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Good on Pedo for coming back early. I assume he isn’t obligated to. And lovely to see Viney running! Hope that foot holds up.

Good to see Frost covering his ears with sunscreen however expensive that turns out to be.

someone needs to tell harley that today is monday

Taken from a post on Facebook: Jack Viney, the consummate professional that he is, is here. I wouldn’t blame the bloke if he wanted to go overseas for a bit and enjoy some time off. However, he looks like he’s a man on a mission as he walks into the café. Gave away the game by deciding he’s wearing shorts and wants to get rehab off to a strong start. Likewise, Cam Pedersen and Dean Kent show up. Full kit training gear, maybe doing their own thing but also maybe training. Can’t confirm as yet. After an hour – boys finally make their way over. Little media here so if something happens I’ll be breaking it. Good areas, personally. Park myself at centre wing for this one, might go over elsewhere and keep looking for more spots. Here today: Hunt, Hannan, ANB, Harmes, Oscar, Stretch, Clarry (third season, remember???), JKH, Johnstone, Balic, Maynard, Keilty, Brayshaw, J Smith, McKenna, T Smith, Vandenberg, Weideman, Petracca, King, Salem, Filopovic, Wagner, Frost The absolute photography king, Wayne Ludbey, is here taking photos. He’s the main source of media right now. Few run-throughs to kick things off. Petracca and Brayshaw leading one group through, Balic and Nibbler leading another. There’s three separate groups here. One is doing handball drills on the Swan Street end, a small group of six (including Hunt, Hannan (I think) and J Smith) are seemingly doing light running drills, whereas there is also a main group consisting of roughly 15 or 16 players. Run-throughs decidedly light as I kinda expected. Can only imagine the slog this pre-season will be like this year to be honest with the way we finished off 2017. Main group doing running straight away. It’s not a pace that takes down the surrounds of the Coles Express across the road just yet and the reason for that is the boys are running more than just one lap. Early going has Nibbler leading the way from Stretch and Oliver, however the latter starts to fall behind a little bit after one lap. JKH assumes third, while Frost brings up the rear of the field, falling away a little bit behind the rest of the group. Nibbler is motoring. Third lap of the oval and he has a solid 20m gap on Stretch. The gap that covers the players by the end of the second lap is roughly 80 metres. Harley Balic is second last in this field, locked behind Keilty and King, who’s about 15 metres further up the ground. Four laps of the ground done. Nibbler looks super impressive with his running pattern – something to monitor throughout pre-season, absolutely smacking the field. Footballs are out. Let’s see who has the most capability here to genuinely bring down the entire state of the houses around the Richmond area. First drill is a casual kick around drill which lasts around two minutes, and then the boys go into a zig-zag formation in two groups. One group is doing slightly different work – the one nearest to me actually screws up the drill on the first kick which is… yeah. Lot of kicks from here which are short, which is what you kinda expect at this time of season considering that they haven’t picked up a footy for a little while. Just getting the rust out by the looks of things. Crossy working the rehab group pretty hard. Likes of Hunt and Hannan getting their monies’ worth with the footy. In the main group, there’s a lot of faster, frentic ball movement going on. Most players are spending not much more than half a second with ball in hand. The patter is literally mark/pick the ball up and use it, either by hands or by foot. Few contest-based drills in front. One thing that’s noticeable (perhaps because of the matchup) is Gussy’s upper-body strength matched up on Harmes. If he doesn’t win the footy, he’s making it hard for Harmes to win it. Another group is doing some loose-ball get work, while the group on the far side of the ground are doing contests while the ball is on the ground… if what I said just makes sense. Think the most pleasing thing – even if it is only the first session – is seeing Gussy just be so clean every time the ball is around. Looks composed and looks ready to make a point about making 2018 his year after such a tough run. I think every Melbourne supporter wants to see him not only be on the park consistently, but put in a huge season as well. I expect him to play off half-back at the moment, be a bit of a ball carrier and creator, while also pushing Hunt a bit further up the ground. That’s my expectation, anyway. Next up, boys swap their footy boots for running shoes again. In one group – Nibs, Stretch, JKH, Clarry, Maynard and Gus; in another – Pedersen, Keilty, Kent, Oscar, Frost, King; in the third group, Harmes, Salem, Trac, Johnstone, Balic, Wagner. Meantime, rehab group currently consists of Hunt, McKenna and Smith doing some reasonably-paced running, while Filipovic is doing some work up forward along with Hannan. Mitchy seems to have had a bit of a change of hair colour since our last correspondence in Round 22 (let’s be honest here). Yet again Nibs looking very good in the running drills, constantly leading the way. Something to keep in mind a bit later on, especially if he has a good pre-season.

