Demonland

by The Oracle We are now into the month of May and the Melbourne Football Club has yet to break its duck for the 2007 season. Nor, apart from a fleeting moment when it came back early in the last quarter against Hawthorn (and that seems like such a long time ago) has it even looked like it might emerge from a game with a win. You have to feel for poor Neale Daniher! In the final year of his coaching contract at Melbourne and after ten years at the helm, things were shaping up nicely a little over two months ago. The pundits were anointing his team as the sole potential challenger to the interstate domination of the competition. That was however, before a football was kicked or hand passed (or indeed fumbled) in anger. Since then, bad news and even worse luck has followed his team like the proverbial bad smell. He persisted with the "run and carry" style but his disciples could neither run nor carry the football in the proper direction, his players went down like nine-pins (often during the course of games leaving him without the ability to over rotate them), the AFL Tribunal pardoned war criminals for no logical reason other than to allow them to star against his team instead of sitting out their penance in the stands and please don't get me started on the subject of the white maggots (memo: do not publish this article in the vicinity of the Gabba – it could lead to your arrest). The fact of the matter is that Neale Daniher has tried everything to get his team into a winning frame of mind in 2007 and he has failed at every step along the way. Either that or the team has failed him. That is why the Reverend should be forever grateful to his opposite number in Port Adelaide coach Mark "Chocko" Williams for plucking out of his backside (for that is the only source from which it could possibly have come) the one remaining formula for Melbourne to win this Sunday's round six MCG encounter. In a move that one could only describe in terms of sheer genius, Williams turned up at Alberton where the Port Adelaide team trains and pinned a copy of the AFL ladder upside down in the clubrooms. Surely this move, designed to ensure that his players respect the winless Melbourne, is one of those flaky ideas that AFL coaches come up with from time to time that is inevitably destined to backfire? Instead of generating confidence in the ranks of his players, it can only generate doubt. Add to this, the fact that the Power is certainly no power when it comes to playing at the MCG and the doubt starts to multiply to a point where it gets into the players' heads and before you know it, the reality is translated into failure out there on the playing field. Listen to what Port Adelaide midfielder Kane Cornes has to say about the team that on my viewing hold up the remaining fifteen clubs on the AFL ladder: - "Melbourne always beat us at the MCG. "They've really got the wood on us, a bit like the Kangaroos have. I know they haven't won a game yet but it's still going to be a very nervous and twitchy game for us." That's right. Port should be nervous because in the six matches played between the two sides at the home of football, Melbourne has emerged the victor on every occasion and its average winning margin in that time has been around six goals. So let's hear it again: "Melbourne always beat us at the MCG." Start twitching Kane. Keep looking at that ladder and watch those jangled nerves. As for Daniher's Demons, I have it on good authority that they have also now been ordered to look at the inverted AFL ladder that shows them on top. That automatically makes them the kings of the heap and allows them to approach this game which marks the return of skipper David Neitz and hard nut midfielder Nathan Jones "chocko" full of confidence. THE GAME: Melbourne v. Port Adelaide at the MCG – 6 May 2007 at 2.10pm HEAD TO HEAD: Overall: Melbourne 8 wins Port Adelaide 7 wins At the G: Melbourne 6 wins Port Adelaide 0 wins Since 2000: Melbourne 5 wins Port Adelaide 5 wins The Coaches: Daniher 6 wins Williams 6 wins MEDIA: TV Channel 7 (delayed telecast commencing at 3.00pm) RADIO 3AW 774ABC MMMM THE BETTING: Melbourne to win $2.95 Port Adelaide to win $1.35 LAST TIME THEY MET: Melbourne 18.12.120 d Port Adelaide 12.10.82, Round 13, 2006, at MCG It was an insipid Port Adelaide that ran out on to the MCG, a team that bore no resemblance to the hard hitting skilful combination that won an AFL premiership just 18 months previously. Melbourne took full advantage of this uninspiring rabble and took them to the cleaners, winning by 38 points. David Neitz booted five goals, Aaron Davey was in magical form and the Power would have been in even more strife without Shaun Burgoyne who starred. THE TEAMS: MELBOURNE: Backs: Cameron Bruce Nathan Carroll Adem Yze Half backs: Nathan Brown Jared Rivers Daniel Bell Centreline: Colin Sylvia James McDonald Aaron Davey Half forwards: Ricky Petterd, Brad Miller Byron Pickett Forwards: Lynden Dunn David Neitz Brent Moloney Followers: Jeff White Simon Godfrey Travis Johnstone Interchange: Matthew Bate Paul Johnson Nathan Jones Matthew Warnock Emergencies: Simon Buckley Ben Holland Chris Johnson In: Nathan Jones David Neitz Matthew Warnock Out: Colin Garland Mark Jamar Chris Johnson (all omitted) PORT ADELAIDE Backs: Troy Chaplin Darryl Wakelin Michael Pettigrew Halfbacks: Jacob Surjan Chad Cornes Matthew Thomas Centeline: Nathan Lonie Kane Cornes Domenic Cassisi Halfforwards: Peter Burgoyne Warren Tredrea, Josh Mahoney Forwards: Greg Bentley Damon White Brett Ebert Followers: Brendon Lade Shaun Burgoyne David Rodan Interchange: Nathan Krakouer Daniel Motlop Danyle Pearce Toby Thurstans Emergencies: Fabian DeLuca Brad Symes Adam Thomsonj In: Daniel Motlop Danyle Pearce Matthew Thomas Out: Steven Salopek (hamstring) Brad Symes (omitted) Michael Wilson (pectoral/chest muscle) MY GRIPE THIS WEEK - THE TRIBUNAL'S GET OUT OF JAIL CARD OK this has nothing to do with Sunday's game but I have to get it off my chest. In today's column in The Australian, Patrick Smith ponders about what is happening with the AFL's judicial system. The AFL Tribunal has charged 28 players this season, but it has only suspended two, Fraser Gehrig and Steven Dodd, each of them for one week only. Meanwhile the following players are charged and escape serious charges on specious grounds in the week immediately prior to their teams playing against Melbourne - Luke Hodge (thrice), Josh Carr, Des Headland (in a precedent setting groundbreaker that gets him off scott free) and now Shaun Burgoyne lucks it out because he satisfies the judiciary that a head high hit was an accident. Adam Goodes is similarly lucky to get away with a mere reprimand after belting the angelic Simon Godfrey who wasn't even looking when the Brownlow Medallist cannoned into his back. Pity those like Beamer who was brutalized by the same Tribunal a couple of years ago when there was a doubt about whether he had even made any contact at all with Jimmy Bartel before the Cat footballer fell to the ground and his head hit the MCG turf. What does he think about AFL justice right now? I don't necessarily subscribe to conspiracy theories about grassy knolls, Harold Holt's drowning or the non-existent jets crashing into American buildings but I have to admit to frothing at the mouth a lot about this Tribunal and about what it's doing to our great game of football. Get rid of them all I say. End of rant. Geez, I feel better now. SO LET'S DISCUSS THE GAME ITSELF! There's not much to say about the game if you want to go on form. Last Friday night, Port Adelaide mangled St. Kilda to the tune of 53 points at Football Park while, a day later Melbourne was crushed by Sydney at the SCG. That makes the teams about 100 points apart. Give Melbourne three goals to cater for the return of Neita and there you have it. We lose by more than 13 goals. The Power has surprised the football world by amassing a 4-1 record at this early stage of the season. Melbourne has under whelmed us all with a 0-5 start. True, injuries have played a major role but it's not the full explanation. A number of the players who have made it onto the park have performed poorly, there doesn't seem to be much system or purpose about the way the team goes about its game these days, leadership is scarce on the ground (mainly because it's been sitting watch the game with me in the stands) and there haven't been and of those stand out individual performances that sometimes can turn a game. I then look at the potential match ups and I'm scared out of my wits. On the AFL website, the match summary suggests that the key match ups are as follows:- (i) Chad Cornes (Port Adelaide) v Brad Miller (Melbourne) (ii) Simon Godfrey (Melbourne) v Shaun Burgoyne (Port Adelaide) (iii) Jeff White (Melbourne) v Brendon Lade (Port Adelaide) Agghr... I can see Melbourne coming out on top in one out of those three key match ups and that's being generous to Jeff White who is no longer the star ruckman that he used to be a few years ago when he made All Australian. His opponent rated in that award last year. The return of David Neitz and possibly Nathan Jones will add a bit of hardness to the Demon make up but Port Adelaide seems to have the edge in pace and skill all over the ground. As a result I'm tipping a Port Adelaide victory by 81 points. One moment please. I just stood on my head and I've changed my selection. From my new vantage point, I see Melbourne winning by 18 points ... Let's hear it again from Kane Cornes:- "Melbourne always beat us at the MCG."

