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He came to the club at (one of) its lowest points and helped deliver a Premiership. Thanks Staff!

I’ve read enough of Demonland to be CERTAIN that this development means our dynasty window has re-opened.

Congratulations to Trent 'Not Jared' Rivers who will line up for game no. 100 against Collingwood on Friday night. He's set to become only the fourth player from his draft year so far to crack the ton after Noah Anderson, Caleb Serong and of course, our very own Kozzy Pickett! Based on his midfield performances this year, I think it's safe to assume that he's only scratched the surface of what he's capable of and that the next 100 games are going to be pretty exciting to watch. Here's a quick snapshot from early in his career where he booted his first AFL goals (including the match-winner) at the Gabba in a thriller against the Giants! What are your favourite moments from Trent's career to date?

Thank you Staff. It was the get together at your house that, if you believe Max, changed the course of history for this club and propelled us to win a flag. You have been instrumental in achieving that premiership, and will forever be a MFC great for doing so. Wishing you all the very best in the future.

Happy trails Greg. While it may be time for change your contributions won't be forgotten. Your words of encouragement from the sidelines as Max lined up that kick in Geelong with nuffies all around him might have more to do with that flag than we care to admit.

The very fact that he's lasted 11 years in a cut throat industry is testament to his character. The flag is testament to his contribution. Best of luck with his future plans.

Thanks for your efforts, came to the club when we were rock bottom and no matter what is said played a role in our rise and ultimate success. Best of luck in your future endeavours

Not really comfortable sharing this but this morning when I drove through that intersection I stopped at Richmond Traders, got a bunch of roses and then left them on the curb at that intersection. Can't explain why I did it, I just did. Everyone please take care.

Expect media to blame the culture. But on a serious note Staff seems like a really top bloke.

Who do we blame if our forward line sucks next year??!!

Thanks for your time and efforts over the years.

It’s preaching to the choir, but we have a chance on Friday to give a proper send off to Ben Brown and Alex Neal-Bulleen, as well as sticking one up the Pies. Let’s get as many of us there as possible - I have 3 General Admission tickets which I will pass on at no cost for anyone who doesn’t have a membership and is thinking about going or maybe wants to take some friends. Send me a pm - first in, best dressed.

He has his party trick all set for Kings Birthday.

Classy.

Has premiership assistant coach on his resume. Came to us when we were a basket case. Best wishes.

From every one of the many mentions players give him, they're going to miss him.

During 2027: Gawn 36yo Viney 33yo and 1 yr left on contract Petracca 31yo and 2 yrs left on contract Oliver 30yo with 3 yrs left on contract Langdon 31yo with 1 yr left on contract On face value that is fine - many players go on until their mid 30's. However, they are concentrated in the critical part of the ground - the midfield. The question is can we attract B+/A level mid fielders in their mid to late 20's with that log jam in front of them. Probably not. So we will be drafting them or developing existing players. Similar question: How long will those younger players stay if they can't be best 22 from the get go. Petracca can go forward but a lot of his damage is bursting from a stoppage especially CB. Opinions vary on this one but imv neither Oliver nor Viney can play positions other than inside attacking/defending midfielders. Another question is can we really see/expect our captain/vice captain to play out the last year or two at Casey... Also, in 2027 Petty, Pickett and Rivers become free agents. All are from interstate. They may all stay or may not. We may end up with a lop sided list/age profile in or around 20227/28. Not pouring cold water on the contract renewals which are great, just answering the question on the 'risks'. In summary, the risk is having them concentrated in one part, the most critical part and impact on our ability to attract/keep their replacements.

This is such a narrow mined view. Nothing to say an ex forward has to be the forward coach.

And let’s not forget he helped bring across Burgo. Thanks Greg and all the best!

A huge thanks to Greg Stafford came aboard during the massive change process introduced by PJ, PR & SG which eventually led to our finals successes in 2018, 2021-2023 and now has made space for someone else to come in and help reinvigorate the group for future successes. He’s been a great father figure for the team, thanks Greg and good luck in your future endeavours.

What struck me about Staff, whenever I attended training, was his great enthusiasm for every drill he took. It was contagious among the lads he was coaching. He also put his body into his ruck and forward positional instruction, taking the blows, that were inevitable, with a smile before setting up for the next!

Just when our fwd line is functioning… WTF is going on round here? 😳😬😂 Big Thanks and good luck Staf!!

Have been told in the past we like Davenport from GWS but haven’t heard anything specific.

Wish him well. Believe that will be at Richmond FC

Gee this has all rather spectacularly back fired on Houston. Houston, you have a problem. From: deal to Dees about done, to “I don’t want to go there, they’re a basket case”, to an apparent mending of fences between Petracca and Dees (to be confirmed ), to Jack and Max re-signing (never resigning), to Houston’s brain fade, and Carlton and us presumably taking round 1 picks to the draft. He seems left with a paucity of choices now eh?

