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I was there for about the last half hour or so. Saw Joel Smith's one handed pluck. He has got some great tricks, hopefully he can have an injury free year. I haven't got a lot to say, just some casual observations; There is a lot of talent on the park. We have a serious amount of depth. Actually our depth flattered us in JLT 1 coz we constantly had an AFL quality team on the ground even with the 7 extras. Hopefully we have some luck with injuries in the areas we are maybe a little thin. My players of note were Melksham who plays the small forward role very well. I think he is in for his best ever season in the game. Fritsch stands out. No news there. Balic. He was in the midfield mix and was pretty impressive. May not debut round 1 but should be a super addition to the Casey team and look for him to make his mark at some stage this year. My tip is for Frost to get a go this week. He looked ready. In the match sim Hogan played high half forward and Tom deep full forward. The mix seemed to work well.

Makes no difference to us, we use the first quarter as a warm up.

Went for a look just after 10 but didn't stay for too long. No Jetta, Lewis, ANB, Vanders or McKenna. Harmes doing a bit of kicking with Crossy then some laps. Nice to see T Smith, J Smith, Weeds, Garlett and Tyson back in with the main group and of course Viney who was winning the footy in tight in one drill I saw. Didn't take note off too much happening but one half of the main group were doing a bit of half court simulation stuff that looked very fast and crisp with the other half working the ball from congestion. Then it was in to some goal kicking before some whole ground match simulation that was a little messy but certainly willing. Standout moments were probably: - Garlett's zip to get on to loose balls or shut down rebounds and a nice front and centre then underground handball to a free Fritsch - Joel Smith plucking a one handed contested mark with ease - Lever's willingness to run and be an option as soon as a fellow defender has got the ball.

this was right after family Day , started at 12.30 , I can tell you every player was approachable , they all talked and had pictures taken after a long day they kept talking and was a fantastic afternoon. We stayed till 1.45 and it was finishing at 2 pm the staff and players made the day , seemed more upbeat than last year and the year before. I sponsor Jessie and had a great chat and I thought it was going to be hard for us , but He was very open and chatty. I won't say what we spoke about as it was personal and Im sure my picture tells a story. my thanks to all and will continue with my sponsorship mark

On course, in making that sacrifice, you may not have a 12 year old son to worry about.

It’s got me stuffed. How can the AFL be anti pokies while simultaneously vigorously embracing football betting? It seems so hypocritical. What am I missing?

Spot on in my case WJ. I couldn’t talk my boy (12) into it once he found out it was at the G. We’ve been to the last 4-5 at Luna Park so he was looking forward to the rides as well. Kids are a bit spoiled these days. I’d have given my left knacker at his age to have a chat, photo and autograph with the dees players.

It was a really terrific function and the players were very friendly and obligingly with the kids as far as autographs and photos were concerned. I was really impressed with Max Gawn and Jayden Hunt. Jake Lever is a really super impressive young man who will be a major plus for the club. He seems to have settled back well in Melbourne. Clayton Oliver looks really thin - I’d like to know how much weight he’s lost since midway through his last TAC Cup season.

I always insist on a "beer review" myself.

At Flemington got Nomotaj, Aloft, Hear the Chant and Flippant and snagged the early quaddie (taking Hear the Chant and Aloft one out, Oregon Day and Flippant in the third leg and 10 horses in the last leg - i actually watched the third leg last, having missed that race. Fun because Oregon Day and Flippant were the only chances 200 out). I also snagged the trifecta in the 8th boxing up 3 horses ( i backed Crystal dreamer and i'm Wesley and thought the latter was going to win). In Sydney i got the Winx trif x 5, Dixie Blossoms and Osborne Bulls and in Morphetville got the etta james Master of Art quinella. Top day.

What is the purpose of this decision ... to gain more publicity? What harm are the clubs doing by having their players warm up before the game? It's just another nonsense decision. Meanwhile, the biggest issue (congestion, stoppages/packs, rolling mauls) goes on seemingly without any intervention.

sick to death of the afl changing things for no obvious reason ,if its not broken dont fix it

We are blessed to have Max at the club. His popularity transcends the MFC and he would be just as popular at a mixed team event with opposition fans. I can't remember having such a widely popular player in the modern era. Jimmy perhaps.

I never realised I could actually leave. I wonder if my resulting absence would have changed any of the results. Now we'll never know. I would love to be able to watch Casey play before the game even if only a couple of times a year. I still maintain they should have played the women's competition in it's first few years as curtain raisers.

The author of the Monash study is a well-known anti-pokies advocate, Charles Livingstone. He has linked family violence with AFL pokies venues solely on the basis that there are rates of higher family violence recorded in the same locations as there are AFL pokies venues. There is no causality in his assessment - just linking one set of numbers with another with no evidence showing there is a link between the two. (It's very poor research and I'm amazed Monash Uni has published it.) I suspect his article is an opportunistic attack through an opening made by the Chairman of the AFL Commission who has made his distaste for poker machines very public.

Maybe, could it just be, is it possible that the TV stations have suggested this tiny change and $omehow (your gue$$ i$ a$ good a$ mine), it seemed logical to Gil and his merry band. A glimpse of the future, where TV stations totally run the show, unless the AFL can sell viewing rights directly, but by then it may be too late.