The standings after round five and Brent Moloney and Cameron Bruce are our leaders with the Flash moving up fast:- 35. Brent Moloney 31. Cameron Bruce 23. Aaron Davey 21. Brad Green 20. Brad Miller 19. Daniel Bell 18. Nathan Jones Jared Rivers Adem Yze 16. Simon Godfrey 15. Nathan Brown James McDonald 13. Ben Holland 12. David Neitz 11. Russell Robertson 10. Ricky Petterd 8. Jeff White 5. Nathan Carroll 3. Daniel Ward 2. Travis Johnstone 1. Lynden Dunn Paul Johnson

ZEBRAS LIFT A GEAR by Barry from Beach Road After three narrow wins to open their 2007 campaign, Sandringham lifted a gear on Sunday and punished the Casey Scorpions by 79 points to retain their undefeated record and top position on the TRUenergy/VFL Ladder. The Zebras were simply too strong all over the ground for the Scorpions and produced a dazzling display that was highlighted by a superb nine goal feast in the final term. A committed Sandy side came out full of running and it gained the early initiative through Shane Valenti and Peter Summers in the middle while, up forward, Michael Newton was in good touch early with a couple of goals to herald an exciting performance from the 20 year old forward. David Gallagher was in everything and the defence stood solid with its usual firmness. The home side led by 25 points at the first break. The Scorpions worked hard in the second quarter and thanks to some early successful forays forward they managed to stay in touch with their hosts. Sandy was inaccurate in front of goal and this allowed the visitors to narrow the deficit down to just 19 points at the main break. Zebra skipper Chad Liddell was booked during the second term for allegedly tripping Shane Birss but from my vantage point, it appeared to be more a well-timed smother than anything else. The report put a temporary dampener on things but Sandy continued to display its dominance in the second half with a multifaceted attack that simply blew Casey off the park. Sandringham finished the game with almost twice the number of entries inside the fifty metre arc as its opponent with Newton booting six majors, Ezra Poyas (making a welcome return to form after injury) ending with five and leading goalkicker Nick Sautner finishing on four. Danny Hughes would have joined them but for the fact that he sprayed the ball everywhere and finished with 1 goal 4 behinds. Of course, the massive input of the goalkicking forwards would have been impossible without the magnificent contribution of Gallagher and Valenti, both of whom are having stellar seasons. Valenti simply grows in stature every week and if he continues in this vein, higher honours await him. In the ruck duels, the young pair of Shane Neaves and Stefan Martin shaded their more experienced VFL opponents and gave their on ballers first use of the football. Sandringham's defence has been a strong point right throughout the Mark Williams coaching era and this week was no exception. Ryan Ferguson in particular was in rare form taking two screamers and covering a lot of ground at half back. He had plenty of assistance from the likes of Chris Lamb, Matthew Warnock and Andy Biddlecombe who were impressive as always while Simon Buckley continues to show improved skills, dash and greater maturity. Coach Mark Williams would have been very pleased with the way in which his team responded to his three quarter time request to "try to break the game open and work hard." They certainly did that and more finishing the game full off running with nine goals to one in the final term. The team responded to the call so well that the coach was afforded the luxury of taking off two key forwards in Newton and Sautner during the final term and the goals still kept on coming. The Zebras performance came despite a string of injuries to its AFL aligned partner in Melbourne and augers well for the team's quest for four flags in a row. For the time being however, that thought is being kept out of the players' minds as they face a tough challenge next Sunday against beachside neighbour Frankston at the Frankston City Oval. The Dolphins are improving by the week and will be out to repeat their 2006 performance when they gave the Zebras a drubbing at the same venue just two weeks out from the finals. ODD SPOT: Although Sandringham leads the competition, it is not the only undefeated team. Williamstown, which had the bye this weekend, has won only once, but drew its two other matches, meaning that the Seagulls also remain undefeated in 2007. HOW THE DEMONS FARED And then there were ten. Only ten Melbourne listed players were available to play for Sandringham at the weekend. Nine played with the firsts while youngster Heath Neville took his place in the reserves and played impressively to be named in their best players in a good winning performance. Michael Newton showed that he has a liking for the Casey Scorpions booting six goals after kicking four in a cameo performance last year at Casey Fields. Ben Holland was a withdrawal again with a groin problem while young recruit Isaac Weetra suffered a broken wrist in the reserves last week and will miss a few weeks. Clint Bizzell - started well and was reasonably solid in defence but the General let himself down with a few unforced errors and might find it hard to force his way back into AFL ranks. Jace Bode - the rookie had limited game time but was quite lively when given an opportunity. Simon Buckley – a solid game from the youngster who collected 20 plus possessions and kicked a goal. His delivery under pressure was good and he showed great composure. Not far off getting a run in the red and blue. Ryan Ferguson – had a great game. Ferg was strong in defence and took a great speccy early on. Marked and punched the ball away at the right times, then capped it all off with a stint up forward for a couple of goals. Daniel Hughes – lively at half forward but let himself down with poor kicking for goal. He has sticky hands and took eight strong marks. His ground play has also improved. Shane Neaves – rucked and marked well around the ground. Showed that he is finding his feet in this company and the club will no doubt monitor his development closely with a view to 2008. Michael Newton – there’s a theory going around that this laconic but talented young forward might have been stung into action this week by the promotion of Colin Garland who is younger and has only been around the club for less than half a year. Newton, in his third season at the club, has always had latent talents that have come to the fore only sparingly. He is a great kick of the football and that skill alone commends him for promotion to a Melbourne side that lacks a forward to deliver the killer punch. He can also take a good grab is and is adequate at ground level. His day must come soon. Daniel Ward - quiet early and then injured. Did not have a great impact on the game. Matthew Warnock – a solid game against an undermanned opposition but there are a few ahead of him for higher honours in defence. Sandringham 6.3.39 8.10.58 12.14.86 21.18.144 Casey Scorpions 2.2.14 6.3.39 9.5.59 10.5.65 Goals Sandringham Newton 6 Poyas 5 Sautner 4 Ferguson 2 Buckley Crowe Liddell Valenti Casey Scorpions Sweeney 3 Rix Silvagni 2 Birss Harrison Jones Best Sandringham Gallagher Valenti Newton Warnock Ferguson Poyas Casey Scorpions Rix O'Bryan Gwilt Taylor Eddy Harrison Report Chad Liddell (Sandringham) for tripping Shane Birss (Casey Scorpions) in the second quarter. SEEING DOUBLE The final result of the Sandringham Reserves game against Casey Scorpions was almost identical to that of the seniors as the young Zebras found touch and ran away in the final term to score an imposing 82-point victory. Former Sandringham Dragons player Rennie Gilchrist continued his impressive early form and along with Daniel Gribbin, was a standout. Tom Paterakis was his usual steady self and Tom Paule also stood out with his terrier like play. The win sees the Zebra reserves holing on to fifth spot on the ladder with two wins and two defeats at this early stage of the season. Sandringham 4.5.29 10.8.68 15.11.101 21.19.145 Casey Scorpions 2.6.18 6.7.43 8.11.59 8.15.63 Goals Sandringham Collyer Gileno Mentiplay Gilchrist 3 Curcio Martyn Monaghan 2 Dean Paterakis Paule Casey Scorpions Brown 4 Wood Waite Geary Lees Goals Sandringham Gilchrist Gribbin Paterakis Paule Collyer Neville Casey Scorpions Lentini Geary Brown McGrath Scalzo Howard

