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Spot on. In the 80's we used to drink cordial for thirst quenching! No wonder we spewed so much. I don't know about Manangatang, but I clearly remember near the end of some serious gut running during pre-season playing for Kyneton, where the coach stopped our running, and had the other players jog in a circle around me until I had finished spewing.

Just remember folks, the 'chunder' was once a standard footy training regimen in days past, reserved for only the very best of coaches and it looks like young Spargo (and of course, his time-appropriate father and footy mentor) can impress by letting it all spew out at the feet of FD personnel. No self-respecting football coach above Under 16s level would ever omit the advisory mantra to his players from the centre of the training ground: 'Run until ya spew!' Ah, Spargs, well done - not forgetting to include the classics of Aussie Rules seasonal preparation. For a clever young player in the 'olden days', if you had a spew on Tuesday night training followed up by a spew or two at Thursday night training the same week, you were virtually guaranteed a team selection spot for Saturday arvo's game against Manangatang Fifths!

Luke Breust or Jack Gunston are ones that I'd like us to get from them at the right price i.e. cheap as chips - free agents or a pick in the 70s if the opportunity arose. Perhaps even someone like James Sicily might present as a free agency opportunity for us or someone else in a few years time. I don't even care if he ended up at Brisbane, Gold Coast, North or someone like that, it would be good if someone could turn the tables on Hawthorn and rob them of their mature tallent.

That and the "i want to go only to club xyz" which has become the mantra for players of any seniority when they want to change clubs

he was just trying to impress maxy. good chunder, good move.

Agreed. And on a similar note, whilst I didn't pay close attention to how it all played out, the way one of the Adelaide clubs was spruiking that they would poach back the SA born players off the Queensland clubs with low draft picks was pretty ordanary. I thought it was pretty [censored] weak that the AFL didn't respond strongly to that, particularly when the whole comp has put so much capital into getting the club's going in the expansion states. The extra suplemental super trade period is another chip away at equalisation and the draft. Their supporters will hate it, but clubs like Hawthorn, Geelong, Sydney, West Coast and Adelaide really deserve to do their time proping up the bottom half of the ladder and anything that makes that possibility less likely is just pure evil.

I was pleasantly surprised to watch a session where every player did not look like slacking off despite the heat Fritsch has definitely worked on his aerobic fitness over the break

No, some of that was tanking...or conveniently bottoming out to refresh the list if you like.

Just check out the below link: http://m.hawthornfc.com.au/news/2018-11-21/our-list-by-the-numbers I count 8, possibly 9 of their best 22 will be 30 or over sometime in the next 12 months, then there is also a fare bunch of them sitting in the age group just below that Luke Breust (28), Liam Shiels (27), Jack Gunston (27), David Mirra (27) ,Jonathan Ceglar (27). Even $cully is 27 these days, with a pretty clapped out body. No wonder they were so keen to off load Mitchell, Hodge and Lewis, they are facing a playing list armageddon. When you look at the list of players they have (or don't have) comming through, the cupboard looks pretty bare for the Hawks and makes it look even more strange trading Burton for Wingard. Talking to a Hawks supporter I know the other day, he was quite disappointed by loosing Burton, because he though that was a player they could build their backline around. Addmitedly, not all the Hawks over 30s will retire at the end of this season, but their output will certainly start to wane and it's hard to see any of them being there any more that another two or three years. This will really test the mastermind Clarkson - I think they are in for a long hard road to rebuild as they will not have much to trade their way back into the game with other clubs and I just hope that free agency doesn't become their savior either.

As I understand it Hawthorn also have the oldest list with the most number of players over 30 years old, so I'd say that has the most to do with it. The aging nature of their list is a problem in it's self and I'm really hoping that they fall off a cliff over the next two years ... but don't quite hit the bottom too hard.

Interesting article from today's Guardian discussing a TV show about how the great Man United were relegated to the second division in 1973. Perhaps there is a lesson in that for us. It goes on however to discuss the obvious ... namely that these days the power clubs in all the big leagues are leaving the others far behind. "This week the research group CIES Football Observatory published a paper called Competitive Balance: A Spatio-Temporal Comparison. Its conclusions reflect what we already know to be true, that the top clubs in every European league are pulling away. The champions of the big five leagues raked in 83.3% of all possible points last season. More games are being won by a wider margin by a group of elite clubs, all of whom are now too big to fail. United can have a wretched season, can clank about the pitch like a group of sad, misfiring robots, and still the worst thing that might happen is they finish behind Everton." https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/dec/07/jose-mourinho-manchester-united-relegation Luckily the AFL is a far cry from what have become the almost "life sucking" European leagues but there are salutary lessons for those who think something similar could not happen with the AFL. By the way.... why don't Collingwood publish membership figures?

I'm not sure you'd classify it as a knee "injury". Saw a post on Angus Brayshaw Instastory of Petracca playing lawn bowls.

To be fair the spectators weren't running till we spewed.

Thanks to all who braved the heat today to write reviews. The Players and Staff get paid....

Thanks to everyone who braved the heat today ? to give us our footy fix.

