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I ventured to Casey yesterday against my better judgement because when you get a chance to see 17 Demons running around and the weather is good the lure is just too strong. Here's how I thought our blokes went. As always when making these comments remember that the ground is big and it's very hard to see exactly what's happening on the other side. There was a slight breeze blowing to the forward pocket at the northern end so that's where I stood. Jack Viney: First clearance of the match and first kick was just great to see. He was harder and faster around the stoppages than everyone else and did a lot of the grunt stuff. Looked in good touch and was generally very clean and kicked the ball well when he got the opportunity. But he was heavily tagged for 3 quarters so he didn't find much space. I'd be stunned if he wasn't back next week. Billy Stretch: I was a huge fan but was frustrated by his lack of improvement but yesterday I saw another side of Billy because instead of playing wing he played on ball, centre square and inside mid as well as outside. And he did it very well. He found the ball regularly, he had clean hands and pretty good decision making. Initially he found his kicks and handballs smothered but as the game went on and he got his confidence he got better and better. He's not as small as you might think and he's starting to use his body well in contested situations. Finished with a lovely goal and was one of, if not, the best on the ground. It is hard to see where he fits into the team though but will remain with us or in the AFL system based on yesterdays performace. His challange is to back it up. Promising signs but a way to go. Frost: Played a solid game with some good contested marking at times and a bit of dash and continued to do what he does. He's a tweener at the moment, probably a bit too good for VFL but not good enough for AFL. Still prone to silly mistakes like letting the ball go over the back of packs when he's last up but was a good contributor on the day. Pedersen: Full of fumbles I thought in the first half and not much of a contributor but stuck at it and played better as the game went on. A great mark in the second quarter and a good contributor. He played KPF and relief ruck. JKH: Played mainly forward and didn't really get into the game much. Kicked the first goal of the match and I thought he might be in for a good one but faded and whilst he was far from poor he wasn't a major contributor. It's hard to see where he goes from here. Harley Balic: He's an interesting player and one that if and when he plays senior footy for us will do it competently. Played mainly high forward and was very clean with the ball, found it well and kicked it well. Is capable above his head and knows where to run to provide options and find space. It was his first game back for a while and he'd be pretty pleased with it. It's hard to see where he fits in and will need some injuries to get a chance you'd think but when he plays he may well make it hard for whoever he replaces to get back in. I like him and think at present he's a terrific 23 to 30 player on the list but he might improve significantly over time. One to watch. Jayden Hunt: Poor old Jayden. Looks bereft of confidence and really struggled to find the ball and get involved. He just needs to start to try and enjoy his footy again and concentrate on the basics. We all know what he can do but he didn't do it yesterday. Tomas Bugg: I'm not a fan but there's no doubt he can play at this level. Started quite slowly but fought his way into the game and then really dominated it for a period where he kicked 3 goals quickly. They were at the other end to me so I can't really judge them but he was a good contributor in the typical Buggy way. It's really nice to see he's left the fake toughness behind and is just playing footy. Oscar Baker: Played wing and did it well. I've seen him three time now live and yesterday was the best of them. In the past the major knock is a lack of composure and an inability to see options and take them. But yesterday was much better and he used the ball quite well. He runs hard and takes the game on and has clean hands. He goes hard for the ball too. My view is he's still a long way from senior selection but moving in the right direction. He certainly has some great attributes and he's great to watch and improving. Harrison Petty: I love this kid and that's what he is, a kid. He reads the play really well, he reads the ball in the air really well and he's got sure hands above his head. And when he gets it he has good vision and executes really well. He was far from dominant yesterday but you can just tell he knows how to play footy and is a great prospect. Two more preseasons I reckon and we'll all be happy. Jeff Garlett: It's hard to appreciate how quick he is unless you see it close hand. And it's hard to understand how he can see options in a sea of players as quickly as he does. But he does and was a clear cut above this level yesterday although he didn't get a lot of it. He applied pressure and provided options yesterday as well as spending some time on ball. Reality is he's a cut above Spargo at the moment (no criticism of Spargo) so I guess his selection will come down to how he's playing his role and whether Goody wants him back. But he will get back and he is in our best 22 when he's going. Dion Johnstone: I think he's struggling at the moment and he played mainly back yesterday in what for me was a new role for him (I can't remember where he played against Richmond when I last saw him). He's tough and he has a go but he's struggling to find the ball and get involved. Hope he picks up but at the moment he's miles away. Josh Wagner: Solid and hard at it and a very good VFL player who did his bit yesterday in a very good team effort. But he won't be pressing for a call up given yesterday's performance and that of the seniors. Joel Smith: He's getting back if he isn't back already. I loved his game yesterday. He was involved, he was clean, he did things faster than almost everyone else, he ran well and he provided options and got into space as well as being strong in the air. His kicking is a weakness but I'd be very surprised if he doesn't press very hard for a game in the next month or so on that form. He's great to watch. Tim Smith: I've watched Tim over a long period now and although he's played some good games I've never thought he had AFL attributes - until yesterday. He was fantastic I thought. Strong in the air, strong on the ground and found plenty of it. He's not called Bull for nothing and for the first time yesterday I thought he really could play AFL footy. Great game. Dec Keilty: He played a really solid strong game without dominating. I didn't see him make a mistake and he took some solid marks. He was one of our three talls who, against good opposition, played their role well. Lachlin Filipovic: I like this kid. He had to play against Ceglar who is a good near quality AFL ruckman and would replace McEvoy very competently. Flipper did well in the ruck but struggled around the ground and in the air against a much more mature player. But he does get involved and he has surprisingly good skills for a ruckman of his height and appears to make pretty good decisions. I'd be amazed if he's not retained as a long term development project because he's showing good attributes. The game was a pretty fierce contest yesterday and Casey were relentless in their pressure and tackling and it was a genuine 4 quarter effort. The Hawks always threatened as they have very good system and use it well by foot but Casey just fought so hard all day that they finally wore them down to kick away to what appears to be a comfortable win but wasn't. Good fun yesterday and great to see the spirit and effort of all the players.

