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I wish Colin all the best. I still remember him fondly. He helped my close friend's son get through a serious teenage crisis as a mentor through the Reach program. This boy is now a fine upstanding 22 year old who credits Col for helping him at one of life's major crossroads when he was a sixteen year old. Just thought I would throw in a different perspective.

After watching the extended miced up version of Nathan Jones from Friday, and reading the numerous training reports discussing their banter etc. It's clear that Jones is acting like a mentor to 'Gus. We couldn't actually have Brayshaw be attached to a better person to learn from? Give the extended video a watch below, Jones doesn't let Gus' get away with anything whether it is directing him at contests, or giving him advice in the rooms. I am proud of the man leading our team; we certainly have young Brayshaw in safe, safe hands: http://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/2015-04-28/micd-up-nathan-jones

What was equally as good was to see Brayshaw protect Jones in the Adelaide game melee. He literally dragged Jones out of the pack to ensure he didn't do something silly and get suspended. Amazing to see such a young man have that composure and gumption! Looking out for each other! There is a special bond between those two already.

They're so close they even hold hands. Awwwww... cute!!!

I mentioned earlier that I was pretty annoyed at the video posted on the AFL website about Jack Watts. I decided to write the following email to the club: "I was extremely disappointed and angry at the video posted on the AFL website trying to show all of Jack Watts mistakes from Friday night. I don't think I have ever seen another player get scrutinised this way and think it is completely uncalled for. I hope that the club has brought this to the attention of the AFL and if not I think they should. Watts did some really good things on Friday night and I was very happy with a lot of his efforts. I want to see this club stick up for its players not just pretend it never happened. Hoping that something can be done." They just got back to me with the following: "Thank you for your email and support of the Club. The Club’s media manager has spoken to AFL Media about the video of Jack’s performance from Friday night’s game. We are disappointed that they have chosen to single out his performance in this way, particularly out of the entire competition. We appreciate your feedback on the video. If you have any other queries, please do not hesitate to let us know." It's good to see the club getting on the front foot in regards to that video.

I must admit I wanted them to re-rookie Tappscott rather take the punt on Vandenberg. Can someone please put the humble pie in the oven for me, 25 minutes at 180.

MV Team A quieter Monday with Pete, Pete, Tim, Neil, Graham & Geoff renewing 13 ex members from 2013 and earlier. 21 renewals last night Tx to Pete, Rosalyn, Lorraine, Steve, Catherine, Tricia, John, & Geoff was a stronger result. These renewals were not members in 2014, so a good recovery for the club. The project looks like being complete mid May. NOTE that the players are doing a junior ring around on Tuesday May 12thso – NO VOLUNTEERING May 12th. ** A call last night found a passionate Demons mother, with 4 kids with health issues, unable to renew, BUT desperate to remain a supportive member. Tx to one of our volunteer group taking on this cause, we have renewed the families membership for 2015. The hat went around the room & if you have a spare note for a deserving & passionate Demon lfamily, et me know & I will direct your offer. Tx to all Geoff [email protected]

When he finishes he will be known as one of the great captains of the club.

And pick 2 for Tyson AND Salem. Pick 21 or so for Frost. Pick 600 for Garlett. Lumumba for Judas. Newton for nudda. vandenBerg for a bag of fairy floss from a country fair.

He did it under Neeld. I'd be backing Paul Roos's judgement over yours my friend. Facts: Top 10 in disposals Top 10 in effective disposals 3rd in marks 1st in goal assists. And he's not playing at his best! Who are you going to replace him with to give the same output? Pedersen? Fitzpatrick? I'm running out of options.

I like vandenBerg's attack on the ball and I like his tackling...but now I'm really worried about his sense of humour.

Definitely the greatest waste of talent I've ever seen, streets (suburbs/states/countries) ahead of Col.

Like West Coast with Morton, North Melbourne with Gysberts, Richmond with Maric and probably Geelong with Blease.

I just don't rate him, seen him lose every goal kicking comp with Nathan Jones at training since he was drafted

There's another Melbourne Vs Freo game this Sunday as my young bloke takes to the Auskick arena for the very first time. I've kitted him out in the standard Demons Auskick apparel pack and he's raring to go. Unfortunately, the zone we're in wears the Dockers gear for all grades so I'm thinking he's going to stick out like a sore thumb. Will be finished just in time to walk home and watch us pull off the upset of the round.

