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Guys, it hasn't been reported yet, but to show you how tough & committed to the cause that Aaron is, he suffered a triple fracture to his cheekbone early in the second quarter and despite blood trickling continually down the inside of his nose & throat he totally downplayed the knock and kept playing. Was even the only player to go in and remonstrate with Stratton after the crude knock on Weid. You can see why the Coaches & teammates love him in the side.

Tough on the travel for us but harder for our opponents. Rd 9 vs Port Adelaide sees us not travelling coming off a 4 day break. Port get a 5 day break but travelling from Adelaide. I'd say this is about even. Rd 10 vs Adelaide see us travelling to Adelaide off a 6 day break. Adelaide are coming off a 4 day break travelling from Brisbane. Win for us. Rd 11 vs North sees us travelling to Tasmania off a 4 day break. North are coming off a 4 day break travelling from Brisbane. I'd say this is par noting the flight is fairly similar. Rd 12 vs Pies sees us travelling to Brisbane off a 6 day break. Pies are coming off a 4 day break travelling from Adelaide. Win for us. So two pars and a coupla birdies. We definitely can't whinge at this fixture imo.

Injury stuff aside, which is further proof of his toughness (although he is lucky he didn't injure himself further), I love having Vanders in the side. Yes, he isn't the best user of the footy in the side, and he doesn't necessarily rack up the big numbers. But you get the feeling he is the sort of player who can make others walk taller. He is one of the best tacklers in the side and he makes the opposition hurt. You wouldn't want him running at your from the other way. As he continues to get back to full fitness, he can be a real weapon for us who will fly under the radar while the more 'sexy' players take the spotlight. It's a credit to him that he is beginning to reap the rewards from the hard yards he has put in to get back into the side, and a credit to the club for sticking by him.

No use whinging about the travel, everyone's fixture is a mess. I've checked Collingwood, who are the supposed big club darlings of the AFL. - Sunday vs Fremantle in Perth - Thursday vs Sydney in Brisbane - Tuesday vs Adelaide in Adelaide - Saturday vs Melbourne in Brisbane That's 4 games in the space of 13 days w/ lots of travel.

Thank you for that post. I saw it after I posted and it made me feel a lot better. As is very obvious, I have a deep hatred for Ess and a short fuse when it comes to the favours they get.

Whilst still living down in Canterbury in Kent (UK) I volunteered as a listener with The Samaritans for three years. Some interesting things I remember from that time were that only around 10% of the callers / visitors were people genuinely suffering from suicidal thoughts or depression. Many were prank callers if you can believe it. Also, I found that the people who had made the decision themselves to call us usually fared far better that those that had been prompted by family or friends to do so. Maybe because they were in a headspace where they knew they needed help and were comfortable enough to seek it. Psychotherapy can also be a game changer in regards to depression but again the results I think can be much better when the person seeking help understands that they will be the one doing most of the work and not the person they're paying to listen to them. For anyone at their lowest ebb during this time complete openness can be really helpful but also be when someone can be at their most vulnerable to any sort of mild criticism. Coming out the other end though can be character building though as it can really help people understand the steps and triggers that led them to those low points and also make it far easier to articulate to themselves and others what they are feeling. Particularly for males I think that is a great tool to have in our mental health kit. Long term depression can be as painful and debilitating as any physical illness and I came to the view that in most cases someone would have to be at the very end of their mental and emotional endurance to actually take their own life and that it's certainly not a cowardly act. Anyway, that's my two bobs worth on the subject.

Thanks for the heads up. Talked about Trac and how he has worked on mindset which has kept him focused in parts of games he has historically become distracted. Made some mention of him even working on (or at least attempting to) his behaviour off the field in this regard. Talked a bit about him and Jacko but not a great deal to report on that front. Talked about an ‘unselfish’ midfield and what I took from it was they like the balance of Trac/Clarry/Viney/Brayshaw at the moment. Made special mention of Brayshaw and how he thinks he has been one of Melbourne’s best and he is confused why people are saying he is out of form. I’m sure that will upset a few on here.

It’s a sick joke that we’ve just moved from Sydney to Queensland then we need to go to Adelaide and Tassie on the short break. Really this draw has been awful for us. I want to see how many other teams are traveling over their very short breaks.

Sorry mate, not here. Thought May defended really well as well as had some really productive disposals. OMac didn't seem to be called on as much and his disposals tend to be more 'safe', which is totally fine of course, just comparing it to how May uses his kicking to attack and set up play. Reckon "spoiling team mates or mindlessly bombing out of the defence" is a bit harsh for mine. May's getting better every week, especially now that Oscar is so solid meaning he can focus a bit more on his own game.