Here was Bull's specky. Camera angle isn't the best as it looked much better live.

So i watched the weeds involvements in AFl pro. Some observations: it didn't take as long as watching Oliver's involvements he has got pretty blody big and once he fill out will be a seriously big unit - long arms for a big fella he is really good beneath his knees by no means did he dominate when he rucked but he he actually looks a pretty natural ruck man, won a couple of tap outs that resulted in clearances and halved a handful, with one resulting in Jessie's banana goal his handball to Spargo was really smart, assessed his options and made the right call he competes hard in the air and on the ground and laid a couple of solid tackles looks very focused on 'playing his role' and following team first rules - but i would love him to be a bit more aggressive and go for a shot on goals occasionally instead of always looking for the pass as has been noted covers a lot of ground, which isn't really picked up in the video of his involvements other than where on the ground those involvements occur (he must have really worked hard on his fitness over summer as he was never a stand out athlete in the way Hogan always was) on our first or second entry he was close to clunking a huge pack mark - didn't but smashed the pack and the ball hit the ground. Attacking the ball in the air was his strength coming into AFL and that seemed to drop off a bit last year. Looks to be back again and he will soon be regularly clunking big marks i reckon did a fair bit of ruck work n the last quarter, giving Maxy a big chop out I get 6 possessions is not huge (though he had many more involvements) but i agree with the view that he is playing an important role from a structural perspective. Goodwin has copped a bit of heat on Dl but playing four super mobile talls rotating though the forward line, wind up the ground and on ball is unique and represents a real strategic point of difference to other clubs. I have no doubt Goody has penciled Weed in for this role for some time hence him rucking at Casy from the get go this year. Can't see him being dropped now. And not because he wants to get game time into Weed (although this is obviously a bonus). But because Weed is important to this strategy and his selection will help us win more games. Like with Omac last year it is ridiculous to think Goody would pick players he didn't think could help us win just to get games into them when we are a team pushing for finals.

