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I'm not sure why so many supporters have a predilection to quote me re Watts. My views on him are nothing more than plain speak, but for some reason plain speak makes people feel uncomfortable in what has become the most politically correct generation in history. 10 points... 1. Watts didn't ask to be pick one, but he wanted to be. Most elite talents want the mantle and Watts embraced it and Melbourne at the time. Petracca also recently said he wanted it, but didn't get it. And with that honour it's my view a player should do the utmost to make themself the best player they can be. Not only for themself, but for the club that showed enough faith to bestow the honour. Whether others see such a leap of faith (pick one) as a poisoned chalice is up to them. I don't subscribe to that theory. You may not ultimately be pick one worthy, but dedicate yoursel to be the best player you can be. Every player should aspire to fulfilling their talent. 2. Was Watts developed properly ? No, he was handled poorly by a poorly run club. He should have been protected from the limelight, not made into a messiah. The club let him down. 3. Is he an elite talent ? Yes. But his talent is overrated for one main reason, he doesn't and never has had courage in the air. Young, skinny Weideman has courage in the air. Many players don't. Watts doesn't. Btw, there's a difference between not having courage in the air and being soft in the air. Unfortunately, especially when he was younger, Watts was soft in the air. 4. What level does Watts have the ability to reach ? A-grade. Due to a lack of physicality and courage in the air it's my view he could never be absolutely elite, or a bona fide star, but he does have the ability to reach AA status and be considered a top 50 player in the game, which is enough to be considered A-grade for mine. 5. Has he had passable years ? Yes. As a developing young tall his third year was reasonable and last year was a very solid B-grade year and something to build upon. 6. Has he underachieved over his entire career to date ? Yes, notwithstanding the poor early development, he hasn't been driven to be the best he can be. And one B-grade year for a player of such talent is a fail. If you think 2016 was the highest level he can achieve then we won't agree. And even if I accepted that view it's still a minimum standard. 7. Do I like or dislike Watts ? I often dislike the footballer, although 2016 was a massive step in the right direction, but one cannot but like the person. My eldest Brother (Hawthorn supporter) was on the same plane once and Jack walked down the aisle smiling and saying hello to everyone. He's just a lovely guy. 8. Do I respect his talent ? No, he was born with it. It's what one does with their talent that's essential. 9. Do I want him to fail ? No. I laud him when he shines and I'm critical when he's insipid. I want the club to succeed, I want every Melbourne player to succeed. 10. Do I think other supporters are soft on Watts ? Unquestionably. They're satisfied by third rate performances. All they see is a talented player who gets a hard time in the media. They must have been shocked by his 38 goal haul and improved play across the board in 2016, because to them he was fine before that anyway. If the club traded him many would have blamed the club, not the underperforming player. And then they felt vindicated by his improved output last year even though they never called for it. Not only didn't they call for it, they defended his C-grade years. They're probably lovely people, but I'd rather spend a year in solitary confinement than have to discuss footy with them over a beer. Hopefully this post means that no boring braindead apologist ever needs to quote me again on Watts. I apologise for future plain speak and the subsequent offence it will no doubt cause. All I do is say it as it is (what happened to that poster ? ).

And this is why we love big Maxy. Stynes’ spirit remains strong with Gawn

Gws have lost picks 2,3,12 from 2012 draft. pick 4 and 10 from 2011 Pick 1 and 14 from 2013. Griffith for Boyd is a loss in my opinion. Picks 4 and 7 from 2014 draft have never played a game. Ahern and pickett That would decimate any other side but GWS have been boosted by the academy picks from the riverina. That has to stop. No way can they claim kids north of the murray. These kids would have played AFL regardless if GWS was around

Not sure, but I don't think we still have any Board Members or Senior Management that were with MFC when Jim Stynes died. Most of them probably never met him. Yet, they see it as significant to honour his memory. Perhaps they are embedding our history. Perhaps they feel a need for our team to understand more of our club's history and its heroes. After all, there are only 2 coaching staff (Mahoney and Rawlings) and only 8 players who were at MFC in 2012. While to us Stynes means so much as a player and a tireless champion of our club, 90% of people now at MFC never knew him nor knew much about him. A very large part of our list were at high school 5 years ago. My initial reaction was similar to 'billy2803' and not sure why the club would make the anniversary a special event. But on reflection, he was a towering figure. No-one exemplifies the spirit of giving one's all than does Jim Stynes. So he is a terrific modern-day role model for players and others to remember and aspire to. Whatever, the reason the club has chosen to honour his memory I am sure it is a good, well thought out reason. Like others have said, I hope it is low key. I doubt it will affect the players as only 5 from 2012 will probably play that day. For them and the coaches it will be business as usual. Just win the game, Dees!

