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Roosy in his On The Couch appearance tonight was asked for his reflections on when he first came to the club in 2014 and what was important in the turning the ship around. He mentioned two things. The first was everyone at the club from top to bottom being on the same page regarding where the club was at. The second was the importance of Bernie Vince and in particular Daniel Cross. The below is a transcript of his comments. “I think getting Bernie Vince and Daniel Cross, two experienced players, don’t underestimate their importance. Bernie is still playing but I wouldn’t underestimate the importance of Daniel Cross. The reason I say that is one of the things they really struggled with was game day. Just knowing how hard to work on game day. And that was the biggest thing. The two way transition running was very difficult for them. We walked off, Round 2, 98 point losers at the MCG, and with all due respect to the Swanny’s boys I brought, Ben Matthews, Daniel McPherson, Brett Allison and Georgey Stone, we were like wow, we haven’t seen this before. So having Crossy and having his GPS numbers, and having his vision, the way that he would play, we still put him on some of the best midfielders in the competition and his GPS numbers were through the roof. So the ability to explain to players with his vision, and obviously showing vision from other teams that did it really well was just imperative. But also Bernie and Crossy saying, ‘guys you do a lot of things right’. I think in those dark days it’s easy to get caught up in all the bad things going on. But Crossy, Bernie, Dawesy as well saying ‘guys you train as well as Adelaide, you train as well as the Bulldogs’...” As we enjoy the ride over the next few years, spare a thought for Crossy ?

Runner, Crossy is the reason Tommy Mc and Jack Viney came back in tip top shape, he drives the rehab once the medicos etc have done their bit He is still driving standards

Congratulations big fella, no one deserves it more, well done Neita

This is still one of my favourite Dees related images. Crossy was (and I’m sure still is) well love by the players, Gussy chairing off his son at the same time was just a beautiful moment.

1. JVand TMac back in the team 2. Allowed ANB, Harmes and Gussy to play themselves back into form 3. We don’t have 3 players trying to win the contest, we have two peeling off and looking to play on quickly. 4. We’ve got a goalkeeper, typically OMac or Lewis, both of whom area great kick 5. We play on immediately, the speed of ball movement creates forward space 6. We are selfless 7. Our forward line is omnipotent and highly unpredictable

When I spoke to ANB he said Crossy would still kill everyone with his running (I was so sad he quit was sure he had one more season). Was super pleased for Roos to give him a shout out, I like as this train ride gets going, that the credit is shared. So many people to thank, when we make finals I think we should work on a 'thank you thread' and acknowledge everyone, the players, coaches, admin, etc who will all have had a part, be it a finger or a hand in turning the club around. Obviously some will be more (rightly) feted than others, but would be good to make sure all efforts are acknowledged.

Weirdly (and I’m sure I’m not the only one), I still don’t rate Richmond and they won the premiership - I guess credibility takes a long time to set.

I see that powerhouse Carlton are playing this Friday night, again. Well done, AFL House. You deserve your poor ratings.

I have watched replays of the last few games a couple of times and the thing that strikes me is that we are hunting the ball and the players near the ball in a structured pack. Much like a wolf pack. There is a trust that the player contesting the ball will win it. If he falters then the next one takes a turn and so on until they are successful. further away from the ball the players are making position to make sure they either present options for the ball winner or to be in position for the next contest. The players that have come into the team have also given the rest of the team confidence. Go the Demon Wolf Pack.

Worry? I've been wearing my Dees gear to work, watching the highlights during break times, lapping up every decent article I can get my hands on and humming 'It's a Grand Old Flag' to myself every time I hop out of bed. Enjoy it, hemingway. It's not often teams, let alone ours, are able to have such a dominant period.

Updated for the one year extensions to: Spargo, Fritsch and Petty Of the major 2018 OOC playres: The McD's have all but signed. After Gus' emotional post game comments on Sunday I would be staggered if he doesn't sign up. I hope the club gives Jetta a decent contract $ wise as he hasn't had the opportunity to earn good dollars having come back as a rookie just four years ago. He has earnt the right to shore up his family's financial future. Would hate to lose him. Edit: late update for Austin Bradtke - thanks to @red and blue forever