Watching those pricks beat us in the Granny was bad enough, but their supporters around me were even worse Laughing when Greeny was bleeding in his throat, cheering when Long dogged Simmonds.....I hope they never, ever recover from this

The Weid will be fine, whether he’s dropped or not. I doubt he will be. I’ve said before we’ve seen him do a bit of everything, it’s a matter of time before he does it all in one game. I realise I hadn’t seen endurance when I said that, so it’s pleasing that he was up there with Hogan well into the match. He’ll be right. As for not not beating anyone yet, Richmond still haven’t beaten anyone from last years top 8 either. And we made lighter work of North than they did and Richmond haven’t had an injury for 3 years. It’s an even comp, we’ve strung 10 good quarters in a row together and easily disposed of the so called lesser teams, not everyone is doing that.

And here's a decent picture of it

According to the McDonald brothers, Oliver managed 90ml when the requirement is 100ml. He should have squeezed out a #2 afterwards, a little bit of wee always comes out.

Against a rampaging Box Hill, Casey once again managed to show why they are so hard to beat at home, with the inclusion of some much needed AFL talent this week. Box Hill pushed numerous times but Casey defended strongly and ran the game out to finish on top for a great weekend for the Melbourne Football Club. Here was my take for the individual players. Viney - Played probably about 70% game time. Was tagged hard whenever he stepped onto the ground but was just a class above. As long as he pulled up okay it will be great to see the Co-Captain back playing AFL next week. Bugg - Solid. Popped up a few times to kick some goals, but nothing spectacular. Stretch- His best game this year. 31 touches and unlike previous weeks actually did a lot with the ball. Frost - The 3 tall defenders were great all game and Frosty was very solid. Couple of nice grabs and spoils and dashes from the back half. Pedo - Pretty decent game, although probably should've held a few more marks. Hunt - Got better as the game opened up but made a lot of mistakes, struggling for form a bit at the moment. JKH - Hasn't been getting the ball this season as much as he used to but he played predominately forward today and was good. Garlett - His best game at VFL level. Lively up forward and through the midfield. Set up a few goals from some nice kicking. Johnstone - Is playing defence and I didn't really notice him, but the Coach gave him some nice praise after the game. T.Smith - Was best on ground behind Stretch for mine. Took some impressive marks, including a great screamer on the wing and was great up forward. J . Wagner - Solid again. Used mostly off half back and used the ball well. J . Smith - Really good in the air today which he wasn't against Geelong, good game. Keilty - Hopefully today spurs Dec into some form because he was very good. Got to a lot of contests with some good spoils and did well when the ball hit the deck, just needs to hang onto a couple more marks to take his game to the next level. Filipovic- Pretty good in the ruck against some big Hawks boys, still developing. Balic - First game back after about 3 weeks and was pretty good without being great. Petty - Very good in defence today, took a couple of really strong marks. Baker - Continuing on from his strong start to the season. Today was a great, high level game of football and with the Seniors in some good form at the moment hopefully the players down at Casey can keep up with them and be knocking on the door.

Intrigued by your use of the word either

That first word is the clue ... Robbo !! Take no notice

Wish Neeldy all the best with whatever he may do. Found him to be very polite, very committed and placed in a position with too much expectation for a first time coach - his face was so expressive I appreciated his honesty. Good footy person - Yet not the best I’ve ever seen at football politics/ football media.

The Age is reporting he has been sacked. "Mark Neeld has been sacked by Essendon after his job in the Bombers' football department was made redundant. Neeld's role will not be filled, and he will receive a payout". I could say something pithy about he and Essendon. Essendon can burn hell for eternity but I feel for Neeld's family. I wish him and his family well.

See - I think this was the point that jnrmac was making in the post-match thread rather than simply raining on everyone's parade like a curmudgeon. We beat the lowly teams in front of us, which is great, but I'm not sure it means that our structures are working just fine. There have also been inclusions over this period following omissions subsequent to our poor losses against stronger teams - which makes it difficult to assess best combinations and genuine output/form-lines. E.g. - Garlett was dropped after a 45 i-50 game against the top team, whereas Spargo has had the fortune to play in a 83 i-50 flogging - and done reasonably - against some pretty spent opposition. The same with Weideman - posters are lauding what he brings structurally, and how he allows Tmac and Hogan to score - but (despite your feelings on him), Pedo wasn't given the opportunity to play with Tmac in the team in Weid's current role. It could well be a far more potent combination. I get that you're saying what you believe the footy dept will do at selection this week, but I remain concerned that they'll be complacent or boxed in by our easier wins and that some of efficiency and personnel issues have been papered over.

