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The hysteria over what should happen to Gaff is absurd, Just as it was with Bugg. Appalling hit and will be dealt with harshly, as it should be. Starting point 6 weeks as that is what Bugg got and Mills played the following week. Bugg wasn't looking at Mills when he lashed out whereas Gaff was looking straight at him. nonetheless I don't believe either was intentional and both players have never been suspended before (despite some nuff nuffs here saying Bugg was a "serial offender".) But people make mistakes and that is what this is. A very bad one. He should do the time and that is it. No need to destroy his character. The fallout on bugg in my view was disgraceful largely because he was viewed as a pest and our club abandoned him. Gaff is a golden haired boy so will be interesting to see the comparison from media and club. Posters trying to turn this in to 'he should be charged by the police' , 'society needs to set an example' blah blah and those saying 'he should never come to Melbourne' are making stupid comments. We play a physical sport and players tread a fine line with agression every time they run out onto the track. This incident (as well as Buggs) step well and truly over that line and need to be dealt with harshly, but in the context of a physical contact sport. Finally those saying 'Gaff will need to reconcile with Angus if he comes to melbourne' really need to think before posting. Gaff already plays with Angus' brother Hamish. On the field stuff happens. It doesn't mean its right but get some reality. There are two young men here that will be suffering over this. Clearly most of the sympathy is with a young first year player who has suffered hugely. But lets have some perspective and not forget that Gaff will be remorseful and will suffer long term consequences as well.

Roos On The Couch tonight. The panel were talking about the Suns then Roos drops this beauty, “ I’m a football man at heart, I love the game and to go see My Team Melbourne win was exciting.” On Ya Roosy. Never get tired of hearing that.

James Harmes is quietly having a breakout season and adding another young dynamo to our already talent laden midfield. Will he tag Parker, Kennedy or Heeney this week?

As much as I would love Keilty to debut against the Swans, even though he's in great form I don't think they'll do it because it's too much of a risk. Hunt won't come in, has been out of form all year and is only 1 week back from injury, and didn't do a lot for Casey yesterday. If the club feels they need another defender, I think Pedo will come in. He's been in great form and was the best Melbourne player on the ground for Casey, had 31 disposals as a KPD (I know it was Carlton but still impressive) Melksham will definitely be back in so like others have said they might just do a straight swap for Smith and swing some others into the defence, although that might leave us a bit short. Will be interesting to see what they do.

40.16 for the year, 4 goals against Collingwood, 6.0 in the Geelong loss. But yep, let’s throw all that away and make him a defender again because his radar was a bit off in the first game he hasn’t kicked a goal in all season.

You're kidding!!! (I'd prefer he play for us!! LOL)

Because we have O Mac and Frost as key defenders.

Would just like to highlight this game to be played vs Sydney on Sunday. All the game day details: http://www.melbournefc.com.au/Team/match-day-information Summary: Family Festival from 11.00 am Field of Women - 1.00 pm, where everyone is invited to go onto the center of the MCG. First Bounce - 3.20 pm For those who haven't had a chance to go onto the MCG it is quite an experience, more so it being for a good cause. Last time I went it was quite moving. Special jumper will be worn by mfc players: Its a game Jim Stynes hugely backed along with Raylene Boyle, long before he fell ill. https://www.bcna.org.au/news-events/events/field-of-women-2018/ Its a great cause and its great that mfc is participating again.

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Shocking act, AFL needs to make an example of it BUT. I don't think for a minute Gaff intended to strike him in the face, in my opinion the action is reminscent of what a lot of players do to strike the arm/chest etc in order to break a tag or run off their opponent, but Gaff in this case misjudged his aim very badly, and the resultant injury is horrific and he's done for the year... and possibly then some. The hysteria on social media and by all and sundry is getting too much however. Let the tribunal judge him, and lets see where it goes from there. The talk about criminal charges ... dunno bout that, it's not condoned, and was a brutal hit on Brayshaw, but I don't think that these lawyers are helping anyone (except for their own profiles) by making comment. Leigh Matthews is even worse, he was a known thug in his playing career, I don't remember how many people he hit whilst on the field, but he should just shut up and stay out of it. What the AFL needs to come out and say as a result of this incident is that any striking actions (jumper punches etc) are going to be treated with a lot more severity. They cracked down on it last year.... for all of three weeks,.... and then let it go again, players get a fine at most. Don't fine the players, suspend them from games, that hurts the club AND the player. EDIT: Oh and if they are mates off field (including Hamish) it does add another level of intrigue to the whole thing. Won't change the impact of what has happened, nor the outcome, but I suspect the family will accept the apology knowing the person behind it a little moreso than it would from a stranger!