The guy is the enforcer for us. He sets the tone and you’re right, he hurts players and that becomes a byproduct of perceived pressure. He was massive in 2018 in the lead up to the finals and the first two wins in September. If gets some game time together and builds on his match fitness he will be very important.

Whilst I get that people see TMac playing on a wing and touting the benefits, I'm concerned that we are trying to squeeze him in just cos it's TMac. He's not in good form atm, and Jackson took the opportunity last week and deserves to play ahead of TMac this week. We have a very fit list to chose from, Jones isn't being gifted a spot in the 18, and nor should TMac. That sends the wrong message to the list. Further to that point, if we want a tall wing option, lets use the one we recruited for that purpose, who trained the whole preseason there, and has all of the attributes and is more mobile than TMac, in Tomlinson, who has the same elite endurance, strength and similar height... and I don't see many people saying Tomlinson should be in this week, so why shoehorn TMac in to the team under the same premise. Last thing to add here is that last week I noticed for the first time in a long time, our forwards appeared mindful of each other's space to lead and move around. I'm not saying this is Tom's fault, and could be a result of form, but he doesn't seem to be making space, he takes up space and looks like he wants the ball dropped on top of him rather than in front or behind to lead into... I might be a little harsh perhaps, I don't know.

I think this misses the point that some of us are making about whether we can play both TMAC and Jackson in the one team. Jackson is an unusual big man as he can play in the ruck AND as a key forward AND as an agile mid fielder. Given his obvious skills this makes our side very flexible. TMac is a bullocking high marking and reasonably quick tall forward. In other words an ideal centre half forward, and we have Weid as a very effective full forward. Jackson looks a more effective ruckman than TMAC so there is nothing to stop Jackson from playing ruck when the ball goes into the forward 50. l think the best selection is to play all 3. Gives us great flexibility and skill - and would be difficult to match up on for most sides. TMac is too talented and skilled to be left out and adds considerable grunt and skill to our capabilities.

I don’t have any problems with the fixture. This is a tough competition in a very rough year for everybody and we’re a side that will, in the long run, benefit from doing it hard. We’ve been lucky so far with injuries so it gives us an edge on our opponents. Let’s be positive about the challenges facing us for the rest of the year.

No worries. I get the hatred of Essendon. Mine is genuinely unhealthy how mush I despise them as well. Genuine scumbags and I appreciated your rant about them

Made me feel better

He could be a real weapon for us this 4 weeks. Having spent a few years at Arsenal he will be more than well equipped to get a team ready off a 4 day break which is very common in ⚽ !

It’s ridiculous that both North and the Dees are staying at the same complex at Maroochydore and are playing against each other in Tassie FFS?

Going to make it all the more sweeter when we win all four on our march to a flag...

The other point to note is I believe we currently have Hawks 2nd round pick. This pick could very possibly start in the 22-25 range.

Had a good mate for many years. Travelled internationally with him a few times. Dated sisters. Lived at his joint for months after I was repatriated from working overseas. Had a blue with him after he got drunk and said some things that I took great offence to. Never spoke to him again. Last year out of the blue I had a missed message from him. "Call f**k ya" he said, in a voice that sounded almost desperate. I ignored it for a few days, then tried to call but no answer. Found out a few months back that he had taken his own life just after he called me. Never give up on the people you care about, as you might be the one who saves them. When people are desperate they will almost always reach out to someone. Make sure you are not the selfish bastard who doesn't reach back. R.I.P Shane. Thoughts to your family and friends.

His workrate is immense. With more experience and bigger frame, he'll really start to clunk those pack marks. Not afraid to go in and crash a park which i love. Jackson, Kozzie and River. Yep, we absolutely nailed this draft. Well done to Jason Taylor.

Pretty happy with this fixture. We get to test ourselves against the best (Lions and Power) while in good form with a healthy deep list. We get the SA clubs how we’d prefer, Crows in Adelaide, Port in Qld. We get to play in Tassie again. We know this ground well, play this game every year, and North are struggling. We both come off 4 day breaks; seems fair. We get the Pies amid their, and our, travel bonanza! And without De Goey! Then I read that Melbourne Storm has just played 7 games in 7 different venues across 4 states while fully relocating to Qld - no complaints and once again they ease back into the top 4 in dominant form. Guess where the Storm are staying in Qld? Maybe Goody can buy Bellamy a few lattes..... And we have Burgess - have no doubt the players will get confidence from that, call it our X Factor. Carn Demons

Have loved this bloke since his first practice match for the club. I saw him charge past a team mate I think last week to lay a tackle. Just hunts bodies and is completely fearless. One of those blokes you want in your team knowing he's always got your back. I wish he would tidy up his kicking as it has hurt a couple times but I can forgive him a lot more easily noting the time he has spent out of the game with injuries especially to his foot. It's bloody hard kicking the pill even in bush footy when the fatigue kicks in let alone still trying to build fitness while playing AFL. Just hope his body continues to hold up as he deserves a good run at the top line with what he's been through. I'm not surprised about his facial injury if that's the case, even less surprised he continued playing on. I'd be surprised if he had some time off for it however, the kids a beast.