Very true. Lots of credit to share. And, Roos is the first to share it around. On Triple M on Sunday, Roos credited Taylor and Viney for the list. Even tho he would have specified the type of player he wanted (eg competitive types) for the hard and tough game plan he was building and was an integral part of the list management strategy, he didn't take any credit for himself. A roll call of draftees from his recruiting years of 2013 to 2015 - Starting 22: Petracca, OMc, Brayshaw, Salem, ANB, Harmes, Oliver. Roos always said you build your midfield first and there it is right there. Can easily add Hunt, Weideman, Stretch, Tyson who on the edge of best 22. And, his mature age recruits: Cross, Vince, Garlett, lifeline to Jetta. Yep, much deserved credit to Viney and Taylor but Roos should also take quite a bit of credit for our list. (Credit for 2016 and 2017 recruits to Goodwin). Roos was also asked if Melbourne win the flag how much credit is his. He said 'I would be so happy, I don't care about that'. He meant it. He delivered us the elite midfield he promised, plus more. For mine he will go down as the architect of our list build and the tough competitive game style we are now seeing. Roos won't be front and center when we start having real success but he will proudly be cheering in the background.

I noticed that when Mackay fumbled that ball and Melksham pounced, no one went and got stuck in, I think Melksham thought about it for a split second but just celebrated with Hogan. Petracca was in the vicinity too. No doubt in my mind they would’ve been all over Mackay last year. No doubt Goodwin’s message of being a strong but humble footy team is sinking in. For the record I wouldn’t let Mackay hear the end of it.

Just watched the replay again - as much as I normally loathe the Channel 7 coverage, I thought Bwooce and BT toned down the matey banter a bit. (No “Lingy” No “Richo” to share inside blokes gags). Message there Channel 7. Daisy is a gun and BT’s NT travelogue stuff showed a more sensitive side to him. What I simply cannot abide is Bwooces fawning pathetic love for “Duck”. I believe “Duck” is not really a very nice person, and yet we hear the dribble coming out of Bwooces mouth at every opportunity. I thought he may have been better than that.

I'm not going to win many friends with my thoughts, but I think Jordan Lewis has been huge over the past few weeks. His calmness, leadership and decision making has helped control ball movement from the back half and really helped settled the back 6. He has also publicly stick up for Lever, and I'm sure he has been instrumental in settling Jake down back.

There's a lot to like about what Paul Roos said but for an articulate person he really butchers the language! Lot's of half-sentences and incomplete thoughts. Nevertheless, you can work out what he means even if it doesn't have the linguistic elegance of a Winston Churchill. Or Hemingway.

Meh, we’d beat that team by 13 goals on current form

What do we care what the media thinks or says about us? It's not going to change the way we play or the psyche of the players. I think the club as a whole are going about this superbly - we aren't going overboard with celebrations on the field like we did in previous years, Goodwin still keeps things cool, calm and collected in his press conferences and re-inforces that we need to keep working hard to continue to achieve great things. Who gives a stuff if Terry Wallet fresh airs us, or if Carey doesn't trust us? Ignore us at your peril.

I prefer the hate over the laughs. It means we're heading in the right direction.

See, I don’t give a rats that Parish is a choirboy type. Sam Weideman is too, with the neat hair and soft features. I’ve seen 8 year olds that look tougher than Jayden Hunt, but the correlation with his football style is precisely zero, current form notwithstanding. It’s the not being good at football part that puts me off Parish. Or if I’m to give some benefit of the doubt, not yet as good as you would hope for the level of investment and underage promise. The baby boomer men’s obsession with the appearance of young footballers gives me the irrits big time.

i'm looking forward to the complete transformation from mfcss to mfcsa (a=arrogance). reckon i could handle it really well.

My non-Melbourne mates have been heavily reminding me that there is no silverware for May champions despite me being relatively subdued in their company. I'm under no illusions that we will probably have some stumbles but I'm wrapped with the way we've been playing for the past month and where we are heading. I have one of the worst cases of MFCSS and even I'm seeing a light at the end of my one-eyed tunnel vision.

Trying to keep a lid on things after this win is tough. Fortunately my football knowledge is terrible, which makes things a little easier. In 2016, I thought the Dogs had no chance. Premiers. In 2017, I thought the Tigers had no chance. Premiers. I think the Dees have no chance in 2018.

