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I was at training this morning and watched some match simulation. There was a five minute period where Bennell lit up the place. He definitely wasn't holding anything back today.

Good thing I was chopping up onions when i watched that..

Cheers mate Decs doing well, but has been missing footy a lot. In fact he has missed it so much he thinks he might go back to Casey next season.

Until this point, the MFC has kept Harley pretty well shielded from the media glare, so his interview earlier today was one of the few times we've actually heard him speak. A few other key things I took away from the interview with Harley: 1. He is clearly someone who loves footy and playing footy; 2. When he spoke of the emotional response of those close to him about the news of his selection, it's pretty clear how much playing again means to Harley and he seemed genuinely greatful to the MFC for the oppertunity to have another go; 3. People often question Goodwins worth. It's well acknowledged that one of Goodwin's strengths is to build strong relationships with his players. To hear Harley speak of Goodwin as being like a father figure to him outside of the game, to me having that kind of respect from your players is exactly one of the qualities which good senior coaches have. I also got the impression that this life mentoring from Goodwin has been one of the keys to Harley getting back to where he is now. Just imagine if he got that sort of guidance and made that kind of connection with Guy MeKenna and others at Gold Coast - his career might have turned out quite differently.

He did the entire session this morning and looked fine including match simulation.

Personally, I think Demonland should ban posters making a comment such as this one. Haven't we learnt nothing?

Just watching the way Harley caries himself in this interview, you can tell that he is a player that oozes confidence in his own ability as a footballer. Even after all this time out, he seems 100% ready to go about business and put his talents on show for all to see. Not in an arrogant cocky kind of way necessarily, but in a very self asured confident kind of way. We haven't had too many players like that at the MFC. So stoked that he has got this far, particularly given that some people thought the exercise was a complete waste of time. Really looking forward to seeing Harley play again and even better it being in the red and blue. Whether it's for 1 game or 100, I get the sense that it's going to be a great ride and as a supporter I'm just going to sit back and enjoy it without worrying how long it might last.

Tom Browne is wrong #59998544737 Fantastic news.

Boys if he can stay un-injured he will be a massive boost for us. The dude can definitely play some damn good footy. So happy for him.

I rate, and like, Jack Watts. Gubby Allan told me a few years ago that the majority of clubs had him at number one. I wish him all the best.

Wow, three more debutants for us after five in Rd 1 - Goody certainly gets excited by new talent. I hope everyone realises we are witnessing some major changes from our Rd 1 thinking and a fundamental switch in his planning. Firstly we played five small forwards in Rd 1 (I include Melky in this contingent even though he is just over 6 foot). Three of them - ANB, Spargo and Bedford - have been sent back to the twos. Our forward group will include Jonesy, but clearly we are going bigger and I for one am rapt that Goody seems to have realised that the Richmond small model of 2017 was done a bit by necessity and thrown out the door by them in 2019. This is not to say that I am against smalls, but five little guys in our forward half tested most of us who like to think we know footy (even if we don't) and certainly provided easy aerial pickings for the Eagles. Instead Goody has gone with Jackson who is quicker than any of the above trio, although not as explosive as Kossie. He also stands 201cm which means he can be the outlet down the line - although from what I saw of him in the old Gosch's Paddock days, he is not a smooth mark ... yet. He is however a smooth mover and well worth developing. Some of you have queried why we aren't playing a third tall like the Weid and I suspect you can blame Harley and Tomlinson for that. Harley's inclusion means we have another quality outside mid to go with Langdon and Tomlinson and Tomlinson's size means he can be switched forward as well if required - albeit a change of the plan to use him on the wing. Weid will get another chance - just not this week. Secondly, our clear lack of pace, a problem even during Neeld and Roosy's days, officially ends on Saturday. Rivers is quick and a beautiful kick. I remember when he arrived at Gosch's Paddock on his first day. He looked really good, but got an early lesson in a six-on-six drill when he did not use his body fully to protect the ball. Olly came in hard and bumped him out with ease - prpbably giving him a bit of a corkie at the same time. But Rivers just looked like he was taking note and hopefully he now has the beef to ensure he is not pushed aside. Rivers is also very good intercepting in the air and his inclusion may mean that Joel Smith has been overlooked, which would surprise me but ultimately may not be such a bad thing. A game in the reserves may help Smithy. And if Smith is selected as well, then welcome to the fastest backline we have had in my time watching - Rhino Richards would approve. Gone from recent days are our backline slowies (albeit very smart players) such as Jordy Lewis, Bernie Vince, Lynden Dunn, Tom Mac. Gone also are quicks who aren't precise kicks such as Frosty and Jayden. And barring Lever's injury being worse than first thought, gone also is Oscar, Goody's No.1 experiment. I remember the game at Marvel when Goody was Roosy's understudy and we lost to St Kilda and Dunny (then vice-captain) was blamed for being caught over the back. From that moment on Goody has pushed forward Oscar and the rest of us have queried it. He has now played 75 games, that's only two short of Neale Daniher's infamous project player Brent Grgic before he was delisted and picked up by the Cats. Oscar has great skills is a good spoiler and is a safe mark, but we all know that he is slower than Lynden Dunn and that's after he's had two knee operations. Last year Goody had few options but to play him because of the injuries, but now he has a virtual full list. He has two genuine tall defensive stars in May and Lever and he has plenty of capable kicks. And he has pace at his fingertips. I am also a big VDB fan, but given Harley has been included, it's probably best to wait another week for VDB's return against Essendon. Happy Days and Dees!

Livestream up now on the clubs website with Jackson and Rivers being interviewed. Just wondering if someone could translate the subtitles for me.

If Lockhart is fit, and looking in the same nick he was pre lockdown, I can't see any way he gets dropped.

Bloke with the biggest smile this weekend could be Jason Taylor.

