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Do you reckon Trenners packed Wattsy into the car with the idea they were going to the beach then the pub, only for Trenners to pull out of the drive way and head left instead of right... and go to training rather than beach ala taking the dog to the vet?

Jones and Bugg doing laps Lever, T mc, J Smith, Salem, flip, Hannan, McKenna and slim Kent doing rehab forwards: Hogan, Pedda, ANB, Melk, JKh, Jeff, DJ Backs: Keilty, Oscar, Lewis, Wags, Vince, Frost, Hunt. mids: Gawn, Trac, Gus, Oliver, Harmes, C May 20, Stretch, Dom, King not sighted: Weeds, AVB, Viney, T Smith, Balic, Hibberd, Jetta

Players just arriving now. they took the first 30 minutes off just like in round 23

Snake Lever following the path of other great demon defector defenders in Frawley and Lumumbles wearing the 8

Remember when Harry asked if he could sew his number 8 on sideways so that it became the 'infinity' symbol?

Pre-defection and Tex dummy spit, he was lauded at the Crows for his professionalism, fastidious preparation and leadership. With an injury free preseason he will have a rip snorter of a season next year. And hes only 21! Wowee!

Already making a great impression on me. He was entitled to have time off until early December after playing in the Grand Final but he's making the effort to be there earlier. Fantastic stuff.

It's career ending, worse than simply a calf, he's now missing a lower right leg. WARNING, look away if you are of weak stomach: (Photo courtesty of Hardtack)

Hogan is very slim dosent appear to be a key forward size anymore. Kent too is a light rig.

I was standing next to Mark Stevens about this time last year during a training session and he was dead set trying to turn players leaving the field to get a rub down into some newsworthy injury. "Zoom in on <player> over there <cameraman>, I reckon he's done a hammy. Yep, yep, he has. He just touched it. Get a close shot please" Nek minnit... Player runs back on and resumes training.....

Oskar played for Wilston Grange (my local team) up here in Qld before being poached by NEAFL team Aspley early in the 2017 season. Has pace to burn and kicked the NEAFL goal of the year from memory running/dodging his way from half-back before slotting it from 50 on the run. He will take some time and doesn't win a heap of the footy but his outside run and pace means he can have a real impact on games regardless. A mate from WG says a few other AFL clubs are interested as well. Was a Lions Academy member but was cut two years ago which seems to have spurred him on.

1. I'd far rather another runner than a another tall. You're aware Richmond used Grigg as a second ruck in 2017 ? Pedersen won't be played in addition to the incumbent talls. Pedersen was reserves bound all year until Gawn and then Spencer went down. He did a great job, but he won't be part of the 22 with a fit Gawn, Hogan and McDonald in the forward-line. 2. Tyson and vandenBerg are not competing for a position. vandenBerg is competing with Harmes, Hannan and possibly Balic.. 3. Harmes v Neal-Bullen is more like for like, but Neal-Bullen's pressure ensured 11th position in the B&F compared to Harmes 17. I have both in my team, but certainly Neal-Bullen deserves to be picked first. I wasn't a fan of his this time last year, but he walked the walk.

Wasn't sure where to put this, but here's Brett Anderson's SEN Mock Draft: https://www.sen.com.au/news/2017/11/20/brett-andersons-2017-afl-mock-draft/ Interesting he has us taking Oscar Baker. I'm expecting some left field picks from Taylor as has been the case in the past.

this thread is about (predominately) white clash jumpers. the richmond gf clash jumper was just the home jumper in reverse (no white) most opponents here of the clash jumper have basically 2 issues 1. no white clash jumper 2. no clash jumper in games when there is no real need for one

I thought it was Ethan

How anyone can be apathetic about what jumper and colours your team wears is beyond me. Players come and go, but the glue that knits generations of fans together is the jumper and colours. One can try and place themselves above such menial matters in an attempt to seem more enlightened, but you've just taken a position that is at odds with footy, reason, and passion. Naturally, fans put up with it, as there's little choice, but how anyone couldn't care or could even embrace a clash jumper beggars belief. I assume such supporters wouldn't give a yelp if the club decided to push for a permanent change to green and aqua. I find the position disingenuous.

4-6

But he was hopping freely!

