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try "community centre" or "multi-function sporting centre" or just "afl umpiring training centre (incorporating mfc)" or go all out suck on "the peter dutton elite sports centre"

i'll wager it is completed before the tassie stadium

On Konstas he came in based off unbelievable form Handled Bumrah differently and changed that test Cricket is crying out for some personality and we think he is arrogant? I personally like the bloke.

Lots of "old man shaking fist at cloud" posts here. Konstas is a breath of fresh air. More power to him.

There’s always money in the banana stand

I haven't read this thread through, but I'm surprised to learn Konstas and Bumrah were at a Peninsula pub together?

Steven May’s at Sorrento Hotel like “what am I… chopped liver?”

Rib Tickler No Laughing Matter: Petracca's Injury Raises Eyebrows Melbourne, Australia – In a shocking twist for fans of the Melbourne Demons, superstar Christian “CP5” Petracca, the recipient of the prestigious Norm Smith Medal, has reportedly sustained a rib injury during a training session last week. Initial speculation suggested that Petracca “cracked” a rib during a grappling drill, sparking concern among the club's supporters. However, the claims were quickly challenged by a dedicated fan known only as “Pickett Fence,” who was spotted in a gillie suit, cleverly concealed in a bush for a closer look at the team’s training. “YOU CAN’T CRACK A RIB FROM GRAPPLING. EVER,” he insisted in a statement to our publication. Ethan Tremblay, a frequent contributor to the popular fan forum “Demonland,” and resident know-it-all, attempted to counter Pickett’s assertion, arguing that rib injuries are, in fact, quite common in grappling situations. “Actually, rib injuries are super common as a result of grappling”. Undeterred, Pickett responded swiftly, providing clarification that the injury did not even occur during grappling. The debate continued, highlighting the passionate discourse among the Demons’ fanbase. Adding his own observations to the conversation, local resident Doc Roet stated, “believe it or not, I fractured a rib leaning over one of those big wheelee bins. I had inadvertently dropped my keys into it and was kind of seesawing over it trying to reach down.” Cranky Franky, a lifelong Demon’s supporter, known for his positive outlook, stated that the, “season was already over” after hearing reports of Petracca’s injury. As the Demons prepare for the upcoming season, fans will be eager to see how Petracca’s injury impacts the team’s performance, especially after a disappointing finish in 2024. With hopes of returning to the top eight, the club is looking to bounce back stronger than ever.

Better late than never … and quite frankly, there’s very little to report other than that training took place at Casey Fields this morning, that Tracc was there nursing his rib injury and that some photographs are on the club’s social media including this one of Clarrie in Raging Bull stance that gives rise for confidence ~ The other news is that the club has a new train on player in 185cm Dandenong Stingrays midfielder Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves (love the hyphenated name which is just so fitting for the MFC). The 2025 draft prospects training at your club this week H-H has been with the Stingrays program for a couple of seasons and was a regular them last year. He should feel at home training with former teammate Harvey Langford. As far as I know, he’s not tied to the club in any way and if that’s the case, he’s available to all clubs in this year’s national draft.

A bit of KB propaganda, keen to see him this year https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/1707289/a-running-start-brown-launching-into-2025

It all comes down to the way we rebound and transition the ball from the back in my view. We know what the personnel up forward is and I don't think that will change all that much, we know what kind of defence we play etc. Will we be able to rebound hard and counter the quickest possible way through the middle is what I'm looking for with the backs not sitting quite as high in case it comes back the other way.

Ironically its 100% absolutely IS CRICKET. The only unusual thing about Konstans chirping to Bumrah in the 'get back to your mark' gate is that it was only his second test. That sort of chirping has been occurring since WG Grace made the game a mental battle as much as technical battle.

He didn't think it, he wondered it...a fine line.

The thing I find interesting is that individuals are encouraged to go out and borrow for their home. There are people with a $200k income (pre tax) with $1m of debt, 5 times their taxable income and 7 times based on after tax income of $140k. A government entity has a little over 1 time their revenue and they are seen as a basket case or irresponsible.

Agree that is very likely he was encouraged to wind up the Indians. And his behaviour should be seen in that light I reckon (not to mention the complete inappropriateness of kohlis behaviour towards him - ie the shoulder charge, constant chirping and the childish, pathetic running at him when bumrah got Khawaja out last ball of the day). Not sure if it worked in terms of knocking bumrah of his game. He bowled Khawaja a few ball later and was never anything less than brilliant. But I reckon it definitely worked in terms of distracting the Indian team more broadly, particularly kholi who failed to score the runs the India's desperately needed in Melbourne ans Sydney - not to mention completely failing to provide the sort of leadership his team needed. I loved the energy the kid brought.