? Look at Ess: Round 9 - Friday, Gabba Round 10 - Friday, Metricon Round 11 - Wednesday, Metricon Round 12 - Sunday, Gabba Nice spread of dates and don't leave Qld where they have been based for about a month (and travelled once in round 8 to SA). How on earth do they get special treatment like that!!!! This is where the postponed game will hurt us. Freo, WCE, Hawthorn and Carlton have a bye after round 10. GWS and Sydney get a bye in Round 11. Other teams will get byes between Rounds 13 - 16. We don't get a bye nor do Essendon but look at the advantage they have in well spaced games and no travel. I'm not usually someone to complain about the fixture but we have been dealt a poor hand especially if we end up playing in Alice and have a catch up game without a bye. With the amount of travel we have basing in Maroochydore may not be such a good idea for total travel time to/from airports etc. Lets hope there are flights from there directly to Adelaide and Hobart otherwise it will be quite painful, especially if we have to adopt FIFO travel. Can only hope the AFL even it up in rounds 13 - 16!

Tracc 3rd overall and Maxy 8th. Both a game behind the rest. A couple of All Australian seasons for both of those lads! Interesting that there are 5 Ruckmen in the top 20 (Gawn, Goldstein, Witts, English and Grundy in 20th place).

They are North and Adelaide’s home games

Hawthorn v Melbourne 10 Christian Petracca (MELB) 8 Max Gawn (MELB) 5 Clayton Oliver (MELB) 3 Jack Viney (MELB) 2 Steven May (MELB) 1 James Sicily (HAW) 1 Sam Weideman (MELB) https://www.afl.com.au/news/468040/coaches-votes-r7-trac-on-the-move-jack-steals-second-place Nice to see Clarko slip Sicily in for a vote.

"Tis but a scratch.

I think it was O Mac who said in his post game video that they are used to living there from doing the pre season camps up there the past couple of years. It's apartment accomodation rather than hotel rooms so maybe that suits them better. I'm guessing it's also a lot more effective for distancing staying away from all the other teams at the cost of an extra hours driving once a week or however often games are going to be. I assume also has the benefit of no limitations on access to the training grounds and facilities they use with the added benefits of not needing to share them with other teams.

Given the challenges he has endured with injuries and family life he is one tough cookie. Really admire his grit and determination. Hope he is ok to play this week. He is great at causing turnovers, just by charging straight at the ball carrier. Takes no prisoners!

After listening to Gawn on RSN, Brayshaw will not be getting dropped anytime soon.

Brayshaw is actually a really nice long kick, and on both feet as well. It’s those short kicks, particularly on his left that are dodgey.

Ta j6. Just made that same point about Brayshaw on the what has happened to him thread. It appears the answer is he playing well and pleasing his coach and team mates

I think he simply misread the room. He thought with the shortened games the quickest team would win. That's why he preferenced small forwards over having another key forward, that's why he wanted Bennell to get a couple more weeks in him rather than go at 50% gametime, that's why the players were going gung-ho at a frenetic pace. He was proven wrong and so has rejigged things to go with a more traditional setup. It's a shame because I genuinely think we should have beaten Geelong and Richmond and that's on him. But at least we've got it right now and if we can keep up the form we saw on the weekend I don't think anyone will be complaining.

I don’t know about his demeanour with the players but he has been an automaton outward for his entire tenure. Comparing coaches is difficult but we all Daniher the Reverend because of his change in the early naughts to being a spruiker of the club. And I think that had an effect on the club itself and I thought it was important. Goodwin needs to show more passion and personality as a coach outwardly - what he does inside the club is a different story. He should do whatever he needs to keep this form of the last two weeks up for enough of the season to get us into a finals run. He has enough talent at his disposal to do it - and that’s regardless of passion and histrionics.

Very sad. All you young dudes thinking you've reached the end of life please never give your enemies the satisfaction . Things are never that bad.

Don't know what game you were watching, maybe you just said what everyone has said, he had 16 touchs, 8 contested, and 6 score involvement which is the most important stat in the game, which is scoring.