Preseason training ramps up a bit more as from this Monday with the official return of the most experienced players for that all important month before the New Year break and then, before we know it, footballs will be kicked in anger once again. ? Even though most players have already been putting in the hard yards for the season ahead, this is always a bit of a milestone week on the calendar when the squad gathers together and of course, it ends with the addition of new blood on Friday night. Looking forward to the reports and analysis and let’s keep it in good spirit.

I thought JKH was looking very sharp today, as was Jeffie.

Hogan looks ready to go: Fit and fierce! Rest of today's training pics here: http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2017-11-20/photo-gallery-monday-november-20 Also, good to hear @DeeSpencerreport above on a slim Kent. He has to fight for a spot but is giving himself a decent chance.

Wondered myself whether BB was referring to the dearly beloved or a pseudonym. I assumed given BB's credentials that it was the former. Lets face it, it is unlikely that one would be wearing "togs" if catching the sun with the pseudonym. Now if it was the good old Uncle, we would be assuming the opposite. I must admit, I am also surprised by your admission Redleg that you are acquainted with Wifey. Perhaps from your perusal of the evidence against a client. Or just research.

Their funding is tied to it?

Spent ten minutes reading one of those interminable posts old Pro bombards us with. My reaction: huh? I don't get where he's coming from. Pro is always rabbiting on about how human activity doesn't affect climate, it's all a commie conspiracy, whatever... But the article clearly suggests that climate is affected by a combination of solar, geophysical (i.e. volcanic) and human activity. Don't imagine we can do much about one and two, but number three is exactly what the more enlightened members of this thread have been saying all along: that climate is being influenced by human activity. Is Pro secretly one of us?

Now BB, using the term "togs" is like carbon dating. Although not an archaeological dig, the picture tells the story. You are clearly a baby boomer who enjoys the beach in his togs. The phallic cactus design, however, suggests some retro togs recently bought. It also suggests a "middle aged man" making a last ditch attempt to establish .....err lets say tasteful masculinity. I am afraid that my togs are an old pair of rather thin speedos that do nothing for my shape and for some reason seems to draw looks of disgust or laughter from the fairer sex. I also seem to attract much attention from the men, particularly the male twosomes, who or some reason seem to approve the look, obviously preferring the retro speedos to the boardies.

The reports usually come at the end of the day. I was going to go today but I'm interstate.

A couple of phantom drafts now have Hayes sliding (as is often the case with the highest ranked ruck) and falling to us. I'd take him if available. That potential to play as a key position forward and relieve in the ruck would certainly fill a need. And I feel we're a ruckman short on our list anyway. And the links to Baker seem to be continuing. Wonder where the noise is coming from.

You'll like 'Chance' if you like Hugh Laurie ... got through 3 episodes in all last night and it's brilliant. 'Noir' influences as well with all the players - Film Noir is possibly my favourite movie genre so the show works for me on a lot of levels. But it's each to their own with regards to sports & entertainment, D77. As is often the case, the first 3 episodes of a show decides things.

A man of impeccable taste.

Lever in 8 Maynard in 20 according to Demon Army.

But wouldn't he be returning today if he was still with us? PA made the finals, we did not. It' been 11 weeks since we capitulated to Coll and 8 since PA last played. I believe our players come back earlier as a result of finishing earlier. Smoke and mirrors

I only went to 2 ER games this year for a beer & a chat. But what struck me was this kid's North ability to win the ball and direct the game. Beautiful left foot, works hard very hard, good link man but best of all prepared to win his own football. He does not look quick but he has quick hands and feet. For me this draft is all about building our depth, finding solid AFL players - for me North fits that mold.

FB: Jetta - Frost - Lever HB: Hunt - Oscar - Hibberd C: Lewis - Viney - Gus HF: ANB - Hogan - Trac FF: Garlett - T-Mac - Pedo R: Gawn - N.Jones - Oliver I: Harmes - Melksham - Tyson - Salem E: Vince - Hannan - Weideman Next in line to come in with injuries: Maynard, Stretch, J.Smith, Vanders, Bugg That's a pretty solid unit of 30.

Im updating my round 1 team B: Jetta Frost Hibberd HB: Salem Lever Hunt C: Brayshaw Oliver Petracca HF: Melksham TMac Hannan F: Garlett Hogan Harmes Fol: Gawn Jones Viney Int: Lewis, Maynard, Pedo, Vandenberg

Really enjoyed season 2 of 'Stranger Things' D77 ... watched it with the family and found it to be wonderful entertainment. The music accompanying the show was fabulous too. 9/10 for me. Am going to start watching 'Chance' ... know very little about the show apart from a brief outline of the plot and that it stars Hugh Laurie. He was fantastic in 'The Night Manager' so I probably won't be disappointed with this new show. Edit: Watched the first 2 episodes of 'Chance' and it's very very good. A psychological thriller with some 'Breaking Bad' type elements. Laurie is great as usual.

