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And people on here criticise his kicking! Posters will dig up his mistakes this year but in the big picture he is a rock in his position and gives us good drive from d50. Greatly underrated on this site.

Jones looks a happy man again. He is on 292 games. Play remaining 6 H&A games and gets to 298. It would be fantastic if we play a few finals and he gets 300 this year. What a final that would be!! Even tho I've said we don't owe players, if he gets to 295 - 299 games we have to give him a contract next year to get to the 300. Can't let him go if he gets so close. Lets hope we go deep into finals, Jones stays fit and keeps his spot.

Agree. Everyone watches what clubs do in these situations, not least of all the players. You give respect back for loyalty. That is what successful clubs do and that is part of building a strong culture. If he gets there this year great, if not he is given the chance to get there next year. It wouldn't be on big money and a coaching role could be part of it, if he got there and then retired, or stayed on to play at Casey and teach the younger players. The guy is a MFC great and they are to be treasured, not p-ssed on.

This Club only has 1 player ever to play 300 games. In Jones, we now have the chance to double that. People talk about Club culture, and this is the way to achieve it. i.e everything in OUR power to get him to that milestone after he has given so much to US. If it means another year on the list, then so be it. I could name 4 players who will not be there next year. I could name another 4 who will probably be moved on, or never make the grade. Yet Nathan is playing in our first 22 at the moment. We will not be heavily involved in the draft this year, it is compromised and we have given away our first round pick. Keeping Jones on the list will not affect our draft or trading position in any way. As a club we have to make it happen.

Here is a game from 30 years ago. Suburban AFL the way it was I am sure a few other Demonlanders were there, this game is often talked about. To Younger Supporters, now you can find out why... Enjoy the full game.....

Harsh. The bloke deserves a little more respect than that. While he needs to continue to play in a manner that is fitting of a spot in the side, I'd love to see him get to 300 games this year, especially as that would mean we play finals to get him there.

Melbourne: Christian Salem The Dees jumped out of the blocks against a poor-performing Collingwood outfit and so did Christian Salem. Salem finished the game with 22 disposals at a staggering 96 per cent efficiency, took a game-high 10 marks – all of which were uncontested – and had five rebound 50s. Salem’s free-flowing performance summed up the Dees’ 56-point victory against a poor-performing Magpies side.

Tom Lynch is a [censored] dirty grub.

Just finished watching the replay. Honestly, that was one of the better games I've seen Nathan Jones play since the Swans game last year where he snagged three. He only had the 16 touches on Saturday, but its great to see him back and contributing to the side. Not sure whether he goes on and plays in 2021 yet, but you can't deny he's playing his role quite nicely at the moment. Also, this play was vintage Jones.

Not Lulie Street but a nice touch anyway.

Bruce has got to get into the side first....

He can most definitely do worse than TMac. He isn’t a forward’s bootlace. Preuss was really good last night and it sucks that he will be dropped when Gawn comes back, but make no mistake about it, he will be dropped. He knew what he was signing up for when he came to the club.

7 day break. And no travel. Doggies have a six day break, which can't bit be a positive for us. And then another one to the saints game (who by the by also have a six day break after a tough game v the lions). Two seven day breaks (after our 6 day break post roos game) is terrific for planning and getting recovery and preparation spot on. We then have a five day break to the swans game in cairns, wirh the swans also coming off a 5 day break following their game v port in Adelaide.

Yep, I think it's a dangerous move to play with the forward mix. McDonald, for the most part, is doing his job. He just needs to bring the ball to ground and take his chances if he gets them.

Well said. Some really disrespectful comments on this thread. The club needs to handle this whole matter with dignity and respect. He should not be gifted games and I’m sure he would not want that. He needs to earn his spot and if not the case, he needs to be embraced and treated with decency and an acknowledgement of his service and loyalty.

For those suggesting Tmac goes out for Gawn, with Preuss to stay in don't really understand Weidermans role at the moment. He is playing our deepest forward with either Tmac or Jackson in front of him. Preuss couldn't play the Tmac/Jackson role he would need to play the Weiderman Role, I not sure we what to change that up.