I know its bad karma to wish ill will on people, but I couldn't be happier that the Hawks have absolutely [censored] the bed. The smugness of their club over the last few years just amazes me. Yes they won flags and well done to them but every time a Hawks supporters pipes up about that I remind them it was when free agency came in and the draft pool was destroyed by GC and GWS leaving teams with no access to talent for development and trading. Might not be 100% true but, well, stuff them. The arrogance of there recruiter is on a whole other level and they have backfired massively over the last few years picking up multiple injured players and 'not quite rights' who they believed they could fix and turn into stars. Scully with a stuffed ankle is a shadow of his former self. Lot's hear despise him still and talk him down but his 2016 was sensational and his 2017 year was great as a pure winger until his injury. He ran hard on the weekend but squibbed at least 2 contests and didnt chase at times as well. Ty Vickery. Was a battler at the Tigs while the Hawkers were going to turn him into Carey V2.0 Jaeger cost them a P10 and second rounder. Is a B Grader at best Patton looks slow and even before his injury I wonder if he would get a game in stronger teams Jono O'Rourke. Former P2 bust who they beleived they could turn around They clearly over rated there list when they brought in Wingard as well. They bugger off a young talent in Ryan Burton and another first rounder to get him and although he's been good, for that kind of investment you want him being good in September. No way they will get there. Mitchell was a steal, I'll give them that. His injury was awful and I'll be surprised if he gets back to his best. Now they have a team full of NQR mercenaries, players impacted by horrific injuries and bugger all talent coming through and I'm very excited to watch a decade of Hawthorn filth.

Harsh. Was a very good player before his foot injury crippled him.

Much better game yesterday, he showed glimpses of his best attributes. His smarts were on display, ran to the right spots whether he got the ball or not, held his own in the ruck. If he can contribute at that level while he continues to develop then we'll all be very happy. With time he could become a special player, it will take time though. Talls take longer and he'll be no exception to that as he builds his body up. Imagine how good he could be with some extra strength so he isn't pushed out of contests. Strength, leap, agility, smarts, he could become a serious weapon in a few years.

I forget what quarter it was, but the moment where Jackson recognised we were likely to win a centre clearance, burst forward to take the forward handball, then run away and get it inside 50 was a thing of beauty. Legit plays like a mid.

Bump Whoever was calling for Oliver to be dropped, please kindly remove yourself from demonland and assess how much you understand football and whether you should really be commenting on melbourne and our players. The most ridiculous thing I've heard in a long time!!

If you believe that Chaplin would be prepared to give the lowdown on the coach being told to lift his game you are naive. And I didn't get any assertion from SWYL's post that Goody was told to "show more emotion on camera". In fact it read to me like he was told to smarten up and perform better. Maybe you just jumped to a conclusion that suited your biases?

Someone mentioned Tmac on the wing and I actually don't mind that idea It could really pay off or really, really hurt Pro - strong, athletic and a massive tank Cons - he's crazy slow and he always does that move where he tries to step inside/take the ball over peoples heads/roll the ball up with one arm and gets caught. Would get burnt on the way back back to d50 I like Jacko way more than Tmac and I'd be really stunned if he goes out for him

And I'll throw in Carlton and Collingwood. And Richmond.

Better than having an empty Fwd Line to kick to. Weid has a lot of improvement in him, no doubt. But he earnt his spot yesterday. Hit many packs up fwd and some further up the ground

Though Weid was great on the weekend in combination with Jackson and think he could be downright dangerous as the season progresses and he builds more confidence and form. If he had have kicked just a little straighter, I thought he could have kicked 4 or 5 goals against Hawthorn. Anyway, good little article on him in the Fairfax online. 'She sometimes is in the COVID ward': Why Weideman's partner won't be joining AFL hub https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sport/afl/she-sometimes-is-in-the-covid-ward-why-weideman-s-partner-won-t-be-joining-afl-hub-20200720-p55dq7.html After the headline part about his partners nursing, there is also a pretty good write up about his football struggles over the past 18 months and the support he got off team mates and the club.

I’m shirking selection this week. Who comes out for TMac is too hard a decision. It would be a very brave decision not to select him. I think he is going to be in. Make no mistake though, the TMac question is the only one being asked. Melksham and Brayshaw aren’t going to be dropped for Jones or any of the kids, those suggestions are just laughable. The only player whose place in the side is tenuous is Lockhart, and they won’t make a pointless change like that after such a big win.

I just got tickets to the Brisbane game this Sunday. I haven't been this excited about going to the footy in a loooong time. Hopefully its a good game as Brisbane are in red hot form. Go Dees

So um...how bloody exciting is this kid? Talk about strings to his bow. Just the way someone of his size can glide around the ground, coupled with his skills. It’s going to be a treat watching him develop. He also didn’t seem to show any signs of fatigue after 86% game time. The recruiters have nailed this one. He is something special