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The overuse and reliance on spin is one of the main reasons people are turning off the major political parties and flocking to straight-shooters such as Trump and Hanson. They're sick of the cliches and rehearsed lines and want plain-speaking politicians who mean what they say. I've worked on both sides of the news fence (journalist and spin doctor) for 20+ years and like Fifty-5 reckon the club has handled it well. Only thing I would have done differently would have been, as Binman said, to come clean in week 1. The alternatives would never have cut the mustard. You can't pretend he's injured when he's in full training. You can't pretend you're giving fringe players a shot when you're selecting close to a full-strength side, and you can't pretend you're trying new things when it's clear the only new thing you're trying is not playing Watts. That would have been farcical. The media commentary has been pretty subdued all things considered. Had we tried to cover it up, and then been exposed, then we would have had a full-blown PR crisis on our hands and endless speculation and articles. So far, the only place that's happened has been on here, which is to be expected.

Bump! The Skipper thinks Trengove will be right in the mix. From Watts article I hope he gets plenty of the pill tomorrow night and presses for Rd 1 selection. With the amount of fowards with an injury question mark hovering above them right now, it could just be perfect timing for JT to get going.

Just to reignite the discussion ( boo hiss). I will play the devils advocate. The minute Watts was left out of the first JLT there is no doubt 1/ it was going to be questioned. 2/ it was going cause intense media interest as everything Watts does attract media interest. There is no doubt in my mind that the club would have realised this. The club had three choices 1/ take the easy option and have a word about his standards but play him so it would not cause a controversy. 2/ take the easy option have a word about his standards, don't play him and use a BS excuse such as trying other alternatives or somewhat ignore the questions asked ( this approach would have never have worked IMO). 3/ take the hard option - call it as they see it, not play him until he met his KPI's and respond to media if asked. I do not think the club handled it poorly or they singled Watts out - I think the club took the right option even though clearly it was the option that was externally going to cause the most grief.

I like Smith and think he should play this year. But if he isnt ready Garland seems the logical one to play, he is there to be a backup so if Hibbard is out why not use him? I dont like Harmes in the backline though, I think he is much more dangerous as a forward. And his occasional shank isn't such a problem Am I the only person that hates this? He has little to no influence when he plays forward. I understand that he plays well at VFL level in the midfield!! but its frustrating to see him come in and play forward where he stuggles then take him back to the VFL and he goes into the middle again. They need to play him as an inside midfielder or not at all. This is the whole "frost is a forward" thing all over again

Jack has had his first full pre season in a while, looks fit and strong, has serious competition for a spot, after speaking to him, not gonna die wondering this season

The track watcher you're referring to thought Viney was below average last preseason and therefore didn't include him in his round 1 best 22. Naturally, it was poor insight and Viney had his best year. People put too much emphasis on amateur "track watchers". I've been to training plenty of times myself and while reports are fun to read no real relevant insight into training standards is gleaned. They're best for "who trained, who didn't and who is in rehab". I'd never read anything more into them than that.

Just because I've somehow managed to avoid contributing to this topic despite 28 pages of banter, I thought I might give my 2 cents. There's been a lot of conflicting stuff on this subject. There have been plenty of comments made by track watchers, not just Saty, about how good Watts has looked on the track, but then the club took the action it did. It didn't gel. The article just put up on melbournefc.com.au quoting Jonesy prompted my new thought. At the end of last year, the club recognised his contribution and challenged him to go to a new level, hoping he could take a step up in to the elite category. At the start of pre-season Watts came back with the same level of intensity as he exhibited in pre-2016, this would be supported by his own words on camp... but to the club, this wasn't enough. The level that Watts returned at was great, or very good.. but the benchmark set was elite. It was his benchmark, entirely his to own. For another player, if they had returned in the same way as Watts, it might've been fine.. They might've even played in one of the JLT games. But for Jack, in 2017, the level required was at the very top. Only set for the elite. If this theory is to be believed, and given he is now supposedly at the level... then it is cause to be very excited about what he can produce in 2017.

Yes that's a lie. Everyone inside the club would know it's a lie. leoncelli36 showed that the club leaks a little so the lie would be exposed and we'd be deep in the doo-doo. I think telling a limited truth is the best policy - I think the club has managed a very tricky situation really well.

Having a bad day are we?

Our Mel addressed a breakfast for International Women’s Day today as part of a panel on the theme The Media – Women’s Friend or Foe? In front of a packed audience at Box Hill Town Hall she spoke eloquently with conviction, passion and excitement. An asset to the Mighty Dees

The game in Perth will tell us a lot. If we clean up the Eagles who look to be at full strength then I will remain cautiously optimistic, however if we fail badly tomorrow night I will return to my usual slough of despair.

