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I'm heading over for this game. If Rhys Mathieson plays for frees I will consider running onto the ground and throwing pitted kalamatas at him while beating him with a baguette.

Feeling positive after last weeks win, playing finals is looking likely and Brisbane are on the bottom of the ladder with little to play for, except draft picks. Lions by 8 goals.

Reckon it should be: Hogan in for Weid Maynard in for Viney Let Viney get right for finals. Maynard can replace him for a week to just smash in at stoppages. Let Jesse build form for finals.

In his time at the club, Salem has played just 45 games in total and this year had been averaging a tad over 21 disposals per game, which is not so bad. He has been cruelled by injury and illness. Yes, he might not be elite (although as someone stated, his kicking is), but he is certainly a cut above numerous others on the list, and with a good run free of injury/illness and another preseason under the belt, he will start to show the class that got him drafted by the club. You had him traded earlier this week based purely on what a few people had overstated regarding his being reported on Saturday - if you had actually been at the game and had seen the incident first hand (there was no available footage at the time you made your comments), then your comments may have at least had some validity... but instead, your judgement on that occasion was indeed clouded..

Whatever happens, win, lose or draw, I just hope we score more than them.

It's always interesting to read the views of posters regarding selection. Some people have a best 22 in mind and desperately want whoever is in that best 22 named regardless of form. Some have favourites that they see potential in and want them selected (sometimes prematurely). Others use selection as an opportunity to punish often in a short sighted manner. And others have a player or two that they simply don't like (O Mac, Watts, Frost, Bugg, Salem etc . . .) and campaign for their omission. I think Goodwin and the selection panel have succeeded in balancing the short term need to win games with the medium and long term development needs. Goodwin has also done a good job of not playing favourites. The only chink in the armour was the regular early selection of Melksham but again he seems to have got that one right. I'm really interested to see what happens now that we're within touching distance. Surely he wants Watts and Salem playing in his finals team. Surely he wants to ensure we get there. My guess is that Watts and Salem will both be selected against Collingwood and that Hogan will come straight in. It will be a gamble but one I think we need to take. I'm not sure, however, where Frost stands. He's either straight back this week or maybe out of favour for the rest of the year. Fingers crossed Viney gets up. We're so close to getting our best team on the park. If we do that and Hogan, Salem, Watts, Pertracca and Garlett all find some form then the sky is the limit.

This will be Jesse's 50th game! It has taken 4 difficult years, with many obstacles. Have huge admiration for how you have tackled and overcome them. Congratulations on the milestone. Hope the team bring it home for you and for us!

Lin Jong did it last year and destroyed Casey in the VFL Grand Final, its crazy what those inserted plates can achieve

This is definitely a danger game for us. Bob Murphy was asked on SEN which teams out of finals contention has he been impressed with recently and he said Brisbane. Game is won in the midfield and any team starting S.Martin, D.Beams, Rockliff and Zorko has to be taken very seriously. The bookmaker odds on this game are way out of whack.

Use your man purse satchel.

Casey v Williamstown is live on Ch7 at 2.10pm Saturday so an opportunity to observe the cases being put by those who don't end up in the team for Sunday.

If we make the finals, give me Port in Adelaide over Swans in Sydney any day of the week.