After the hard work he put in off the field to keep our club afloat, Jim Stynes will be a huge part of anything we do going forward, whether we acknowledge it or not. His chapter will never close. Great article, too.

You should have taken my advice and chilled Biz, because having fired your shot you then had to expose yourself as just another weak debater who is left with nothing but the most base argument of all - personal attack.

In an earlier post you listed a number of really good, household name, 'premiership' players, all of whom were top 10 draft picks. I can't recall how many players you listed, but I think it was about 10. I seem to recall that Chris Judd was the elder statesman of the group, in that he was selected by the Weagles at pick 3 in the 2001 draft. Judd's draft included, there have been 16 drafts in that timeframe. That's 160 'top ten' players being brought into the system. Confirmation bias aside, there's no way Jack Watts has been a dud when compared to all 160 draft picks. Sure, there have been some players who've been sensational, but the majority have not. They're probably fixing light bulbs in your pool room these days. I reckon Watts will play 200 games for this club. He might very well also walk away one day with a premiership medallion and a Norm Smith medal around his neck. That may not happen, obviously - but there's no way he's been a dud selection. Your hopes for him, whatever they are, are just that - 'hopes'. Plainly he hasn't delivered on them for you, but he's a quality player and a 'value add' to the team nonetheless.

As my wife said today as a Hawks supporter but having a soft spot for the Dee's for obvious reasons, she is worried about the hype around MFC this preseason, 3 page articles on big Max, the hype around Petracca, Viney elevated to co-captain, the numerous interviews etc. now we are talking of a Jimmy tribute! As she points out the Saints are travelling nicely under the radar, yet for many experts they are rated to finish above us. Interesting the club hasn't tried to keep a lid on things, but that is balanced by the need to sell the product and the fact we are training at Gosch's near the Pies and most TV stations versus the Saints at Seaford. I loved Jimmy as a player but his tenure as president is a mixed bag. Yes He reduced the accumulated debt and fixed things financially but that has to be balanced with the football operations decisions he oversaw that plunged us into a 10 year abyss that few clubs have ever experienced. The appointment of Cam Schwab as CEO and Chris Connelly as Footy manager after he had missed the coaching job to a novice in Bails. A recipe for trouble. And that is how it transpired. The way Bails was dispatched from the club after 186 and advice from GLyon vs C Schwab getting the full honours and payout always sticks in my throat. I think Jim had too much faith in certain MFC people that they would work tirelessly for the greater good of the club and that they had the ability to make it happen. We have learnt since that they had very limited ability. Great MFC icon but His legacy is a mixed one lets be honest.

I also don't have an issue with the club acknowledging the anniversary, as you said without going overboard and becoming distracted. In other words not let it become a "Jimmy tribute game". That fell very flat 5 years ago. What i do like is Max acknowledging that he is inspired by the memory of Jimmy every time he pulls on the #11. Max is such a great character and I am sure it comes right from his heart.

I don't have a problem with acknowledging the 5 year mark as long as it doesn't go overboard and distract from the game. Perhaps more for the crowd before the players run out. Let the players focus on the game. I like that Max finds inner strength from thinking of the no 11 regularly. I bet many fans do too.

Good coverage of Maxy by the Sunday Sun. I like the reference at the end about Jimmy's family still being close to the club and that Brian Stynes has a "very handy little son who plays footy". Unfortunately, young Stynes only played two games for the Demons which leaves his boy 98 games short of qualifying under the father/son rule. Years ago, the old VFL introduced the father/son rule to enable Ron Barassi Jnr to play for his father's club after Barassi Snr was killed in action during WW2. Perhaps, it's time for an uncle/nephew rule? Also good to see Max is helping out with Jimmy's Reach Foundation. Quality stuff!

DV is a tricky issue, so is religion. Daughter, nearly 8-years old, this morning asks "what is heaven". Wife responds "it's a concept, it may not even exist!'. However I've set her straight and my daughter's mind to rest, explaining that heaven does exist. I've been there. It was on the MCG members wing, Round 20, 4th Quarter.

I love the way his hands just seem to emerge from the pack or tackle in slow motion and then extend out Inspector Gadget style and hit a target like a bullet. There's something about it that's different to the usual 'slick' hands... it's quick but more deliberate looking and somehow really easy to spot despite the speed. Great to watch.

This is one question I wouldn't mind @Satyriconhome putting to the players. Would be interesting to hear their responses.

