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If it happens, I'll be close to the action because Joel Smith assume that's the Smith you're thinking about) and Max Gawn are on my table. Er ... actually I'm on their table.

DD36 - I cannot agree with you that Watts has been a huge disappointment for this club. Firstly, no one can seriously contend that any player on the list should be selected each week even if their form, ability or attitude wouldn't warrant it. Watts, like everyone else, should have to earn his selection. No one here is disappointed with Goodwin for enforcing elite standards; some here are just slightly dismayed with the club's 'communications' about in the circumstances. Watts has remained absolutely loyal to this club for the whole of his career to date, and I will be very surprised if he doesn't play out his entire career at the MFC. In fact, I expect he'll play well over 200 games for the club. He is super popular with the players and staff. He is a sublime disposer of the ball. He reads the play well. His marking is fantastic. He has X factor. So much so, last year we won games off his own boot. He finished in the top 5 in the B&F. And I expect he will have another really good season this year, and will be a very important/influential player for us. To suggest that he's been a huge disappointment for the club is therefore plainly unfair. We've had a stack of 'huge disappointment' first round picks over the last decade, but Jack Watts is simply not one of them.

Trivia Question: How many coaches (including stand-ins after sackings) has Colin Garland played at least one AFL game under? Answer: 8 That's roughly one coach for every 17.5 AFL games he has played. Or, one new coach per 4.25 wins he has played in. I just really hope that, by whatever quirk of list management or sudden burst of form, he gets a run of games at some point this season and gets to play and win a final or four. Some excerpts from the 'footywire.com' bio: Wednesday, 7 October 2015 Colin Garland rejects free agency and commits to Melbourne until the end of the 2018 season. "I told my manager I didn't want to speak to any other club, but it's funny after seeing one of my great mates [James Frawley] win a premiership on the weekend, because you have to be envious of success," Garland said. "I was watching the game and people said, 'Wouldn't you love success?' and I said, 'It wouldn't mean anything to me unless it was with Melbourne'. Wednesday, 10 June 2015 Colin Garland will spend some time on the sidelines after undergoing surgery for a broken hand. Garland showed extraordinary courage to play out the Queen Birthday's game against Collingwood despite sustaining the injury in the first quarter. "[He] knew that we were struggling a little bit and one man down, so he played the whole game with a broken hand," Melbourne fitness coach Dave Misson said. Friday, 6 September 2013 Nathan Jones has taken out his second successive best and fairest award for the Demons, winning the Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Memorial Trophy. Jones won with 365 votes in a remarkably close count, just shading consistent defender Colin Garland who finished on 360 votes.

I think these 15 are a lock for R1: Hogan, Jones, Salem, Petracca, Lewis, Viney, Brayshaw, Gawn, Oliver, Hibberd, Stretch, Vince, T.Mac, O.Mac, Hunt, Tyson will play if he's fit which appears likely and I think Bugg will play too even though I'm not a big fan, that's 17. One of Melksham, Jetta and J.Smith will play Small Back - I thisk it's almost certain to be Melksham, Jetta incredibly stiff, that's 18 Two of Watts, Pedersen, Weideman and Spencer will play Tall Fwd/Ruck relief - I think it will be Watts and Weideman, that's 20. Two of Kent, VDB, Kennedy-Harris, ANB, Garlett and Harmes will play Small Fwd - that's the hardest set for me to predict, but if forced I'll go with VDB and Kent, that up makes the 22 B: Melksham OMac Hibberd HB: Hunt TMac Vince R: Gawn Tyson Viney C: Lewis Jones Stretch HF: Petracca Hogan VDB F: Watts Weideman Kent I: Oliver, Brayshaw, Salem Bugg

We need each of Watts, Petracca and Hogan to continue to keep playing the roles that they currently play into the future and Weideman to complete our forward arsenal when he is cherry ripe (which is increasingly close)! Watts is a superstar in his own right and is not keeping a seat warm for anyone!