ON A PLATTER by The Oracle At this time of the year, when the battle for the finals heats up, every game involving one or two of the contenders can be dramatic. By the time, Melbourne's turn comes to defend its current top eight placing, all five matches played either on Friday night or at some time on Saturday will have had an influence on the prospects of the teams playing for a finals finish or a top four spot (although admittedly, the Hawks' late bid may well be over before their game starts). The fact that we will have better knowledge of how the club is placed in its quest for its first finals appearance since 2006 will not however, have an effect on what it has to do against the the 18th-placed Lions. Success is never served on a platter given away by others. The challenge for Melbourne is to win this game and then the next. If it does that, it won't have to depend on others to make the finals which is what it's all about - the capacity to be responsible for one's own future. The challenge of winning this particular game also requires the team to step up in a crunch game where it starts as the favourite against a much lower ranked side. On four occasions (against Fremantle, Hawthorn and North Melbourne twice), the Demons have turned up expecting the four points to be served up on that platter only to stumble and fall by narrow margins. There is not much use in crying over spilt milk but a simple glance at the ladder will tell you that had they won half of those close games, they would have been in top four contention instead of fighting with three or four others for a place in the eight. The Brisbane Lions have hit some form recently so they can't be taken lightly. Melbourne has much more at stake and simply cannot afford to lapse in this game. If it does so this time, then a large number of its fans, including yours truly, will be cheesed off. And on that note, I hope that the players are not distracted by the fare of cheese, avocado, prosciutto which one Melbourne supporter feasted on last week at the Saints game. THE GAME Melbourne v Brisbane at MCG Sunday 19 August, 2017 at 1.10pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall: Melbourne 23 wins, Brisbane 20 wins At MCG: Melbourne 13 wins, Brisbane 3 wins Last Five Meetings: Melbourne 2 wins, Brisbane 3 wins The Coaches: Goodwin 0 wins, Fagan 0 wins MEDIA TV - Fox Footy Channel live at 1.00pm Radio - SEN ABC ABC Grandstand THE BETTING Melbourne $1.17 to win, Brisbane $5.25 to win LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 19.17.131 defeated Brisbane 9.14.68 at the MCG, Round 9, 2016 The Demons don't often win games by more than 10 goals but they did just that the last time the two teams met 15 months ago. Jesse Hogan booted five goals, James Harmes four and Tomas Bugg finished with 31 touches. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE B: Michael Hibberd, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta HB: Jordan Lewis, Tom McDonald, Jayden Hunt C: Dom Tyson, Nathan Jones, Clayton Oliver HF: Alex Neal-Bullen, Jesse Hogan, Christian Petracca F: Jeff Garlett, Cam Pedersen, James Harmes FOLL: Max Gawn, Bernie Vince, Jake Melksham I/C: Angus Brayshaw, Mitch Hannan, Billy Stretch, Josh Wagner EMG: Ben Kennedy, Corey Maynard, Sam Weideman IN: Jesse Hogan, Billy Stretch OUT: Jack Viney (foot) Sam Weideman (omitted) BRISBANE LIONS B: Daniel McStay, Harris Andrews, Daniel Rich HB: Darcy Gardiner, Josh Walker, Sam Mayes C: Hugh McCluggage, Dayne Zorko, Ryan Bastinac HF: Lewis Taylor, Michael Close, Claye Beams F: Ryan Lester, Eric Hipwood, Jake Barrett FOLL: Stefan Martin, Tom Rockliff, Dayne Beams I/C: Jacob Allison, Rhys Mathieson, Nick Robertson, Alex Witherden EMG: Tom Cutler, Ben Keays, Sam Skinner IN: Alex Witherden OUT: Cedric Cox (omitted) Brisbane has a poor record against Melbourne at the MCG having won there only three times (although that figure might have looked better had the Demons not sold home games to play at the Gabba in the Lions' halcyon days). Their last win at the G was by 41 points in Round 1, 2012 which was Mark Neeld's first game as coach. Things are far different for both sides these days but a loss to the Demons on Sunday would be far more devastating than the one from 5½ years ago that marked the beginning of the former coach and his team's long ride on the "reality bus". A loss at home to the last placed team in the competition would signal that Melbourne simply does not merit a berth in the finals. Fortunately, the team does have the experienced heads who can lead it through the pressure of a must win game starting with co-skipper Nathan Jones who has dedicated his football lifetime to be in reach of the September action he last saw when his career was in its infancy. With him is Jordan Lewis who has seen it all in his time as a four-time premiership player and is now on the brink of yet another finals campaign. The Demons have won most of their games when these two have been in the team together and the leadership of the club's wise old heads will be critical over the weeks to come. And with them is a young team with a lot of talent that plays a high possession game, wins the contested ball and has an All Australian ruckman who is smart enough to learn and adapt his technique after the issues he had with the umpires in the game against the Saints. The Lions have improved greatly in the second half of the season and had a great win last week against a club in crisis after the sacking of their coach. This week they face a club with a mission and the boot will be on the other foot. Melbourne by 45 points.

Maybe follow him to his new club PF, the hyperbole won't be missed. We'd all love Wattsy to be a part of the future success, but it's a 2 way street. He puts in, he gets the rewards on offer.

Not a fan of Hogan returning this week as it doesn't seem to gel with the mantra that Goodwin has maintained most of the year in that forwards must be prepared to defend aggressivly. I may be the only one that thinks it, but I have been pretty frustrated at Hogans lack of second efforts, continual playing for frees and one dimensional approach to his role. Not to mention the injury which surely can't be ready to go yet!

Jesse is back!! http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2017-08-17/hogan-back-viney-to-miss-through-injury Best wishes, Jesse! Hogan has been named in the starting 18, while Stretch, Kennedy, Wagner, Maynard, utility Angus Brayshaw, forward Mitch Hannan and tall Sam Weideman have been named on the extended bench.