Reposting this as it's relevant again. Here are the forward coaches at every club. Spot the "actual" forwards. Adelaide - Scott Burns Brisbane - Murray Davis Carlton - Jordan Russell Collingwood - Justin Leppitsch Essendon - Dale Tapping Fremantle - Jaymie Graham Geelong - James Rahilly Gold Coast - Brad Miller GWS - Jeremy Laidler Hawthorn - Adrian Hickmott North Melbourne - Xavier Clarke Port Adelaide - Chad Cornes Richmond - Kane Lambert St Kilda - Robert Harvey Sydney - Jarrad McVeigh West Coast - Matthew Knights Western Bulldogs - Matt Spangher

Nibbler and a future 8th round pick get it done?

Not unhappy that they’re mixing things up but I always thought Stafford copped a lot of flack when his line had the least amount of talent. Our forward line also defended their backsides off whilst our backs gave no attacking drive. So all the best Staff.

With Nibbler leaving surely we have a look at Matt owies

ANB is not walking out on us, he is looking after his family who need him more than Melbourne. He is doing the right thing by his family and the club and is an absolute champion.

Contributed to us getting a flag so I’m eternally grateful! Best of luck for the future

Best of luck Staff. Successful or not I am sure he tried his hardest. 11 years in one place in AFL football is an eternity

Thanks for the service fella Curious how the forward line will go under a new line-coach, guess we'll find out one way or another where the issue is located

I love this news. And in the coming years I think we will see Viney transition to a high half forward role where his tackling and chasing will help mitigate Nibbler leaving. He has also got much better at his set shots.

I also reckon if I’d been in a job in a cut-throat industry for 11 years, including during a pandemic when clubs had to slash numbers, without knowing what I was doing, somebody probably would have noticed before and moved me on.

Goody’s game plan—obviously. Kate—for sneezing near a training session. The re-emergence of the Norm Smith curse—because we just can’t resist. The umpires—standard procedure, really. Maynard—because even if he’s not involved, why not?