by Barry from Beach Road After three narrow wins to open their 2007 campaign, Sandringham lifted a gear on Sunday and punished the Casey Scorpions by 79 points to retain their undefeated record and top position on the TRUenergy/VFL Ladder. The Zebras were simply too strong all over the ground for the Scorpions and produced a dazzling display that was highlighted by a superb nine goal feast in the final term. A committed Sandy side came out full of running and it gained the early initiative through Shane Valenti and Peter Summers in the middle while, up forward, Michael Newton was in good touch early with a couple of goals to herald an exciting performance from the 20 year old forward. David Gallagher was in everything and the defence stood solid with its usual firmness. The home side led by 25 points at the first break. The Scorpions worked hard in the second quarter and thanks to some early successful forays forward they managed to stay in touch with their hosts. Sandy was inaccurate in front of goal and this allowed the visitors to narrow the deficit down to just 19 points at the main break. Zebra skipper Chad Liddell was booked during the second term for allegedly tripping Shane Birss but from my vantage point, it appeared to be more a well-timed smother than anything else. The report put a temporary dampener on things but Sandy continued to display its dominance in the second half with a multifaceted attack that simply blew Casey off the park. Sandringham finished the game with almost twice the number of entries inside the fifty metre arc as its opponent with Newton booting six majors, Ezra Poyas (making a welcome return to form after injury) ending with five and leading goalkicker Nick Sautner finishing on four. Danny Hughes would have joined them but for the fact that he sprayed the ball everywhere and finished with 1 goal 4 behinds. Of course, the massive input of the goalkicking forwards would have been impossible without the magnificent contribution of Gallagher and Valenti, both of whom are having stellar seasons. Valenti simply grows in stature every week and if he continues in this vein, higher honours await him. In the ruck duels, the young pair of Shane Neaves and Stefan Martin shaded their more experienced VFL opponents and gave their on ballers first use of the football. Sandringham's defence has been a strong point right throughout the Mark Williams coaching era and this week was no exception. Ryan Ferguson in particular was in rare form taking two screamers and covering a lot of ground at half back. He had plenty of assistance from the likes of Chris Lamb, Matthew Warnock and Andy Biddlecombe who were impressive as always while Simon Buckley continues to show improved skills, dash and greater maturity. Coach Mark Williams would have been very pleased with the way in which his team responded to his three quarter time request to "try to break the game open and work hard." They certainly did that and more finishing the game full off running with nine goals to one in the final term. The team responded to the call so well that the coach was afforded the luxury of taking off two key forwards in Newton and Sautner during the final term and the goals still kept on coming. The Zebras performance came despite a string of injuries to its AFL aligned partner in Melbourne and augers well for the team's quest for four flags in a row. For the time being however, that thought is being kept out of the players' minds as they face a tough challenge next Sunday against beachside neighbour Frankston at the Frankston City Oval. The Dolphins are improving by the week and will be out to repeat their 2006 performance when they gave the Zebras a drubbing at the same venue just two weeks out from the finals. ODD SPOT: Although Sandringham leads the competition, it is not the only undefeated team. Williamstown, which had the bye this weekend, has won only once, but drew its two other matches, meaning that the Seagulls also remain undefeated in 2007. HOW THE DEMONS FARED And then there were ten. Only ten Melbourne listed players were available to play for Sandringham at the weekend. Nine played with the firsts while youngster Heath Neville took his place in the reserves and played impressively to be named in their best players in a good winning performance. Michael Newton showed that he has a liking for the Casey Scorpions booting six goals after kicking four in a cameo performance last year at Casey Fields. Ben Holland was a withdrawal again with a groin problem while young recruit Isaac Weetra suffered a broken wrist in the reserves last week and will miss a few weeks. Clint Bizzell - started well and was reasonably solid in defence but the General let himself down with a few unforced errors and might find it hard to force his way back into AFL ranks. Jace Bode - the rookie had limited game time but was quite lively when given an opportunity. Simon Buckley – a solid game from the youngster who collected 20 plus possessions and kicked a goal. His delivery under pressure was good and he showed great composure. Not far off getting a run in the red and blue. Ryan Ferguson – had a great game. Ferg was strong in defence and took a great speccy early on. Marked and punched the ball away at the right times, then capped it all off with a stint up forward for a couple of goals. Daniel Hughes – lively at half forward but let himself down with poor kicking for goal. He has sticky hands and took eight strong marks. His ground play has also improved. Shane Neaves – rucked and marked well around the ground. Showed that he is finding his feet in this company and the club will no doubt monitor his development closely with a view to 2008. Michael Newton – there’s a theory going around that this laconic but talented young forward might have been stung into action this week by the promotion of Colin Garland who is younger and has only been around the club for less than half a year. Newton, in his third season at the club, has always had latent talents that have come to the fore only sparingly. He is a great kick of the football and that skill alone commends him for promotion to a Melbourne side that lacks a forward to deliver the killer punch. He can also take a good grab is and is adequate at ground level. His day must come soon. Daniel Ward - quiet early and then injured. Did not have a great impact on the game. Matthew Warnock – a solid game against an undermanned opposition but there are a few ahead of him for higher honours in defence. Sandringham 6.3.39 8.10.58 12.14.86 21.18.144 Casey Scorpions 2.2.14 6.3.39 9.5.59 10.5.65 Goals Sandringham Newton 6 Poyas 5 Sautner 4 Ferguson 2 Buckley Crowe Liddell Valenti Casey Scorpions Sweeney 3 Rix Silvagni 2 Birss Harrison Jones Best Sandringham Gallagher Valenti Newton Warnock Ferguson Poyas Casey Scorpions Rix O'Bryan Gwilt Taylor Eddy Harrison Report Chad Liddell (Sandringham) for tripping Shane Birss (Casey Scorpions) in the second quarter. SEEING DOUBLE The final result of the Sandringham Reserves game against Casey Scorpions was almost identical to that of the seniors as the young Zebras found touch and ran away in the final term to score an imposing 82-point victory. Former Sandringham Dragons player Rennie Gilchrist continued his impressive early form and along with Daniel Gribbin, was a standout. Tom Paterakis was his usual steady self and Tom Paule also stood out with his terrier like play. The win sees the Zebra reserves holing on to fifth spot on the ladder with two wins and two defeats at this early stage of the season. Sandringham 4.5.29 10.8.68 15.11.101 21.19.145 Casey Scorpions 2.6.18 6.7.43 8.11.59 8.15.63 Goals Sandringham Collyer Gileno Mentiplay Gilchrist 3 Curcio Martyn Monaghan 2 Dean Paterakis Paule Casey Scorpions Brown 4 Wood Waite Geary Lees Goals Sandringham Gilchrist Gribbin Paterakis Paule Collyer Neville Casey Scorpions Lentini Geary Brown McGrath Scalzo Howard

Thanks Deeman. Even um, er votes count. Now I'm looking for Choko to cast his votes because he went to the game. I've also accepted our gueest correspondent(Yendys)'s votes.

THE NIGHT THE LIGHTS WENT OUT IN SYDNEY by Yendys (our guest correspondent from the Harbour City) Melbourne fans who live in Sydney only get one chance a year to watch their team play live in their own home town. The fanatics can travel across the county if they have adequate time and funding available but, like many others, I have to accept that I can see them in the flesh once or twice a year. I look forward to it immensely but sadly, Saturday night was a massive disappointment. I had feelings of trepidation as soon as they ran out onto the SCG. I was already conditioned to the fact that, with several of the leading lights of the team out injured, it was going to be a tough struggle but when I looked at the two teams running around before the opening bounce I was concerned. Firstly, the Swans were going into the game with their basic team structure of the past two or three years almost totally intact and secondly, the Demons looked like boys out on an errand of men. Over the past summer I read many times that Melbourne's plan for 2007 was to get the team so super fit that it could endure the rigours of a long, hard season. As a result I learned that the players' skinfolds and weight were right down (with the exception of Byron Pickett who was a bit of a special case) and that this would hold them in good stead when the finals came around. The thing is however, that Melbourne hasn't been entered into the Olympic Games - it's the AFL, a competition of hardened men and a lot of them have strong bodies. If you can't beat them with strength on a ground like the SCG then you're in it deep. This was exactly what Sydney showed Melbourne in the first quarter. Hard, relentless football, winning it with strength out of the middle, pounding it forward to where Barry Hall simply manhandled and out bustled Brad Miller, pushing him out of the way as if he was a mere flea. I couldn't believe this was the same Miller who was feted as a Demon strong man a year or two ago! The Demon faithful in the crowd were right to feel despondent at quarter time. Their few star players were struggling; Travis Johnstone was labouring under a heavy tag, Aaron Davey was trying too hard, the forward line was invisible, the rucks and midfield simply couldn't get a clearance and they weren't doing much around the ground. An alarming statistic was the clearance figures that showed the Swans winning the first eight of the game and by quarter time, the Swans were ahead by 13 to 2. Not surprisingly, by then Sydney had the game won physically, mentally and on the scoreboard - 6.2.38 to 1.2.8. They were throwing Melbourne all over the park and we were sitting there sensing a slaughter was about to engulf us all. Well, from that point on, to its credit Melbourne fought back and though it won't bring comfort to many, it should be pointed out that the Demons had more scoring shots than the Swans over the remainder of the game. The trouble was that they didn't have the forward power to convert regularly enough while, at the same time, some of their defenders were so inept that Sydney, which had the kicking yips last week, weren't pressured and had the time to kick goals when they were needed. Davey led a mini fight back as the deficit was cut back to 17 points during a period in the second quarter in which Matthew Bate kicked a brilliant goal from way out beyond 50 metres. However, the Demons couldn't keep their concentration levels up and lapsed late in the term as they have done a few times this year. Nathan Brown has been a courageous player who has had better games than Saturday night but sadly I will remember this game for the goal he gave away just before half time. After marking in the back pocket, he ignored Davey who was running into half back and instead, Brown passed the ball backwards where it was gleefully accepted just outside the goalsquare by an incredulous Jarrad McVeigh who slipped away for a goal to put the Swans 37 points ahead. They should have turned the lights off there and then as far as I was concerned. Had they done so, debutant Ricky Petterd would still have been seen shining through the night. A slight looking 18-year-old lad with a big future, Petterd was drafted last year at number 30 from the unlikely address of Broadbeach, Queensland. The kid was prepared to have a dip despite lacking the mature strength of his opponent and he capped off his night with a goal when moved forward in the final quarter. One of the team's stronger bodies was Simon Godfrey. He might lack skills and might not make the best 22 if everyone was available but he always puts everything into his game and he kept Adam Goodes quiet. He even frustrated him into losing his concentration and committing a rare on field sin for a dual Brownlow Medallist. Carroll was doing better on Hall but the Demons' defence was always under pressure and always the most likely to make mistakes. The Swans' lead was heading towards 50 points early in the second half but when Kennelly was injured after a Byron Pickett tackle, the Demons clawed their way back. Jared Rivers showed how talented he can be in defence and the team gained some rhythm and purpose. They actually won the third quarter! However, after Mark Jamar missed everything with one of his rare possessions, the deadly accurate Swans got going again to run out convincing winners by 49 points. Melbourne played like a team that had more than half of its leadership group off the park and unfortunatley, the missing part of that group is the very strength of the team. No offence to Cameron Bruce and James McDonald but they aren't the strong leaders the Demons needed to set the example against the tougher bodied, relentless Swans. There was simply nobody in the team with the mongrel of a Barry Hall or the ability to keep going like Brett Kirk. Driving home after the game, I passed a church and, in the dark, I could just make out that it had a sign out front suggesting something about the meek inheriting the earth. That might be so but the meek get you nowhere in the AFL and I hope next time the Demons feature in a game up here, that there's a bit more fight in the collective group than what they showed their supporters on Saturday night. Melbourne 1.2.8 4.4.28 6.9.45 8.12.60 Sydney 6.2.38 10.5.65 12.7.79 17.7.109 Goals Sydney Hall 5 Davis 3 Schneider 2 J Bolton Goodes Jolly Kirk Malceski O'Keefe Schmidt Melbourne Davey 3 Bate Bruce Dunn Miller Petterd Best Sydney Malceski Kirk Hall Davis Schneider Melbourne Davey Rivers Petterd Carroll Godfrey Bruce Injuries Sydney Tadhg Kennelly (knee), Luke Ablett (knee) Melbourne Matthew Bate (ankle) Reports Nil Team Changes Buchanan (Syd) replaced in selected side by Jarred Moore. Umpires Kennedy Rosebury Nicholls Crowd 23,354 at the SCG

