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On Brown, and weed for that matter, it is a very long season. And as is the case every injuries will play a huge part in which club wins the flag. We are fit, in good shape injury wise. And playing well. And I'm firmly of the view that the next four games are critical for our chances of winning a flag. Why? We need to win all four. Failing to do so would be a huge missed opportunity. If we go 10 zip, before we have to play port and dogs, we are a lock for top 4. With what our percentage would be and how the ladder is shaping up, 15 wins will get us top 4. Meaning from 10 zip we will only need to win 5 of our remaining 12 games. Now is not the the time to make any major changes. Sure some minor management changes. But Iets bank these four wins and then at the mid season mark and around the bye we can give some players a chop out. Particularly the younger ones. Brown and weed will get their chance.

Bit late to the thread. Having to much fun reading everything. Was reading puntroadend last night, they were pumping up Nankervis as their best, have to agree he played a blinder. His blinder broke even with Max’s not bad game lolz. Someone on here said Salem wasn’t an A grader and I disagreed. I apologise, you were right. He’s A+ How clean was he? The poise, the no look handballs, he’s in the [censored] zone. Having a bonafide star like Petracca hit me on Saturday night. When he took that ball that almost slipped behind his back, bounced off Viney and surged it forward I was awe struck. Really dawned on me that we have a talent that the whole competition would envy. Would want to watch. Would want on their team. It’s been so long since we’ve had anyone like that and I’m going to appreciate every second of it. The stupidity of Hunt bouncing in the wet, how good was it! He [censored] flew down the field. By the time I thought “don’t bounce it!” He’d already covered 50 metres. His return to form is glorious to watch. So happy for him. Luke mother [censored] Jackson. I’m sure it’s been covered here or elsewhere but has a 19 year old ruckman ever done this well? I can’t think of any. He’s going to be something else. Oliver and Langdon put in the same performance every single week. So reliable, so good. May (what a warrior), Lever and Tomlinson make me feel warm and safe. So happy for the Tomald resurrection. I hope he keeps the VFL towers in the VFL. I think we’ll lose some forward pressure bringing one of them in. I could go through the whole team but t I won’t. [censored] the Tigers. Nathan Jones ?

Logic dictates that no decision has been made yet based on that. Selfishly I want the game to be relocated to Marvel so I can go. You convicts are on your own. ?

Just watched the replay for a second tine.? I 'm sorry as much as I love Spargo's work, in the interests of fairness we need to give some love to the other like player in Nibbler. Last year he was much maligned and many wondered if he was in our best 22 ( Thanks Richie benaud) but after Tmac, he has been our most improved player. Used to be one of the worst offenders in missing set shots on goal but kicked a ripper from the boundary. He doesnt get much recognition but his work rate in running and tackling is probably even better than Sparticus and the way he celebrates the success of others shows his passion. Also love the way he sticks up for others. Got a bit of agro in him in a good way. His tackles are rarely shaken too. If he continues to keep getting better, it will be very, very interesting. He is probably one of our fittest players which is a big call. Thanks Alex.N. B.