It is said that Footy like many sports is a game 'played between the ears'. Those of you here that disparage Mindfulness obviously have no idea what it is. So you build up the body in the gym, build up fitness on the track but you dont need to exercise the mind? The ability to focus, reduce negative self talk, improve self belief and most importantly let go of the past are all positive mental habits that can result from mindfulness. Some of you might call this mental toughness. PS Thanks for the post D4L

So after much analysis I have narrowed it down to the following three: 6: Red Cardinal 9: Max Dynamite 21: Thomas Hobson with of course Tiberian as the emotional bet

Cant argue with any of those. Bowman is 0-32 in Melbourne this spring apart from Winx, and has never won a Melbourne Cup. None of that means anything of course, if he wins. I know nothing about Marmelo except his Cup run which was excellent. It wet here this morning but im not sure if Flemington had any rain overnight? Probably the only other one im going to throw into multiples is Wall of Fire. Its a very even field and will be a great race. Almandin still the one to beat. Dettori is a worry, but I trust in Lloyd. Hes by Monsun and Monsuns have won 3 out of the last 4 Melbourne Cups, Pirates of Penzance being the exception. Darren Weir was on late night radio last night (does never sleep!) he said his runners all have the correct amount of miles in the legs and goes by the Bart Cummings racing manual. He has a 1400m training track up here with a rise at both ends so they train running uphill. He said dont worry about Humidor getting the distance, its more his position in the race. He needs to run midfield and relax and not be a leader. Hell be tracking Almandin he said as hes drawn next door. Good luck and good punting.

Strong around the ball, good pace, looks to release team mates with solid handballs while drawing contact from opponents. Only query at this stage is his kicking. It's inconsistent, but I don't think it's a skill issue, I think it's a composure issue where he hasn't learnt to slow down the last step or two to steady for the kick. I think it's due to inexperience and not knowing his limits yet. Could be fixed and would be a good option with any of our picks if he's available.

This article says we have shown interest in Zac Bailey and may use one of our first 3 picks on him. Adelaide and Port have picks after these. Other clubs could be eyeing him off too. Anyone know much about him? http://m.afl.com.au/news/2017-11-06/nt-draft-bolter-bailey-cant-explain-his-improvement

I’ve embarked on some fairly dedicated philosophy and mindfulness training myself this year. For the novice I highly recommend the Headspace app. With a commitment to making the time available (10 - 20 minutes per day) I’ve found it to have a considerable influence on my work and home life.

That's pathetic. You should be banned for such a mundane post. Forever.

Hard to get excited when Lloyd Williams wins yet again but you cannot knock him for his investment in the staying side of the game. Lovely interview with the winning jockey's daughters. Bruce was not too OTT. Now .. onto the Oaks !!

Could not agree more with the AFL/Sydney/Canberra point, hardtack. My son, based in Sydney, feels the very same but is fortunate to drive to Melbourne often across the season(s) to watch his Demons play. You are correct, it does not matter where nor when, we must win, win, win regardless of difficulties, travel and home crowd bias. For example, the 2017 game against the Crows at Adel Oval was an example of the resolve that we must show week in, week out.

Certainly has a devastating sprint doesnt he...

Yes he was hindered by injury since the 2015 cup but reportedly still possesses a devastating sprint. 73kg is excessive, not sure how common that is over there. Being a quality horse maybe that was his penalty in such a weak handicap. He paid a whopping $1.40 that day.

If you look back at last years pre season pics you will see he was pretty well developed then...it's not an 8 week occurrence but a work in progress.

Stretch is a renowned good trainer and prepare himself well. He is in ripping knick!

Gee billy has put on good muscle.

Tom Gillies could easily be on that team he reckons.

