.

Rivers served his time and had plateaued, was probably best for all that he moved on.

I LOVE this photo for so many reasons! Love it!!!

Thanks Binman. I mentioned that earlier and I totally agree with your points. It's beyond a joke the way the media and everybody treats him. I'm sick of it and think I might write to the club with a complaint about that video because it's a disgrace and the club should stick up for their players.

I wonder if the club might be reluctant to offer a new deal in case they have the opportunity to use Howe to land Shiel or Treloar in a trade?

And of course it's not just the number of tackles, it's the quality. Nobody but nobody gets the ball out when he puts the clamps on them. And nobody but nobody ever breaks the tackle.

Is it racial abuse tho? I would have thought it religious abuse. If he called him a terrorist due to being Muslim it has nothing to do with his race. Just his religion.

Ah, the old "I don't remember saying that" defence. Just enough denial to avoid owning up to your own actions, but can still claim you didn't lie about it when it's proven you did say it. The ultimate weasle words.

My view on all of this is that the real issue is not Clarkson's reaction but more the fact that drunk people can be in public places harassing people and that is considered acceptable. Individuals need to take more responsibility for their drunken behaviour. Licensed venues also need to be accountable for serving alchohol to people that are intoxicated and made to answer why they served alchohol to people who were clearly intoxicated. Had Clarkson pushed the guy hard (e.g into a wall) or punched him then I'd say he has something to answer for but not in this case. Unfortunately Clarkson and his family will suffer from the stress of this while the idiots who provoked him will make some money.

They average 50 more disposals but we average 20 more contested possessions. They're the worst rebounding team in the comp, whereas we're ranked 6th. We're second with tackles at 77 whereas they're last with 53 per game. They average 9 more inside 50s than us. We both average 3.8 entries per goal, but they kick more goals per game. This is very winnable. Much like Richmond, they thrive in space and go forward quickly. They have more talent up forward than the Toiges so we need to play a slow, stoppage-based game again. We need to hit them hard and stop their run. It's going to be another slog for 2-3 quarters before opening up for one team in the last. Bookmark it. We're a chance. Get numbers around the ball. We're pretty even on stoppages (we average 2 more per game) and we're pretty even in center clearances and clearances around the ground. Nullify their run. If Fyfe and the like are getting clearances across our half-forward, that's fine: let them bomb it forward like Richmond did on Friday. Our backline will chop them up again. But we need to keep this down to a bog, and be similarly efficient going forward. I think Richmond started the game with like 15 inside-50s for 1 goals, whereas we had 3 for like 6 inside-50s. That sort of efficiency both forward and back over the course of a game will mark down a win.

Dr Turf

If the captain is behind him why aren't we? About time we got behind him.

Which goes to show the quality of commercial news in this country - over 2000 people have died in an earthquake overnight and we have the Clarkson story leading our news bulletin? Terrible "journalism" on the actual story - they interviewed to a mum who had her son killed by a king hit. There's no way Clarkson's action was anything like a king hit and for Channel 7 to suggest otherwise is a disgrace.

Gold Coast and Richmond.

One dumb [censored] has to spoil it for everyone. Absolute moron. Disappointed Clarko didn't connect better.

I know its a different era. But amongst the reasons I love Jamar, Jones, and Watts is the loyalty to the club they have shown. Others as well, committed such as Grimes Trenners. Jeremy Howe, should be wanting to see the good times with these players he has been through so many struggles with. If he doesn't then let him go. Its gonna be his loss in the long term. Stuff him and any other 'premiership window' hunting player that doesn't want to win for the Melbourne Footy Club. get rid of them. Actually what also would be good is to let his manager know how much of an oleaginous (great word this - means creatures that have slime - like snails, slugs and leaches) creature he really is by going public with Howes 'open to offers' stance. Pathetic management that lacks any trait of uniqueness whatsoever. What a [censored]! Note to J Howe: sack the [censored] 'managing' you, get yourself into Pj's office and say "rightio Pete, $450,000 a year where do I sign mate" Pete will respond with "right here Jezza. Cheers mate. You can go and tatt yourself right up with that income now get the f@#% out of my office young champ as i have a lot of work to do. Go on...p**s off" everyones a winner.

Must admit to hating the term celebrity. They are not heroic, famous or particularly noteworthy. They may be known because they have TV or media credentials but nothing more. Some may think that is noteworthy. I am more interested in the kids, the mums and dads, the unempIoyed and those making an honourable living. I have a little more time for sportsmen and women, writers and musicians. If there is going to be a list of public figures, someone like ex Seeker Bruce Woodley who has been a committed Demon and spectator over the long-term should be on the list. I have more time for the committed rank and file Demon supporters I saw at the G on Friday. By the way I took my Collingwood supporter wife who said she had never seen such passionate and emotional supporters in her life, including the Collingwood army. The outpouring of emotion is a wonderful thing and makes this old game of ours and this old team of ours important and worthwhile. There will be one helluva Demon Army once the train gets up a full head of steam. No doubt at that time the celebrities will come out and identify themselves as Melbourne supporters. Cannot abide fickle supporters,

It all depends though. If packaged with pick 8ish in exchange for Hannebury (or someone that good) he is less required

I live in a part of the country that can be troubled by cyclones in the summer months. We have found media will always take the most sensational and easiest route to report them. This year they used unattributed file footage of crashing waves, driving wind and rain on the news in Melbourne with a reporter doing the audio over the top. In reality that same beach had calm seas and was bathed in sunshine for most of that day. No doubt the reporting of Howe and others contract negotiations are subject to the same level of quality journalism. I really would not believe anything that has been reported aside from the fact that neither party has signed