In 2018 Spargo averaged 5.2 score involvements from 12.2 disposals per game. Let's call that 4.2 from 9.8 in 2020 due to shorter games. This year he is ave 4.0 from 9.0 from 3 games, so very close. This year 84 players average 4.2 or score involvements per game and at 4.0, Spargo is top 90 in the comp. That's only 4-5 players per club who are that much involved in their teams scoring as much as Spargo. Let's say elite in this category is 5 (only 22 players average more than 5 score involvements per game this year). Spargo only needs an extra 2 disposals per game and he'll hit that. I rate score involvements as a concept stat because they show how well you create attacking opportunities through your disposal, either by hitting the score board or by combining with your team mates during scoring passages. In Spargo's case he creates opportunities to score by adding value. He disposes to the advantage of his team mates in a way that frees them up. Even when he isn't scoring, those around him score.

Nice little read on the game. MELBOURNE V COLLINGWOOD – THE BIG MONGREL QUESTIONS

It's another Burgess influence. Clarry was interviewed briefly after the Adelaide win and was asked something along the line of his improving performance and he said Burgo wanted him to take 5 quick steps if he received the ball and wasn't under immediate pressure. If you look at the last 3 games it's obvious that's what he is doing and it's allowing him to kick more. Simple but genius.

Winning makes you go up the ladder The End

Or 300 on the Premiership dais. Imagine if we made this year's GF in Nathan Jones 300th game and won - there would be some poetic justice there. I think that would cure MFCSS forever

Having just watched the replay, I’m convinced that if Gawn plays, they’re not going to drop TMac. He didn’t take enough marks but did the next best thing in bringing the ball to ground - two of which directly resulted in goals (Melksham and Spargo). He’s still a long way from his best, he’s going well enough. In: Gawn Out: Preuss If Gawn is no good, then no change.

How did the least controversial Melbourne Demons footballer of all time become so controversial...

In an era of free agency and player driven trades, your perception as a club int he AFL industry is really important. We should be giving Jones a chance to get to 300, especially if his form is there or thereabouts. I'd happily give him an extra year next year to do so, as he's a positive role model around the club, effectively only takes up the last pick in the draft and demonstrates to the AFL industry (players, agents, coaches, administrators etc) that we are a club that looks after our players whilst and that you/your client would be better off being part of our club than you would at another. Plus he deserves it.

oh really....i'm calling bs

Aside from the 'existential' stuff - this would be one of my favourite clips of understanding the link between the .brain and the pain experience. It's amusing and insightful. And I suspect that is more of a factor for Harley. The notion of 'danger' (real or interpreted)....and most importantly meaning Meaning amplifies or reduces the intensity of the pain (or any emotional) experience. In relation to Harley (or any athlete) - the anxiety of reinjury is worse than the experience. And it perpetuates safety behaviours... now this is the brain working really well to protect you from uncomfortable experiences.. AND that's not necessarily useful in the context of sport - as it moves you away from task. Task in the present moment on the football field is everything that we talk about on here...and it's often the unseen stuff... going that 'little bit' harder to extend yourself when you're fatigued... etc etc. Harley will slowly gather more evidence that his body can hold up to the rigours of the game... and that is done quarter by quarter assessing and reflecting on how his body has held up - which means 'in game' he becomes less internal, less vigilance, or less need to monitor how he is tracking calf wise... and of course, if his attention isn't monitoring THAT stuff.. he's fully on task. also, Harley isn't an inside player... and that's ok.. AND what are the non negotiables of playing when you 'don't have the ball. We all (all players) understand it's a contact game, so if contact is going to be there... are you willing to have it... and bit by bit Harley will become a bit more comfortable having the contact.

I know T Mac isn't exactly a great athlete at the minute, but at least he has some forward craft. Big Preussy is really nothing more than a ruckman who will probably just get in Weideman's way. While Jackson is injured, I'd prefer to let Tom play and pinch hit in the ruck. I think our overall forward line will work better with him there until Jackson returns.

Yep, really good point mate. I think it's also the reason why he has taken a little time to settle in to the side. He has been shifted around quite a bit and hasn't been given the opportunity to nail down a spot in the side. However, his move to defence, as you rightly point out, has so far been a good one. I saw a poster mention after the Pies game that they barely noticed him - to me, that's a good thing for a key position defender. He had his man covered, didn't stuff up etc. If you say that about a key position forward then you worry, but not for someone doing their job in defence.