I really don't see a huge difference between these and the Hawkins case. May has obviously pointed out that he was demonstrating to the umpire and had a reason for touching him with little force. What are both Ed and Charlie's reasoning? Neither were accidental. They were both moving the umpire out of their space. I really think both should get a week if the AFL want to be consistent with this one. They have a chance to do so.

The football produced by the Dees under Neeld's leadership is the worst AFL football I have ever seen, bar none. And I am talking Dees and Saints in the 70's, and the Bears a bit later. A limited if not incompetent senior coach, and an atrocious communicator. But I really feel for him here. A genuine sadness and disappointment for another human being burnt by AFL footy. Can you imagine giving 20+ years of your life to the game, only to be thrown on the scrap heap like this? And for those back-room whisperers and leakers at Essendon, pouring out confidential info so Neeld becomes a scapegoat for issues probably belonging to the whole coaching group - I hope you reap what you have sown here.

The gory details from from Foxfooty: https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/mark-neeld-resigns-from-coaching-role-at-essendon/news-story/c1c9569342c0f29a9bbb181edccfd71e "Foxfooty.com.au understands the dynamics among the coaching panel had become unsustainable this year, which filtered down to the players". "It’s believed that aside from John Worsfold, Rob Harding (game intelligence and opposition strategy coach) and Neeld, no assistants were permitted to discuss specific strategy and tactics with the senior coach or players. This extended to game day in the coaches’ box, with almost every suggestion regarding a heavily criticised game plan funnelled through Neeld. This alienated other assistants Mark Harvey, James Kelly, Paul Corrigan and Hayden Skipworth. On several occasions, at least one of the assistants who was not allowed to discuss strategy or tactics, had to discreetly tell the runner messages behind Worsfold and Neeld’s backs in order to get their message out there. Ultimately, the structure didn’t work and Neeld was moved on — the scapegoat in a system that had broken down". It is a terrible structure and process to channel everything through one person and keep other assistants out of the loop but Neeld didn't put the structure in place - that is a Football department decision. Key word in last para of quote: Scapegoat. Glad for him he is out of there Watching the arrogant EFC implode again will be such fun...more popcorn anyone!

Has a real feel of scapegoat here as others have mentioned. Not often you see an assistant coach moved on mid season. The press release talks of allowing other members of the coaching staff to have input into the game plan.. sorry that responsibility sits squarely with the head coach and head of Football.

Neeld as coach. A few pointers as to why it all went pear shaped. The worst process re finding a coach ( ie give to one person to decide) , the worst recommendation by a standing coach ( Malthouse who was after a legacy...he never deserved) . Given to the worst, most reluctant coach seeker ( Mr Lyon) and brought into a club that handled fall out between schwab and Bailey in the worst possible way. He was perhaps the worst possible communicator I have ever seen, using the worst game day tactics I can ever remember. We got what we deserved as a club when we bought in Neeld. And Essendon no doubt got what they deserved when they did the same. Its true he may have taken the wrap for a slew of crappy issues at the dees then same same at the bombers. I just cant seem to feel ANY sympathy for him whatsoever. ...and IMO the notion he "quit" mid season would be utter rubbish. Fall on your sword before we slay you with it. Lets hope he's the first domino to fall and the bombers can keep us all amused all season as sack woosha talks grow in volume.

Why on earth would he have been Essendon’s game day strategy coach? Were they tanking?

Can we find this poor fellow a job at Richmond?

They all should have got a week. Swear at an umpire, get a 50. Touch an umpire, get a week. Hit an umpire, get a lifetime ban. Simple. Obvious. And therefore never gonna happen.

Whilst I am neutral in terms of my personal empathy with Mr Neeld, Essendrug’s gradual unravelling is the gift that keeps on giving. May they go down the gurgler slowly and painfully.