Couple of things on Brendan. He must take a huge amount of credit for our contested brand of footy & developing the like of Oliver, Gus, Viney, pretty much the whole list in the aggressive, hard footy we play. He did it with the dogs and built them for that 2016 flag, Beveridge just added the icing & he’s had a huge impact here. Secondly, interesting since he has gone to the bench it has conincided with our current form... Don’t know what to read into it but it’s interesting

YeS

STATISTIC MELBOURNE NEXT-BEST Kicking efficiency 69.8% Brisbane 67.8% Kicking efficiency differential +6.5% Brisbane +3.8% Disposal efficiency 74.8% Collingwood 74.7% Marks inside 50 18.8 Richmond 13.6 Marks inside 50 differential +10.4 Port Adelaide +4.2 Contested possession differential +21.6 West Coast +13.4 Clearance differential +9 Fremantle +6 Inside 50s 65.2 Richmond 61.2 Scores per inside 50 49.1% West Coast 48.2% Goals per inside 50 31% West Coast 28.5% Points for 133 Richmond 98.6 Intercept points 84 Richmond 68.8 Clearance points 44.6 West Coast 32.6 Defensive half to score 19% Richmond 14.7% Consecutive quarters won 18 West Coast 15 Offensive one-on-one win 39% GWS 35.7%

I'm already up to Round 4 when James McDonald kicked a ripper to put us in front, even though it looked as though it went over the post. This is my favourite of the highlight videos. If you've never seen it then stop what you're doing for the next few hours and indulge yourself.

his partner is 8 months pregnant...PLEASE BE TALENTED OFFSPRING!!!

From the HOF thread, what a resume David Neitz Recruited From: Parkmore Numbers: 38, 9 (1993-2008) Games: 306 (175 as Captain) Goals: 631 Finals: 13 Finals Goals: 27 Debut: Round 1, 1993 v Hawthorn at Waverley Last Game: Round 5, 2008 v Carlton at MCG Honours Games Record Holder - Round 10, 2006 vs St Kilda (273rd game) Goals Record Holder - Round Eight, 2006 vs Hawthorn (547th goal) Most Games as Captain (175) 2000 Grand Final Captain Captain: 2000 - 2008 Coleman Medallist: 2002 All Australian: 1995, 2002 Best and Fairest: 2002 2nd Best and Fairest: 1995, 2001 3rd Best & Fairest: : 2003 4th Best & Fairest: 1996, 2006 5th Best & Fairest: 1999, 2004 Leading Goalkicker: 1996, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006 Best First Year Player: 1993 Best Team Player: 2000, 2001 Most Consistent Player: 1995 Best Clubman: 1995 Rising Star Nominee: 1993 Victorian state player: 1994, 1995 International Rules Series: 2002 AFL Hall of Fame AFL Life Member MFC Hall of Fame MFC Life Member Brownlow Medal votes: 79 150 Heroes selection 300 games - Round 20, 2007 vs Collingwood

think we'll rest a few the week after filth game ?

Roosy is a die hard Melbourne supporter now! You only have to see when we win, he always puts up an Instagram story saying "Go Dees".. I can see it grand final day he'll be wearing a melbourne sitting in the stands next to PJ and Glen Bartlett cheering his heart out! Oh and Crossy is a machine.. tears a near hole when he comes up and plays for Albury tigers each week.

In fact Melbourne has not lost a quarter in her lifetime!

This thread is embarrassing. Are we North Melbourne? First of all, the OP has drastically misrepresented what was said. Second if all... WHO CARES!!!??? Why would anyone in their right mind give a stuff how much ‘credit’ you get from media for winning games of football? We’ve got a strong team playing amazing football and people still wanna have a whinge. Remember where we’ve come from and enjoy the ride.

Just to say, as someone who lives in Paris: I walk our dog most mornings in a local park. The only person there who isn't carrying dog-poo bags is ... me. (I figure it's good fertiliser?) Paris is a bit like Oscar McDonald - you see what you want to see.

Hibberd extremely stiff. I thought he was excellent off half back. All-Australian form.

All I can say is that those selected must have received 4 brownlow votes for their respective games because Hibberd was unbelievable.

Been very impressed with the way Goodwin has managed the people around him this year. Things have been tried and mistakes made, but that’s all part of the learning process for any coach of any years of experience. The Brendon decision was a great example. It’s how he has responded and the adjustments made that show we are on a winner with Simon. Keep up the great work MFC, I’m loving what I’m seeing atm

I think even singing the song after the game, around the centre circle (which was painted like an Aboriginal flag). It was a very mature rendition of the song - no silly faces, etc. It was also a very respectful version given the ground upon the were singing it. I get the feeling that Goody has belted in to them that we are still yet to achieve anything, and until such time, we need to keep our feet firmly planted on the ground.