As much as I love Max, he will be 29 at the end of the year, with 2 knee recos behind him. Jacko looks great as a ruck/forward, but is still only 18. It's not impossible that after two more seasons Preuss could find himself 1st ruck with us and playing finals. Clearly he arrived knowing he'd be 2nd fiddle to Max, and made it clear he wanted to learn from the best. He's an infectious, enthusiastic and popular character at the club. Definitely a keeper.

And if you haven't got time to watch the whole game make sure you watch the last quarter.

It's been a true joy these last few weeks to see Jones really clearly enjoying football. He's had that generous smile like a parent seeing their kids having fun with something the parent loved as a kid. I for one am really counting the run to 300 for Jones - trying not to get too sentimental and have a realistic assessment that he is earning his spot each week. But... there is that little sneaking thought of Jones playing his 300th in a winning Grand Final. That would be satisfactory.

Imagine if the club had decided to ditch Robbie Flower at the end of 1986, rather than let him retire on his own terms. Obviously there are some differences between Jones and Robbie and if there was a total parallel, then it could be argued that if Jones were Robbie, then he probably would have seen the writing on the wall and retired at the end of 2018 and gone out on somewhat of a high. But similar to Robbie, Jones stuck with us through thick and thin when we were a total basket case and at his prime could easily have gone seeking greener grass at another club elsewhere chasing a flag/finals like Frawley. Time for the MFC to repay the faith. Also thinking we don't have many veterans, so I'd assume that we could pay a fair portion of his salary outside the cap (whatever that ends up being next year).

Jones has held his own since returning to the side and his game against Cwood was more than serviceable however he is a touch slower and it shows that doesn't say that he cannot hold his place in the side. if performing. To get to 300 he has to play every game and some finals, I would love him to make it to 300 for the loyalty he has shown and the love for the club.He could have walked away quite easily, he didn't. The thing is that if he makes it fantastic however if not so be it. I love the guy for his loyalty to the to club and supporters. To me he is a Champion person.

I don't like the title of this thread.

My only criticism of Salo is I would like to see more urgency in his running and delivery by foot. Other than that he is a rock with great disposal and good skills. Good team man and reliable in performance over his 100 games. Congrats and thanks to Christian and good luck fir the future esp in 2020!

That Haw 2nd round pick is looking better and better each week. Frost for pick 21 every day of the week. Great job JM

@Engorged Onion provided great insights to why Bennell is struggling to play an inside game. He has come back from a super long out and he realises his football and family future depend on him staying healthy and making it. I hope our team psychologist is working with him to help him get over that enormous step - he needs to come to understand that won't make it until he can commit his body to the line of the ball. It's not going to be easy for him. I hope it's soon, like I posted in the post-game thread - Kossie is running around like a 6yo with too much red cordial on board.

Yes, or even better provide a clip of the incident.

He’s fallen back into his Mr Fixit role that he had at GWS. In his time there he started as a forward, moved to defence, then finished as a wing / relief ruck. He may be something of a jack of all trades, master of none. I was and am a fan and still think he’s a great addition. Without being able to attend matches in person, it’s so hard to understand his role in defence. One thing I do know is that since he’s moved to defence, lever and may have looked good, the backline has been solid and we’ve won three from three. On the basis of that, things are looking good!

I acknowledge he's missed a few . Despite this, he is a beautiful set shot and a great mark for his size. He is not about to knock blokes over with his frame being what it is. He's also our leading scorer and his accuracy will improve with confidence. No way he will get dropped in the near future.

Yup, I can relate to that as well. Regardless of how the rules are interpreted was nice to be on the favourable end of the umpiring decisions this week.

Lid back on please, Don.

I remember talking to one of our current players about Petty. He said he couldn't believe how Petty was throwing Hogan around in marking drills when he first arrived at the club and that he was going to be a star.

Absolute rubbish post Olivers a star pure and simple, very few 23yo have done what he’s done Sick of the armchair critics continually picking his game apart In my opinion he’s better than Cripps& the Bont, but we’ll never hear that