I realise that memory is temporary (in my case anyway) and selective.. picking up Yung Bloods comments, despite missing Finals in 2020 the team was building and developing. At the time and even with hindsight we see the defeats, the disappointments and another unsuccessful year. Our impatience with the team and coach was perhaps unfair. As referred to by others, it takes a significant period for clubs to develop a winning combination. In almost all cases, the great coaches as measured today, were under the pump with the axe set to fall in their early years. So I guess it’s a lesson in patience and looking at the medium to long term rather than results in the short term. It is difficult though given MFC long time in the wilderness and the 24 hour 7 days news cycle, social media, and commentators who want to dramatise everything in terms of success or failure. Fans crave the immediate Adrenalin rush like craving cocaine or other addictive drug. Its a lesson in having a stable club with administration, executive and footy club in alignment with good honest communication and an understanding of what’s required for success. To not give in to those who want to pursue change for change sake. It is important to not destroy or dismantle all things and work on incremental improvement at all levels in all areas. It is about having excellent and credible leadership at all levels, and having everyone committed to the task of building success and ensuring that there is a supportive and respected environment. It is about never giving up or losing hope and using adversity to learn from mistakes and to build resilience. And to never forget that we are dealing with people, flesh and blood, who have feelings and emotions. An an example, the importance of Nathan Jones and reaching his 300. The impact of this on the club, the players and supporters can’t be under estimated. And it’s great to see the emotion that is being generated at the oldest footy club in the land. We are perhaps witnessing the rebirth of a proud footy club. As they say, there is a long way to go and the challenge is to temper our expectations and accept there will be ups and downs. But at the moment it is a nice feeling to be proud of our club and be happy to have hung in over all the years of disappointment. To have had hope and faith. To see the outpouring of emotion from Demon fans. The wait may have all been worth it after all.

Wish Oliver had nailed that goal after the Kossie incident He needs to fix his goal kicking

This year's Melbourne team's legit. Nothing against North, they've soldiered on despite being on the brink of collapse multiple times, and growing up in the 90s they were one of the best teams I've seen. I hate their supporters but have nothing against the club. They beat up on us for 10 years as a finals club should have against a lowly club like Melbourne was at the time. Anyone suggesting this is a "danger" game is blinded by decades of ineptness. This is comfortably the best team we've had in my time supporting the club (early 90s) so arguably we're the best we've been since our last flag. I would classify Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Gold Coast, Freo are genuine "danger" games. North is comfortably the worst team in the league by the Flemington straight. They might steal a win this year against a bottom 10 club but they won't even get close this weekend. This isn't "complacency". It's just fact. Let's get real here and start respecting our club.

@Binman I rarely disagree with you but in this case I agree with BDA. I would look at the best team for the finals. Assuming BB is fit and in form he’s got to be in that team. He’s going to be a huge bonus with the change in rules. We’re playing a KPH short. You can’t compare Jacko to him as a FF. This next 4 games is the best run we’re going to have for the rest of the season. it’s the best chance there will be to build the synergy with him in the team. We won’t lose because he’s brought in. IMO it will be a big mistake not to do it now. The Doggies have growing injuries and have a short backline. He could make a massive difference. Imagine if we beat them. That lid will be wizzing into the stratosphere. Bring BB in. Just do it.

We have a run of games, probably the best run for the remainder of the season, where we can tweak and play around with different options. I don’t like jeopardising form and get the logic of not changing a winning team. But form loss and injuries will happen. Better to have looked at options in different positions now through experimentation rather than enforced. We have got to get BB into this team. He is A-grade. Makes zero sense leaving him to play at Casey waiting for form loss or injury to get his chance. Get him in now.

“Hey look a player appreciation thread. What a perfect opportunity for me to write an essay outlining why that player sucks in every way possible.”

Dunno. No Pagans have won it. Plenty of heathens have. This could be the year for the Christians to set a new personal best.

If they relocate to Marvel, I hope they say no crowd. If I have to miss out, everyone else should too.

Can happily say I’ve never been on the Nibbler hate train. The bloke is a toiler and the game now suits him better than it ever has. Long live the Nib.

Dee-Fence wins flags from Fox Footy The tale of the tape.....Melbourne's 2 year turnraround to get its defence right The ability to stop oppositions scoring once they enter their fwd 50 is an historic low by a long margin..

No, the boys had a couple of days off as given to them by the club. First training run tomorrow.

As long as they do it from a distance. I'd be happy to see them far cough.

And a veggie pastie as well.