It has to be said....... He has been hit by the reality bus......

We'll be 6-3 for the first time to start a season in over a decade if we win this weekend. You can cry into your coffee about it and blame the fixturing schedule, but I'll be pretty pleased to see us in this position when you factor in what we've put up with over the last 10 seasons.

We have beaten teams placed 18th, 16th, 15th, 14th & 10th and about to play the 17th Team. We have lost to teams placed 1st, 3rd & 5th. Its a reminder for us to not get carried away. i admit we are playing ok footy, but until we beat teams in the 8 i am no more excited now that i was at the start of the year. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

CASEY COME BACK by KC from Casey The Casey Demons snared their first big scalp for the season when they ended the Box Hill Hawks’ unbeaten run at Casey Fields on Sunday. The 39 point victory was a great come back after back to back defeats and sees them placed in the VFL top eight after six rounds. All eyes were on Demon co-captain Jack Viney who was making his comeback after being blighted with foot injuries beginning in the latter stages of 2017, resulting in a long rehab period that stretched into the first third of this year. Viney was in the thick of things with an early touch that led to a Jay Kennedy Harris goal and was solid throughout, albeit on limited game time of about 70% in his first outing. The home side took most of the first term to size up the opposition and drew away to an eight point lead at the first break with an after the siren goal from Angus Scott who was at the end of a fine pass from Jeff Garlett. The second quarter was something of an arm wrestle with the Hawks proving a difficult opponent to shake off until about midway through the third with Tom Bugg and Tim Smith adding some brilliance up forward, capitalising on some classy work from Billy Stretch who was having a day out in the perfect conditions. He was ably assisted by speedy redhead Oskar Baker who is improving with every run. The fine weather and excellent condition of the ground despite the rains of recent days made for a high standard game. Despite constant attention from his Box Hill opponents Viney demonstrated his toughness and quality and if comes up feeling cherry ripe after the game, it’s unlikely that he will be seen playing at this level very often again, if at all. Garlett was also full of class while Stretch and T Smith put their hands up for a recall but, given Melbourne’s recent form, will have to bide their time. Cam Pedersen was, as usual, a tower of strength. The game was a good showcase of the club’s depth both at AFL and VFL level with skipper Jack Hutchins’ return imminent along with a few others unlucky to miss out this week. Corey Wagner was the best of the VFL players and would have relished playing alongside brother Josh who was also handy in defence. The Demons’ dominance continued throughout the final term after a period with the defence led by Joel Smith and Declan Keilty asserting their authority and the final margin of 39 points marred by some inaccuracy in front of goal, really didn’t do justice to their effort around the ground on the day. It was a welcome victory however, after a few weeks in the doldrums with consecutive losses and the break for the bye. The Demons are looking forward to their encounter at SkyBus Stadium, Frankston against the reformed Dolphins who are enjoying their return to the competition with two wins to date. PETER JACKSON VFL 2018 Casey Demons 4.4.28 6.6.42 10.11.71 16.15.111 Box Hill Hawks 3.2.20 5.5.35 7.5.47 11.6.72 Goals Casey Demons Bugg 4 T Smith 3 Scott 2 Baker Balic Garlett Kennedy Harris Pedersen Stretch C Wagner Box Hill Hawks Lewis 4 Brolic Ceglar Glass Hanrahan Moore Pittonet Schoenmakers Best Casey Demons Stretch T Smith Pedersen Baker Bugg J Smith Box Hill Hawks Mirra Moore Jones Lewis Cousins Ceglar Statistics Oskar Baker 1 goal 1 behind 12 kicks 8 handballs 20 disposals 6 marks 1 tackle 81 dream team points Harley Balic 1 goal 1 behind 12 kicks 5 handballs 17 disposals 10 marks 2 tackles 91 dream team points Tomas Bugg 4 goals 10 kicks 10 handballs 20 disposals 2 marks 10 tackles 120 dream team points Jake Di Pasquale 2 kicks 5 handballs 7 disposals 1 mark 1 tackle 23 dream team points Lachlan Filipovic 4 kicks 2 handballs 6 disposals 4 tackles 16 hit outs 46 dream team points Sam Frost 8 kicks 4 handballs 12 disposals 4 marks 41 dream team points Jeff Garlett 1 goal 2 behinds 12 kicks 7 handballs 19 disposals 1 mark 4 tackles 84 dream team points Jayden Hunt 14 kicks 5 handballs 19 disposals 1 mark 1 tackle 59 dream team points Dion Johnstone 1 behind 3 kicks 3 handballs 6 disposals 1 marks 3 tackles 28 dream team points Declan Keilty 3 kicks 4 handballs 7 disposals 1 tackle 19 dream team points Jay Kennedy Harris 1 goals 4 kicks 11 handballs 15 disposals 1 marks 3 tackles 52 dream team points Jay Lockhart 14 kicks 2 handballs 16 disposals 3 marks 3 tackles 65 dream team points James Munro 7 kicks 11 handballs 18 disposals 1 marks 6 tackles 65 dream team points Cameron Pedersen 1 goal 1 behind 6 kicks 12 handballs 18 disposals 9 marks 8 tackles 10 hit outs 120 dream team points Harrison Petty 7 kicks 4 handballs 11 disposals 4 marks 2 tackles 49 dream team points Angus Scott 2 goals 4 kicks 4 handballs 8 disposals 2 marks 6 tackles 62 dream team points Joel Smith 1 behind 11 kicks 11 handballs 22 disposals 9 marks 5 tackles 103 dream team points Timothy Smith 3 goals 3 behinds 14 kicks 6 handballs 20 disposals 10 marks 7 tackles 134 dream team points Billy Stretch 20 kicks 13 handballs 33 disposals 5 marks 7 tackles 130 dream team points Jack Viney 1 behind 8 kicks 13 handballs 21 disposals 2 marks 1 tackles 74 dream team points Corey Wagner 1 goal 13 kicks 6 handballs 19 disposals 5 marks 2 tackles 74 dream team points Josh Wagner 13 kicks 6 handballs 19 disposals 5 marks 4 tackles 83 dream team points Mitchell White 9 kicks 3 handballs 12 disposals 3 marks 13 tackles 94 dream team points