I'm not surprised that the NRL coverage outrates the AFL equivalent - it is a far better production, notwithstanding the much better atmosphere that most AFL games have. The other advantage that the NRL has is that night games finish before 10pm, whereas Friday night AFL games are often pushing 11pm. The AFL needs to realise that even the biggest AFL team accounts for less than 10% of the total membership, and presumably the same proportion of the viewing audience. Hence a game between any two clubs will never be of direct interest to more than 20% of all viewers. It is far better to appeal to the other 80% (or more) by finding the best games to show each week, rather than being fixated on the more popular teams. I suspect the NRL do this better, and clearly having a floating fixture helps.

I don't think we'll ever know the reasons behind it unless Goodwin, or McCartney himself, come forward with it. We could speculate all day - perhaps they moved him there as an extra voice on the bench to encourage, support and teach the players through the game, something he has always been really good at? Either way it's been a positive move and further proof that Goodwin is happy to make changes when required.

Just to clarify... We're on a dream trot, the likes of which have been pure fantasy for all of us for years, and what may be the beginning of something very special, and we're so used to our new and rightful domination that within 20 pages we're talking more about whether Paris is a good city or not? Ffs how bloody good were the Dees? They were awesome and inspiring, like a day's long walk up Montmartre during the fete de la musique. Thought Petraccas form looked much better, and love a game plan that brings the ball so close to goal that our accuracy is really marvellous. How atrocious were the crows? Completely, like the smell of armpits on bus 22 in the Parisian summer as you stare out at people living on mattresses on the street. I still rate them above the likes of Cwood but theyre sitting right now about where I'd expect them. Btw Paris has an estimated 1 tree every 22 persons. Amsterdam has 1 for 1. Clearly superior. Don't know about Melbourne's tree count, only its Footy team. The best in the land. Fin. Edit: sp and clarity

Yeah Paul’s is not bad (I’ve been to Paris that much I tried all the coffees). To be honest the coffee is the sideshow to the best pastries in the world anyway. And they nail the champagne. Have just downloaded the replay so I can watch it on the way to London in a few days. Train ride sorted!

I'm ok with Carey's comments. Came out on Monday and admitted he's a "dingbat" for saying we won't make finals after the training camp story. Took it on the chin, and in fact roasted himself in his own segment. Also... he's right from a certain point of view. You can only play the opposition that plays on the day. An injury riddled list can still play like champions and a champion list can still get slaughtered by garbage teams, much like Saints did to Tigers last year. You really do have to use your eyes on the day and make your assessment that way. We played like the best team in the comp on the weekend. We would have smashed any of the other 17 teams playing like that. BUT... Crows were witches hats like we haven't seen much this year. If you go game by game, they were the worst opposition we played (on the day) in these first 10 weeks, besides the Blues. I reckon if I'm Carey, and I have no vested interest, I still want to see what the demons are like when it gets clutch. Get us into a slippery contested ball game, as I think we'll see on QB like we did last year, and win by a few goals, and you'll see him throw his criticisms out.

It's looking pretty nice at his current club too Rock.

But you said it was nice?

Just watched Talking Footy and Footy Classified. Be worried, they're all over us. The radars gone and now the targets on us. We're the team to beat for the flag apparently. Richmond got every-one by surprise last year. We're not gonna have that luxury. Plenty of time for opposition coaches to work on picking our game plan apart. Gonna find out how good we really are.

Might still be carrying a grudge from his jaw accidentally hitting Rod Grinter’s fist.

Preseason Carey didn't pick us for the eight. He also harped on about the camp. He doesn't "trust" us. When you have an ego as big as Carey it's hard to let go of your publicly pronounced proclamations. A team that has won the second most quarters in a row in the history of the game deserves a little trust.