You've said in the past that you have undying loyalty to whoever plays for MFC at the time. You also said in the preseason that Grimes, McKenzie and M.Jones were in our best 22. It's pointless trying to explain to you how a player impacts a game because you either understand AFL football circa 2015 or you don't. Referring to VFL stats is a sure sign that a person doesn't understand the game. As far as sulking if Riley or Spencer get a game, we have to put 22 players on the ground, and our depth of talent is so thin that someone who's below AFL standard is likely to get a game. Personally, I'd like to see Stretch called up ahead of Riley and given the subs vest. And if Spencer plays, we are left with 2 midfield rotations for the whole game, because neither Jamar or Spencer will be given any time resting in the forward line. If Jamar was out, Spencer has to play because he's a no.1 ruckman, that's it.

I've held Jonesy in very high regard for a long time now, but he just went up another notch in my estimation. He is a critical part of the 'new' Melbourne culture, and I'm 100% confident that we couldn't be in better hands to lead us forward.

This borrowed 'Sir Paul Roos' avatar says it all: As they say a picture is worth a thousand words!!

Vince for Sylvia. Hogan for Scully. Brayshaw for Frawley. After nearly a decade of list management nightmares the wheel is starting to turn.

I just finished watching the replay. They played better than I expected after reading the thread. Umpiring was ok in the first half but a string of soft decisions at the start of the third really cost us. Dominated the last quarter but didn't make the most of our opportunities. Regarding Spencer, my impression was that he was much better around the ground than usual and not making the classic stuff ups. Took a couple of great contested grabs. I felt that he struggled in ruck contests against Minson. For most of the game I would have been ok with him getting the call up (and I have never been a fan) but his last quarter was a bit disappointing. Gawn did well in the ruck contests but very average otherwise. Jack Grimes was clearly our best. Clean. A class above. Terlich got better as the game went on and had quite a good second half. Harmes was the one who really impressed me. Inside and outside work. Clearances. Great grab and goal in the last quarter. Needs to get a bit more of the ball but could be a good sub this week. I'm a Toumpas fan but his disposal was deplorable. Endeavour was great, tackling, running all day...but turnover after turnover. Needs more time at Casey. Riley was solid. Usual good inside work, didn't notice any glaring disposal errors. Matt Jones had a great last quarter running the lines. Otherwise he was quiet. Jordie had a hard working, blue collar game. Stretch's class stood out. Not afraid of contact, made some good tackles, worked hard. IMO he isn't ready though. Needs to get more of the ball. Maybe second half of the season Pedersen was average. Did a few good things but was quiet for most of the game. Fitzy was our best big man IMO. His numbers surprise me, felt like he had it more. Beaten in a contest once or twice but otherwise at least broke even in contests, took a few great grabs in defence, used the ball as well as anyone. Could be used as a back up ruck and to cover Sandilands or Clarke when they go forward.

The exciting part is that players like Newton, vandenBerg and Brayshaw should all be significantly better in 12 months after another AFL standard pre-season.

JW is a classy player with sublime skills, vision, time and space. I refute your claim that he has no courage in the air - he flew for several pack marks on Friday night and a couple nearly stuck. His highlighted dropped marks were indicative of someone who had the possession 'spent' before he grabbed the ball. Time for many posters to leave off. Appreciate this bloke for what he is.

Apparently Mundy plays deeper these days & spends 60% of his time on the ground across half-back as a defensive mid. He's apparently taken his game up another notch & generating a lot of drive for them. If we're to avoid getting strangled yet again, we'll have to nullify him, and stop him generating drive as well. Mundy wouldn't have had many opponents who could match him for speed, height & strength & are even more aggressive. So he might be a better match-up for VandenBerg. It's a massive ask in his 5th AFL game tho'.

Love the part where Jones is on the bench saying, 'He'll kick this, I'm telling ya' he'll kick this. He eats these moments.' In reference to Hogan before he has a shot at goal on the half-time siren. God damn I love him.

Kelly is the 'pro scout'. His job is to watch the second tier leagues such as SANFL and NEAFL. Would have played a big part in identifying and monitoring vandemon during 14 season.