I have been at work will post some more pics on Insta and here later Impressively hot today Spargo was impressive as well? Jordan Lewis comment 'brutal' Sam Frost comment '@#$&%'?? James Harmes had a pretty impressive dry retching effort at the end of a gut busting rehab running session, worked his [censored] off

Had to take a second look at that pic. Coulda sworn it was Brad Green on first glimpse...!

" https://twitter.com/BenGuthrie_/status/1070879220723642368 https://twitter.com/BenGuthrie_/status/1070879220723642368At the end of the running, second-year forward Charlie Spargo had a big chunder as the rest of the players sought the comfort of the shade. "

Adem Yze hidding behind a tree on punt rd side of ground watching training intently. Hawks finally worried about the mighty dees.

Before I melt as a result of the rays from the Melbourne sun, I figured I'd jot down my notes of this morning's training session. A relatively small crowd today (not completely suprising) with many seeking shelter under the trees around the ground. An occasional breeze travels through the air to the delight of those in attendance. Firstly the rehab group consisted of OMac, Petracca, T.Smith, Hunt, Melksham, Stretch, Harmes, Oliver and Brayshaw, Baker and VDB. Drills were non contact (aside from Melksham who did some work with a marking bag) while each player would take their turn in participating in what looked to be some menacing running drills. Players looked absolutely spent after these. Petracca, Oliver, Baker and one of the new lads (Nietschke, I think) left early after spending most of the session running in the rehab group. None seem in any real discomfort aside from that of the Melbourne sun. Moving on to the main group, where the first drill I watched featuted players transitioning from the backline with a couple of spontaneous sets of 20 push ups which looked particularly grueling given today's conditions. Weideman with a nice couple of dead eye [censored] 30 metre passes. Frost also with a nice spin around two players and a short chip pass to Spargo. Lewis was another who nailed some neat kicks while Hibberd uncharacteristicly shanked a couple. Petty was also involved quite a bit as the link man between defense and forward. Moving to some forward play where a group of five would attempt to move the ball from half forward to a player having a clear shot at goal while contending with three defenders. Those I saw in this drill were Lewis, Maynard, Keilty, Frost, Spargo, Fritsch and Petty (I think). Lewis continued to set the standard with a some sharp pick ups and shots for goal. Nice bit of play with Spargo with a thread the needle handpass through three defenders to Keilty who passed the ball onto the running Maynard who slotted the goal. The next drill I watched involved players attempting to nail some 30m passes while under pressure from opposition. Players seemed a little sloppy at first but quickly tightened up their kicking. The Wagner of the Josh variety didn't miss a pass while Salem also looked exceptionally classy. I also really liked the look of Petty here. Looks a good kick and has a bit of toe for someonr of his size. The final drill I caught before leaving was more of a match simulation. ANB was often leading from the forward 50 with Weideman as the key target. Great piece of running on the wing by Jeffy to receive the ball but unfortunately miss the shot at goal. Exceptional piece of play from Spargo with a brilliant smother, gather and handball to a loose player! Smith also looked at home playing the intercept defender role. Another brilliant moment came courtesy of JKH, with an intercept in the forward 50 and a cracking hip and shoulder. No Jones, Gawn, TMac, May, KK, Preuss, or many of the new draftees who I think are in the NT at the moment.

To close the loop, I have today renewed my membership by phone. I also discussed with helpful staff member the difficulty of MCC members renewing online on the MFC website and had it confirmed that we have to do it through the MCC website. I suggested that the MFC website could include this information. In all seriousness, the club should be making it simple for all categories of member to renew. It's basic business knowledge that retaining a customer (or, in this case a member) is easier than finding a new one.

I tried doing it then and the MCC website wasn't allowing it either! The MCC site theoretically allowed a member to sign up with any AFL club* but the system didn't actually work. *Personally, I think anyone who joins an AFL club other than Melbourne should have their MCC membership cancelled as it's a clear sign that the person does not have the requisite integrity or intelligence expected of an MCC member.

How many irishmen have made the grade, and how many have been consummate failures..? I'd have to say we've been a bit more responsible and economical with our limited resources by not chasing the irish dragon, so to speak. Stynes was the exception, not the rule.

Interesting AFL article (below) reporting that Hawthorn has 31 players out of contract at the end of 2019. Would be great if someone could analyse that list to say how of many of the best say 25 are out of contract. Our approach and that of most clubs is to have rolling renewals of around one third each year. Sounds logical. (Collingwood have 29 coming out of contract.) I wonder if the Hawthorn situation was accidental or planned. "JAEGER O'Meara, Jarryd Roughead, Grant Birchall and potential captains Liam Shiels and Ben Stratton headline Hawthorn's AFL-most 31 players set to come out of contract next year. That figure is two more than Collingwood's unsigned group ahead of its 2018 campaign and includes 2014 premiership player Will Langford, who remains on the Hawks' list, but has retired. Flag stars Shaun Burgoyne, James Frawley, Ben McEvoy and Paul Puopolo, club champion runner-up Blake Hardwick and teenage cult hero James Worpel are also in line for fresh deals." https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/dec/07/jose-mourinho-manchester-united-relegation

I have no idea if he was catholic or Protestant but I have Catholic friends who are from Glasgow with Irish heritage. They identify with being both Scottish and Irish.