Me and 199 other die hards will be doing a lap of honour prior to the game. I look forward to your applause and adulation. Dees by 47.

I don't know if you're joking

I place a lot of value in the AFLCA votes. Looking at the disappointing losses we've had this season, these are the 3 highest coaches' vote getters in each: R4 loss to Fremantle 10 Neale 7 Mundy 4 Fyfe R7 loss to Hawthorn 10 Viney 6 Roughead 4 Burgoyne R9 loss to North 10 Brown 8 Cunnington 4 Thompson R15 loss to Swans 10 Parker 8 Franklin 4 Z.Jones R17 loss to Adelaide 9 Walker 8 Lynch 6 Laird R19 loss to North 8 Brown 8 Oliver 5 Swallow 5 Ziebell I think, not surprisingly, that it's experienced stars that have played well against us in those games, and I guess Ben Brown is moving into that category. It's vital that we limit the influence of S.Martin, D.Beams, Rockliff and Zorko. Also be aware of Taylor and Lester. Here's the key votes in the Lions last 3 wins: R12 d Fremantle 10 Zorko 8 D.Beams 6 Taylor 4 S.Martin R18 d Carlton 9 Zorko 7 D.Beams 6 Rockliff 4 Lester R21 d GCS 10 D.Beams 7 Rockliff 7 Taylor 2 Lester 2. S.Martin

The Hawks didn't want to get rid of Lewis but Clarkson stuffed up and the cat was out of the bag so it was too late to stop. They eventually realised they had to move on Hodge, Gibson, Mitchell, Lewis and possibly Burgoyne in order to avoid the Brisbane crash after their 3 flags. It was the right strategy just poorly done. We won out of this. In every way possible.

That would make me your twin brother!

I am Matty Febey Me and Stinga come on here a bit (all the time) Go Dees

Other than those goals from Harmes in the first quarter our forward line was rather dysfunctional last week. If it had not been for those late goals from Hannan and Melksham our season would be almost over.

He was out of form, he got dropped. Didn't set the world alight at Casey Our forward line functioned fine without him. Whats the problem and how was he mismanaged?

Get out.

Wasn't this a Lever thread? Some of you panty sniffers should start a man-hate thread so you can dump on your favourites. We drift from a trade suggestion of player X to a slanging match that has nothing to do with the topic.

Watts is a class player and I find the suggestions of trading him amusing to be honest. We are not going to get anything as good as jack in return. And his best is clearly in our best 10 players

Like in this^ post. I doubt anyone, let alone many, have said he's elite.

I doubt it's many, and most would simply rate his kicking as elite, which it is. Good to see you still can't get over his suspension either.

Heartwarming to see him on the track. No contact but he seemed to use his left arm and shoulder ok so hopefully all is good with his collar bone.

If the footy department could even be bothered to read this stuff, they'd laugh and shrug their shoulders. It just doesn't reflect reality. He's an on field coach and leader out there. Such a viewpoint is simply ludicrous in the context of where this team's at and what it needs, especially in close games and, fingers crossed, finals. Everyone knows this, surely.

Definitely not the impression I get from Jones's comments: http://m.melbournefc.com.au/news/2017-08-16/depth-has-grown-at-the-club-jones Meanwhile, Jones said utility Tom Bugg hadn’t put a foot wrong during his time on the sidelines, following a six-match suspension. “It was a difficult period for him earlier, but I could not question his commitment to the team or his own preparation in performance,” he said. “He was well aware of having to earn some respect and some trust and he has not put a foot wrong in six weeks that he’s been out. “He’s really led the way with the way he’s performed on the training track and he’s got really involved in each player and some of our younger players – and taking on some new leadership roles and opportunities. “I’m excited for him and the chance to get back out there and perform. I think that’s all he’s going to be looking forward to and preparing himself for. From there, he’ll let his actions do the talking on the field and hopefully find himself back in contention.”

The poos and wees have no draft picks to use in a trade, they'd have to trade players. Can't see it happening.

If I owned up that I am really Earl Spalding would I finally get some respect on this forum?

I'm Garry Baker and so's my wife"....

Great news - reflects what a good year he has had, and he is also excellent cover for us in many areas of the ground. Deceptively mobile, great hands and knows how to rack up the possies around the ground. Really happy he is sticking around for another season!

Lay on the ground overnight and killed off the grass? Bloody cold out there.