He is a first year player who has exceeded all expectations from when he was drafted in terms of the impact he would have in his first year. He will be a better player in 2019 for the experience in 2018. Agree that he will need to bulk up over the offseason but I have confidence that with another full preseason this will occur. Very happy with Sparticus this year.

This is so much better than wondering who we will take with our top 3 pick or if we will land some "big fish" with our top pick. So pumped!

I was really liking Smith's game today until injured, such a shame for him and the team.

It was the forgotten return of the round but I thought vanders showed why he deserves a place in the team. I loved the crowds reactions when he came on the field and we he got the ball. I was disappointed that we did not get to hear the roar of the crowd when he kicked a goal and he had 2 chance to do just that. Welcome back vanders.

I agree, I don't think Gaff went out and thought "I'm gonna smash his jaw and break his teeth coz he's being a pest to me". I think he thought "you're an annoying [censored] I'm gonna hit ya a little because I'm having a brain fade moment and oh [censored] I just smashed you really hard and I am screwed". I feel for both of them, but bloody hell you look at poor Andrew and you just feel sick. To hear his mum was crying in the rooms just breaks your heart, when you think what Gus went through and that she has another kid in the army. I heard on radio this morning that she'd had to take on some counselling to help her deal with the Gus situation, and now this. FFS my heart really breaks for her! This will no doubt have long lasting ramifications on Gaff, his confident, his demeanour, the way he is perceived by the wider footy community, and no doubt his future and asking price. I would still welcome him to our club, but as stated previously, I would hope the club looks into the mental impact this will have on Gaff, on Gus (I'm sure he will be OK with it) and as a general look for our club. We were very hard on Bugg and he has barely played since (although he is a poor player which doesn't help), so how do we proceed should we get Gaff without looking hypocritical?

If Angus was told the MFC wanted Gaff to improve the list and the prospects of a flag he wouldn't stand in the way of Gaff ending up at the Dees. He'd be mature enough to know it was out of character and he'd mend any bridges that needed mending. He'd look at the bigger picture.

I think Spargo gets pushed off the ball too easily for finals, will be watching him closely over coming weeks. He can tackle, but he misses plenty also. Needs to bulk up a lot over summer.

The biggest problem I have with the current AFL MRO and tribunal is that it is outcome based and not action based. Actions can be controlled, outcomes cannot. I'm firmly in the camp that if you intentionally hit or strike a player, no matter how hard then a suspension should be enforced (as a starting point) and not just a fine. Additional weeks are then added for any injuries sustained as a result.

I'll defend Bugg here. He doesn't have a bad record. As far as I am aware, last year is the only time he has ever been suspended. I can't find any info about any other suspensions. Only fines (for making contact with an injured Nick Reiwoldt, and for "saluting" the richmond cheer squad). A lot of players have been suspended for hitting him though. He gets a bad go from the media. He might be annoying but he has never over stepped the aggression line on the field before, and he wasn't looking at Mills when he hit him in retaliation to bring hit from behind. https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/an-extensive-rap-sheet-from-gws-giant-agitator-to-melbourne-enforcer/news-story/4bb65be2b05db80227ef6907c5bf4d95

Frost did some great work again today I thought. He is such an enigma though. Remember him taking a great mark in the second or third quarter and thinking to myself "now don't cough it up doing something stupid" - following which he passes to Lewis in deep back 50m, screwing the kick up and I think it was only that they took Lewis high in the tackle that saved us. Generally though he did dispose of the ball quite well on some occations. I like Frosty as a player and I think he is of good value to the team dispite his too frequent screw ups. Alot of players wouldn't win the turn overs he does to get possession in the first place. I've also noticed that often when he does turn it over, he's more than cleared our deep defensive zone and gained 75 or so meters feild position for us before turning it over, which gives us sone time to reset our defense. IF he could gain some composure with his more of his disposals he would be a total weapon.