And just like that the AFL take away another small piece of our game. The very early warm up used to be a good way to speak to a player without huge crowds around. I’ll always remember as a kid getting to the MCG super early with my parents. Whenever a player wandered past on the field on their way to warm up you could call out for a quick chat and an autograph. Its not the end of the world but it’s just another of the good things about our game being pushed aside.

It’s all water under the bridge now but the only comment worthy of making is that agendas and double standards will always apply in AFL circles as they do in all forms of politics.

I vote we keep it here next year. It was great not having people who are there for different reasons (ie rides in Luna Park) getting in the way. Thing is, it was a bit unclear how to find some players. Nathan Jones was just a lucky sighting. Sometimes you just had to judge by how big a line was. Couldn’t find Viney, although I saw him onstage.

Lets not forget collingwood who played the Lions in consecutive GFs in '02 and '03. Then lost 10 of the last 11 games while sending star player Anthony Rocca out for early end of year surgeries in 2005 to enable them to pick up both Dale Thomas and Scott Pendlebury with pick#2 and 5 in the draft. The weagles who played Sydney in consecutive GFs in '05 and 06 only finding them second last on the ladder scooping up Nik Nat with the pick after us in '08. Carlton who were involved in both the Kruezer and Brice Gibbs Cup games. Losing them both. And we got done for tanking.

Little known fact. Casey is further from Melbourne than Canberra. You could drive from Mallacoota to Mildura and it would be quicker than driving to Casey from anywhere.

Under his alias Dr Who he blames the supporters negativity for the fact we haven't won a flag since 64. Never thinking that perhaps the lack of success bred the negativity, not the other way around. He's a troll and not a very good one.

I raised the idea of linking with an education provider, similar to what Richmond has done. Essential services is where you will generate an income stream, either by creating something yourself, or a strategic partnership. A few months later, we announce our alliance with Chisolm. The only feedback I've heard from DaveyDee has been how we "copied" Richmond. No communication acknowledging that my idea had merit, and definitely no follow up when the club made the announcement. DaveyDee picks and chooses who/what they respond to. It's rarely when there is a chance of a decent discussion, and they would much prefer to dismiss the views of others, take pot shots at the club, or just being a sarcastic poster that comes in and tries to flex their muscles by trying to convince us that they know best.

The role of the Integrity Unit, as you should well know Daisy, is to find anyone with a shred of integrity who works for the AFL, and get rid of them. As you can imagine, on that basis , they have little to do.

Exactly. It’s the same thing both are betting on an outcome. The last time i went to a live game the constant advertising of betting made me sick. Around the fence and the scoreboard...

My belated thoughts on the game... Great response from our leaders and actually every player gave something, which is all you can ask. I thought Zanker had some 'get up and go' about her, which hopefully can be built on. I didn't like the look of our backline before the game (no Downie, no Duryea) but they held up ok and kept a pretty good structure. It was dicey at the end, but that was everyone. 'The Big 3' showed their intensity and led from the front. I've officially removed Hickey from this group as she should forever more be started off half-back. I love O'Dea's quick kicks round the body into 50, on either foot. Even if it doesn't come off (ala the Moloney-esque bomb forward) it stops the rot, which is important for us. Enjoyed Newman's forward pressure and L.Pearce's work around the ground - gave off some attacking handballs. Scott and Smith are two players who don't get talked about much but are consistent contributors. I hope we can fit Humphries back in at some point. According the the app, she's our only player in the top 10 for disposal efficiency. Admittently she may not get much of the ball but she hits targets. I may be biased because she's a favourite of mine! Also can we just kick straight next week. That would be helpful.

How awful that would be. Hope i am either long dead, or at a point where my interest is with other things. Aussie rules without having to bounce the ball when running, without point posts, an offside rule and limited tackling,removes all the elements that make our game original. I am so sick of old bastards pulling the rules apart and telling me it’s better. We should be proud of our game... i need to punch a wall. ?

Whilst these changes aren't the end of the world, there is a feeling in the air that things could get worse. If even a fraction of what is written in the below article is true then the AFL will destroy itself: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/future-melbourne/future-of-footy-soccer-poses-afls-biggest-threat/news-story/aa9868267b76c50f674046aaac3bdacc?nk=16ce8b887442afd6f2b3da85ecbbd55d-1520215243 People like Keith Thomas need to leave the game before they cause more damage.

The person is a troll and a Richmond supporter ... said person comes here from time to time and deliberately tries to undermine our club and our supporters. Eventually he/she gets banned and then reappears under another guise down the track.

Excellent points poita. Whilst not being at Luna Park had some upside the gaps also needed to be covered to keep the kids amused. I also thought there was insufficient planning about how the fans could get autographs with out having to line up in 3 or 4 lines to get the popular players only for many of the other players to be ignored or seemingly feel like "extras". A few tables around the space with 5 to 8 players per table would have given everyone a better shot at a happy snap, and a full autograph book. The layout of most activities on the outside of the field and nothing in the middle might have looked better on the map than it actually worked in real life. I thought Robbo did a great job knowing that a lot of the activity shortfall rested on his shoulders to fill. All good lessons for next year's event.

hahaha. They haven't fixed that up from last week.