You've racked up nearly twice the dot-points than Weid's disposals Binman. But I like the structure you're bringing to the argument as a developing key poster analyst, allowing our other experts to flourish by halving the disputes - and even though you haven't nailed all the points just yet, I think you have all the tools (Telstra subscription) to really be a top-line defender of Weid like we've seen with Oscar.

Weid is not going to be dropped for Viney. Nor will he be dropped for Pedersen. We’ve clicked the last few weeks and our forward line is functioning better each week. Weid is contributing to that, even if he only got 6 touches. You’ve been hit for this post a few times already, and in some respects I agree with those who’ve called you out. We missed the finals last year in part due to percentage, but in larger part because we dropped games to non-finalists when we should have won (including Fremantle and North x 2). The past three weeks we have been the better side on paper with an expectation of winning, and we’ve strung three solid and largely untroubled performances together. As for the “exception” people are citing, North has beaten Sydney on the road and Hawthorn, and pushed Richmond better than most. Our win over them should be viewed as a strong performance and not merely an “exception”. Yes, some on here have taken our wins over bottom 6 sides as evidence of us being a top 4 contender, when the reality is we have harder games to come in the back half of the fixture. But these three wins are incredibly important for a side like us, and given both 2016 and 2017 and our repeated losses to bad sides.

We have three losses, to 1st, 3rd and 5th. That kind of suggests we are in the right spot on the ladder. But I still feel like there's more to be gained. Despite our three recent wins being against out of form teams, there have been genuine signs that we are functioning better structurally. If this 'soft' period has given us a chance to play ourselves into form, then hurrah and carry on! The real danger is that the team will start getting thirsty for a bit of bathwater...

It seems to me, from a distance, that having Jade Rawlings at Casey is working really well. It looks like time at Casey isn’t a punishment but an opportunity to refresh, gain confidence and work on skills that may be deficient - as it should be.