BBO - a stemless wine glass seems right up your alley. Frees up a hand for you.

Black shorts and white shorts are all you need!

Are you serious? That would mean the AFL treating MFC and EFC in an even handed manner, like alternating home games and not having one club monopolizing for a decade.

If the clash strip was an actual problem, i might understand the idea. But it only exists for certain clubs... other times the clash strips make it even harder to distinguish clubs

Death, Taxes and the Pats.

That second game was brilliant, I just love seeing Jetta play so well alongside the other stars of the game.

I’ll get a few more shots on Monday, but won’t be able to post them until Tuesday as I’ll be flying back to Sydney on Monday evening.

My concern here Pro was not so much the issue, as the fact that our elected representatives were too pizz weak to make a decision without testing the electoral water by means of a very expensive poll. Should we have a postal ballot on refugee policy? Renewable Energy? Tax reform? We're considering buying some new destroyers for the Navy - send out the letters! Where does this postal polling nonsense stop? The Victorian Parliament is currently engaged in a debate that certainly "fundamentally changes the fabric of society" as much as any. At least on that issue they are doing their job. As to my being of the Left. Well I'd say I swing on that issue. Nowadays, I'd describe myself as mostly politically cynical.

Jonsey actually took part in the City to Surf Fun Run last Sunday. He walked the 5 km with his family. I'm tipping there's no way this happens if he had even the slightest of calf complaints.

playing frisbee with his dog, moonie

Sorry cannot stand this stupid response. In what way is caring about the jumper we wear in conflict with us winning games or not? It's not like it's a mutually exclusive propersition. I can thint of a lot of things I care less about posted on Demonland (like Ty Vickory) and this time of year, few more that I care about than seeing our club properly address this issue. I mean obviously there is the draft, but until it happens, it's like throwing darts at a dart board. And even then, until those players that are drafted actually produce on the feild, it's more an act of navel gazing for us mere supporters. And it's not like directing some of the club's management staff to take this issue up with the AFL and get an appropriate outcome is distracting our playing group, coaching or recruiting staff. Getting a good outcome for our footy club could also help to recruit and retain more members. Beyond all, when our team wins, I want to see it happen in a jumper that actually looks like our teams, not some crappy half baked version that looks more like a Sydney jumper than a Melbourne one. Every Heart Beats True for the RED and BLUE

Well said LH. You beat me to it. Only thing we differ on is I think it was a sneaky dig at the coach. Amazing two players who wanted to stay say similar comments.