Gee, he's impressive is Tommo. Good on him. Loving his contribution to our team. For mine he's been our best defender this year. He's not flashy or demonstrative like May or Lever, but he just keeps winning contests. Love all three of them back there. Another thing I wanted to say is regarding the Video of the Week, Petracca's goal, the TV coverage does not do it justice. It makes it look as though Petracca is almost by himself when he gets the ball and it's an uncontested burst onto the footy, but in the lead up to the forward entry, Petracca used his body brilliantly to outmuscle and out position his opponent before bursting onto the ball. It was sublime. Imagine the extra lift the side will get if Petracca recommits in the next few weeks.

Like nibbler, spargo is going nowhere. Both best 22 locks. All season. Both are critical factors in our system. Critical. On 360 last week goody was asked about improvement. He emphasised leadership - and when listing the leaders he included the usual suspects, max, Jack etc. And nibbler.

Come on mate, enough of the Tasmanian jokes. You'll upset Nasher and Clintosaurus et al.

To me this is an ugly comment after years of our own irrelevancy. Be tough, be strong in our support but do not become inwardly regugnant. Respect the competition and respect Norths heritage.

With regards to selection integrity, would it not show a lack thereof, to keep Jones in the side after his poorest game for the year but then to drop him after his best?

Fair points IT. But i don't think we are in disagreement as such. I'm not averse to them bringing Brown in. I see the logic for doing so, which you make a good case for, but granted, I won't be too fussed if they don't. But for me bringing Brown in would be not be a major change, although it would result in some changes to the forward structure. As i said i'm fine with some minor management changes. By that i mean keep the changes to a minimum numbers wise. I don't want them to suddenly make four or five changes. And i certainly hope they don't experiment with players in different positions as Better days ahead suggests. We need to take the opportunity over the next four games to solidify our system and maximize the likelihood of going 10 zip. Leaving aside what that means for out top 4 chances, the psychological boost that will give the players, the club and the fans is pure gold. You don't mess with that alchemy. Look at the Dogs. They made four unforced changes to their side against the Giants. Sure they still won (and pretty easily in the end), but it was scrappy game and the Giants were in it at 3/4 time. And one of the players they brought in to get up to speed with a view to their best 22 comes finals, Lin Jong, did his hammy and is our for 6-8 weeks. The concern I'd have if i was a dogs fan is their system looked out of whack for most of the game, which is not great preparation for a game against the reigning premiers coming up. The final thing i'd say is that sure we should beat North. But the Swans are currently a top 8 team, the blues are competitive (but for horrid 2nd quarter against the lions might well have beaten them) and the Crows at home will be a challenge. We are nowhere near in the position to flirt with selections or make fundamental structural changes (Brown isn't one. Brown AND Weed is). Doing so would send the wrong message to the players and opposition teams. Doing whatever it takes to win these next four games has to be the sole focus.

Agree, if Melbourne hand out a smashing (100+) it may be a bad sign as that probably means the backline getting cute and not maintaining their discipline to hold structure and a bit of glory seeking over team work further up the ground. And while that might be a valid risk to take in this game, you’d want them to snap back against the more likely tougher opposition yet to come and not create any bad habits. I’d prefer a consistent style 40 point win than a free wheeling structure disregarding 100 point win.* * I’d take a free wheeling 187 point win however.** ** This is Melbourne, I’d take a 1 point win.

Not by me Go back and watch the highlights packages over last few years He's often involved in chains of possession where we move the ball forward freely, including the goal or immediate assist possession Those who have said his "tank" / "engine" aren't that valuable need to understand that without the tank, there's no one in the position to play that role when the ball swings forward and we simply see a rebound from the opposition His defensive effectiveness has improved, but qas regularly a strength I'm glad Spargo has lifted, I was a strong critic but his defensive effort has lifted significantly and his "tank" / "engine" has improved a-la ANB Those who criticised ANB on kicking accuracy were missing a lot of PA and KMs and not fully acknowledging the all round contribution

