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We owe this mob for 1994, 2018 and for their oversized share of the GST.

Bigfooty: Not much to report so far. Understandably they are preoccupied with their injuries and replacements. There appears to be some new injury outs that haven’t been reported in the media yet. They are expecting at least 5 and maybe 7 injured players from last week to be 'forced' changes. I detect resignation more than doom. There was still room for a bit of humour by a few posters. Well, everyone who wanted the over 30s out in lieu of playing the kids got their wish... If culley doesn’t get a game I’ll spew Lets do a Sam Mitchell Cleansing now get ready for Mid Season draft and then End of Season/Draft & Trade. We aren’t beating Melbourne. Melbourne will easily be the shortest price favorites for the round. What was the injury to SPS? Been real good in the two games he’s played… …s**t haircut I have a morbid excitement to watch this weekend with the forced youth policy. The emotional part of me says I've well and truly had a gutful of these highly remunerated but often absent 'credits' boys and can the lot of them. The more rational part says if we chuck out ALL the oldies then we're asking for the pain that Hawks/Norf are currently going through and in the past Melbourne/Carlton have experienced. What concerns me about this week is that with no rotations in the 4th quarter last week you can bet that those that were left were being pushed in the "red zone" as the sport scientists call it. In other words being more vulnerable to injury.. someone ******* throw this medical department out, enough is enough. Fritsch is the one I see causing us big problems. I don't see a good match up for him. My favourite: Oh dear, playing Melbourne ... Waterman would be great in a good team I'll check in again later in the week after selections.

187 will do...😀

From around the 0:57 mark there is some great behind the goals vision, showing how far Chandler ran to get on the end of the chain for his 3rd quarter goal. That play and his subsequent goal swung all the momentum back in our favour after Sydney got within a kick.

I really hate dancing on the graves of other clubs…. Except for clubs that have danced on ours in the past so

There is ZERO chance Spargo and Nibbler won't be in the starting 22 (unless injured of course). I'm not having a shot at you, but i honestly don't get how any dees fan who is passionate enough about the club to post on Demonland, and therefore i assume watch us play regularly, could fail to understand how important Spargo and ANB are and how incredibly unlikely it is either will be dropped or made sub. Even if someone doesn't understand how important Spargo and ANB are, surely the fact that the last time either was dropped from the ones was 2020 should be enough evidence they are both absolutely best 22 locks and are going nowhere (maybe ANB was dropped once last year? If so, that is the only game he has missed in two and a bit seasons).

I don't think I ever enjoyed a game of football from start to finish like I did that PF. Don't get me wrong, the Grand Final was on a different level, but of course like every other Melbourne supporter there were moments of apprehension and worry. Not the prelim. It was pure bliss.

Round 23 and PF in 2021 cleansed me.

I'm sorry, DNIMD, but can we please stop rubbishing out two excellent forward flankers/pockets? Judging them on how many goals they kick is just old fashioned (although it's great when they do score majors). Nibbler, in particular, and Spargs cover almost as much ground as Lingers and the new winger. They are always helping out down back. If you are looking for a marginal forward to drop, cast your gaze to Melky. 34pc ToG but not a single tackle and 1 goal (after it was all over). Spargs 63pc ToG, 2 goals, 2 tackles. Nibbler, 73pc ToG, 2 tackles, 1 goal (and 308 metres gained!). There are other factors that I can't easily find (pressure acts, metres covered) or cannot be readily put into statistics, but the small forwards are there to pressure the opposition as well as score goals. I don't know how Nibbler became a whipping boy, but I wish it would stop. Besides, won't Kozzie come in more as a mid-fielder, pointing the dropping stick more at JJ?

I actually think Gawn, Lever, ANB, Angus, Stephen May and Tom Mc would right now, be better commentators than 90% of those on the air.

Given a fair run at it, Kade has settled admirably with his confidence growing weekly. Now the radar is set he is delivering offensively on top of a sound defensive game. Given the degree of difficulty, he kicked some clutch goals against the swannies. Refreshing to see some new faces up forward this season. May the goals keep coming.

Geelong. Never forget.

In the past we have performed poorly in games like this. The other team has nothing to lose and we have often coasted. I would like to see a ruthlessness that becomes the norm for us.