1. Bernie 2. Petracca 3. Hibbo

you said it more eloquently than i ever could, thanks bj, that yartz degree was not wasted

Agree on all three points. The second game against Gold Coast is a great example of what he can bring to the table. We were woeful that day and he was the only one who really performed. Apart from the fact he kicked the winning goal (a difficult kick, particularly given his record from that spot was poor - 1 goal 6 - according to the fox stats), he kicked 3 in a low total and gut ran throughout the last quarter. His match winning goal came soon after terrific contest with 2nd and 3rd efforts on the wing (at the two minute mark of the video below) and he was knackered, sucking in the big ones just before he marked it. As is is often the case (because he makes good decisions and doesn't turn the ball over) he was put back late in the quarter and made a match saving mark in the GC goal square. This video gives a great example of what he gives us. He stood up when it counted, willing us to win that game and it is worth remembering our late season charge at the finals would have not got off the ground if we had lost the GC game.

So who's watching Port v Tiggers? Didnt think so

Yeah well, what can I say, I'm a rebel. It was a rainy day at the top of the old northern stand at the G, circa 1987. Melbourne were thumping the Filth and as a five year old sensing Dad's discomfort, declared I now barrack for the Dees. Fast forward six years and he still hadn't bought me a Melbourne scarf or beanie. I had to go to 'footy day' at primary school wearing black and white, but reassuring everyone "it's ok, I actually go for the Dees". To be fair, he took me along to plenty of Dees games, but I suffered many boring afternoons at Victoria Park. I would amuse myself by collecting 'cash-a-cans' and climbing the scoreboard with other kids. To this day, I still don't think he's forgiven me.

I've no doubt that there would be fifty players throughout the league who haven't 'trained the house down'. Jack, unfortunately for him, possesses all the ingredients that excite the media swill and, by extension, the baying bogans. Went to a private school in a well to do area - tick. His playing style looks laconic (as opposed to lazy) - tick. Doesn't have a 'sleave' tattoo - tick. Plays for a club that is not seen as working class - tick. Has outside interests - tick. I'm with Biffen on this. It's a PR issue and he needs to iron out a taxi driver late at night (or an uber driver if we want to go new school) and/ or cause a minor ruckus at The Pantry, Church Rd Brighton. Perhaps kick a poodle or order a flat white..

I agree. But the point he's making about a ruckman winning the Brownlow is actually addressing an interesting side issue. The Brownlow has been too heavily weighted towards midfielders for the last 20 years. Getting rid of 3rd man up will help true tap ruckman; and limiting interchange to much fewer than now would give key position players a chance of winning.

Tell you what picket, how about you leave Kate and the booze at the gate and then pizz off!

Nah... don't want to waste the energy

Well the context was usually poured from paper cups, or refilled beer cans. Charming. Most dangerous place at the ground was the visitors' race, where as Team Manager in 1979 under Big Carl, I was warned to not stand there watching the game.

Speaking about revolting peasants, that reminds me of the masses of them at Victoria Park, in the good old days. Worse than revolting.

jlt = just like training

Exactly. All Watts did was nominate for the draft. That he got selected with pick one wasn't his decision. The level of scrutiny that he has attracted since is quite ridiculous.

Found this over on BF thanks to VitalDread. Some vision too, with a promise of more to come Casey Demons vs NT Redtails Match Report: Final score: Casey Demons- 17.15 117 NT Redtails- 5.7 37 Goal Kickers: Rout 4, Gill-Renouf 2, Sheppard 2, Martello 2, Scott 2, Ambler, Dwyer, Gordon, Gardiner, Armour

Bolton and Neeld are/were not great coaches but you can't really compare their circumstances. Neeld came into a club and took over an already dysfunctional bruise-free group of players, some of who were already rebellious and angry about the dismissal of Dean Bailey. Bolton hasn't had to put up with a tenth of the disruption Neeld had to face coming from inside and outside - the death of Jim Stynes, the Jurrah incident, the racism beat up, the tanking investigation, sponsors going broke as well as a huge injury list and supposedly talented footballers who couldn't run a few laps of an oval without expiring. We don't need to make comparisons of poor coaching records. Coaches need and deserve a good space and time to bring about change. It took Roos three years and, in his final year, we still lost to a damaged Essendon and a poor Carlton. I'm still confident we can beat the Saints in Round 1. Carlton, like a lot of clubs in the middle of the practice match series, put in a younger and far weaker squad than in the first week. They had a different approach to the game yesterday and the result was inevitable. They're not going to set the world on fire but the result didn't reflect how their season is going to pan out.