Hmm not sure. He has been hanging around this site for years on & off Strange one

I meant Joel Smith, his injury is listed as (Left). Sorry, bad attempt at a joke.

F*** The MFCSS is alive and well.

I understand why we have moved on from Luna Park, but I thought yesterday was a little disappointing by comparison. There were really very few activities for kids, and no rides, and I thought they could have made better use of the players (Jordan Lewis was fantastic interacting with kids in the arts & crafts section, but far too many of them seemed to go missing for large parts of the morning. I get that it is not fun signing your name for two hours straight, but surely it is a small price to pay for making a few kids happy). My suggestions for next year: 1. Have a signing area for the big name players where you only need to line up once, rather having to line up ten different times. 2. More players helping out with the activities, engaging with the kids. It is a great way for the younger kids to become comfortable interacting with fans, in a relaxed environment. 3. More rides / skill activities. Even run a mini clinic or two. 4. Have a bit more space between activities, so that lines are not running into each other. PS. When you advertise something as being at the MCG, I was hoping it would actually be on the MCG.

On the back of numerous injuries Hawthorn managed their list for development purposes. There was no carrot or nefarious prize motivating them. Melbourne tried to manipulate results to improve their draft position. If you think the two are the same you're breathtakingly stupid.

There seemed to be more of the little kids there but less teenagers. Possibly a venue like Luna Park would appeal to them a bit more than the G. The club might look at possibly alternating the venue to cater for that crowd.

You’ve both been through a lot Mark, im sure it was meaningful to you both. Funny pic of the kids!

Yup definently sunburnt. Caked myself in sunscreen but still burnt. I’m sure my mate will notice I’m a true ‘redleg’ when we go swimming tomorrow morning. All in all a great day, apart from the old woman who commented that me and my brother were a ‘cute couple’. Urgh.

no one is forcing you to stay

Beautiful day for the event and a very good crowd attended. Plenty of young kids which was also pleasing. In response to Demon77, Harmes was indeed absent today. Mmmmm. The players seemed to enjoy the more casual atmosphere in Yarra Park and were very relaxed with the endless stream of fans and autographs. The membership tent had a steady stream of people coming to it so hopefully our numbers will get a boost this week. I had an opportunity to talk briefly with PJ who, with his team, has helped to rebuild the club both off field and on. He was extremely pleased with the turnout today, and revitalised club spirit. All in all, amongst the crowd, except for the long wait to meet some players, the mood was fantastic uninterupted by the rides and distractions of Luna Park. Access to the ground by both car and public transport made the event easy for all to attend. I can only imagine it was regarded by the club as a success. Being flanked by the magnificence of our home ground, it was a genuine Melbourne Football Club event for the benefit of its members. Congrats need to be extended to Robb who worked hard today to keep the interviews with players and coaches flowing smoothly while fans went about their preferred activities. We'll done MFC.

Just got back. Went with my younger brother and his niece and nephew. For a 22 degree day, it was really hot. My legs feel really sunburn. The little one got his photo with Jones, Hogan and Gawn. Haven even held him up for the photo. Bought my niece her first Melbourne jumper, so hopefully that’ll help bring her back to Demons. The lines for Hogan and Gawn were punishing. With no shade, I’m sure I got pretty badly burned. Did anyone notice that a few of the female players were doing the face painting? Got a good shot with my niece. Dunno how we did it at Luna Park for so long. Was really packed just there.

Just back from the family day at the G. The day was held in the car park just south of Jolimont station. I looked at the empty field it was being held in and imagined a training ground running NW to SE, its about the size of a little bit smaller footy field eg carltons ground. No trees to remove only level the ground and install goal posts and paint the lines. As cricket Victoria is now at our old training ground, its only fair we take their old training ground. Could we move our training gym and the rest to the now no longer used rooms of cricket Victoria? Also use the new levelled oval used today for the family day. Arnt we the football arm of the MCC? So train at the MCC.

I am not there [and frankly didn't know about it] however as an East Melbourne resident I was cursing about all the loud speaker announcements blaring out for the last few hours. Suddenly I heard "A Grand Old Flag" [1st verse only] sung with gusto. Now they can make as much noise as they like!

The AFL prefer soft targets, like minnow clubs without big memberships and without media support. The thought of 70,000 members arcing up, scathing media panels week in and week out, and Kennett breathing down his neck will give Gil a queasy feeling in his gut. Nothing to see here, folks. Libba the elder came right and said it. And Vlad shot the messenger. because the AFL are so committed to integration.. er, intergenerational .... oh, you know, something like that. Gil will probably drop the price of pies by 50c to distract everyone. HEY, LOOK OVER THERE!!!!

I had to laugh at the protests for a free kick on the final siren... you have to actually tackle someone for a change to get a holding the ball decision....

I think the upside of someone like Frost is huge. if he's not in the starting 22 ( and I dont think atm he is) then, imho, he'll be a quality replacement. We bat deep this year...as deep as I can remember for years.