From an article on the club’s website: “Bugg was sent away from the club for 10 days in the immediate aftermath of the incident with Mills, time he used to contact the young Swan to express his remorse for his actions and to reassess what he wanted to stand for as a footballer. Upon returning, Melbourne's fitness staff put the forward through a punishing regime while he was ineligible to play between rounds 16 to 21. Training would finish and the rest of the players would be laughing and carrying on, relaxing on the sidelines. And there would be Bugg, often the only one out on Gosch's Paddock, as the coaching and equipment staff were packing up, looking down at his watch to make sure he was meeting the times that had been set for him during gut-busting running sessions. To his credit, Bugg didn't complain. He didn't drop his bottom lip, didn't blame anyone else other than himself. Bugg just got on with it and, after playing the final two games of the season back in the VFL once his ban had finished, set himself to have "the best pre-season of his career". The 24-year-old beat out usual time trial king Tom McDonald in the club's 2km time trial post-Christmas, and he was often regarded as a standout – based on his work ethic on the training track – over summer.” http://m.melbournefc.com.au/news/2018-04-05/bugg-resets-to-earn-trust-and-respect

He’s playing his role well as a decoy forward.

There has been an over reaction to Gaff's stupid punch IMO. I can see the arc swinging back in a day or two to sympathy for the devil. It is a huge blot in an otherwise stellar career. I think 6 weeks and a genuine apology would see it over.

Just finished watching replay. How sad for Smith. He was looking bloody good. I loved the effort of all the players. To quibble: Jay Kennedy Harris is a worry. As is, I'm afraid to say it, Vince. Best game I've seen Tyson play. I didn't see one turnover. Hopefully he's turned the corner and getting his mojo back. I love Frost but I get delirium tremens when he kicks or hand passes. Still, there is tremendous upside. Great to see Vandenberg again: he's an important player. T. Mc had one of those days but he was still a very nady and important player. We should beat the Swans.

I feel like getting ahead of myself... I reckon the Swans are like an old prize fighter at the moment and they got up off the deck for one last punch against the Pies. I will be very disappointed if we don't bury them on the weekend.

I have an 18 year old Son, the same age as Brayshaw. Of course you'd be tremendously upset. I'd condemn the act, but also acknowledge it was out of character and appreciate that these things can happen, as unfortunate as they are. He'll cop his penalty. What else do people want ?

One mistake shouldn't throw away 200 games without incident. Would love him at the club and i'm sure he will face the consequences like a man, like Bugg did.

Spargo kicked 2 goals. I think JKH is more likely to make way for Melksham.

Goodwin: 'and we've repositioned Cam Pedersen as a key defender in the VFL and he's playing some outstanding footy' here comes big Pedo again, as usual coming in to fill a need, and he'll do good. Go pedo. Would love this bloke to be in our premiership team. [censored] it, we're gonna win the flag. Like George Costanza, in the episode where he says yes to everything, or acts the opposite way to how he normally would. That's me from here on in. We are gonna win the 2018 AFL premiership.

They'll be fine. Apparently the Jones Brothers are heading up there to lend support and leadership.

One more win gets us into the finals with our fantastic percentage. Basically, our finals series starts next match with a TRIPLE chance.

And what track record was that?? Mills was the first time he was suspended

That photo is tough to look at, poor guy.

The game went the opposite of how I thought it would. I expected a crappy, low scoring first quarter followed by us pulling our socks up in the second and third. Instead, we played breathtaking football (even accounting for the low quality of the opposition) for the first 30 minutes and then took the foot off the pedal considerably. Some of the second and third quarters was just terrible from us. Too many turnovers but, worse, too many forward 50 forays breaking down at half forward (our biggest problem). That's nitpicking a bit but we should still be looking at how we can improve even when we win by 96. Thought Salem was outstanding today. Every time he goes near it I feel comfortable. A much harder edge has developed in his game. I was also impressed with Garlett's work rate - much better two-way running and he got involved a lot more as a result. I'm not sold on JKH and if we didn't have the injuries we do have, I wouldn't be playing him. I thought VDB was just OK, nothing special. Should get at least another game and another crack to get up to AFL speed but he's another who wouldn't be playing if we didn't have injuries. Terrible luck for Smith. I thought he showed something today, more than previous weeks. A lot more dash and a willingness to get involved in the offensive part of the game. Just awful to see him do the other shoulder. Really looking forward to Sydney. They can't score outside of Franklin and I think we match them well in the middle. But the pressure is right on us now and with Sydney's experienced heads also under pressure, it should be a ripper.