Herald Sun are reporting Cam Pederson has re-signed with the club for 2018 Good on ya Cam - keep it up big fella

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-08-16/i-expected-to-play-finals-adams-lets-rip COLLINGWOOD'S players believe they deserve to be featuring in the AFL finals, and are p***ed off they aren't. "We know we've put in a power of work over the last couple of years and we thought we deserved some results and some on-field success," Adams told RSN. 'Deserved'. This is exactly why they aren't playing finals. (Along with their rubbish list and coach.)

Yeah Crows are really struggling.

Ben E I understand mine is not a popular view, it wasn't popular when I negatively critiqued Lumumba either. I got that one right, along with Neeld, Schwab and McLardy well ahead of time. I've got them wrong too like all of us. I think the comments you've quoted were made about Lewis by Mahoney when we recruited him, before he'd done one training session. Of course they are positive and I had exactly the same view. I wonder what Mahoney thinks now and whether he shares any of the concerns I have. He'll never tell you, as he shouldn't. And for a bloke that was "next in line to be captain of the Hawks" Clarkson, arguably the best coach this century, didn't want him and let him go for a peppercorn. What does that say ? Remember, Lewis was contracted and Hawks could simply have said "No". They didn't. Perhaps they knew something.

Up until the point he was suspended, he was best 22. It was no coincidence that he has been part of some of our best wins this season. He was kicking goals and putting on some terrific pressure inside our forward 50. The problem for him now is that Melksham has taken that role and he is playing it very well. It makes it hard for him to find his way back into the senior side, but that's also a good thing and a great reflection on depth.

We're going around in circles and semantics here. Leadership, experience, easily confused?! The bloke was next in line to be captain at HFC, and was admitted into the 6-man leadership group at MFC during his first pre-season at the club. Anyway, at least we agree that MFC should have recruited him, that he was a decent pick-up and has had a good season. I'll leave my final words on this topic, which has been done to death, to Josh Mahoney. This is why we recruited Lewis, and his words have stood the test of time and will continue to do so, long after our own petty squabbles are etched in the ether: General Manager of Football Josh Mahoney said Lewis brings leadership qualities and an elite AFL mindset to the Club. “Jordan is a fierce competitor who is driven to win, and those are qualities that you can’t have enough of at our footy Club,” he said. “Clearly he is an elite AFL player and his footballing resume speaks for itself, but we also see Jordan as a leader who can play a major role in the development and mentoring of our younger players both on and off the field. “We know we are still a very young team. We are projecting to have half of our best 22 under the age of 23 next season and that’s why bringing in a player of Jordan’s experience and calibre was important to us. “He understands where we are at as a Club. He knows we have a considerable amount of work to do before becoming a consistent finals team, but the example he will set for our younger players will be invaluable for us.”

I'm Ted Fidge And I won us the game against The Filth in '88

The game against St Kilda was season defining. We got a last 1/4 from Lewis that set a win at all costs mentality and a team that followed him. i have seen wosre thread's than this locked or removed by mods on demonland. He is a winner and he is ours.

if we make finals I would call it a resounding success, we needed leadership, in fact we were begging for it. Don't forget how many games last year where we jus could not stop the onslaught. You may not realise how often he senses the other team getting a run on and starts defending against it. We have had no idea how to do that until this year. In the first 12 games no-one really got hold of us and Lewis was a key difference (Hibberd as well).

I'd love to get Lever but wouldn't trade Hogan to get him, no way.

He'd need to push out someone like Harmes or Melksham. I'm not sure a push would do it, maybe a left uppercut.

Just admit it, TGR (and your naysaying brethren), that nothing less than Lewis winning the Bluey trophy, Norm Smith medal and his 5th premiership medallion - all in the same year - will convince you that he has been a good pick-up by the MFC. Don't worry, you'll get your gotcha moments, your "I told you so" moments, soon enough with his next fumble, missed handball, slight slip-up or whatever other supposed sign of terminal decline you wish to focus on and continually peddle. In the meantime, perhaps you could acknowledge, respect and - heaven forbid - even enjoy what Lewis has already offered the club.

Lewis also brings nous. When Gawn was required to leave the ground because of the blood rule, Pedersen ran from deep in defence to take the ruck duties. Lewis looked around saw Pedersen moving and immediately ran back to bolster the defence. He was the only player to react in that way. It makes me wonder what might have happened if he wasn't out there. Would the rest of the team be waiting for an instruction from the runner leaving us one short in defence?