The idea of dropping Petracca for Bugg makes me vomit in my mouth a bit.

In - Viney Out - Vince (rest) I like the Weid in the team. hes taking a key defender and allowing T Mac and Hogan to wreak havoc.

Both Curnow boys have been referred to the tribunal for making contact with an umpire. This weeks keeps getting better!

Im a bit conflicted about this. Usually i dont give a rats about peoples feelings, and im probably known on this site as a bit of a w@nker because of that,. but i genuinely feel for the bloke. He didn't mean to fail at MFC. He honestly thought he could make us better. Any coach would think the same regardless of their actual ability. Ok, so he was wrong. We not only didnt improve but it can easily be argued we went backwards during his time as coach. Watching the post-game pressers you could see the hurt was real, even if his words were hollow. Regardless of all that, the bloke is still a human being who lives and breathes footy. He has a family and friends and all that mundane stuff most of us have. Sure, i will be happy to see the drug cheats crash and burn from here to eternity and will feel genuine joy whenever that CLUB fails. The individual is a different matter. Its not cool to be basking in the failure of the poor bloke.

I believe Neeld delayed minor brain surgery in Sept 2010 to prevent side tracking Collingwood's Grand Final preparation. The nerve damage to his face which we seem to take great delight in sending up, is a result of this.

I take no pleasure in Neelds pain. Im comfortable with Essendons

I thought it was his worst game for the year watching it live. Not to say it wasn’t a good game, just not as good as all his others. Just saw the stats, 22 touches, 8 marks and 3 goals. He is in some sort of form if that’s a quiet game. What a beast.

Whatever the outcome I'm sure we'll be preparing for their best

Agreed totally. As for Neeld, hard to know why they sacked him. I mean it screams of scapegoating. But then he basically brought our entire club to the brink of footy extinction so who knows. Thank [censored] we are no longer the biggest mess in the AFL.

Noooo! Please stay Mark, you are contributing towards something great at Essendrug. Great for the rest of us!

Strangely ... Ill agree with you.

I didn't think there was much in the Hawkins one to be honest, and I'd really thought that the AFL had decided on a 'just don't touch the umpires stance'. Appears that they've walked back from that a mere 6 days later

At this point I think if Neeld hadn't been at Collingwood, they would have been the greatest team of all time. To win a flag carrying Mark Neeld must be the world's most amazing accomplishment.

Did he see it coming ?

No a i think a Reich vein of form is more along the lines of starting strongly and rolling a couple of easy beats, biting off more than you can chew against a side with a huge numerical advantage, making some major Worsfold like strategy errors (really should have played Engalnd at home early in the season) before ultimately bombing out and failing to make the finals

I dont blame them for wanting to drug test him ??

That is completely untrue. Beating sides we should beat is huge and far from indicating 'we've done nothing yet' shows a team progressing. We have now won 3 on the trot (and i have no doubt will make that four next weekend). One of those win was the highest score of the season so far. And i for one rate the Roos pretty highly and we gave them a touch up. Yes we should have won those game but as all on Demonland know these are exactly the sort of the games that in the last decade we have been notorious for losing. Which is why footy commemorators make comments like they can't 'trust us' because we yo yo. It is why we missed the finals last year. The best teams win the games they should. Thus far this season we are winning the games we should. So we are getting better and that is keeping those wins in perspective. So it is plain silly to say 'we have done nothing yet' Are we a top 4 chance? i actually think we are. But we are a ways off the the tigers. But so is every other team. And the hawks? I really believe we are better than them, despite the loss. Our issue against the very best teams (and i rate the tigers, Crows and Swans as the best - in that order) is that they will match us for contested ball and are way more skilled across the board.

Cliche but I am not looking past this week. Carlton will be up and about after their win, and they always trouble us. Bloody annoying it is.

Lotsa hate for Bugg on here Not best 22, but need 27 or 28 to play finals He's in that group - insurance

I agree Earl "THE DUKE" Spalding was a very underrated Melbourne CHB, CHF who for some totally bizarre reason ended up at Carltank Who was the brainiac who authorized that move!!???