Got me... I just wanna play with Jesse Hogan so badly.

Bloke seems to be flying under the radar a little, goal kicking midfielder, loves the hard stuff and has slotted into the best 22 nicely, uses the ball very well, runs hard offensively and defensively not hard to see why port didn't want to let him go.

Did Watts cut your lunch or something? Because this is coming across as childish now.

Looks like a natural football player but the 'no defect' claim is a little optimistic. Looks like he's not blessed with speed and has a fair amount of work to do on his endurance. Seems to be winning more ball on the outside than the inside which differs from early reports on his game style. Wonder if this is a football dept instruction.

when the wish becomes rumour, it's a fact.

Recruiting Manager Jason Taylor has been monitoring Vanders since his time at Collingwood

I think this has dragged on long enough and everybody has had their say. Signing off.

Liam Jurrah!!!

If it ultimately came down to losing howe and keeping hogan, there is absolutely no fuckign question in my mind who i would keep:

They were also teaching him to avoid cheap shots as well

actually, gv, they are shaking hands in congrats for a great tackle

Either way rjay we won't dip out as a result.

Taylor proving a handy addition to the club. Can't wait to see next draft's Smokey

This is not how the DFA works. We got Newton as a DFA because Port agreed to delist him. They didn't have to, they did so to do the "right thing" by him considering they wouldn't give him game time. Howe is a different situation and no way we would let him walk as a DFA, we will be getting something back in return if he doesn't sign or wants too much.

To be honest Lucifer, I would be happy to see the back of Hird. He is the one who really deserves the fall from grace and public humiliation. Having said that I cannot condone the players who went along with it. The judgement that the players are innocent participants is disgraceful. Try telling that to a professional cyclist operating under the strict rules of the international cycling federation.

Dockers lost to the Saints by 10 goals at Etihad in R18 last year We have been playing excellent footy in parts We have injuries but our top 10-15 will all be out there We love the G and having the crowd on our side ala R1 Absolutely in the contest

Jones is the reason why our youth brigade won't be tempted to leave the club for greener pastures.

No. You can have it cold.

I LOVED THAT.

He's such a good bloke. I'm sure everyone is pleased for him.

Stef was the only one I was sad to let go. I thought he was a great ruckman whenever he had the job to himself. Turns out I was right.

There are not many footballers if any that have been subjected to the criticism, negativity, and ridicule as Jack Watts. What concerns me most are the comments from the media (recent comments from Wayne Carey aside). Indeed, I have developed some respect for Wayne as a result of his comments. He had the capacity to look inside himself and ask the question. We should all do the same with Jack. The ridicule of Jack has now gone on for over 5 years. It is not always ridicule or criticism but there are on-going comments about the comments if you know what I mean. The ridicule I find particularly unfair and unreasonable. We would not make these comments of our sons or daughters so why do we think it fair game to make them of some one we do not know. I have vented my frustrations with Jack but it has not made me feel any better only worse. I do not know Jack but he must be very resilient character and have a lot of inner strength. He also must have a lot of support from family, friends and his football club. Fortunately he has the unwavering support of his coach. However, the commentary from others is relentless. People will say well that's the nature of the gig. Public figures just have to cop it. However, most of us would not be able to cop it. It it was a normal work environment, we would pack our bag and leave. We need to remember that we talking about a person not an object. We need to remember the impact that this sort of sustained ridicule and questioning of a persons abilities and character can have on a person. People will say he is a footballer earning big money as a justification for negative comment. I disagree. He is a nice bloke, a decent person. He has feelings, doubts, sensitivities and weaknesses. However, does he deserve all the comments that are made of him? He is not a murderer, rapist or drug dealer. I am seriously concerned about the impact that this must be having on Jack, the person. A decent and kind individual. To all those Jack critics think before you comment. How would you feel if people were making these comments about you or a family member? I would not blame Jack for walking away from the game. I am concerned that he might. It is a real option for him. I don't want to see that happen but it may be the best thing for him. We all want to be be treated with respect, kindness and consideration. We should show some to Jack.

Given how we made off From losing Frawley in Brayshaw. And balanced losing Clark in Lamumba. I'm confident that Roos, Jackson and co have the situation well in hand.

Reminds me a bit of Kevin Dyson's arrival - a few years of maturity, big body, big kick