by Yendys (our guest correspondent from the Harbour City) Melbourne fans who live in Sydney only get one chance a year to watch their team play live in their own home town. The fanatics can travel across the county if they have adequate time and funding available but, like many others, I have to accept that I can see them in the flesh once or twice a year. I look forward to it immensely but sadly, Saturday night was a massive disappointment. I had feelings of trepidation as soon as they ran out onto the SCG. I was already conditioned to the fact that, with several of the leading lights of the team out injured, it was going to be a tough struggle but when I looked at the two teams running around before the opening bounce I was concerned. Firstly, the Swans were going into the game with their basic team structure of the past two or three years almost totally intact and secondly, the Demons looked like boys out on an errand of men. Over the past summer I read many times that Melbourne's plan for 2007 was to get the team so super fit that it could endure the rigours of a long, hard season. As a result I learned that the players' skinfolds and weight were right down (with the exception of Byron Pickett who was a bit of a special case) and that this would hold them in good stead when the finals came around. The thing is however, that Melbourne hasn't been entered into the Olympic Games - it's the AFL, a competition of hardened men and a lot of them have strong bodies. If you can't beat them with strength on a ground like the SCG then you're in it deep. This was exactly what Sydney showed Melbourne in the first quarter. Hard, relentless football, winning it with strength out of the middle, pounding it forward to where Barry Hall simply manhandled and out bustled Brad Miller, pushing him out of the way as if he was a mere flea. I couldn't believe this was the same Miller who was feted as a Demon strong man a year or two ago! The Demon faithful in the crowd were right to feel despondent at quarter time. Their few star players were struggling; Travis Johnstone was labouring under a heavy tag, Aaron Davey was trying too hard, the forward line was invisible, the rucks and midfield simply couldn't get a clearance and they weren't doing much around the ground. An alarming statistic was the clearance figures that showed the Swans winning the first eight of the game and by quarter time, the Swans were ahead by 13 to 2. Not surprisingly, by then Sydney had the game won physically, mentally and on the scoreboard - 6.2.38 to 1.2.8. They were throwing Melbourne all over the park and we were sitting there sensing a slaughter was about to engulf us all. Well, from that point on, to its credit Melbourne fought back and though it won't bring comfort to many, it should be pointed out that the Demons had more scoring shots than the Swans over the remainder of the game. The trouble was that they didn't have the forward power to convert regularly enough while, at the same time, some of their defenders were so inept that Sydney, which had the kicking yips last week, weren't pressured and had the time to kick goals when they were needed. Davey led a mini fight back as the deficit was cut back to 17 points during a period in the second quarter in which Matthew Bate kicked a brilliant goal from way out beyond 50 metres. However, the Demons couldn't keep their concentration levels up and lapsed late in the term as they have done a few times this year. Nathan Brown has been a courageous player who has had better games than Saturday night but sadly I will remember this game for the goal he gave away just before half time. After marking in the back pocket, he ignored Davey who was running into half back and instead, Brown passed the ball backwards where it was gleefully accepted just outside the goalsquare by an incredulous Jarrad McVeigh who slipped away for a goal to put the Swans 37 points ahead. They should have turned the lights off there and then as far as I was concerned. Had they done so, debutant Ricky Petterd would still have been seen shining through the night. A slight looking 18-year-old lad with a big future, Petterd was drafted last year at number 30 from the unlikely address of Broadbeach, Queensland. The kid was prepared to have a dip despite lacking the mature strength of his opponent and he capped off his night with a goal when moved forward in the final quarter. One of the team's stronger bodies was Simon Godfrey. He might lack skills and might not make the best 22 if everyone was available but he always puts everything into his game and he kept Adam Goodes quiet. He even frustrated him into losing his concentration and committing a rare on field sin for a dual Brownlow Medallist. Carroll was doing better on Hall but the Demons' defence was always under pressure and always the most likely to make mistakes. The Swans' lead was heading towards 50 points early in the second half but when Kennelly was injured after a Byron Pickett tackle, the Demons clawed their way back. Jared Rivers showed how talented he can be in defence and the team gained some rhythm and purpose. They actually won the third quarter! However, after Mark Jamar missed everything with one of his rare possessions, the deadly accurate Swans got going again to run out convincing winners by 49 points. Melbourne played like a team that had more than half of its leadership group off the park and unfortunatley, the missing part of that group is the very strength of the team. No offence to Cameron Bruce and James McDonald but they aren't the strong leaders the Demons needed to set the example against the tougher bodied, relentless Swans. There was simply nobody in the team with the mongrel of a Barry Hall or the ability to keep going like Brett Kirk. Driving home after the game, I passed a church and, in the dark, I could just make out that it had a sign out front suggesting something about the meek inheriting the earth. That might be so but the meek get you nowhere in the AFL and I hope next time the Demons feature in a game up here, that there's a bit more fight in the collective group than what they showed their supporters on Saturday night. Melbourne 1.2.8 4.4.28 6.9.45 8.12.60 Sydney 6.2.38 10.5.65 12.7.79 17.7.109 Goals Sydney Hall 5 Davis 3 Schneider 2 J Bolton Goodes Jolly Kirk Malceski O'Keefe Schmidt Melbourne Davey 3 Bate Bruce Dunn Miller Petterd Best Sydney Malceski Kirk Hall Davis Schneider Melbourne Davey Rivers Petterd Carroll Godfrey Bruce Injuries Sydney Tadhg Kennelly (knee), Luke Ablett (knee) Melbourne Matthew Bate (ankle) Reports Nil Team Changes Buchanan (Syd) replaced in selected side by Jarred Moore. Umpires Kennedy Rosebury Nicholls Crowd 23,354 at the SCG