Has been a faithful, loyal and sound servant of the club over many years. I'll go out on a limb here compared to many here in this forum and state that I think his best footy is pretty good. It certainly would be a great footy story for him to break his way back into the side 'play his role , and taste some team success.

I don't write on here much, as I genuinely enjoy reading some of the opinions on here, most often to laugh or possibly cry at the stuff some people write. But, need to tell you all, from a reliable source inside the club, watts IS being punished for his training standard and how he returned not as fit as he could have been, not his off field stuff like some people are guessing. The main reason though is how he has been training. for those who go to training sessions, you know they film all the sessions and drills and also monitor all players with their gps systems, and unfortunately for jack, he wasn't doing what they expect of all players, all the time. once he shows consistent effort for the entire session, he will be back in. Even if not picked for the WCE game, have been told it is highly unlikely he won't play round 1 for us!

Helmets (or headgear) are good for bumps and knocks but doesn't do anything for concussion (nor do they claim to). Mouthguards are far more useful than helmets, I'd be shocked if Hannan had his teeth broken if he was wearing one.

Melksham is a very ordinary footballer. Too many are getting sucked in by his story and the fact he's a new recruit. He is depth only. Hibberd is a much better recruit. Melksham was an ordinary trade.Poor decision making and average skills under pressure. Jetta is an integral part of the back line . He breaks up play and his scramble defense is nearly second to none. Plays taller than he is. Jetta remains best 22

Wearing short shorts with avocado and strawberry prints.

Garland's best was 2011 to 2013 and that was very, very good. He read the play well, attacked at the right times and had the Dustin Fletcher style 'go-go-gadget arms.' Unlike most on our list, his peak years were under Bailey and Neeld. We do tend to forget that he has also had some pretty serious foot and ankle injuries to overcome in his career, which may have inhibited his development. His best football easily gets him a spot in our back six, but alas, we haven't seen that for a few years now. Strangely enough, he hasn't thrived under Roos like others have and at this stage I don't see a place for him unless there is a big turn around in form. I hope he does; I have a very soft spot for Garland along with Trengove as they were players who stood up through the tough years and now look like they won't be able to be part of the good ones. Like Grimes, none of Garland's issues on field stem from lack of effort or passion.

No OD. I believe that the club's already announced that it has ruled out an appearance by JW. I suspect that this is a game for which the Casey listed players will be given an opportunity to impress without much input from the MFC listed players. The Redtails are not a full time NTFL side and apparently will be bringing a number of youngsters. In all likelihood (and no offence intended), they would probably get spanked if they had to face a team full of AFL listed players like JW and a few of the others who would be in the Demons' best 22. A game against mainly VFL listed players would be a good hit out for both groups.

Adelaide 7.6. 48 GWS 1.6 12 Carlton 7.5 47 GWS 5.4 34 Fremantle 6.7 43 GWS 7.1 43 Brisbane 6.7 43 GWS 1.3 9 GWS has the worst 'against' score in the game, at 181, but it might be more significant that they have given away at least 40 points in every game. There's not been one specific blowout. They obviously have a mixed record as far as their own scoring. GWS' total failure to score against the top teams is part of why Adelaide and Brisbane have such good percentage. But they did manage to crack Freo's leaky defense (second worst after GWS) and Carlton's rather inconsistent one. So the opportunity is there to clamp down on GWS' scoring, and to also enact a goal-fest of our own, and it might be the deciding point of whether our percentage can climb high enough to break past whichever of Adelaide and Brisbane falter. Time to find out if the 'falter when we're expected to win' curse covers the women's team as well as the mens. I don't think so, I think the leadership is too good on the women's team.

This is a rewriting of history. He may be depth now but there have been stages of Garland's career where he absolutely would've garnered interest from other clubs. You don't have to search very far to find threads on here with posters gushing about his performances. Granted it was during some lean years but it doesn't mean he wasn't at one stage a rated defender. Example below. Injuries are probably the only way he gets a look in but I won't cringe seeing Garlo's name on the teamsheet. I hope he gets to taste another win or two. He deserves it as much as anyone.