I wouldnt blame him, but id blame the club immensely! A 22yr old AFL-grade midfielder who wins his own footy, uses it very well, is fit/healthy and who's had 360 and 445 possession in his first 2 years. For all the hyperbole Adam "what's my strengths again" Cerra gets, JJ is a demonstrably better footballer. Whatever the tough decisions are here, they need to get it done. He's got a 200 game career ahead of him for someone.

The last time my car was stolen it was found by the police sitting in the driveway of a house in Melton. They told me they just happened to be driving past and suspected it was stolen since it was plastered in MFC stickers. 😂

Nonsense, he would’ve put talks on hold so his football can do the talking. We would only be offering him depth player money if he’s in the 2’s and other clubs probably wouldn’t be all that interested. Both he and the club will be able to get a more accurate indication of his value once he’s played a block of games. A player who won’t negotiate late in the season is a problem. A player striving for his spot in the side to demonstrate his value isn’t a problem at all.

4 points No injuries % In that order.

We owe Hawthorn, West Coast and Essendon the most I reckon.

188 would be even better

Exactly......Gosch's is only ever going to be a compromise. Ground is controlled by MOPT, so when we can train on it, the maintenance of the ground and MOST importantly restricted with lighting means it can only be second best. And we have to share facilities with Storm, Rebels & Victory ( gyms, rehab facilities, physio rooms, pools). And by the way, we also have a womens team these days. They need to be accomodated, not just stuck away in the corner as a second thought.

I made a fool of myself posting dumb comments during swans game. No excuse just get too involved in watching game (and angry) Apologies all round Type things spur of the moment that I do not mean. NO more posting till after or before match Brillant effort by all concerned against the swans. I love my boys in blue and red Go Dees GW

What a night that prelim was. Pain free and stressless, like a calm body of water. Everything zen.

Would it be OK to ask for a 191 point winning margin? It's embarrassing to have to point out that 186 is not our greatest losing margin ever. That (dis)honour belongs to the Melbourne team beaten by Fitzroy by 190 points in 1979. Final scores were Melbourne 6.12 48 to Fitzroy 36.22 238.

I would join in but I’m still terrified we will lose.

You don't think there is chance that is how they have been instructed to play when the opposition has momentum? You know, be prudent with the risks you take (like the play that set up the Chandler goal that stopped their momentum and triggered our more attacking play from that point on). Why? Because whilst risk (eg an aggressive kick to the corridor) can lead to reward (ie we score) it also significantly increases the chances of the opposition scoring. As Goody has said any number of times (and pointed out again in his post match presser, about both this match and the round one match) the oppo will inevitably have the momentum at some point in match but the critical thing is to limit how much they score when they do. Weather the storm and all that. Like a boxer protecting the head when their opponent is on top and landing a knockout blow when the momentum swings. Most other teams would have given up 4 or 5 goals - and the lead - during the period the Swans had the momentum. Not us. Once we wrest the momentum back, we put the pedal to the metal, increase the risks we take and look to make hay whilst the sun shines and score heavily when WE have the momentum. And put the game to bed. You know, exactly as happened, as you yourself note, on Sunday. And has happened so many other times under Goody. We have played three games this season and it has already occurred twice (ie the oppo have momentum, we ensure they can't take advantage of it, we wrest it back and blitz) I watch with both eyes open, and because i do i know that this hold and surge method is one of our key strategies and has been deployed so many times under Goody it's not funny - the GF being the most famous example. But hey, as you say, you look at the game your way I will look at it my way.

May is really good to listen to. Honest, well spoken, funny. He's great!

I think we all need to get over LJ. He is not that former number 1 pick who left us for money, not to go home to family, but to the Giants and on the way out, slammed our club and our young future captain, telling porkies about only visiting Sydney to have a look around, when videos that were obviously made weeks earlier, were the next day available for sale ,about him becoming a Giant. LJ went home, on a crazy contract we would not and should not have matched and also for family reasons, that are fully understandable to those that know of them. We need to move on. I will not boo LJ, like I booed the other guy, who had an unremarkable career at 2 more clubs and is the only footballer I can really ever recall booing. Good luck LJ, you always will be a Dees Premiership player.