Forget the wishful thinking from Magpie fans who think their team can perform yet another miracle and somehow snatch a place in the 2024 finals series when their team takes on the Demons at the MCG on Friday night. It ain’t gunna happen. They can whistle Dixie through their non-existent front teeth but the fact of the matter is that both teams have run their race. The game is a dead rubber — for each of them, this will be the last dance of the season. And given the history between the two clubs and the traditional rivalry that’s attached to their relationship, it’s unlikely that the thousands who turn up will be witnessing a dance of love like a slow waltz. Back in the good old days when there were only 12 teams in the competition, it would have been unthinkable that they were playing the last game sitting in 10th and 12th places respectively (and separated only by Essendon), but that’s the modern game as it hurtles towards an equally unthinkable possible grand final against two sides from Sydney. When the final round clash between Melbourne and Collingwood was first announced to take place on the Friday night of the ultimate round of the 2024 season, AFL officials, club personnel and the players and fans themselves were salivating at the thought of these teams fighting tooth and nail take part in finals glory but it hasn’t quite worked out that way. Now, it might not be the expected blockbuster but it could still pack in some of the action reminiscent of a final. The recent history between these old rivals has also been somewhat volatile. Some would argue the outcomes of their two most recent matches were decided by sickening early game blows (both deemed “legitimate football acts”) that caused severe physical damage to Melbourne’s first and second draft picks from 2014 in Christian Petracca and Angus Brayshaw. The incidents certainly reinforced the lack of confidence and ability on the part of the Demons to hit their targets with ball in hand in those games and indeed, they suggest that they have routinely succumbed to heat and pressure applied by the Magpies. This is clear from the results of the five meetings between the clubs since Melbourne’s premiership triumph in 2021 (see table below) of which Collingwood has won four. The Pies have scored a total of 59 goals 35 behinds (62.76% scoring accuracy) and conceded 42 goals 63 behinds (40%) to the Demons to overwhelm their opponents despite being well behind in scoring shots. There’s little doubt that for a Melbourne victory, it needs to improve its forward connection, to kick straight and to considerably tighten up the pressure rating. That’s easier said than done when you consider that the Demons go into the game with an emaciated on ball division lacking Petracca, Oliver, Brayshaw and Sparrow from it’s premiership lineup. Last week, Jack Viney was expected to carry it all himself with help from big Max in the ruck and midfield newcomer Trent Rivers but can we expect him to do it against its 2023 premiership counterpart (minus De Goey)? Let’s not forget that last week Collingwood, with Nick Daicos in full flow, stormed home to overturn an 18-point deficit in the last few minutes to beat Brisbane by a point. Melbourne will be relying on Alex Neal-Bullen to repeat his performance from King’s Birthday in nullifying the young Magpie star in his last game for the club. Despite the hyphen’s achievement, it still didn’t spell victory against a team depleted by injury. All because that team had enough players like Daicos’ brother Josh who had the ability and decision-making nous to find space and effectively deliver the football to teammates further afield. And a bit of help from ruckmen intent on hoeing into Max while the umpires looked askance at their multiple indiscretions. Throughout the last season or so, coach Simon Goodwin has promised fans that he was working on the front of goal problem. There have been some glimmers of hope and last week against the Suns, we saw a ray of sunshine with Daniel Turner, Harry Petty and Jacob van Rooyen scoring multiple goals in the same game. Their task will be more difficult this week with the Collingwood faithful who always turn up in their droves to provide the noise of affirmation to bring their side home. Both teams are coming off six day breaks but the Demons are coming off a flight back from an interstate game played in hot trying conditions. These are the main reasons why I’m tipping Collingwood to take the lead and win the last dance by 17 points. THE GAME Melbourne v Collingwood at the MCG, Friday 23 August 2024 at 7.40pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall Collingwood 155 wins Melbourne 85 wins 5 drawn At the MCG Collingwood 87 wins Melbourne 64 wins 3 drawn Last five meetings Collingwood 4 wins Melbourne 1 win The Coaches McCrae 4 wins Goodwin 1 win LAST TIME THEY MET Collingwood 14.5.89 defeated Melbourne 6.15.51 at the MCG in Round 13, 2024 Max Gawn’s 45 hitouts and 9 marks weren’t enough to overcome a major bout of the yips in front of goals. From the outset, Melbourne’s forwards were hitting the post with gettable shots for goal while Collingwood’s couldn’t miss, even the tough ones from difficult angles. Just before quarter time, Christian Petracca suffered what has been described as “life-altering injury” that ruptured his spleen when Magpie skipper Darcy Moore plowed through his back and ribs. The Pies gained the momentum among the chaos but, while Alex Neal-Bullen held Nick Daicos to 15 possessions and a goal, brother Josh got off the leash to take out best on ground honours with 34 touches. THOSE LAST FIVE MEETINGS Round 13, 2024 — Collingwood 14.5.89 defeated Melbourne 6.15.51 Qualifying Final, 2023 — Collingwood 9.6.60 defeated Melbourne 7.11.53 Round 13, 2023 — Melbourne 8.18.66 defeated Collingwood 9.8.62 Round 21, 2022 — Collingwood 15.6.96 defeated Melbourne 13.11.89 Round 13, 2022 — Collingwood 12.10.82 defeated Melbourne 8.8.56 THE TEAMS MELBOURNE B M. Hore, T. McDonald, J. McVee HB J. Bowey, A. Tomlinson, B. Howes C E. Langdon, J. Viney, C. Salem HF K. Chandler, H. Petty, J. Billings F K. Pickett, J. Van Rooyen, B. Fritsch FOLL M. Gawn, A. Neal-Bullen, T. Rivers I/C B. Howes, J. Melksham, K. Tholstrup, D. Turner T. Woewodin SUB B. Laurie EMG K. Brown, M. Jefferson IN B. Laurie, T. Woewodin OUT J. Lever (illness), T. Sparrow (ankle) COLLINGWOOD B C. Dean, D. Moore, B. Maynard HB W. Hoskin-Elliott, J. Howe, I. Quaynor C S. Sidebottom, J. Crisp, J. Daicos HF B. Hill, L. Schultz, J. Elliott F B. McCreery, M. Cox, P. Lipinski FOLL D. Cameron, N. Daicos, S. Pendlebury I/C E. Allan, J. Noble, W. Parker, J. Richards SUB F. MacRae EMG B. Frampton, N. Long, J. Ryan IN E. Allan, C. Dean, F. Macrae, J. Richards OUT J.Bytel (omitted), B.Frampton (omitted), N. Long (omitted), D. McStay (managed) Injury List: Round 24 Tom Sparrow — ankle / season Steven May — ribs / season Clayton Oliver — knee, ribs / season Caleb Windsor — ankle / season Charlie Spargo — Achilles / season Christian Petracca — spleen / indefinite

Thanks for your service big man. Will be interesting to see if this change freshens up the forward line in 2025!

Nice. This could get tricky for Port. I still think regardless of latest media that we're still in the race. Could we see Nibbler involved in the trade along with our late or future first pick?

Terrible, gut-wrenching news. Condolences to Sam's loved ones. So young, carrying out the everyday task of traveling to work - which always brings these things too close to home :-( A reminder that this is, after all, just a game. The (overlong) hoo-ha in the Tracc thread, our disappointing year, the 2000 GF, Tom Scully (*shudder*), the Neeld era, etc. - doesn't truly mean anything of substance (as much as some of that still burns). We cheer at games, united by a sense of adventure, shared adrenaline and hope for a taste of glory, we hug our loves ones, and every moment is at the whim and grace of the universe. Nothing is promised beyond now. Going to hug my better half + little ones now (I returned to my laptop to finish some work - which, also, doesn't truly matter).

I would have been able to tell you, but since becoming a God, I've lost all user access for binners. Sorry about that.

Oh no. There might be a year at the end of the contract of one of our best players ever where he doesn’t play much. Really happy with this news and loved the touch of the letter.

A clear favourite of mine. Has all the traits you want to see imo

I resemble that comment.

This kid is the future. Congratulations Trent, I love watching you give your all.

Dees supporters feelings towards Tom Morris 💩💩💩