No Dusty = No Richmond. It's that simple. They are a group of very good to ordinary players who have realised if they play a very consistent and disciplined brand then Dusty will drag them over the line to flags. There's no reason he can't play for another 4-5 years and do it again, by which time I predict he'll be cemented at the GOAT. Dusty's 2017 year was the greatest ever by a player IMO. In 2018 Dusty goes into the PF vs Collingwood with corkie and what happens? In 2019 back half of the season he dragged them from 9-6 to 13-6 in four consecutive 3 Brownlow vote games to put them in the top 4 and in contention. Geelong wins the 2020 GF if there's no Dusty. None of their other players are great, their best player coming through is Shai Bolton. Their next best are Cotchin, Prestia, Edwards, Lambert, Lynch, Riewoldt, Rance, Grimes, Houli and Vlastuin - better players in better teams have been denied flags. Richmond fans can take this either way - they've got the flags in the bag.

Well this is the year... I was planning the big trip to Alice and the Rock. Appears the Rock is booked out until mid September even at $440 plus per night for a room so it's just the Alice for four days. Have booked accommodation and flights (not refundable) and now about to lay out on a hire car. The big unknown is of course ticketing. Would be a pity to go all that way and not be able to secure a ticket. Any local knowledge on what to see on my spare days would be very much appreciated plus if there are meal and game packages to be had they would also be of interest. I recall in previous years that someone mentioned these but I'm not sure if that was Alice or Darwin. Looking forward to getting a selfie under BT's famous tree.

6-0 6 Rounds played….. 6 wins….. 24 points in the premiership bank. Looks good huh? I am on the wrong side of 60yo….. the wrong side of 6’ ……. And, if my wife is to be believed, the wrong side of 80kg. However, I am on the right side of one thing….. The Fence. The fence that divides the MFC supporters from the rest of the AFL supporters. And what a pleasant view it is from where we sit. Nothing but wins……. So far…. Hell of a lot of the season to go but I would rather be where we are rather than where we are not. Richmond looked as if they thought if they turned up and did the minimum they would find a way to win. A few of their ‘stars’ would do the necessary and Bobs your uncle….. 4 points. Oops…. It has all been said by others in the press and on this and other sites. We absorbed their early pressure, turned up the wick a notch or two and found them wanting. Ended up controlling the majority of the game across the field with a good, strong consistent pressure game in all lines. I predicted a 5 goal win and came close. I know it is traditional that the players get the accolades for a win and the coaches/selectors get the kicks for a loss but a big shout out to the coaches and selectors for getting it right so far this season. The players are well prepared, well drilled and carrying out their roles perfectly. You cannot ask for more. And so, to the Round 7 encounter with the Roos in Tassie (for now) on Sunday. What to say about this iteration of the North Melbourne team? We, as Demon supporters, know their situation very well having lived it for a long time. Is that a reason to go soft on them? No bloody way! I want the win, the points and a percentage boost. I want the team to prepare exactly the same way they have for the last 6 matches. I want them to be confident in their approach to the game but understand that, if they drop their intensity and pressure a little, they will pay for it. The facts: We are coming off a win at the G against the reigning premiers, Richmond- Advantage us. We were in control of our game for long periods – Advantage us They have not won a game, or looked like winning a game all season - Advantage us They are travelling back from WA – Advantage us The game is in Tassie – Advantage them ( I had to find something to their advantage) Problem areas of the game for us (this is getting harder and harder to find. I may have to change it to problem areas for the opposition): I found my reaction to watching the game on Saturday very different. I was on edge in the early part of the first quarter until Salem kicked the first for us. When that happened, I smiled, sat back and enjoyed the rest of it. I had confidence that we would win. A very strange feeling. Defence is up there in the best in the league, if not the best at the moment. That was one of the best defensive performances I have seen from a Melbourne team against a ‘quality’ attack. The test for the defensive unit this week will be to ensure that they keep up the intensity for four quarters. Good structure, balance and leadership in the team back there at the moment. Just keep on keeping on no matter the opposition. We have the Roos covered in the middle of the ground. If both teams play to form, that is a big understatement. The form of Petracca, Oliver and the rest is excellent. I know that there is talk of the players being selfless and I agree with that but, to my mind, it is the fact that the mix in there right now really compliment each other. Strong individual connections as well as strong team connections. I wonder if any one has done an analysis of the percentage of times the ball goes directly between players like Petracca and Oliver or Langdon and Hunt. Roos will have huge problems trying to contain us in the middle. Ziebell has been a stand out for them but has little quality support except for possibly Cunnington. Not a lot there after those two. Max and Luke come up against one of Max’s old sparring partners in Goldstein. Supporting Todd will be Campbell most likely. Again, the Roos pair will have their hands full not just in the ruck contests but also around the ground. I can see that they will be in a very defensive mode against the Max and Luke show. Now for the forwards……. (again) The good; we kicked a winning score last week. The bad; The game was too short…. I was enjoying it so much I wanted it to continue The ugly; Fritsch’s wet hair….. it almost looked natural. What I like about the present players/structure in the forward 50 is that it makes us so very unpredictable and hard to defend against and I think that will be a big worry for North. It would be tempting for the selectors to bring Brown of the ‘B’ variety into the team to play against his old team, but they may decide that there is no need and that we do not need any distraction in attack. Love that TMac has re-discovered his old form and making selection an automatic for himself. I predict a big win for the Dees. 10 goals. I looked over the North team and their stats in recent matches and it would be the biggest upset in many a season if they got up in this one. The bandwagon, that has been christened “The Bathwater Express” is purring along like a 70’s muscle car. The big 351 throbbing with latent power just waiting to be opened up on the straight. Might have to do a bit of adjustment along the way to get it to handle the corners and tricky bits. Seats are filling fast.