Worldwide experience suggests that once a city goes beyond 5 million people it starts to really struggle. Transport delays, infrastructure and services all come under too much strain to keep up with the expansion. Add to that pollution and it doesn’t bode well. You only have to take a drive and our once manicured parks and our roadsides you’ll see the weeds, long grass and rubbish building up. We’ve spent all our money on big projects rather than cleverly offering other alternatives. I’m just about to buy up near Bendigo, a beautiful city with all the services at easy reach. City be gone!

yes, yr negativity towards anything, everything is well understood however, as has been made clear by the mfc many times over, this is about more than just a home base for us but about community-based engagement and projects in order to enable that home base to happen i will wager that we will be at our caulfield based within the next decade; i.e. before 2035

Having Langdon and Sharp play further towards our defence will help our defensive efforts no - given their excellent endurance running power.

Port has lost Todd Marshall for the year with an achilles. No Marshall, Dixon retiring and Houston leaving looks like they could easily succumb to pressure after the first 6 or 7 games. They're my tip to slide the most this year.

I was fortunate to attend the 2014 50th anniversary premiership lunch at the Bentleigh club. Having been at the 1964 grand final it was a delight to meet the players again. Hassa was one of the 14 (out of 20) players who were there and I got all their autographs. It was a joy to be there and Hassa was, as always, wonderful. After kicking the winning goal at the old Glenferrie Oval in 1964 to guarantee us first place on the ladder for the finals, how could he be anthing else. GO DEES. GO HASSA BABY.

I actually think the defensive unit will continue to sit high. The transition game doesn't work properly if the defensive line is too close to the opponents goal. The key to effective transition is compressing the ground and winning it back as close to your goals as possible. It's why for example, even in 2023 when they were playing their best footy, the pies were always a chance to be scored against on the rebound. That was one of the key reasons we struggled defensively last year. In most games our defensive line was set way higher than previous years and that totally stress tested our structure, leg speed and fitness (because once the ball is turned over up the field the defensive unit has to bolt back to defend the turnover). Steve May, who was absolutely gassed, spoke to that very issue in his post game, on ground interview after our win over the tigers. Because of his leg speed, having Windsor behind the ball will really help with our transition. But i reckon just as importantly his leg speed will help us defend turnovers because he will be able to get back quickly - something tmac, may and Lever all struggled to do last year.

As soon as a kid shows his personality we hammer it down through the media, the commentators, the ex players and the viewers. Then we complain that life’s become boring and predictable. I can’t stand conformity. Stick it to the man at every opportunity. Life’s way more interesting when feathers are being ruffled. The fact a 19 year old kid has the balls to do it shows he’s made of some good stuff.

One of the nicest former MFC players I've ever met. He's someone that has time for everyone, not just people of his generation. Fans of later generations like myself wanting to learn about our past can gain so much from a chat with Mr Mann. We love you Hassa!

Well, at least one highly respected ex Australian test player begs to differ: https://au.news.yahoo.com/simon-katich-goes-public-with-eye-opening-theory-about-sam-konstas-after-india-controversy-013806909.html "I just wonder whether he was given the brief to disrupt Bumrah and the Indians and just go out there with intent and (the mindset that) whatever happens, happens. Because there's a lot more freedom when you're 19 knowing that if you don't get it right the first time around (then) you can go back, work on your game and then fight your way back in, you've got time on your side."

Great show

Dinner

Ar no Khawajs plays the ball late, his eyes are going and he never gets far enough forward. That ball did little and should have been played comfortably and was not! Down to Khawaja but Konstas needs to establish himself and not tryto play mind games. Out if his league and gets above himself IMV

Question why ? Getting older, as everyone does, you only have so many seasons left. I enjoy immensely talking rubbish about football. Sometimes with advice from demonland I make sense, passed my dad was getting close to what my old mum was. Enjoy the journey, just need to ignore comments that are pure vexatious, meant to give angst, or are by trolls. Others have their opinions I read them all, Most have some % that I think might be relevant, but I feel good about this year really good. I like your stuff.

I thought the same thing- starting to look chiselled in the way he does when in top nick. That includes his face looking more chiselled, which jumped out at me in one of the photos posted from Gus's wedding. Great signs- in particular that he looks in better nick than he did right before their break (suggests clarry worked hard over the four week break and avoided too much Xmas pudding).

It's always been his weak spot.

Ton Norris reports Melbournes season is almost over as Christian Petracca is targeted by his teammates and suffers an other injury to the ribs he used to attack DArcy Moores knee. This would never happen at Collingwood he said, Brayden would have shepherded me through the sessionand ensured injuries are only suffered to opposition players. Meanwhile Clayton Oliver was seen at training building himself up for the expected trade to Geelong, it is recognised that his age does not suit the profile of the cats so he will undertake some aging process programs to ease his move. MAx Gawn of course is now falling apart from the jaw down and the ageing Christian Salem was again on restricted duties. While Melbourne could have some elite younger players it is likely they will all leave as they develop skills that will be ignored by the coach. Goodie looked resplendent in his wedding outfit but it frankly shocked the younger brigade who were disappointed not to have been consulted on the preferred wedding destination of BAli. Theres so much dysfunction at the club I dont even bother to go to their training sessions or speak to anyone where all my reporting acumen would be wasted says Ton.

Meanwhile at a top secret training ground deep in the south eastern suburban corridor. The new game plan was being put thru it paces.