by Whispering Jack "And after it rains There's a rainbow And all of the colors are black Its not that the colors aren't there Its just imagination they lack" Paul Simon - My Little Town Melbourne and Sydney. Sydney and Melbourne. There is something about the old rivalry between the two of them that stirs the imagination. They are not little towns of course. They are big cities but they are are different in so many ways; in shade and light and in makeup and yet neither of them escapes the other. Their football teams are also very different and although the perception is that the Swans, who play host to the wounded Demons tomorrow night will be far too strong for their opponents, I think otherwise. That's because I still carry my imagination with me; I can close my eyes and know from memory that Melbourne matches up very well against Sydney of all clubs - especially up there where it has had the edge since Paul Roos became coach of the Swans. Melbourne broke the ice up there last year after staggering at the start of 2006. A Cameron Bruce goal with seconds to go secured what some would even call a famous victory. It certainly kick-started Melbourne's season at a time when it had all but been pronounced dead. A year earlier, the Demons put together one of their finest performances of the season when they beat the eventual premiers at the SCG by 34 points with a young Brock McLean starring and Brad Miller largely shutting down Barry Hall. Before that Melbourne triumphed by two goals in their 2004 Anzac Day clash at Telstra Stadium. The Swans may well have played in the last two grand finals but are they all that they're cracked up to be in 2007? I think not! After losing narrowly to West Coast in the opening round of the season (and let's not forget that the Eagles were a bit shaky given the controversy that surrounded them at that stage) they haven't been traveling all that well themselves over the past few weeks. They barely snuck in against lowly Richmond in round 2 and they were not particularly convincing the following week at home against Brisbane. Last week, they were simply dreadful against the Crows and in my estimation are headed for a heavy fall if they think that the Demons will be easy pickings. Granted Melbourne has done very little right this season but there were positive signs last week under the difficult circumstances of the Fremantle game. Adem Yze and Aaron Davey showed some form at last, there were glimpses from Junior McDonald and Miller came good in the second half. Byron Pickett and Colin Sylvia were rusty first up and will be much better with that game under their belts. Lynden Dunn, also in his first game for the season, produced a little bit of magic with his enthusiastic attack on the football. He will be one of the club's big improvers in 2007. This week's line up looks a lot better with the return of the key to Melbourne's backline in Jared Rivers together with two very important midfielders in Travis Johnstone and Brent Moloney. I also like the fact that the selectors have finally turned to youth. Chris Johnston was going along nicely over the pre season and I was disappointed that the selectors dropped him after two ordinary games. He needs to be persevered with and encouraged, not forsaken at the drop of a hat. The two first gamers Colin Garland and Ricky Petterd will receive a fiery baptism in a hostile environment but most Demon fans are saying that it's about time the selectors put some faith in a couple of players of the future. Just to add to the emotion of the night, Garland will be presented with the number 20 guernsey by Troy Broadbridge's widow Trisha in a ceremony before game. I know players these days are 100% professional and don't need an extra spur to get them going but if the sight of that number in the red and blue colours doesn't get them going, then nothing will! Before anyone accuses me of donning the rose coloured glasses let me say that while I accept that I'm in an optimistic frame of mind about the game, I don't believe I'm being overly optimistic. I normally am loath to encourage people to bet but the $5.75 on offer looks far too tempting to me so I'll be off to the local TAB to make an investment first thing in the morning. The fact is that Melbourne likes playing in the coat hanger city and despite all of the injuries and misfortunes it has suffered so far in 2007 I have the imagination to see beyond the early setbacks. It's not all black - there's a rainbow out there if you believe enough in the colours and the men wearing them. THE GAME: Sydney v Melbourne at the SCG - 28 April 2007 at 7.15pm HEAD TO HEAD: Overall: Sydney 105 wins Melbourne 91 wins 1 draw At the SCG: Sydney 12 wins Melbourne 9 wins Since 2000: Sydney 8 wins Melbourne 6 wins The Coaches: Roos 6 Daniher 3 (all in Sydney!) MEDIA TV: Channel 10 at 7 pm (live) RADIO: SEN 774 ABC THE BETTING: Sydney to win $1.11 - Melbourne to win $5.75 LAST TIME THEY MET: Sydney Swans 14.11.95 d Melbourne 10.3.63 round 19, 2006. Melbourne had seven regulars missing and succumbed badly to the Swans in a must win game that ultimately determined the final four aspirations of both sides in Sydney's favour. Adam Goodes played a starring role on his way to a second Brownlow Medal as the Swans had all of the answers. Of course, they had almost a full list of players available as has been the case for the last three years with the Sydneysiders. THE TEAMS: SYDNEY Backs: Ted Richards Leo Barry Nick Malceski Half backs: Tadgh Kennelly Craig Bolton Ben Mathews Centreline: Amon Buchanan Brett Kirk Jarred McVeigh Half forwards: Ryan O'Keefe, Michael O'Loughlin Jude Bolton Forwards: Adam Schneider Barry Hall Luke Ablett Followers: Darren Jolly Adam Goodes, Nic Fosdike Interchange: Jared Crouch, Nick Davis Peter Everitt Tim Schmidt Emergencies: Heath Grundy Matthew Laidlaw Jarred Moore In: Nick Davis Out: Heath Grundy MELBOURNE: Backs: Cameron Bruce Nathan Carroll Paul Johnson Half backs: Nathan Brown Jared Rivers Daniel Bell Centreline: Brent Moloney James McDonald Adem Yze Half forwards: Chris Johnson Brad Miller Aaron Davey Forwards: Lynden Dunn Mark Jamar Aaron Davey Followers: Jeff White Matthew Bate Travis Johnstone Interchange: Colin Garland Simon Godfrey Ricky Petterd Colin Sylvia Emergencies Clint Bizzell Simon Buckley Daniel Ward In: Colin Garland Chris Johnson Travis Johnstone Brent Moloney Ricky Petterd Jared Rivers Out: Brad Green (hamstring) Nathan Jones (ankle) Paul Wheatley (shoulder) Matthew Whelan (hamstring) Clint Bizzell Daniel Ward New: Ricky Petterd, 18, Broadbeach (Qld) Colin Garland, 19, North Hobart (Tas) Umpires: Kennedy Rosebury Nicholls WHERE THE GAME WILL BE WON AND LOST: Having stuck my neck out I'll tell you exactly where the game will be won - at the centre bounces where Melbourne was mightily competitive against Fremantle last week even without the ability to rotate players for most of the last two and a half quarters. Darren Jolly and Peter Everitt do not equate to Aaron Sandilands and I expect Jeff White who normally does well at this venue, to beat them quite easily and, with Mark Jamar helping out, to set up plenty of opportunities for Johnstone, Moloney, McDonald and company to surprise the Swans' midfield which has been struggling of late. I'm hoping Brad Miller gets the job on Barry Hall whose knee is supposed to be a bit wonky. For some reason, Miller matches up well on him and I see him having a psychological advantage over Sydney's main man up forward. Another key duel will be Cameron Bruce on Adam Goodes. Bruce relishes these tasks and if he can keep the dual Brownlow Medallist down to a modest game by his standards, my prediction of an upset in the harbour city tomorrow night will come close to fruition. THE TIP Melbourne to sneak in by 3 points. FOOTNOTE: If you think I have a wild imagination after reading the above words then spare a thought for whoever was responsible for issuing this week's email announcing Melbournefc's selection news. Immediately under the box for "players to watch" was the name "Brad Green". Unless the Channel 10 cameras focus on the injured players in the stands that's going to be another worthless exercise for Demon supporters in a year where football and worthless exercises have to date become synonymous!