I can't include Jack T in a list of disappointments. He has shown passion, loyalty and grit through the most trying of circumstances. He has come back from the most challenging adversity. Have great admiration for how he has conducted himself and how he has always put the club first.

100% agree. I enjoy watching our womens team play because they are our team. Im sure it win us some new fans - some who are daughters and sons of dees fans who hadnt really commited, some women who are partners to dees fans and some who come to the mens team via the womens team (the converse of my experience). The dees should rebuild the melbourne vixens connection (a very short lived dalliance). Demons can be vixens and vice versa

That's just media propaganda.

you're excused dazzle. you're not getting paid to post

I think there are alot on here who owe Leoncelli36 a massive apology. He was completely shouted down and rubbished at for providing info right from the very start. I hope he didn't get a holiday from here also?

Christ I'm getting old. He looks about 10

I'm assuming he'll have to do extra training and will not play for the next few matches now like Watts?

The boys had to do a early session at the beach today as Jayden Hunt turned up late to recovery on sunday morning so the whole team got punished.

It may be announced that Smith has been elevated to the senior list. But anyhow - there it is. Announcement shortly.

Indeed... all over his party!

This is adds to the argument that mouth guards should be mandatory when playing against Jack Viney.

I'm sure the message has been well and truly received. Time to move on and play him. Can't see the point in letting it go on any longer, after all he had a great season in 2016 and that should count for something.

I think Garlo was born to be a footy historian, special comments man or perhaps part of the media team at a club. The thread poll gives a clear indication that most feel sorry for what he's 'been through' which in my opinion has always been a whole lot of fluff and has always explained why supporters have developed a soft spot for him and have defended him. Especially when he says things like, "Success wouldn't mean anything to me unless it was with Melbourne". Romantic and sweet, but really, he was hardly a driving force of light during those dark years and if anything, he displayed defeatist body language on many occasions. Unlike Nathan Jones. And that's the difference. Garlo has never possessed a killer instinct quality to his game which has contributed to his defeatist attitude at times and is a reason why he hasn't come out the other side like Jones has successfully been able to do. Nice guy, average player. The fact he can't get a look in should be music to supporters ears as far as I'm concerned. It means we've improved our list. Not sure why anyone would want the alternative.

One of the most loyal MFC servants of the last decade. I wouldn't say he's 'cooked', but it's clear that some of his teammates have moved past him in the pecking order. Very handy depth though

Impossible to know but I wonder how many extra members will be down to the inclusion of women's league? The Dees are probably the best team to watch, certainly of the Melbourne based sides, and have the most recognisable player. Seeing the number of number 6's on the backs of kids jumpers I'm guessing isn't down to Jordan Lewis. Getting a rock solid foothold in this market before the inclusion of sides from Richmond/Hawthorn/Geelong get started could help secure a financial bonus for years to come.

So, is Mitch Hannan's new nickname going to be 'Chomper', 'Dracula' or 'Floss'? Meanwhile, I'm a bit confused about exactly what Watts did today. One of those articles had him leaving early and going home sick, but also staying behind after the session to do some drills with a line-coach. If Watt's pre-season has been about transdimensional motion and he's now managing to be in two places at once, then we might have a serious player on our hands.

I for one would like to see Garland get another chance, not a lot of chances, but at least one to have a good crack at playing in this side. I feel that we have given games to new backs, which we had to do, but the new guys do not own these positions either and that positions can now be earned on merit all over the ground.