I strode across proud and erect.

Those odds for the saints are too good to pass up, if we get beat at least I can win some money and if we win I won't care about the bet, win win

I bet you do know how he sleeps.

Disagree. When he is not doing something good with ball in hand, he is putting on good physical pressure and presence, which the Weed just isn't up to yet. So many punters here have complained about game being gifted to young players in the past in the name of development and due to lack of depth, so what is the difference here? Won't nessasrily hurt Weed to spend another year in the VFL while he develops physically. Someone also mentioned Joel Smith playing ahead of Garland. Whilst I loved Smith's tackling and defensive pressure, he was shown up big time most times when he had the ball and couldn't dispose of it in good fashion or to the right option. Was great to give him two games exposure at the top level in preseason, but it's either Garland, Jetta, Frost, Hibbard or Harmes come round one for me.

Consider lifting my self appointed ban on Etihad.

Looking forward to see Trengove play. His body is right, the hunger and motivation is there. Its sink or swim time for Trengove.

Disappointed that Pederson hasn't got a run in any of the JLT games when he was clearly streets ahead of Weiderman's in the intra club. If Weiderman's is picked round 1, which looks almost certain now, then can't help thinking we are selecting on the basis of player development in preference to selecting our best side to win the game.

Somehow ...THEY ... Don't bring the game into disrepute !! Me think it 'mazin !!

Just when you thought it couldn't get any more ridiculous this story keeps on giving.

Not sure how good they are. But I guarantee they have at least 5 players who I've never heard of who will rip us apart.

Jones thinks differently and as club Captain I'll accept his view over any sentimentality.

Not at all. You're insinuating that Trengoves inclusion is based on sentimentality. Give the bloke credit where it's due.

I'll take a particular interest in him tomorrow night and look for his efforts that we usually can't see when watching the Tele. Team first acts, as Goody puts it.

I will be furious if he is left out of the side again tomorrow. Much rather him playing rhen Tom Bugg atm.

"It must be noted that Melbourne has been rebuilding since 2007 and had a top-five pick in seven consecutive drafts. Meanwhile, St Kilda has been replenishing its list with young talent for five years." Ah yes... I'm glad they included this important slice of information when discussing who is closer to a flag in 2017. It's a stupid argument though. Our list is clearly better and we are clearly, a lot closer to a flag than they are. I just wish we'd stop letting them bend us over. Every. Single. Time.

Didn't the Saints have a good draw and a good run with injuries last year? Swings and roundabouts. I reckon they aren't as good as their finish last year suggests....

How are we favourites!? The bookies are having a laugh aren't they, we never beat St Kilda and we play like pus at etihad

i'm no expert, bub, but i found this on hipster girls and here is a lego view

and i don't think $250k is upto being a boj sponsor

... leave Etihad in a happy mood for a change.

Tom Mac is also prone to missing the odd kick here or there, but you don't see anybody on this site make an example of him...

"The Demons are a beautiful team - beautiful - I know because I am smart. They are going to win bigly. We are going to win so much and so often we are gonna get sick of winning. I told Goodwin that our defense is going to be so strong. so strong. We are going to build a wall across the half back line and keep all other teams out. And we are going to get the AFL to pay for it. I will place a travel ban on any other team coming into our defensive half. I think I can also say that we are sick.. so sick.. yes we are sick.. of the dishonest hawks and their fake premierships ( lock them up)." - Founder and owner of Trump Enterprises.

12 month ban please mods.

And try and tell that to the young people of today.....would they believe you.....No!

That's a bit obtuse Earl!

2 of the 6 listed automatically drop out due to the further reduction from 24 to 22. By round 1 Garlett will have had another 2 weeks recovery from his hamstring - he reportedly trained strongly today and you'd expect him to come straight in. Bugg and Harmes played nearly every game last year so they are solid citizens. So take two out of Spencer, Garland, ANB and Trengove out of the list. Replace another with Garlett. I think we're in pretty solid shape.

Don't forget Jetta!

Believe it when I see it. I'm still recovering from Toumpas mucking it up in the goalsquare when we led in the last minute.

Say "told you so", even though I didn't.

I kinda dont mind if we dont get up this week.....If we win, we will start favorites against StKilda.....and you know what happens then.

Pedo has always been hard done by the footy club. I use to shake my head when old mate 'buckets' Dawes would continue to spud it up every week while Pedo would come in every 3rd week and make a solid contribution while in the side.

Pedo is coming off shoulder surgery

Clear September in the diary

These are the types of comments I find absurd. You have no basis of fact to back up this comment. You'd rather blame the coach for not accepting poor standards than the player not producing what's required. Unfathomable to me.

Mick Malthouse is obviously still bat [censored] crazy.