2024: Mihocek, de Goey, Hill, Elliot: 80 goals from 62 games JVR, Petracca, Pickett, Fritsch: 121 goals from 78 games 2023: Mihocek, de Goey, Hill, Elliot: 137 goals from 93 games JVR, Petracca, Pickett, Fritsch: 131 goals from 85 games fairly similar output in 2023 (van rooyen's first year in the afl) and then quite a bit more scoreboard impact in 2024 for the dees' foursome that you nominated as a comparison point fwiw, the filth really missed mihocek in 2024 - he straightens then up remarkably

Jack Lukosius should be a logical replacement for Marshall as that third key forward option. Good bit of recruiting in hindsight by Port.

McCarthy and the Cowboys have gone separate ways

No no no, keep working on it!! Practice makes perfect, besides which, the bar for perfection here, is set pretty low. Now, have at it!!

I'll tip that he wont make it as a Test opener so part of your question is irrelevant!

I hate to see any player cop that sort injury, particularly in the preseason.

What I’ve noticed in this break even after all the weddings etc he’s back into some sort of training the following day. He’s clearly focussed on coming back strong which is exciting.

The Herald Sun’s Josh Barnes has posted an article on Code Sports entitled “Track Watch: Christian Petracca trains days after cracking ribs at Melbourne training”. Summary - • Christian Petracca was on light duties but showed no signs of discomfort from his cracked ribs at Melbourne training. • there’s no plan in place to return the Norm Smith medallist to full training but he will be able to keep his fitness up as his ribs recover. • the club didn’t hesitate in getting into contact today, stepping into physical centre bounce and defensive set up drills involving heavy tackling. • other players in the non-contact group were skipper Max Gawn, defender Jake Lever and Taj Woewodin. • players who impressed were:- * Kysaiah Pickett – was impressive in bursting out of the middle of the ground in a centre bounce drill. * Tom Campbell – with Max on the sidelines, he showed his deft ruckwork in the centre. * Shane McAdam – was hampered physically to start this pre-season but he showed a flash of his goalkicking ability with a nice dribble goal from deep in a pocket. • Christian Salem limped off the track at one point, pointing to his lower right leg and seeking attention from the medical staff.

It must take a lot of thought to write a self-contradictory sentence like that.

Great Melbourne man - he and Arthur Wilkinson guarded the change room door like their lives depended on it - should be nominated for the Defenders of Team of the Century! Barry had a gruff demeanour when on duty, but was a lovely bloke. Worked out along the way that he lived just near me on those days, so used to give him the occasional lift home after a game, and got to know him a bit better than just his doorman duties. Generally, Barry took public transport to and from games, making for very long days for him, especially in his later days. One of the old-time good guys, Melbourne through and through. RIP Barry, and condolences to friends and family.

Probs not a popular opinion but I don’t like the way Konstas goes about it. Right from the get-go he struck me as a cocky little upstart who needs to be brought down a peg or 100. Getting involved with a situation between Uzzy and Jasprit (which arguably cost Uzzy his wicket) confirmed it. For mine he lacks something Scotty Boland, for eg. has in spades… humility and modesty.

But no matches suspended …. So they took the easy way out

That's my cue to repost this mashup of bar jokes and grammar nerd principles! An Oxford comma walks into a bar, where it spends the evening watching the television, getting drunk, and smoking cigars. A dangling participle walks into a bar. Enjoying a cocktail and chatting with the bartender, the evening passes pleasantly. A bar was walked into by the passive voice. An oxymoron walked into a bar, and the silence was deafening. Two quotation marks walk into a “bar.” A malapropism walks into a bar, looking for all intensive purposes like a wolf in cheap clothing, muttering epitaphs and casting dispersions on his magnificent other, who takes him for granite. Hyperbole totally rips into this insane bar and absolutely destroys everything. A question mark walks into a bar? A non sequitur walks into a bar. In a strong wind, even turkeys can fly. Papyrus and Comic Sans walk into a bar. The bartender says, “Get out — we don’t serve your type.” A mixed metaphor walks into a bar, seeing the handwriting on the wall but hoping to nip it in the bud. A comma splice walks into a bar, it has a drink and then leaves. Three intransitive verbs walk into a bar. They sit. They converse. They depart. A synonym strolls into a tavern. At the end of the day, a cliché walks into a bar — fresh as a daisy, cute as a button, and sharp as a tack. A run-on sentence walks into a bar it starts flirting. With a cute little sentence fragment. Falling slowly, softly falling, the chiasmus collapses to the bar floor. A figure of speech literally walks into a bar and ends up getting figuratively hammered. An allusion walks into a bar, despite the fact that alcohol is its Achilles heel. The subjunctive would have walked into a bar, had it only known. A misplaced modifier walks into a bar owned by a man with a glass eye named Ralph. The past, present, and future walked into a bar. It was tense. A dyslexic walks into a bra. A verb walks into a bar, sees a beautiful noun, and suggests they conjugate. The noun declines. A simile walks into a bar, as parched as a desert. A gerund and an infinitive walk into a bar, drinking to forget. A hyphenated word and a non-hyphenated word walk into a bar and the bartender nearly chokes on the irony.