NAB AFL Women’s - Round 5 GWS GIANTS v Melbourne Friday, March 3 Blacktown International Sportspark 5:05pm JLT Community Series - Round 3 GWS GIANTS v Sydney Swans Friday, March 3 Blacktown International Sportspark 7:40pm Gate Opening: Gates open from 4:30pm. Tickets: Entry is FREE to both games for all 2017 GIANTS and GIANTS AFLW members with game access, simply present your membership card at the gate for entry (subject to capacity). You can upgrade your membership to ensure entry in to this game by clicking here and entering your barcode. General admission tickets start from $20 for an adult and are available here. Broadcast details: The AFL Women’s game will be shown live on Fox Footy (channel 504) from 5pm with a live stream on AFL.com.au. The men’s game will be live on Fox Footy from 7:30pm. Getting to the game: Public Transport: Bus: Busways 728 service from Blacktown & Mount Druitt Stations stops directly at Blacktown International Sportspark, standard fares apply. Shuttle buses will operate from Doonside Railway Station to Blacktown International Sportspark every 15-20 minutes from 3pm to 10.30pm Car: Limited paid parking is available at Blacktown International Sportspark Sydney via Gate A and Gate B. A fee of $10 per vehicle applies. Match Day Activities: Free slushies at AFL W Fan zone Meet and greet AFL W players at half time of AFL match Face painting AFLW Match Day Partner: Sydney Airport is proud to be a foundation partner of the GIANTS’ AFLW team, supporting women who are leading the way in their chosen field. The three-year partnership forms part of the airport’s commitment to leading and learning in the Sydney community. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- We've got our first interstate game this week and it happens to be against the bottom of the ladder GWS Giants. This reeks of a danger game in my opinion - Melbourne needing a win to keep finals hopes alive against a winless team. Suffice to say if we do not bring it and we lose then not only are we are out of the running for the first AFLW flag, but it'll be in the most embarrassing circumstances. GWS pushed Carlton in Round 2 I believe, nearly got a win over Collingwood but were then rolled last week by the Lions. Who knows what they'll bring, but there is a lame-ish video of Stevie J training them on their website so maybe that might have some kind of impact. One thing I do know is that we have been increasing the intensity and skill across the whole team after each round so if we continue that then this week we could potentially belt the living christ out of the opposition and gain some good percentage in the process. Here's hoping Daisy outdoes her 29 touches against Carlscum and becomes the 1st AFLW player to crack 30. If we get the chocolates then we'll have won 4 in a row, which is fantastic (and required) momentum in this short comp. This will see us at a minimum 3rd place on the ladder, and if Adelaide lose to the Lions then we will be equal with them albeit on a lower percentage. Will the travel and weather have an impact on the team? Hard to say. I'm hoping they recover well as we have Adelaide in Darwin the following week in another must-win game. At the end of the day, I'm tipping we will get a big win here - but there's always the chance with the MFC of being let down at the most integral moment. Team should be released Thursday night.

Would have been better if we were also playing the giants in the JLT and formed a proper double header. Not sure why the AFL didn't look at this for all clubs with women's teams, surely it would boost the attendance and TV ratings.

I would suggest there's a big difference between a quality, fitted mouthguard and one of the cheap ones you buy at a pharmacy.

IMO if he does not get the nod to play next week against the eagles he has no chance of playing round1. A no show in Perth would mean he has only a Casey practise match to impress the FD. Having said that he is now a monty

Never fully recovered from his ankle going late in 2013. He was on fire that year. When his ankle went he lacked the fitness to play on hard running half forwards and stopped being a two way player. He's never been a key defender. He's a running player who could defend and intercept and had a nice long kick. He's looked good in preseason and played well in the intraclub so I expect he'll do very well in the VFL and if he gets a chance I hope he plays well but I can see why others are preferred to him.

actually jara the weekend supermarket employees are not affected as they are under an eba i'd be more in favour of raising the minimum hourly pay rate to provide a more liveable wage for low income workers rather than grossly distorted penalty rates. if i have a criticism of the finding it is that it is just a fragment of wage reform and a more comprehensive overhaul is required, but good luck with that

Even I can admit, as a Garland supporter in the past, that he is nothing more than a depth player for us now. However, he is still a very handy depth player to have with his experience. He can play on the talls and smalls and if, god forbid, a few of our key defenders went down with injury, he can come in a fill that void well.

Spencer is the incumbent from what we've seen to date. I don't like it and you don't but the obvious relief rucks in Pederson & Watts haven't had a look in. Spencer didn't push his case in JLT 2 so it will be interesting to see the lineup for 3. You've talked about Goodwin's footy brain before, it's going to be interesting to see how he plays this one. The only thing I can see from a sample of 2 practice games is that he likes to rotate players. Hogan moves into the middle, Gawn floats forward, the mids are all over the place. Spencer may be a key to the puzzle. Seems it might be his position to lose.