IMAGINATION by Whispering Jack "And after it rains There's a rainbow And all of the colors are black Its not that the colors aren't there Its just imagination they lack" Paul Simon - My Little Town Melbourne and Sydney. Sydney and Melbourne. There is something about the old rivalry between the two of them that stirs the imagination. They are not little towns of course. They are big cities but they are are different in so many ways; in shade and light and in makeup and yet neither of them escapes the other. Their football teams are also very different and although the perception is that the Swans, who play host to the wounded Demons tomorrow night will be far too strong for their opponents, I think otherwise. That's because I still carry my imagination with me; I can close my eyes and know from memory that Melbourne matches up very well against Sydney of all clubs - especially up there where it has had the edge since Paul Roos became coach of the Swans. Melbourne broke the ice up there last year after staggering at the start of 2006. A Cameron Bruce goal with seconds to go secured what some would even call a famous victory. It certainly kick-started Melbourne's season at a time when it had all but been pronounced dead. A year earlier, the Demons put together one of their finest performances of the season when they beat the eventual premiers at the SCG by 34 points with a young Brock McLean starring and Brad Miller largely shutting down Barry Hall. Before that Melbourne triumphed by two goals in their 2004 Anzac Day clash at Telstra Stadium. The Swans may well have played in the last two grand finals but are they all that they're cracked up to be in 2007? I think not! After losing narrowly to West Coast in the opening round of the season (and let's not forget that the Eagles were a bit shaky given the controversy that surrounded them at that stage) they haven't been traveling all that well themselves over the past few weeks. They barely snuck in against lowly Richmond in round 2 and they were not particularly convincing the following week at home against Brisbane. Last week, they were simply dreadful against the Crows and in my estimation are headed for a heavy fall if they think that the Demons will be easy pickings. Granted Melbourne has done very little right this season but there were positive signs last week under the difficult circumstances of the Fremantle game. Adem Yze and Aaron Davey showed some form at last, there were glimpses from Junior McDonald and Miller came good in the second half. Byron Pickett and Colin Sylvia were rusty first up and will be much better with that game under their belts. Lynden Dunn, also in his first game for the season, produced a little bit of magic with his enthusiastic attack on the football. He will be one of the club's big improvers in 2007. This week's line up looks a lot better with the return of the key to Melbourne's backline in Jared Rivers together with two very important midfielders in Travis Johnstone and Brent Moloney. I also like the fact that the selectors have finally turned to youth. Chris Johnston was going along nicely over the pre season and I was disappointed that the selectors dropped him after two ordinary games. He needs to be persevered with and encouraged, not forsaken at the drop of a hat. The two first gamers Colin Garland and Ricky Petterd will receive a fiery baptism in a hostile environment but most Demon fans are saying that it's about time the selectors put some faith in a couple of players of the future. Just to add to the emotion of the night, Garland will be presented with the number 20 guernsey by Troy Broadbridge's widow Trisha in a ceremony before game. I know players these days are 100% professional and don't need an extra spur to get them going but if the sight of that number in the red and blue colours doesn't get them going, then nothing will! Before anyone accuses me of donning the rose coloured glasses let me say that while I accept that I'm in an optimistic frame of mind about the game, I don't believe I'm being overly optimistic. I normally am loath to encourage people to bet but the $5.75 on offer looks far too tempting to me so I'll be off to the local TAB to make an investment first thing in the morning. The fact is that Melbourne likes playing in the coat hanger city and despite all of the injuries and misfortunes it has suffered so far in 2007 I have the imagination to see beyond the early setbacks. It's not all black - there's a rainbow out there if you believe enough in the colours and the men wearing them. THE GAME: Sydney v Melbourne at the SCG - 28 April 2007 at 7.15pm HEAD TO HEAD: Overall: Sydney 105 wins Melbourne 91 wins 1 draw At the SCG: Sydney 12 wins Melbourne 9 wins Since 2000: Sydney 8 wins Melbourne 6 wins The Coaches: Roos 6 Daniher 3 (all in Sydney!) MEDIA TV: Channel 10 at 7 pm (live) RADIO: SEN 774 ABC THE BETTING: Sydney to win $1.11 - Melbourne to win $5.75 LAST TIME THEY MET: Sydney Swans 14.11.95 d Melbourne 10.3.63 round 19, 2006. Melbourne had seven regulars missing and succumbed badly to the Swans in a must win game that ultimately determined the final four aspirations of both sides in Sydney's favour. Adam Goodes played a starring role on his way to a second Brownlow Medal as the Swans had all of the answers. Of course, they had almost a full list of players available as has been the case for the last three years with the Sydneysiders. THE TEAMS: SYDNEY Backs: Ted Richards Leo Barry Nick Malceski Half backs: Tadgh Kennelly Craig Bolton Ben Mathews Centreline: Amon Buchanan Brett Kirk Jarred McVeigh Half forwards: Ryan O'Keefe, Michael O'Loughlin Jude Bolton Forwards: Adam Schneider Barry Hall Luke Ablett Followers: Darren Jolly Adam Goodes, Nic Fosdike Interchange: Jared Crouch, Nick Davis Peter Everitt Tim Schmidt Emergencies: Heath Grundy Matthew Laidlaw Jarred Moore In: Nick Davis Out: Heath Grundy MELBOURNE: Backs: Cameron Bruce Nathan Carroll Paul Johnson Half backs: Nathan Brown Jared Rivers Daniel Bell Centreline: Brent Moloney James McDonald Adem Yze Half forwards: Chris Johnson Brad Miller Aaron Davey Forwards: Lynden Dunn Mark Jamar Aaron Davey Followers: Jeff White Matthew Bate Travis Johnstone Interchange: Colin Garland Simon Godfrey Ricky Petterd Colin Sylvia Emergencies Clint Bizzell Simon Buckley Daniel Ward In: Colin Garland Chris Johnson Travis Johnstone Brent Moloney Ricky Petterd Jared Rivers Out: Brad Green (hamstring) Nathan Jones (ankle) Paul Wheatley (shoulder) Matthew Whelan (hamstring) Clint Bizzell Daniel Ward New: Ricky Petterd, 18, Broadbeach (Qld) Colin Garland, 19, North Hobart (Tas) Umpires: Kennedy Rosebury Nicholls WHERE THE GAME WILL BE WON AND LOST: Having stuck my neck out I'll tell you exactly where the game will be won - at the centre bounces where Melbourne was mightily competitive against Fremantle last week even without the ability to rotate players for most of the last two and a half quarters. Darren Jolly and Peter Everitt do not equate to Aaron Sandilands and I expect Jeff White who normally does well at this venue, to beat them quite easily and, with Mark Jamar helping out, to set up plenty of opportunities for Johnstone, Moloney, McDonald and company to surprise the Swans' midfield which has been struggling of late. I'm hoping Brad Miller gets the job on Barry Hall whose knee is supposed to be a bit wonky. For some reason, Miller matches up well on him and I see him having a psychological advantage over Sydney's main man up forward. Another key duel will be Cameron Bruce on Adam Goodes. Bruce relishes these tasks and if he can keep the dual Brownlow Medallist down to a modest game by his standards, my prediction of an upset in the harbour city tomorrow night will come close to fruition. THE TIP Melbourne to sneak in by 3 points. FOOTNOTE: If you think I have a wild imagination after reading the above words then spare a thought for whoever was responsible for issuing this week's email announcing Melbournefc's selection news. Immediately under the box for "players to watch" was the name "Brad Green". Unless the Channel 10 cameras focus on the injured players in the stands that's going to be another worthless exercise for Demon supporters in a year where football and worthless exercises have to date become synonymous!

Thanks and cheers to Deeman and Chocko. We need one more who's going to be in Sydney to volunteer!

In keeping with Melbourne's run of luck with injuries so fat this year, our leading votegetter Brent Moloney pulled out of the Round 4 clash with a groin injury. However, he still managed to retain his lead in a round which saw Adem Yze, Aaron Davey and Lynden Dunn pick up their first votes for the season. Progress voting:- 29. Brent Moloney 27. Cameron Bruce 21. Brad Green 20. Brad Miller 19. Daniel Bell 18. Adem Yze 18. Nathan Jones 15. Nathan Brown James McDonald 13. Ben Holland 12. David Neitz 11. Russell Robertson 10. Simon Godfrey 7. Jeff White 6. Aaron Davey 3. Daniel Ward, 2. Nathan Carroll Jared Rivers Travis Johnstone 1. Lynden Dunn Paul Johnson I'm looking for three volunteers who have not voted before to give the votes for the Sydney game. Preference to be given to those who will actually be at the game so let us know if you want the gig this week.