Denier, skeptic why should a climate zealot like myself differentiate. And yes in your definition, I put my hand up I am a zealot then because I believe in the science and therefore we need to act now and even though we are a small player in local emissions, but a large world player in our exports of future emissions, we need to take a leadership role. Skeptic, Denier either way you are about doing nothing while the evidence mounts, denier, skeptic, same thing. You realise Margaret Thatcher spoke out on the need to deal with climate change in 1989! She had a chemistry degree and believed in the science but she spoke a year after the IPCC was formed to evaluate the climate problem but before the fossil fuel industry had realised they had a PR problem and started their rear guard action to muddy the waters on climate change. How much longer do you want to evaluate the data? But then you don't believe the data so where to now for the skeptic? Sounds like more non action. US agencies just released a 500 page report stating that climate change is happening and it is very highly likely human induced, all this in defiance of their political masters of the Trump administration who are stated skeptics. Where is the conspiracy for this? As I have said before forget the predictive models if you believe they are corrupted and the data which you believe is manipulated and just observe what's happening. Temperature records are being broken regularly, 12 to 1 in favour of hotter than average vs cooler than average. Great Barrier Reef and all reefs in the Pacific bleached in successive years. 15 of the last 16 years have seen the hottest global average temperature years have occurred this century, yet skeptics say heating has stopped? Wasted billions on climate change you say, wasted on what exactly? Are you referring to subsidised Solar cells? Or wind energy turbines?

That's likely a result of not being in a professional club environment for a while. He played one WAFL match in early June and then came home to Victoria again after being granted personal leave by Freo. Prior to that he hadn't played since Round 4 at any level. He's likely coming off a low fitness base having not been at a club properly since April. No cause for concern, he's over his injuries and preseason is there to build fitness and strength. He's only got a one year contract so he'll have to bust his ass to get another contract with us in 12 months time.

Doesn't want to get ahead of himself...

My favourite thing about #31 is that it for the whole VFL/AFL competition, there's no-one else that comes close to RDB. Other numbers have arguable favourites. For example, #5 could be Ablett Sr, Judd, Buckley or Hird; #18 could be Lloyd or Carey; #23 could be Brereton, Franklin or Don Scott etc. But Barassi - as he should - stands alone.

Dual citizen too........

All ex-Melbourne DFAs, have gone to their new 'home' with my very best wishes, but Jack undoubtedly heads that list. I can't think af any other sub -100 game player who is so universally liked. Thanks Jack, for carrying yourself so professionally and proudly as a Demon, through the toughest of times.

Thanks.

You know that sexting a photo of me topless without my consent is an offence

Gee it's cold.

Not worried. We'll bring him in for a late pick in 2 years when he wants to come home (We're the NT Dees right?)

I kinda like Port now.

Yes a definite chance. I see him as a 25-35 draft pick and he would be a good choice at our picks (any one of 29,31,36).

This gives an insight into a more rounded player than the previous 'hanger' highlight reel.

I may have gotten some dust in my eyes after reading that Gus is training and looking good. Injury free season please. ? Nibbler led the pack in most running drills last year too if I recall correctly?

And all reasonable responses. I think we have just set our scopes a little differently. The jump up to the absolute top eschelon for me is a huge one in terms of both making that leap into rarefied territory and then the level of impact generated from such a player - so it in a sense from my perspective distorts the categories - a potential 100% improvement from Oscar would constitute a high scope but in my mind so would 20% from Viney and Oliver. I'm probably one of the few that thinks Viney is capable of more than the best we've already seen from him (not just in terms of achieving his best consistently - which would be massive in itself if he can). I'm also probably one of the few who believe Hunt's poor disposal is overstated (although he did nothing for my argument in a couple matches toward the end of the year). As to Vanders, I'm aware of my own likely delusion, but I am rock-solid in my thoughts on JKH simply not having the physical attributes to make it. I won't mention Oscar as we all know where that discussion leads. Lastly though, I should clarify my thoughts on Stretch: 2017 was a genuine disappointment and I do think he has a decent scope for improvement as an AFL player - but I've come to the conclusion that he may not have the speed of decision-making and disposal required for the Goodwin Hot Potato Game-plan (and the pressurised frantic atmosphere it creates along with the unorthodox movement when the opposition seeks to break our press in response). I think that it may ultimately hamper his development and limit the scope of his improvement with us.