You can't compare neeld with Bolton. Firstly Bolton is a better communicator and the players actually like him. Secondanly he has a game plan that can win games. Admittedly it's the Hawks game plan however I'd much prefer this game style to what ever neeld tried to bring to the MFC

The only surprise in the o.p, is that slobbo didn't nominate the "brave returning, persecuted hero", and new captain, heppell, to win the Brownlow.

Always so negative

Stand aside all you doubters Of course he will

I actually think Bolton can coach, but sos in my opinion has been a disaster as a recruiter, he stuffed up so many high picks at the giants and now he is bringing anyone who can't get a game at the giants to the blues. And carltons leaders are all super overrated with the exception of kade Simpson who I see as a good honest b grade player. Lions look much better already

David. King. Is. A. Penis.

18. Pretty much the only good record Melbourne still holds

Speaking of Slobbo, how remiss not to mention his 'sidekick', Gerard Whately. His commentary is vivid, intelligent and actually impartial. And with that loveable demeanour, I wish he was my uncle (even more than Bitter B.O)

Saints are $2.15 against us round 1 I'm surprised by that, surely they should be favorites

Last post to you. No real point anymore. You can continue if you want I agree with your last sentence. Any violence is terrible whoever inflicts it and fortunately most people don't. However, if you cannot see that most DV is done by men on women then being brainwashed is your domain, and clearly you are what your user name implies.

Clarry is an extractor and his vision and peripheral awareness reminds me of Mitchell's. He nearly always gives a release handball to the player in most space every time. The fact he possesses that sense of calmness and composure at his age is phenomenal. Petracca is similar when he has the ball in close. Clarry can handball all he likes, it's always to the advantage of his teammates.

Darren Bennett

Probably Bernie but if it includes straight up in the air and overall hang time Col G has it covered.

Mick Malthouse is obviously still bat [censored] crazy.

Bernie

If Tom McDonald's elite they've obviously decided kicking's a minor skill.

I remember reading an article by Herald Sun sports writer Michael Horan a few years ago which gave a personal reminiscence on the Weed from the late 50's when Michael was around 11 years old. The young Michael was a mad Collingwood fan and became aware that his hero lived not far from where he lived in West Heidelberg. So one night after school he gathered up the courage to knock on the front door. Mrs Weed, a former Miss Victoria, answered and told the young fellow that the Weed was not home; she then asked him if he would like to go to the game with him on Saturday, and after receiving the obvious answer told him to come around at 11am. He was of course on time on Saturday, and helped the Great Man with his Gladstone bag of fresh footy gear. They drove down to Johnston Street and parked near the Yarra Hotel close to the ground. But here's the kicker to the 21st century sensibility - the Weed sat down and had a plate of steak and chips AND a couple of pots! (If memory serves me correctly - it was at least one pot anyway.) Anyway, it was a cute story. The softer side of the "Monster" that Demon supporters loved to hate. And the grog before the game!!

Had a scan on his jaw too I believe, thought it may have been fractured after he was laughing for hours on end after Marc Murphy tried to fight him.

Simply not good enough, Dieter! Keep up that attitude, and you will be out of the team alongside Wattsy! Kindly smarten up, stick a few dollars in your moth-infested wallet, pack a thermos, and get back out there! The team needs you!!

I'm not sure I get the rationale. Oliver rarely gets caught WITHOUT getting his hands free so he can dispose of the pill by handball. His handball is an absolute weapon. It just always gets to someone in a better position. Harking back to Williams - no one told him to handball less. It doesn't matter if he is predictable as long as he keeps getting those handballs away to advantage. Hunt predictably gets the ball and runs, Dustin Martin predictably fends players off with the don't argue and Josh Kennedy of the WCE is predictably one of the best hit up forwards in the game. It is one thing to be predictable, it is an entirely different story of trying to stop the predictability being successful. I expect that if the opposition cover all his handball exits then he will kick - pretty simple.

I think Watts is terrific, just great, the best. I think he has been training well, better than anyone, Goodwin doesn't know, he tells lies, all lies. Goodwin tells so many lies he makes Hillary look honest, so dishonest, not like Watts, Watts is honest, hes more honest than anyone, almost more honest than me. Now it seems some people have been saying some bad things about Watts, all lies, fake, fake news. The forums get all the facts, not the fake facts, the real ones, they take these facts and make fake news, all fake, even Demonland had a topic about Watts that wasn't about Watts, see fake, liars at Demonland, how can you have a topic about Watts without it being about Watts, that is what these forums do, all lies, alternative facts.....disgusting.