I headed down to the Port Melbourne v Casey game yesterday for the annual Burra burger and chips. The day was perfect for footy with a one to two goal wind in the first half but it virtually disappeared in the second. The ground was in great condition and the PM crowd are a lot of fun as long as you don't take your support for their opponent too seriously. This is how I thought the Demons went: Dom Tyson: There has been much talk about his game and like most things it's probably somewhere in the middle of discussions. He got the ball a lot. He was the main clearance player for us on the day and he bullocked and pushed and competed for everything. He was off the pace early, got caught once or twice and kicked poorly into the wind at times. As the game went on he got lots better and by the last part of the game he was close to the most influential but that is not to say he's a walk up start next week. On form ANB and Harmes have gone past him and he is down on form but he can play. Billy Stretch: BOG for mine. Got it lots, used it pretty well (with a cavaet I'll come to) and was clean and pretty strong in the clinches. I'm a fan of Billy so keep that in mind when you read these comments. I've seen Billy in his last three games and he's been BOG twice IMO. He's played all games as an inside mid and he's done well against the strong opposition and poorly against the poor opposition. Interestingly in the game he was poor in we were killed in the ruck and he was the number one mid. Billy knows where to run and can run all day. He sees options and makes good decisions. He was very clean with his hands yesterday which is not always the case and his handballing was good. He kicks it well in most cases but yesterday in both practice before the game and in the game itself he repeatedly left his passes a metre short of his target. Very frustrating because those easy 25 metre passes have to be bread and butter at AFL level. But good signs for Billy and if his opportunity comes he will at least be in good form. Sam Frost: Good and solid. He's really too big and strong for his opposition at this level but it's his execution and decision making that can go astray. He's in good form at this level and like many will wait his chance. Jay Kennedy Harris: I thought Jay played a solid game, found plenty of it, ran well and generally disposed of it well. He's come good in the last 6 quarters he's played but he's down the pecking order in getting a game in the seniors. He's pretty good at this level. Harley Balic: Not as prominant as some other weeks but dangerous around goal and doesn't need many opportunities to hurt you. Kicked a fantastic goal in the last from a very tight angle to get us going when we needed it. He's got sure hands and is good above his head for his height and he knows how to find space and link play. He's a smart player and in previous years at the club would have been quite valuable but where he fits with Kent to come back and Garlett still in the seconds who knows. He has a little bit of that trait basketballers have when they convert to footy - that ability to find time and space. Was he a BBer before footy? Looks like it to me. If he played today I'd be confident he'd competently play his role. Tomas Bugg: Quite early but played a fair game by his standards. He played quite deep forward for most of the day and it really didn't work. But when he moved up the ground a bit we got involved and was always a danger although he didn't get it a lot. He's a bit quicker than I thought too and his kicking was good yesterday. Oscar Baker: Good game overall and fantastic second half, particularly third quarter where he really dominated. Quick, clean hands, runs hard and provided options. Not sure his possessions really hurt the opposition yet but he is improving. I don't think he's really close to getting a game but he's certainly showing some AFL attributes. Mitch King: First game back and just went. Started forward and didn't have much impact and then shared rucking duties. Harrison Petty: I thought he was good. Was outmarked in the goal square in the first and lost another marking contest later in the game. Had one of his kicks intercepted later in the game but otherwise was terrific. He's really good in the air and kicks very well. This kid is just a guaranteed AFL footballer of the future and to me is showing more than Oscar did in his first year. Already a favourite of mine. Jeff Garlett: I thought he was alright but only alright but do we expect too much of players when they go to VFL level. He did some very good things, kicked a lovely goal and had a hand on some others but also had a number of uncharacteristic mistakes. Not banging the door down. Josh Wagner: Just a game. Solid and reliable but didn't catch the eye all that much. He's a good size and athlete but just doesn't impose himself on games at the moment. Joel Smith: Didn't have a high possession game but looked very good in what he did. Can't remember any clangers and he kicked a nice goal. I liked the comparison to Jeremy Howe, very similar athletic abilities. He looked a class above in what he did but he didn't do a whole lot. Dec Keilty: Solid game from Dec and like others have trouble separating him and Petty, they look very similar and being such a fan of Petty I might have attributed some good Dec things to Harrison. But Dec went forward in the last and did well I thought. Took some good marks and kicked a goal but more importantly gave us a target that the others hadn't. I don't know where he stands in the pecking order with Frost and Petty but he's a capable and reliable (and brave) footballer. Lachlan Filipovic: Did quite well in the ruck but very little around the ground.. Seems to be just a young ruckman learning his craft and about 3 or 4 years away from maturity. Watching and judging ruckman at this age must be difficult for supporters and FD alike wondering if they will flurish or fail. It's too early to call for me on both our young rucks.