If we can nullify their strengths, we could be in with a good show. In the recent past, we've been taken apart by Pav, Fyfe (or Mundy if we cover Fyfe) & Sandi. With Vince, Cross, vdB & Newton, I'm more confident that we can do better against their big-bodied mids. VdB had some great quarters in the first 3 games, because he's an unknown quantity and oppositions can't plan for him, and he's such a difficult match-up. He still struggles to stay in the game over 4 quarters, but he's getting better at that every week. Newton seems to have the tools to be Tyson Mark II, if he's given Tyson's role he could do OK, given that Tyson hasn't been at his best. Pav is going to be a problem. He's a difficult match-up for TMac, and we'll miss some drive out of defence because Tom won't be able to run off him. It will fall back to either Garland (who's started the season in great form, but he'd have to be right at the top of his game) or Dunn. On the other hand, McPharlin will have his hands full with Hoges, and like Rance, peeling off Hoges to try to run off him or to go third man up is too much of a risk, so they'll lose a lot of drive. Sandi & Clarke are the big problem. We saw what happened against GWS when Jamar has to battle alone against a top-class ruckman who can go all game. And Sandi also has a very good back-up in Clarke. No way we can rely on Jamar & Dawes to do the job, we'll have to bring in another ruck, even if it's Spencer or Gawn, just to provide a physical contest. For the first time for years, I think we can cover Pav and the big mids, and match up with them fairly well elsewhere. But there's a massive danger of Sandi getting hold of the game and being the difference.

I have a theory. It isn't particularly revolutionary but here goes Backs. Probably as good as any in the league. We also have some depth too. Whilst we all would prefer to have Jetta playing I don't think Grimes replacing him will be as bad as some may believe Forwards. Garlett and Hogan obviously improve us markedly. If it comes down into the fwd fifty we score more often than most sides. Mids. We are improving but we still suck. Against lesser midfield combos such as the Tigers (without Delidio) and an underdone Gold Coast we win games. Against fast breaking sides with bucketfulls of talent like GWS we are knackered. So my theory is it is not which sides we are better than but really which midfield teams. Because of that I can't see us doing any better than 14th this year but with the addition of two more class mids and some development of our youngsters I can see us climbing the ladder rapidly in 2016. We are near the tipping point

Anybody here like to get harrased, have private space invaded, getting yelled at in the ear follwed and harrased for 40 mins then get filmed without permission and of all places just outside of work. Working in retail I cant stand getting abused at all let alone at work. Just saw on 7 jeff kennet backing clarko like more people should.

Don't be ridiculous. Everyone knows the best cure for a chemical imbalance like depression is changing where they work... to do the exact same job.

Garland played a beauty actually. Have been waiting to see how he would go this year. Didn't like at all how he performed last year. Very pleased if he continues like that all year.

Notice how all the players love Roos...back each other & themselves. They're playing as a united group & they are excited with the direction the club is heading. I'm excited at where the club is going...I'm excited for the players & the other long-suffering demon supporters. How about us as Supporters do what the players are doing & bond together & just back one of our own...I am heartily sick of everyone who is not involved with the MCG bagging Jack Watts. Love him or hate him....he has been one of the most criticised players of recent times & it is so unfair. Can we just not have threads like this any more....he is just one player on our list .....he doesn't deserve the pages of stupid threads.....criticise him or laud him but do it as just as one of the 22 players that take the field. And FFS show a bit of loyalty &'respect the to club, the coaches & the players you support & don't act like every half assed supporter & media sycophant out there. I for one will never post on another Jack Watts thread (unless it's to say I told you so)!

Just heard on the news we are looking at tying petracca up until 2018 as well...

Eat a bag, Phil Walsh.

The Tenacious Dees, eh? I like it.

Some of his disposals were a little sloppy on Friday night. What was so impressive is that he didn't drop his head as a result. He simply kept tackling and attacking each contest. Has a good head on his shoulders I think.

I felt watching the game live that Jones made a lot of mistakes and he did, but having watched the replay twice now, gee he was good. Col Garland is also very underrated. Thought his performance was very solid. Didn't feel we played that well to be honest. Our tackling in the second half was excellent, but our decision making at times was deplorable. That's the positive for me. Still lots of room for improvement. Was very happy with the win.

Bit early. Not sure who we are ahead of, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Finally we draft a kid in the top ten who has an immediate impact and is developing good habits for the long term

Never underestimate the thrill of responding to your own post..... Anyhoo... Jonesy was miked up and they ran a small highlight's package of his leadership on the ground - the guy's amazing and inspirational. Spoke about the mental state of the players (this is for you, SWYL) and he coped with the situation by digging in further, but he admitted that he wasn't 'giving enough of his time to help...' Was asked the perennial JW question and he responded by saying internally, everyone's backing him every week. In his 3rd B and F speech, he publically thanked the coach for challenging him even further and cited Christian Petracca as the most exciting coming through. Loved Jesse, Salem, Brayshaw and Vanders. Spoke about the 'intensity' and how much 'they wanted it' (players mentioned) I love him......there, I've said it.

That tackle on the boundary in the 3rd, oh my. That reversal was BS. One of the multiple times King Rance dived and flopped around on the night, pathetic really.