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I'm really not sure why posters are so convinced Gaff is off to North. Polec is about to go there on enormous money so I find it extremely difficult to believe North would pay another bucket-load to a similar outside running player? It really doesn't make any sense to me from a list management pov. Not that it means much, but I happened to bump into Gaff last week playing golf at Camberwell. I had a chat to him and told him I hoped to see him running around in our colours next year, to which he responded; "I've got a bit to think about over the next few weeks." My feeling is that we're still very much in the frame. My brother played school footy with him and has said he's a very honest kid who was a big dees fan growing up as most are aware. His father hasn't been well either which is obviously a massive factor in his decision. Players go home to play at their club of choice sometimes even if it's for less money. Jeremy Howe for instance took less to go to Collingwood over the Gold Coast to play under Buckley who was his favourite player as a kid. I'm still confident.

Well after nearly 2 hours I finally got tix. M55. Now to calm down I’m going out to the back paddock with a cup of tea to sit and watch my bees ?

Anybody calling for Spargo to be dropped needs to look at the footage of the last qtr - just after his last (missed) shot for goal with about 7 mins to go, he puts Whitfield on his arse from the resultant kickin. He's got a bit of mongrel in him, as well as pace and makes good decisions (that handball assist to Jones for a goal late in the game was gold). He gut runs.....well, does everything Jeffy isn't doing really. Another Jason Taylor success story. Stays for mine.

Antbody calling for Spargo out should go and watch the replay Time and time again his pressure assisted our defence and he was involved in numerous score movements Tha players seem to love him and he has become too important to drop at the moment

.......................Not give a damn. I don't need a board of selectors to tell me if he is in the best 22 players' in the league or not. I know he is, and he plays for us...................that's all i need to know.

Eventually. I switched from my computer to a mobile phone, and it worked better. I'm not sure my satellite NBN wasn't stuffing up the system with the latency. M36, five rows from the fence, three bays around from the Geelong cheer squad. Looking forward to their quietness when we win. ?

Lewis may not be tossing the coin over the next week(s) but he will be leading from the front. We know he sent player emaisl after WCE win to say: 'we play to win finals, not just to make the finals'. Then it was reported that players asked coaches and staff to leave the meeting room after the GWS win. Unsurprisingly it was Lewis who drove that. Michael Hibberd today said: '...(Lewis)... is a good guy to ask about the situation we’re in. He spoke to us in the rooms about the week coming up, [telling us] to prepare well.” I've also heard Viney, Oliver and Gawn say something like he is the one they are turn to and are listening to. When he says something seriously, players know to take it seriously. Lewis is fast-tracking their finals experience and development that may otherwise have taken several years to learn/experience. It would be more trial and error than a clear road map on what to do. We might just get to the big dance earlier than many expect!!. What a great right-hand man for Goodwin particularly in September. And role model for players.

According to Jon Ralph who spoke to Jesse’s Manager, he is going nowhere. Loves the club and players, just got his licence and happier than he has ever been in Melbourne. Think we can put speculation to bed .

Nev, embodies all that I want at the club. Have fun mate.

Well done Max. But Dusty starting over Clarry is a travesty.

Neville because of his life and football 'stories'. He lives by his 'values' both on and off the football field. A truly inspirational footballer and person.

Although I agree this has been terrible and poor from all involved, as well as a super stressful process. Everyone has to try again today and buy a ticket and go support the club. We can’t let this stuff up ruin the enthusiasm that we have for the club and must keeping supporting it. This will be the only the second final I’ve been to and I couldn’t be more excited. We will smash Geelong and show everyone we mean business this finals series. GO DEMONSS!

Adam Cerra. Are there whispers he will seek a return home? #HasETdoneitagain?

100% Oliver. People think I'm nuts the way I talk about him. I will rewind it when he does something incredible in tight and make everyone watch.

Yeah I'm really confused by all these calls for Spargo out... I thought he had another great game on the weekend. Did all the little stuff required for the team

Well done to the people’s beard!

judging by these picks, they're in...

Disgusting team full of arrogant self loving knobs. Please for the love of god smash them!

I understand that Melbourne supporters are disorientated by finals, but guys, we are actually playing finals. Can we stop talking about hypothetical and frankly idiotic trades, and actually enjoy FINALS?! You have plenty of time to talk trades after finals. FINALS!!!!!

My husband who is a Pies man hates the fact Sam is playing for the Dees. I told him to suck it up. ?

Noted Saty.....the above is something you’re good at too.