The AFL should force clubs to make clubs go back to publishing team lists on Thursdays.

Given that there are fewer rotations, and that our game plan relies on locking the ball in the forward half (for which we rank #1), we have be careful about balancing player capabilities. Part of the success of our forward line to date has been Jackson’s ability to compete in the air, but just as importantly win ground balls, and McDonald’s ability to run and run for 4 quarters (and take marks/be useful when the ball goes to ground). Brown and Weiderman are known for their marking and goal kicking, with Brown a useful forward line ruck. At the moment, due to this narrower skill set, I prefer not to have both in the side. They have the opportunity to work on ground ball/tackling/endurance in the twos. Given that McDonald and Jackson are utilities as much as forwards, I think we can bring in a Mark/goal forward without upsetting the balance too much. I noted with interest that when Weideman kicked 7 goals last week, Brown was seen all over the ground, popping up in the backline and ruck, as well as forward. As such, I would have Brown in not just because he is proven, but also because he has more strings to his bow around the ground than the Weid. We have the luxury of really giving Weideman time in the twos to really develop his game. I’m wondering if we don’t end up rotating Gawn, Jackson, Brown and McDonald around the ground, with TMac and Brown closer to goal. Brayshaw is going well on the wing, and I think Tmac stays predominantly as forward until Weid forces him out. If Brown comes in, the question as to who comes out is the interesting one. Low rotations make his a potential liability compared to runners like Jones and Melksham. All of the current roles fit nicely. However, given that Melksham only played 65% of game time suggests that taking him out of the side would not make a huge difference to our run. I’ll be comfortable bringing Brown in and dropping Melksham. If not Melksham, Jones would be next. Other than that, I would agree that if any of our younger players are really sore, one of them might have a week off as it’s a long season.

Chandler to play a full game at Casey, Melksham to be Medical Sub and BBB Into the side is the way I would go!

Really? No club would give any player such an assurance. Let alone one who got shopped from a cellar dweller, has knees injuries and for whom we were seemingly the only serious suitor.

Speaking of ducks, I need to stock up on my pate for this weekends game.