I'd heard that he was born in Scotland, but clung to an Irish identity for some reason, or lived in a mix of the two. Uncertain; however, in terms of his arrival at the MFC, he seemed to be content with being attached to '...the Irish experiment...' and unlike us down under, it really was only a matter of a ferry ride of a few miles to live Irish/Scottish/Irish/Scottish. He did explain to the press once that he was Scottish, for what it is worth. Hey, we got a novice Aussie Rules Scotsman with a penchant for Gaelic football from Ireland and we cannot discount the historical genome of Gaelic being a major part of both Ireland and Scotland, for centuries.He turned out to be a champion player in our game, getting better and better every year. He played like an Aussie, had the brain for the sport of 'football' like a Scotsman, and revelled on the field like a possessed Irishman on a holy mission. Great mix!

The logical direction FA is going for Hawthorn and Melbourne is that we start to become even more of a destination club and players second guess wanting to go to Hawthorn - particularly if Hawthorn fail to make the 8 next year.

Yep, exactly. Despite what Collingwood say too, their best 22 is very old. It's why our list is so exciting. Our best 20+ are majority 24 and under.

Collingwood-speak for "We don't know how many members we have because we can't count"

Sicily is also easy to dislike. In my top five memorable moments from the Geelong and Hawthorn finals was Melksham’s last quarter mark against the Hawks and Petracca’s subsequent laughing pisstake towards Sicily (from 15.46)

Sean Wight was no footballing mug, either. 'Champion' is the only word to describe him.

That photo was from Wednesday.

Before the first final Fritsch and Harmes entertained themselves, from out near the previous practice wicket area, where they had shots for goals from a huge distance out. Whilst Harmes landed a couple from more than 50m, Fritsch was a revelation. He kicked several torps from close to 70m! And none of his torps misfired as they commonly do. Contrary to some expectations I envisage us playing 2 ruckmen next year with Fritsch at FF; I think he could be a sensation.

Hawthorn have won 13 premierships in 50 years by being arrogant. Hawthorns leaders like Matthews, Scott, Brereton, Dipper, Lewis, Hodge etc all got suspended, all gave away 50m penalties, all could be called undisciplined. I’m happy to take the occasional “undisciplined act” to get some of that culture into Melbourne, and hope Lewis gets his 5th flag. Even if he doesn’t, he is sure helping by turning up in peak condition and showing the list what it takes to take the next step.

I would have thought the link between numbers of players' of a certain height and a measure of success is likely to be tenuous. However, I note that there are six teams with 3 or fewer players over 200 cm. Four of those teams have won the last four Premierships. The other two teams have recently played in Preliminary finals. If there is a link (which I still doubt) I'll guess that it's because the teams with four or more 200+ cm players have more of that height on their list than they need because they're not happy with what they've got and are still trying to find the right 200+ cm players.

Potentially a better player than Brad with more strings to his game. Brad played some good games but he played plenty of poor ones as well. Lets hope that Fritta does not get a dose of second year blues.

Bernie’s back in the red and blue Good to see him sticking around!

It wasn't that long ago that we would be limping over the line to crack the 30K mark in July or August or whenever the cut-off date is. Great work MFC and Demons supporters keep them coming. Always good to welcome new and returning members on board the D- train.

I was so bloody happy to read this. I love Bernie. The impact he's had on this club is underrated by many.

Melbourne vs Essendon in the Grand Final. Payback for 2000 is coming.

Melbourne to win the flag easily. The Dees won't lose a game. Viney to win brownlow and B&F. Oliver to finish 2nd in both. Hore to debut round 1. Gawn to kick 40 goals. Most improved Weideman. No Melbourne player will be on the slide they will all be amazing.

That's even worse than the other bloke. GO AND GET F'D

Get stuffed on those 2 despicable stuff. Why would you want to predict injuries?

Melbourne premiers 2019

Perhaps too freely ! My guess is that there was a 3 way problem: your CV your references and critically, the police check.

We see it time and time again, but how good is the Jetta sidestep? Great to hear the Perth crowd cheer when he left a couple of Irish players standing still.

Basketball is a good bet now, arguably better than Gaelic football for a number of reasons. Generally, anyone playing at least representative state basketball needs a relatively good basketball IQ, which is often not taught. The complexities of the sport and its plays often demand a bright player. So if you're digging into the basketball talent pool you're almost guaranteed a smart kid that is adaptable and knows how to apply complex tactics on game day. On top of that, the modern basketball game shares a demand for core strength, so the physical transition isn't as tough. Basketball is all about using your core strength to get front position and protect the ball, which is half the battle in AFL. Completely different sports yet strangely share a lot in common. Gaelic football on the other hard is an AFL-soccer hybrid that discourages physical contact and isn't anywhere near as tactical.