The AFL has enough skin in this game to demand staggered start times. But they didn't think it through. Two games at the MCG with huge memberships should have set red lights flashing at AFL House. No one had the foresight to see that 340,000 people on multiple devices would bring the system down. But that is as obvious as the day is long. All parties need to share responsibility. No buck passing. In many businesses this crippling experience for huge numbers of Ticketek customers would be enough to justify cancelling their contract. But we have a duopoly. Fix the human incompetence and it may not be such a big problem. Then fix the Ticketek technology and it should be a breeze.

Please don't wish Ticketmaster on anyone. These are the guys that have Ticketmaster Resale, have a look at the prices on this site and you will get what it is about... The 2 internationally owned ticket agencies are not the answer, not the place to go into the way they deal but they fall under the 2 major conglomerates that run entertainment world wide. They are very powerful and not afraid to wield that power. There is a reason they didn't apologise...they just don't care. They are too big to care about a few fans of a backwater sport. There has to be a better solution.

James Harmes has bolted to pole position for mine. A fanatical Demon supporter growing up, drafted from the rookie list and now having a break out year when we’ve made finals. I wish I was James Harmes because this kid is living the dream.

Franklin captain. No training boys, get on the eccys!

Absolutely deserved it. The position is for a ruckman and, in that role, Gawn was better than Grundy. It was the right decision.

Cos Picket is on drugs.

Come on now, how else can they make room for Dyson Heppell?

I'd prefer to bring back Glenn Lovett. Safer hamstrings.

…be a bit miffed for a moment but then remind myself that I get to watch him play next week so it doesn't matter.

In 64 I had a standing room ticket and would do it again on the 29/9/18 if I needed.

seeing as it is OUR home game, cats supporters should only get an allocation equal to the visitors allocation they offer at the cattery for their home games ..... only fair

I’m quietly confident too, but I’m not really sure why. I don’t know him, and what I’ve been told is that the club itself expects him to go to North if he comes back to VIC. We shall see.

Have also heard this, but it is hardly news. The difference this time is we arguably look better structurally without Hoges, and Weid is developing fast. Will be an interesting off season.

Got mine thank god....barely missed a game in 12 years wasnt about to miss this

BOOOM!!!! Got my ticket in my hot little hand!!! GO YOU GOOD THINGS!!!!

everyone is a bit unfair on tex. in adelaide he is considered an academic

Heart says Nev. Head says Clarrie.

For a very welcome change, this is an enormously difficult call. For me though I find Clarrie absolutely magical: THE quickest thinker and THE best vision I can recall at any time from any player from any team. Takes the breath away some of the ridiculous stuff he pulls off. But it is unfair to the likes of Max, Nev, Angus, and Jonesy for his perseverance .... and many more.

I've read all thru this thread and it is really sad that much of the excitement on here a few days ago has morphed into anger and frustration. I said to a friend on Monday evening - it felt like waiting for Santa when I was a kid and just couldn't wait for Ticketek to open at 9.00! Yesterday at 9.00 I went thru the same angst on-line, experienced by others. At 9.30 I went to the closest Ticketek outlet (and was 81st in the queue). Stood there until 1.30pm!!! The worst part was having to listen to Tiger idiots who kept playing their theme song on their phones. Very grating, indeed! Came home disillusioned and disappointed. Will go back there today. Have a new queue spot #21. Hopefully I get a reasonable seat as one in the nosebleed section isn't really an option. To think we waited 12 years to get to finals and within a few days that initial joy has been taken from us. Hopefully, we all get the tickets we prefer and the happiness comes back for at least week or two.

The genius that is Clarry Oliver

Is there more to this, plays 63 games in 4 years after been drafted by hawks, including 18 from 22 in his last year and not offered a new contract. So clearly in there best 22. Then plays the first 13 games for North this year then gets injured and is out of the rest of the year and delisted, again seems he was in there best 22 when fit. Something doesn’t add up

There super human footballers 1 week with a broken arm. Kent 2 weeks with an ac I could go on. IN: Viney, Hannan OUT: Kent, JKH.

Can we take him as a category B rookie? Hasn't been on an AFL list for a few years, just St Kilda. (sorry, any excuse to work out some of the anger)

He’s a “head up” type footballer, head up looking for an option. Has played some quality footy for a first year player. Can’t wait to see how he goes building consistency over a season. Great to have him on board!

Unnecessary!

Good perspective and a great post. Tough gig recruiting

I admire the tenacity of anyone who is still maintaining the rage over Toumpas. That era of lurching from one disaster to the next just feels like a dim memory that is on the brink of flaming out to me. As for Jimmy, I feel sad for him. He was a big hearted kid who had a passion for footy. After seeing Scully look like he’d been sentenced to the electric chair on draft night, Toumpas’ beaming grin was infectious. I hope life after footy is less confidence battering than his career was.