by J.V. McKay Melbourne was virtually doomed from the start in its campaign to overcome Fremantle on Sunday. Although both sides were winless coming into the game, the dice were loaded and rolling Fremantle's way. Earlier in the week the Dockers were looking at going into the game without their key midfield menace in Josh Carr and the erratic and slightly whacky but skillful Des Headland through suspension. History tells us that the AFL's judicial genii let them both off and they were available to play. Headland turned in a best on ground, I can do nothing wrong on the field performance (19 possessions in the first half alone and three goals for the game), while Carr put in a handy display. Compare and contrast that with Melbourne. The club was already undergoing an injury crisis of epidemic proportions missing key forwards David Neitz and Russell Robertson, star midfielder Travis Johnston, up and coming defender Clint Bartram and promising recruit James Frawley whose pre season indicated he might be thereabouts at the start of the season, things weren't looking too flash. Then, from the team selected on Thursday night, three fairly important players in what was left of the team's structure - Jared Rivers, Travis Johnston and Brent Moloney were all withdrawn from the game through injury. The resultant team was left with four players returning to the AFL for the first time this season and all of them had come in with limited preparation. I'm referring to Clint Bizzell, Lynden Dunn, Byron Pickett and Colin Sylvia (and in the normal course, we would not have been expecting more than three quarters from each of them). As if that wasn't enough, Melbourne suffered badly again from the scourge of losing players through injury during the course of a game. By halfway through the second quarter it was obvious that Matthew Whelan, Daniel Bell, Nathan Jones and Paul Wheatley were inconvenienced in some shape or form through injury, their collective impact after that was minimal. At some stage during the game Nathan Brown also suffered a corkie and one or two others appeared to be struggling. This again put more pressure on the rest of the team (including the underdone Pickett and Sylvia) because the proper rotation of players was rendered well nigh impossible. Did Neale Daniher walk under a ladder on Friday the Thirteenth while looking for a black cat? Taking all of these considerations into account, Melbourne's 45 point loss to Fremantle should not be looked upon as a complete disaster. That the Demons were just 22 points down deep in the third term was a fair effort but it just couldn't sustain a comeback against a team that really won the returning to the AFL for the first time game by playing in surges – achieving quick three or four goal bursts when their freshness and some obvious match up advantages brought about by Melbourne's player distress gave them an advantage in the ability to move and in their confidence. All this is not to say that the Melbourne team that lost the game was a pretty sight. There was a fair amount of fumbling and mistakes made under pressure, the movement of the ball out of defense was diabolical and in particular the team was exposed from the point kick ins whereby the Dockers moved the ball from defence into attack with consummate ease while the Demons often bumbled their way out around the backline often making fundamental schoolboy errors. Some rays of light were the return to a semblance of form by Adem Yze and Aaron Davey who started winning possessions, the excellent first up performance of a very much improved Lynden Dunn. The other thing is that this injury plague cannot go on forever. Sooner or later, the Demons will come across a team that also loses its most valuable players through injury; the law of averages dictates that this will happen during a game at some stage of the season. Perhaps when there's a return to a level playing field we'll finally mange to see them play to their true ability. After all, look at how the Aussie cricketers were travelling recently whilst in New Zealand for Chappell/Hadlee series with a few key players injured and/or unavailable. Slaughtered in every game, they have now recovered to a point where they are on the verge of playing off and winning Cricket's World Cup. Recovery is possible as soon as the dice start rolling your way. Melbourne 3.5.23 4.9.33 9.11.65 13.14.92 Fremantle 5.2.32 10.5.65 17.8.110 21.11.137 Goals Melbourne: Dunn 3 Miller 3 Davey 2 Bate Jamar McDonald Pickett Yze Fremantle: Pavlich 6 Headland Webster 3 Sandilands Tarrant 2 Campbell J Carr Crowley Gilmore McManus Best: Melbourne: Yze McDonald Davey Dunn Green Fremantle: Pavlich Headland Hasleby McManus Sandilands Bell Hayden Parker Webster Team changes: Melbourne: Rivers (hamstring) replaced by Bizzell. Moloney (groin) replaced by Bate. Johnstone (hamstring) replaced by Sylvia. Fremantle: Cook replaced by Campbell Injuries: Melbourne: Bell (concussion) Brown (calf) Jones (ankle) Whelan (hamstring) Wheatley (shoulder) Fremantle: Nil Reports: Nil Umpires: Ellis Farmer Avon Crowd: 16,654 at the MCG

Don't forget, you need to get your tips for this week in by 2.35pm today!!!

DOCKERS WIN WITH DICE LOADED by J.V. McKay Melbourne was virtually doomed from the start in its campaign to overcome Fremantle on Sunday. Although both sides were winless coming into the game, the dice were loaded and rolling Fremantle's way. Earlier in the week the Dockers were looking at going into the game without their key midfield menace in Josh Carr and the erratic and slightly whacky but skillful Des Headland through suspension. History tells us that the AFL's judicial genii let them both off and they were available to play. Headland turned in a best on ground, I can do nothing wrong on the field performance (19 possessions in the first half alone and three goals for the game), while Carr put in a handy display. Compare and contrast that with Melbourne. The club was already undergoing an injury crisis of epidemic proportions missing key forwards David Neitz and Russell Robertson, star midfielder Travis Johnston, up and coming defender Clint Bartram and promising recruit James Frawley whose pre season indicated he might be thereabouts at the start of the season, things weren't looking too flash. Then, from the team selected on Thursday night, three fairly important players in what was left of the team's structure - Jared Rivers, Travis Johnston and Brent Moloney were all withdrawn from the game through injury. The resultant team was left with four players returning to the AFL for the first time this season and all of them had come in with limited preparation. I'm referring to Clint Bizzell, Lynden Dunn, Byron Pickett and Colin Sylvia (and in the normal course, we would not have been expecting more than three quarters from each of them). As if that wasn't enough, Melbourne suffered badly again from the scourge of losing players through injury during the course of a game. By halfway through the second quarter it was obvious that Matthew Whelan, Daniel Bell, Nathan Jones and Paul Wheatley were inconvenienced in some shape or form through injury, their collective impact after that was minimal. At some stage during the game Nathan Brown also suffered a corkie and one or two others appeared to be struggling. This again put more pressure on the rest of the team (including the underdone Pickett and Sylvia) because the proper rotation of players was rendered well nigh impossible. Did Neale Daniher walk under a ladder on Friday the Thirteenth while looking for a black cat? Taking all of these considerations into account, Melbourne's 45 point loss to Fremantle should not be looked upon as a complete disaster. That the Demons were just 22 points down deep in the third term was a fair effort but it just couldn't sustain a comeback against a team that really won the returning to the AFL for the first time game by playing in surges – achieving quick three or four goal bursts when their freshness and some obvious match up advantages brought about by Melbourne's player distress gave them an advantage in the ability to move and in their confidence. All this is not to say that the Melbourne team that lost the game was a pretty sight. There was a fair amount of fumbling and mistakes made under pressure, the movement of the ball out of defense was diabolical and in particular the team was exposed from the point kick ins whereby the Dockers moved the ball from defence into attack with consummate ease while the Demons often bumbled their way out around the backline often making fundamental schoolboy errors. Some rays of light were the return to a semblance of form by Adem Yze and Aaron Davey who started winning possessions, the excellent first up performance of a very much improved Lynden Dunn. The other thing is that this injury plague cannot go on forever. Sooner or later, the Demons will come across a team that also loses its most valuable players through injury; the law of averages dictates that this will happen during a game at some stage of the season. Perhaps when there's a return to a level playing field we'll finally mange to see them play to their true ability. After all, look at how the Aussie cricketers were travelling recently whilst in New Zealand for Chappell/Hadlee series with a few key players injured and/or unavailable. Slaughtered in every game, they have now recovered to a point where they are on the verge of playing off and winning Cricket's World Cup. Recovery is possible as soon as the dice start rolling your way. Melbourne 3.5.23 4.9.33 9.11.65 13.14.92 Fremantle 5.2.32 10.5.65 17.8.110 21.11.137 Goals Melbourne: Dunn Miller 3 Davey 2 Bate Jamar McDonald Yze Fremantle: Pavlich 6 Headland Webster 3 Sandilands Tarrant 2 Campbell J Carr Crowley Gilmore McManus Best: Melbourne: Yze McDonald Davey Dunn Green Fremantle: Pavlich Headland Hasleby McManus Sandilands Bell Hayden Parker Webster Team changes: Melbourne: Rivers (hamstring) replaced by Bizzell. Moloney (groin) replaced by Bate. Johnstone (hamstring) replaced by Sylvia. Fremantle: Cook replaced by Campbell Injuries: Melbourne: Bell (concussion) Brown (calf) Jones (ankle) Whelan (hamstring) Wheatley (shoulder) Fremantle: Nil Reports: Nil Umpires: Ellis Farmer Avon Crowd: 16,654 at the MCG

What's that they say about cream rising to the top ! 1. (1) 20 Demonland 2. (1) 19 bl3281 2. (5) 19 great_gatsby 2. (5) 19 Whispering_Jack 5. (5) 18 canberrademon(herb) 5. (5) 18 Clyde_Cabbie 5. (1) 18 deanox 5. (12) 18 demon_fanatic 5. (16) 18 KrazyJay 5. (5) 18 TimDees 11. (16) 17 achirnside 11. (16) 17 Dappadan 11. (5) 17 Dees_Fan16 11. (5) 17 DeMoNiC 11. (16) 17 Go_Ds 11. (12) 17 Kieranbj 11. (16) 17 paliosiana 11. (12) 17 petejh2000 11. (12) 17 Pinball_Wizard 11. (25) 17 Scoop Junior 11. (16) 17 slamevil 11. (25) 17 snarler_0 23. (25) 16 dee'viator 23. (16) 16 demon_davey 23. (16) 16 Fingers Power 23. (1) 16 Jackieboy_0 27. (16) 15 BigKev Demon 28. (31) 14 Alpha_33 28. (25) 14 deesthisyear 28. (30) 14 frangas 28. (31) 14 Goodvibes 28. (25) 14 Rivers Run Red 33. (33) 11 melon22 33. (36) 11 rusty_corner 35. (35) 10 No Cigar 36. (33) 9 jaded24 37. (38) 6 CarnTheDees 37. (37) 6 rusty_kingswood