This form from Nibbler has been on the build for a while really. Thought his first game back of the 2020 restart was pretty decient and then he got dropped (or was it suspended). His final 2020 H&A game against Essendon was pretty good as well, as was Spargo's. Asides from the hard running and tackling, I think the other real stand-out feature of Nibblers game at the moment is is distribution by foot and delivery inside 50 in particular. Similar could be said about Spargo, only that ANB has been getting amongst the goals a bit to cap it off, but I think Spargo will have a day out in that regards and nail a few sausage rolls as well. Glad to see these guys like ANB, Spargo, Hunt and T Mac have persevered and fought back to find some form again, when they could have almost been on the MFC scrap heap. Shows real character I recon.

I love the fact that the hunger to work off the ball is proving it’s value this year. Sometimes the most important work is done when you don’t have the footy. Run. Get back. Pickup opponents. I think burgo has done a great job to get our players physically ready for 4 quarters. The work of Hunt and Langdon has really impressed in the first six games. I’d definitely put workrate as one of the ten reasons for our 6-0 start.

This is not a danger game. Every player knows if they don't play well there is a raft of quality players looking to get their spots from Casey. This pressure alone should stop any complacency.

I was there in '64. That's how old I am, but like most on here, my heart has been too often broken since that time. However, from what I have seen, so far this year, this is a group willing to go into battle for each other, are brothers in arms and simply love each other. Over the course of this year, there may be performances, when we collectively say.............. WTF was that? Inevitably, we will lose games before the home and away season is finished. But despite the pain over history, my view is we start to believe, support the boys/club and let's turn out in maximum numbers...... rules permitting. Again, since '64, I have never seen a Melbourne team, which seems so inexorably welded as one.Let's hope from here, the 'injury' gods are kind to us. Go you Mighty Demons!!!!!

Just watched the Kossie vs Mansell thing again. I reckon it's great that Kossie has the mongrel to take it the Richmond guys. Also in that melee, Jackson at 19 years old wasn't scared to throw his weight around, and Rivers was in there too letting the Tiges players know what was what. The whole incident amounted to a statement by our club: just try to push us around. Find out how that goes. It won't be too long before oppo players think twice about getting in Kossie's face. He's not as big as uncle Byron but he's inherited some **** from him.

This year's longer quarters match his endurance advantage over most players.

Votes 10 Christian Salem (MELB) 7 Christian Petracca (MELB) 6 Jake Lever (MELB) 3 Clayton Oliver (MELB) 2 Max Gawn (MELB) 2 Tom McDonald (MELB) Good to see Hardwick didn't favour one of his own. Huge endorsement for our team. Split by Coach 5/5 Salem 4/3 Petracca 4/2 Lever 3/0 Oliver 2/0 or 1/1 Gawn or McDonald LeaderBoard Four demons in the top 10 38 David Mundy FRE 34 Max Gawn MELB 33 Jack Macrae WB 31 Ollie Wines PORT 28 Christian Salem MELB 28 Taylor Walker ADEL 26 Clayton Oliver MELB 25 Hugh McCluggage BL 25 Christian Petracca MELB 24 Jaeger O'Meara HAW

As well as being effective in his role, Alex Neal-Bullen is making football a bit more fun. Sometimes it's the little things I like. Whenever anyone kicks a goal you can bet that one of the first people to get to them to celebrate will be Nibbler. I'm also a permanent fan of: - players regaining form after a slump. - non-'star' players making a contribution above their price. - team-focused hard workers being rewarded with moments of personal glory.

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/920748/vfl-round-2-report-casey-continues-winning-ways "Round three sees the [Casey] Demons head to Marvel Stadium for a Thursday night feature game against North Melbourne." Changes for MFC vs North should be telegraphed by who lines up in this match on Thursday night ...

Blessed are the humble, for they will clinically destroy the opposition and just move on with an inner smugness. Go DEES

Lingering MFCSS says that this game will tell us just as much about where we are at as last night did, if not more.