With a week to go until the 2017 NAB National Draft meeting there’s not a great deal of excitement about it here on Demonland. The Jake Lever deal delivered a quality player with a projected long future at Melbourne but it also left the club without a first round draft pick. The Demons’ first selection is in mid-second round. They have four vacancies on their primary list and unless they decide to take the unlikely course of recruiting a delisted free agent in the next few days, the Dees will go into the draft meeting in Sydney next Friday evening with selections 29, 31, 36 and 47 (or thereabouts because matching offers for academy selections and father-son picks can throw the order about slightly). In light of the above, it would be absolute folly to even attempt a phantom draft although things are somewhat better than last year when Melbourne ended up with a third round pick at #46 as its first choice at about the time much of the viewership of the televised event was about to take a power nap. As it turned out, the club’s first pick was a good one - Mitch Hannan who made his AFL debut in Round 1, 2017 against St Kilda, at Etihad Stadium and finished the season with 20 games and 22 goals to his name. That’s the objective here - to look for players who might be available within the range of Melbourne’s draft selections when the meeting takes place next week. According to the statistical evidence, it’s not necessarily a gloom and doom scenario. The AFL Draft Guru tells us that over the past 33 national drafts, the average number of games played by pick 10 (the selection given away for Lever) was 87 compared with 79 games for the club’s current first pick at 29. And the Dees’ second pick at 31 yields an average of 60 which is better than the equivalent first selection of 53 for the Magpies at number 6. Yes, we all know about statistics and damn lies. I’ve looked at the field and acknowledge that it’s like stabbing in the dark but someone has to try - so here goes (with the help of some pen pics taken straight from the current edition of Inside Football):- Given the recent success with recruiting the likes of Aaron vandenBerg and Hannan who came from the state leagues, why not take a player who wore the colours with distinction throughout 2017 in that very arena? I refer of course to Casey Demon Bayley Fritsch who is attracting interest from a dozen clubs after a scintillating season in the VFL. The indications are that he might be available at around pick 36 and the club obviously has plenty of inside information about his ability as a player and his character. Bayley Fritsch DOB: 06-12-96 186.9cm, 80.1kg Casey Demons “After two years tailed by injury, the left foot forward from Coldstream enjoyed a full season and was so impressive he elevated himself more into a draft certainty than a hopeful. Often spectacular in the air, deceptively quick, a penetrating kick, and crafty at ground level, the 20-year-old represented the VFL, topped Casey’s goalkicking with 44, made the VFL team of the year and received the Fothergill-Round Medal as the league’s best young player (always a reliable guide to a player’s AFL prospects). It won’t be a surprise to see him nabbed in the national draft.” - VFL expert Paul Amy Let’s face it. Picking players at this range isn’t necessarily going to provide you with ready made guns but we all like excitement machines and this next pair would add plenty of that - one is a high flyer and the other, a speedster. Jordan Houlahan DOB: 19-Feb-99 185.7cm 76.0kg Sturt “Jordan is a spectacular player who tested well at the draft camp. He has an outrageously good vertical jump and also reads the flight of the ball really well. Every week he will take a couple of Jeremy Howe-type hangers. So he has some real x-factor about him but how that translates to AFL we’ll see. He might end up playing as a defender rather than a forward but he’s a nice shot at goal. More on the introverted, laid back side than on the extroverted side of the spectrum.” - Sturt general manager David Oatey. Jack Petruccelle DOB: 12-Apr-1999 185.1cm, 77.7kg Northern Knights “Jack came into the system mid-way through last year and put the basketball stuff on hold. He’s the quickest player in the TAC Cup and whether it’s in the air or on the ground he just does things that others can’t. We were impressed with his ability to chase and tackle - he tackles to hurt - and he puts his head over the ball. He’s been working extremely hard on his kicking - he’s OK when he’s on the run or from a set shot, but he can miss the short ones when he pokes at them. He’ll improve enormously in an AFL competition.” - Northern Knights talent manager Rhy Gieschen. Then we have the players who start each year as highly regarded prospects but, for some reason or another, fall out of favour and slide down the scale. In Charlie Spargo’s case it’s been injury that has seen him drop from possible top ten to mid second round. Charlie Spargo DOB: 25-Nov-99 171.6cm 70.2kg Murray Bushrangers "Charlie didn't play a game this year because of a shoulder injury after a handful of games last year. A really clever small forward, he would have developed in the midfield this year but because of the injury that didn’t happen. Certainly a draftable player and while the injury means he’ll slide I’m pretty sure he’ll get taken.” - Murray Bushrangers coach Leon Higgins. Another who was fancied early but has dropped in draft calculations is South Australian Callum Coleman-Jones, possibly because clubs are loathe to go too early with the taller types and also because of injury which restricted him. He could make a good fit as a developing tall at Melbourne. Callum Coleman-Jones DOB: 13-6-1999 200.9cm, 98.9kg, Sturt “Callum is a 200cm ruckman/forward who was an AFL Academy member. Always a certainty to be drafted but he had a few injuries this year, which didn’t help him. National carnival was OK and would have played senior footy for us but because of AIS and school duties it didn’t happen. A good quality tall who can get off the ground.” - Sturt general manager David Oatey. You can never have enough hard at it inside footballers and there have been some suggestions that James Worpel could be in that mix all of the way to pick 47. James Worpel DOB: 24-Jan-1999 1851cm, 85.5kg Geelong Falcons “James’ strength is to win the contested ball and does that better than anyone I’ve coached. He’s just a beast on the inside and is super explosive with repeat efforts. If you get tackled by him - which he’ll lay seven or eight in a game - you’ll know about it. Super leader and had all the accolades this year with Vic Country captain and Falcons captain. Just a wonderful person to have around the club.” - Geelong Falcons coach Dan O’Keefe Of course, when draft night comes around, there’s a good chance that none of the above will be selected by Melbourne so the next reference point might be this.

Sloane and Hannebery should be 1 and 2.