So basically what they're saying is that Watts was cruising through training and Goody took the opportunity to make a point about training standards and that nobody gets an automatic game. Good on him for that. He's making it clear from the outset that it's now his team and that he expects everyone to tow the line. I don't see them keeping him out of the side long-term though, especially if he has, as reported, increased his output. The Weed isn't ready yet, despite some very good signs, so we need Watts to play that role at least for this year.

Garland's best has been as good as any medium defender in the league. The problem is that we haven't seen it very often. If you look back over his career though, there have been some great things. I'm told that it was he who kept Buddy to one goal during the year he broke the ton (I swear I remember Warnock manning him up that game, but I'm told by those who have it available to watch that it was actually Col). A couple of years ago under Roos he had a run of games where he was unstoppable, but sadly injured himself and never again showed that kind of form. What conclusion can we draw from this? If he is at his fittest and playing hard, committed football to his best, he is more than able to hold his own with Frost, Oscar, Wagner et al. However, he has suffered repeated injuries and form fluctuations which make me wonder whether he can be consistent enough, or consistently good enough, to hold down a place. I'd absolutely love it if he were to force his way into the side as HBF to replace Wagner. He's been a great servant of the club and from that perspective deserves the opportunity to play senior football again.

And they cause you to dry retch when playing with a massive hangover. I could never get used to one.

We have quite a bit of talent and it is a joy to see young players being rewarded with rising star nominations, our 'older' players (Hickey and Pearce) doing well, newcomers like Alyssa Misfud be exciting and familiar Demon names of ole taking the field again (Harriet Cordner). I had hopes that our team would form a 10 year dynasty and have some real success together. But then I saw this article which says all players (including 'marquis' players) are 'up for grabs' at the end of this year as all contracts were for just one year. http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/aflw/aflw-stars-and-marquees-up-for-grabs-for-season-2018/news-story/22ddffb4e14694b7c6cb0e793882cf15 I don't really like that system as a club could virtually lose the core of their team in one season made worse this year as it is the first season and teams are only just beginning to gel. Don't know about everyone else but I'm getting quite attached to our players. I just hope that our players want to stick with the might Dees!

She's been great across the half-back line. I'm surprised that she's only played in defence in the last 3 games, because she just seems to have an instinct for it. She knows when to run, when to kick short & when to go long, and her disposal is great. She's also great at working her way through tight situations, especially for someone so young who hasn't played for all that long. We seem to have a great crop of young potential-10-year-plus players who have all taken it up several notches in just a few games. Grierson in defence, Mithen on the ball and Mifsud in attack have been the standouts, but I also liked the contributions from Berry & Kemp. We knew that our established players were likely to do well, and except for the Brisbane game, they have. But to me it's the vastly improved contribution from these young players that make the team really worth watching.

I said Coach.

I notice Viney does though. I assume the AFLPA put it in his contract. He's already a danger to the rest of the league, without a muzzle he might accidentally kill someone.

So basically we are to discuss whether Jack Watts should play in Round 1 without discussing Jack Watts... Over to you Demonlanders.

Bump. The effect on the local Womens and Girls leagues up here in Canberra is double the amount of players at training then at the same point last year...

Who's paying you?

I was at the game yesterday and this (last hour) has been the first chance I've had to read this thread. There are two things I'd like to add to the discussion: Firstly, it was amazing to see three loose Melbourne players in our forward fifty when a couple of years ago we had trouble getting the ball inside fifty. Secondly, I want to praise Jesse Hogan for his character during an incident before the game. During his goal kicking warm up, he kicked a ball that hit a child in the crowd. The child went running off into the crowd to his parents while Hogan dropped his practice and followed the child to make sure he was okay. Hogan from the fence, called over the child to speak to him which he did. Not only during play is Jesse a champion. P.S. Go Dees!