Evening fellas, I am also going Marmelo and Humidor but also having something each way on Ventura Storm with G. Boss steering. Pulled up sore after the CC but galloped strongly since. My youngest daughter (29) who only ever has a bet on the Cup, apparently liked the name Cismontane a couple of weeks ago so she got her husband to put $5 each way at fixed odds at....$301 & $76! I offered her $5 last night for halves but she knocked me back! Kids today have no respect.

Great story about Zac Bailey on AFL website. Good Demons connection. I had him at pick 30. Would be happy to see him land at a MFC selection.

Just more archaic thinking isn't it? Anyway, I've narrowed it down to 5 horses Wadda ... Humidor, Marmelo, Johannes Vermeer, Almandin & Amelie's Star (for a bit of value) All 5 into a trifecta & first 4 of some sort of configuration. Happy to take a small percentage and hope for a big dividend.

Hey, BB, I reckon that is great. I never could understand why all the teams seem to persist with a training outfit that bears no relation to their team strip. That other Melb one -- the one with the daggy red patch on the left shoulder of an otherwise blue shirt -- isn't a patch on the one that is a replica of our famous jumper. Just hope they stick with it...!

Northey Coach. How B Lovett can not start in the 18 is beyond me. How G Lovett makes the squad is beyond me.

On 23 October I posted this comment: The very best team of the past 50 years must include the following (excluding current players whose careers have still to blossom): Alan Johnson, Steven Smith, Sean Wight; Brett Lovett, David Neitz, Gary Hardeman; Stan Alves, Greg Wells, Robert Flower; Garry Lyon, David Shwarz, Adem Yze; Gerard Healey, Allen Jakovich, Jeff Farmer; Jim Stynes, Shane Woewodin, Brian Wilson Int Gary Baker, Steven Tingay, Alan Obst, Glenn Lovett Skilled, courageous, attacking match winners. Unfortunately, the month of October coincides with the end of the footy and the onset of daylight saving and I reserve the right to review all decisions in that month. How could I have forgotten Travis Johnstone? His inclusion would make this team infinitely better as he would have the delight of playing with his peers and we would have the joy of watching his smooth, silky skills being used to advantage. Imagine Travis passing 50 to Jako. Apologies to Glenn Lovett - great player but not in the same league.

slightly on topic but what would people say to some fringe players from each team.. say six... heading to the Northern Territory and playing in the NT comp over the summer. Could make for an interesting TV filler with say one or two games a week televised. Would be a great boost to NT and wouldn't do the fringe players much harm either from an exposure viewpoint. Each AFL team could align itself with an NT team. Better the AFL X or whatever it's called.

A great list and I can say that I was at 19 of the 20 games only missing the Sydney game where Schwarta kicked that bag. I'd contend there are two others worthy of consideration. The Melbourne v Brisbane game in 2002 in Brisbane where we were about 6 goals down at quarter time and won. Ward and Neita standouts. The other was I think 2005 R21 v Western Bulldogs. Jeff White kicked two late last quarter goals and we won by 3 points to keep our finals hopes alive.

I'm somewhat surprised by this debate (even on Demonland), but for my part, I'm very comfortable with David Schwarz the footballer (circa 1994), being mentioned in the same breath as Wayne Carey, the footballer. It's just a huge pity we only had a brief glimpse of Schwarz at his best.

Biffen was a rule-stretcher, yes; however, he was only protecting his team mates. He made a few opposition forwards shake in their socks and he was incredibly reliable at full back.

Agreed, that game was a ball tearer! This year's win against West Coast was a beauty as well, my favourite win of the year.

Melbourne vs Adelaide 2002 Semi FInal A loss unfortunately, but an incredible game. And this, eliminating Essendrug from the finals, Stynes dominating and Jakovich kicking 8

Terrific bloke. Cruelled by injury and possibly the worst coach in history. I hope he comes good for Port and has a top season. ( I wouldn't even mind a cracker game against us) Go Jack!!

Wonderful news. So happy for him and wish him all the best!

Are you a black duck supporter? Saw Tallan Ames outsmart Liam Ryan with good body use very good WAFL defender. I think of Ryan as another Shane Yarran in terms of ability, Subi had to go down and collect Ryan from Armadale for every training session otherwise he nore than likely wouldn't have turned up. They looked after him really well so puts anotger mark against him in terms of on going motivation Ans as for Basil Syphilis can't stand that man. Played Colts against him many moons ago arrogant Wan#@r but could play