Rivers is an exciting prospect, good pace, good kick, good hardness. Reckon he takes Hibberds role on the half back flank. Bennell huge in. Hope his body holds up and he can build his way into being an explosive damaging player again. Jackson in is a shock as he doesn’t look up to AFL standard at this stage. He lacks physicality, his forward work and midfield work have been poor to date, while he’s shown he suits the ruck with his huge leap. He’s got potential to be great long term, but feel we’re perhaps pulling the trigger early!

3 huge changes

I'm irrationally excited to see Harley in the red & blue on Saturday.

Jeez i hope that is not the attitude held within the MFC. Sure we're not going to get any bums on seats for the short-term, but wins will do wonders for signing up members, if not this year then definitely next. We are in no way a powerhouse club, more like a shack in a shanty town. Wins + winning = the most important aspect for MFC's short, medium & long term outlook.

Quite right. I should have said "Have we learnt nothing?" or "Haven't we learned anything?". I now fear being banned for having improperly used a double negative.

In: Jones, Salem, Bennell, Jackson, Rivers, Weid Out: Lockhart, Bedford, Spargo, Neal-Bullen, Brown, Hibberd B: Jetta, May, Lever HB: Salem, Omac, Rivers ? Langdon, Oliver, Tomlinson HF: Melksham, Tmac, Jones F: Pickett, Weid, Fritsch R: Gawn, Viney, Petracca I: Brayshaw, Harmes, Jackson, Bennell Can't see us playing jackson as the only other tall forward along side tmac. Marc Mcgowan reported that at todays training neal-bullen, brown, bedford, spargo all playing in the 'B' team. Only other possible change is maybe joel smith plays for omac or if lever doesn't get up.

Wow big selection news. I’m hoping with Rivers in the side it means Harmes can go back to the midfield. He should absolutely tag Cripps. Nullify him and we are 80% of the way to beating Carlton. Also assume if Jackson is in, Weids isn’t.

Forget the Eagles games. We were told an hour before the match the season was cancelled. Really it should be replayed as the other 8 games were played under the assumption the season was continuing. In any event, there are no excuses for us not to have a great season. Instead of a return trip from Perth to play GWS in Round 2, we have had a 3 month break and will play Carlton. With a Perth trip out of the way we are no chance to be part of any Perth hub if it happens. So Round 1 may be a blessing in disguise. Can not wait to see Kozzie lighting it up, LJ's debut and the return of Bennell. I expect crowds will be back much sooner than people think. Lets go Demons.

Thanks mate haha I was always here but as a quiet observer So keen for the footy to start again

Watts has played 174 games . Nic Nat 167. He has averaged 15 disposals a game over his whole career. There is a strong chance Jack will end up a 200 game player. Thats a pretty good effort. He has copped a lot of flack over his career, a lot of it unfair. If we had of taken Nic Nat in the draft he probably would have headed home after a couple of years.

The only way this could get any more exciting is if Brett Lovett did the jumper presentation.

Exciting times. One of the most gifted players to ever lace up a boot IMO. If he could remain injury free and get back to consistent football, he could really change our fortunes. Its a big "if", but he is now out there amongst it. So very happy and excited. Good luck to Harley.

Bugger those ins, I want to know if the most talked up, greatest player of all time, one J.Smith is getting a game.

I think people are being too harsh on his round 1 game. Made a few mistakes but also did some very good things. Was a little better than his 2019 average. Really training standards should of more importance than performance in one match 2 months ago, and who knows how different players have managed with that.

Haven't forgotten him '58'...he will be a big plus in the forward half. Knows how to kick a goal.

I had the exact same dream. Bennell kicked the last 12 goals of the game.

It’s wasn’t the supporters, the club let him and every other player in that era down. Watts also let himself down with his love of motorboats and white line fever.

About time we got totally RUTHLESS Quite a few.. Gifted games.... But no more... that means quite a lot of NQR will only get games if players are injured! No longer can the likes of Oscar. ANB, Spargo, Hunt, Petty, and others be gifted games About bloody time!

Good to see another Rivers in the backline

I have a feeling he’s going to calve it up.

Further to COVID-19, this has just been leaked. The only way it could be any bleaker is if Collingwood win the flag.

Hibbo was horrible in Round 1 Loose and his kicking and disposal nowhere near 2017 and 2018. He has taken weight off but looks a shadow of his former self.

If Lockhart does not play I am going to have a fit.

Way too early for a big tick.

Hibberd has to go not Lockhart if firm is any guide

Gil: The field is already cluttered as it is, should we make the game 16 a side? Throw some ideas out to me people.. Hocking: How about we add an extra umpire? Gil: That’s why I pay you the big bucks. Make it happen.

Great news, we have no choice but to develop Rivers, Jackson and Kosi on the run with no VFL team playing. They are all great prospects. Remember when Port played 3 debs against us first game last year...it gave them a real boost. The inclusion of Bennell & Rivers with Salem (I'm guessing) improves are foot skills, which is another huge positive.

Jackson + Rivers playing too on Demons Twitter. Wow this is exciting

He's innnnnnnnn!!!!

I just had a really vivid dream where whilst other stuff was happening, the Melb v Carl score line was live throughout. most of the numbers were very specific.. Q1 - Melb 0 Carl 3 Q2- Melb 3 Carl 8 Q3- Melb 63 Carl 21 Final- Melb 138 Carl 38 An exact 100 point margin. #putyourhouseonit #ETandBinmanarenttherealoracles #imaginethegamedaydemonlandthread #Classicmelbourne

I am fairly new on here but come to view problem with this club is not the coaches, not managers, not the players, not the board but the negative supporters - then I think these people are not our supporters they are spies on here trying to mess the club up can’t be real supporters always focusing on how to lose