Why are posters calling for JKH's axing? He gets to contests quickly and always seeks out Jesse Stays in

Mark Knight is surely Australia's greatest cartoonist. The poignancy of this work is amazing - look closely and you can see Lyle's wife and kids.

Jones - an outstanding game Hogan - prolific and valuable Harmes - continued great form Garlett - enjoyed the freedom Oliver - best afield again Petracca - regularly outmanoeuvred opponents Neal- Bullen - hard ball gets Spargo - did just enough Brayshaw - dynamic and creative Salem - safe and steady T.McDonald - was surprisingly limited Fritsch - continues to impress VanDenBerg - finding his feet Frost - confident and convincing Gawn - not his best Jetta - impressive when required Kennedy - Harris - a borderline pass Lewis - a standard game O.McDonald - was rarely required Smith - history repeats itself Tyson - impressive ,rarely wasteful Vince - was never assured

I think he looks more comfortable out there and seems to get more involved each week.

I'll still take a 71% accuracy, you greedy bastard.

State of Play: Of the top 8 teams only Tigers don't have an 8 pt game Among 2-8 who are all on 12 or 12.5 wins, 15 of their 21 games are 8-point games!!! A bonanza for the AFL and broadcasters. Outside the 8 are Cats and Roos who have the easiest run home. Cats will make it?. Not so sure about the Roos as Bulldogs and Adel will challenge them. Due to their low % they only need to drop one game to miss the finals. Ess and Crows are out of the running for finals but expect them, Lions and Bulldogs to have a big say in who makes the 8. They are all playing well but inconsistent. Get them on an 'on' day and it could mean dropping out of contention. Who will drop out of the 8? Anyone's guess! The most vulnerable are Power and Sydney (difficult run and lower %). Its amazing to say this but a team on 14 wins might still not make it. How even can it get! Spots 2 to 10 on the ladder will go right down to the wire! Top 4 up for grabs! Nail biting stuff. Hopefully, we get one of those top 4. Failing that spots 5 or 6 as would love to have a final in Melbourne. That would draw out a lot of closet Demon supporters. A home final would be fabulous for the club. Yes, I know. One week at a time but gee its hard not to get really excited!!

A phrase I am not used to saying at the end of first quarter: "In the bag" Some real positives from the game: Jeffy: is showing some real effort. Tyson: looking improved. Smith: (before the injury) looked poised and will only continue to improve next year. Salem; played a beautiful game.

Hahaha, that clip is hilarious! Loving the little undercurrent of a Brayshaw/Petracca (b)romance. Shows we're building a strong culture and the boys are a tight unit. Love it!

Unbelievable negativity.

The GCFC 'non holding the balls' were a joke as well.

Losing Smith and not having Hibberd available to come back is a bit of a blow We definitely need defensive coverage against the Swans - their swarm of small forwards (Ronke, Papley, Florent, Hayward, et al) combined with a genuine superstar in Buddy and an emerging tall in McCartin is going to be tricky... ...which is why we need to smash them thru the middle - Gawn, Oliver, Brayshaw, Harmes, Jones and Trac et al vs Sinclair, Kennedy, Parker etc is going to be MASSIVE Win the ball at the contest, limit their propensity to get it forward I reckon our midfield bats deeper but their experience can’t be seriously discounted I also don’t think we’ll throw the baby out with the bath water - they’ll back in our system to get it done OUT: Smith IN: Melksham B: Jetta - O Mac - Vince HB: Lewis - Frost - Salem ? Jones - Brayshaw - Fritsch HF: Petracca - Hogan - ANB F: Melksham - T Mac - Garlett Foll: Gawn - Oliver - Harmes I/c: Spargo - Tyson - vandenBerg - JKH whcih really means: jetta - o mac vince - lewis - frost - salem - fritsch gawn - oliver - brayshaw - harmes - jones - anb trac - hogan - garlett melksham - t mac bench: spargo - tyson - avb - jkh we CAN do this...

I'm really looking forward to seeing how Frost goes against Franklin next week. Some great runs and chase downs today.

Not much of a mention for Brayshaw so far but I thought some of his work in the middle was outstanding today. He's evolving in a way I didn't expect. Nimble in traffic. And is also developing a good rapport with Clarry.

UNLEASH. THE. PED.