Yep we should belt them but remember this time last year West coast played the Pies at Docklands with a WAFL squad and did the number on them. Can't take any game lightly and hopefully we display our ruthless edge this week.

But guys it’s footy. It’s full of emotion, opinions and nonsense. Normally rational people, become intoxicated with the whole thing and quickly move between Jekyll and Hyde. It’s crazy but that’s footy and that’s people. We all have a bit of white line fever. I’m a quiet reflective guy but I was a raving lunatic on Sunday.

Redleg who is also getting closer to retirement each day, lives a leisurely 10-15 min walk to Caulfield Racecourse and could also be a training reporter if required.

Nibbler: 13 pressure acts Spargo: 10 pressure acts.

When you sit near me at the footy, all you'll hear is witty repartee. For example when JVR got his first free kick the other day, I yelled out 'bout bloody time - they've been doing that his entire career!!'

You lost me here, Azz.

I rate JJ highly. He should be playing at the highest level. If we can't offer him that then he has every right to explore his options.

Can't recall us actually deestroying an understrength team in recent times. This is the week to do it and it'd be satisfying after 2018

It’s pretty simple really. We find a permanent role for him or he leaves.

I much prefer to vent at the tv than put it in the game day thread. I don’t want you guys knowing what a foul mouth I really have.

I love The Gameday Threads. Pure literary genius. Particularly when o/s it is a great way to stay connected. I love it when some random says “Game Over” and you realize it’s the 2nd Quarter and we are up by 5 points! Gameday Posters expect Melbourne to win every contested possession, never drop a mark and to pin point every kick, no matter how much pressure is being applied i try to be positive on Gameday Threads. It’s a lot easier now than 10-12 years ago.

Brad Green spoke to the premium members prior to the Sydney game on Sunday, it’s down to 2 locations, Caulfield and Goschs Paddock, the club is hoping to announce something within 6 months.

I told this story at the time, but it says a lot about the stereotype. Last year’s QB GameDay I was early in the city for the customary DA BBQ so I bought a coffee and because there’s no benches nearby I sat on the steps of a disused building. A guy walked past and I smiled at him, as you do when you’re me. He doubled back and held out a $10 note. He thought I was a beggar! I refused the money telling him I wasn’t begging but he was adamant I take it. A couple of cops happened to walk by and saw what was happening. One of them said, “nah mate, she’s not hard up, look at her, she’s a Melbourne supporter.” 😂

@ElDiablo14, many stereotypes abound. They are generally true, of course with exceptions. In general, Melbourne supporters like to live in areas where there are large well established trees - the shade protects our eyes so we tend to look calm and relaxed. Opposition supporters, in general, and for reasons that escape me, seem to gravitate towards areas where there are no trees or trees so small so as to not offer much shade - hence, due to the intense glare, their facial expressions resemble that of a Pekingese dog sucking on a lemon. Google Earth could be a useful resource in your search for a new abode; as close to the G as possible. Good luck!

Simple JJ > Harmes More consistent, better ball use/decision making, better tank, better tackling, pressure, and overall defensively. The only thing Harmes does better is also what makes him a liability and thats taking the opposition on with fend off's and breaking tackles. Harmes used to be a great contested mark for his size but even that's gone down hill. I love James Harmes and we all know his story growing up a Melbourne Demon supporter etc. He's been a terrific leader and when the team is playing well he still performs well. But JJ is far more reliable now. I hope the FD know this and Harmes becomes the depth player behind JJ.

You are quite right Luci. I'm not at my sharpest until I quaff my 11am shiraz!

JJ is from Yarrawonga. Kade Chandler from SA.

Always enjoy the gameday thread. For me up here in the bush watching the games by myself I enjoy the virtual reality of watching the game in a room full of supporters who've all been through the same sheet. Sharing the highs and lows. Go the Demons.

i guess it depends on what you consider central. 15 mins by train from the CBD is central in my book

Probably mentioned already somewhere. Average winning margin for us at Optus. Last 5 games - 57.2 Last 4 games - 69.2

If Byron was involved in the pitch then fair to say Mark Williams might have been the one who orchestrated this.

If it is Caulfield, my retired Dad who lives around the corner already said he will attend every training session and report back... so I mean if that doesn't seal the deal...