ZEBRAS DIG DEEP by Ice Station Zebra Sandringham was forced to dig deep into its reserves of strength and courage to come back from behind late in the final quarter and record a stunning 7 point victory over the Bendigo Bombers at Windy Hill on Sunday. With the Sandy team further weakened by the Melbourne injury crisis and with skipper Chad Liddell concussed and on the bench, Bendigo looked as if it was going to power home to victory after grabbing the lead late in the final quarter. However, the Zebras struck back with goals from Danny Hughes and Nick Sautner to see them home after a classic final quarter struggle. The game opened in lacklustre fashion but the Bendigo Bombers were inspired by the return of Adam Ramanauskas after two years battling cancer and a knee injury. They fought tooth and nail to keep up with the reigning premiers and managed to keep things even in the first quarter before the visitors took control. When Liddell went down to a heavy hit in the second quarter, it was up to some of the real stalwarts of the club to stand up and be counted. David Gallagher was in exceptional form with his strong tackling and hard chasing, providing a good link up while Shane Valenti's great start to the season continued with an exceptional display in midfield. Stefan Martin, in only his second game for the club was rucking well, while Ricky Petterd was in fine form and showed again why he is knocking on the door to AFL selection. At half time, the Zebras had pushed to a handy three goal lead. The third quarter saw a dour struggle between the teams with Bendigo coming back hard and reducing the gap to 15 points at the final break. They could have been much closer but for some poor kicking for goal. Zebra coach Mark Williams sensed trouble at the final break and warned his charges of Bendigo's ability to surge and score quickly. He was right because the Bombers managed to kick the first five goals of the quarter and were threatening to overrun his team. The game became a hard, tough slog at the end with both teams struggling to get past their half forward lines until Hughes managed to convert from a strong mark and lead to even things up again. The huge crowd at Windy Hill was frustrated with some of the umpiring (which affected both sides), but it was the experience of Zebras like Ryan Ferguson and Andy Biddlecome who were solid in defence all day, Rod Crowe, Ezra Poyas and the effervescent Gallagher that managed to hold Bendigo out. The final goal came from a free kick awarded about 20 metres out directly in front to Nick Sautner after a huge pack had developed. The resultant goal, the spearhead's fourth for the day, and assured the Zebras of victory. Williams was rapt with the win and said he was particularly impressed with the way his team reacted after Bendigo surged to the lead. They didn't just lie down but kept on coming was impressive in the circumstances of the game. "It was a really good win. We went in with only seven or eight Melbourne blokes," Williams said. "We had kids in. Gallagher was fantastic, his tackling and his winning of the ball in contested situations was outstanding. "Valenti was very good around the ball." Sandringham remains the ladder leader and is the only undefeated team after just three rounds. The team comprised of 13 VFL listed players this week, a fact which underlines the club's depth. That depth is certain to be tested again with Sunday's home clash against the Casey Scorpions as more players are expected to be elevated to the AFL at the weekend. Sandringham 3.3.21 9.4.58 12.6.78 15.12.102 Bendigo Bombers 3.3.21 6.4.40 9.9.63 14.11.95 Goals: Sandringham: Sautner 4 Hughes Martin Summers 2 Johnson Liddell Newton Petterd Poyas Bendigo Bombers: Gumbleton Lonergan 4 Hocking 2 Carter Camporeale Jolley Skipworth Best: Sandringham: Gallagher Valenti Petterd Ferguson Biddlecombe Johnson Bendigo Bombers: Johnson Skipworth Camporeale Lonergan Flaherty Gumbleton TOUGH DAY FOR RESERVES Sandringham reserves missed a golden opportunity to win away from home when they were overrun in the final quarter after holding a 22 point lead at three quarter time. The team had their chances to be a lot further in front at that stage but in the end, it must be said that they lost the game themselves. The young team will need to add better consistency and discipline to its makeup. Daniel Gribbin was in excellent form again as were Tom Paterakis and Rennie Gilchrist. The team will have to regroup for next week's game against. the Casey Scorpions if it is to keep its season track. Sandringham 3.0.18 8.4.52 12.8.80 13.10.88 Bendigo Bombers 5.5.35 7.11.53 9.14.58 14.24.108 Goals: Sandringham: Curcio Gileno Monaghan Tregear Zarra 2 Bode Dunne McKenzie Bendigo Bombers: Maddern Weeks 4 Geary 2 Anderson Atkinson Crameri Leech Best: Sandringham: Gribbin Gilchrist Paterakis McKenzie Ott Zarra Bendigo Bombers: Gladman Atkinson Anderson Weeks Marchesani Dillon

by Ice Station Zebra Sandringham was forced to dig deep into its reserves of strength and courage to come back from behind late in the final quarter and record a stunning 7 point victory over the Bendigo Bombers at Windy Hill on Sunday. With the Sandy team further weakened by the Melbourne injury crisis and with skipper Chad Liddell concussed and on the bench, Bendigo looked as if it was going to power home to victory after grabbing the lead late in the final quarter. However, the Zebras struck back with goals from Danny Hughes and Nick Sautner to see them home after a classic final quarter struggle. The game opened in lacklustre fashion but the Bendigo Bombers were inspired by the return of Adam Ramanauskas after two years battling cancer and a knee injury. They fought tooth and nail to keep up with the reigning premiers and managed to keep things even in the first quarter before the visitors took control. When Liddell went down to a heavy hit in the second quarter, it was up to some of the real stalwarts of the club to stand up and be counted. David Gallagher was in exceptional form with his strong tackling and hard chasing, providing a good link up while Shane Valenti's great start to the season continued with an exceptional display in midfield. Stefan Martin, in only his second game for the club was rucking well, while Ricky Petterd was in fine form and showed again why he is knocking on the door to AFL selection. At half time, the Zebras had pushed to a handy three goal lead. The third quarter saw a dour struggle between the teams with Bendigo coming back hard and reducing the gap to 15 points at the final break. They could have been much closer but for some poor kicking for goal. Zebra coach Mark Williams sensed trouble at the final break and warned his charges of Bendigo's ability to surge and score quickly. He was right because the Bombers managed to kick the first five goals of the quarter and were threatening to overrun his team. The game became a hard, tough slog at the end with both teams struggling to get past their half forward lines until Hughes managed to convert from a strong mark and lead to even things up again. The huge crowd at Windy Hill was frustrated with some of the umpiring (which affected both sides), but it was the experience of Zebras like Ryan Ferguson and Andy Biddlecome who were solid in defence all day, Rod Crowe, Ezra Poyas and the effervescent Gallagher that managed to hold Bendigo out. The final goal came from a free kick awarded about 20 metres out directly in front to Nick Sautner after a huge pack had developed. The resultant goal, the spearhead's fourth for the day, and assured the Zebras of victory. Williams was rapt with the win and said he was particularly impressed with the way his team reacted after Bendigo surged to the lead. They didn't just lie down but kept on coming was impressive in the circumstances of the game. "It was a really good win. We went in with only seven or eight Melbourne blokes," Williams said. "We had kids in. Gallagher was fantastic, his tackling and his winning of the ball in contested situations was outstanding. "Valenti was very good around the ball." Sandringham remains the ladder leader and is the only undefeated team after just three rounds. The team comprised of 13 VFL listed players this week, a fact which underlines the club's depth. That depth is certain to be tested again with Sunday's home clash against the Casey Scorpions as more players are expected to be elevated to the AFL at the weekend. Sandringham 3.3.21 9.4.58 12.6.78 15.12.102 Bendigo Bombers 3.3.21 6.4.40 9.9.63 14.11.95 Goals: Sandringham: Sautner 4 Hughes Martin Summers 2 Johnson Liddell Newton Petterd Poyas Bendigo Bombers: Gumbleton Lonergan 4 Hocking 2 Carter Camporeale Jolley Skipworth Best: Sandringham: Gallagher Valenti Petterd Ferguson Biddlecombe Johnson Bendigo Bombers: Johnson Skipworth Camporeale Lonergan Flaherty Gumbleton TOUGH DAY FOR RESERVES Sandringham reserves missed a golden opportunity to win away from home when they were overrun in the final quarter after holding a 22 point lead at three quarter time. The team had their chances to be a lot further in front at that stage but in the end, it must be said that they lost the game themselves. The young team will need to add better consistency and discipline to its makeup. Daniel Gribbin was in excellent form again as were Tom Paterakis and Rennie Gilchrist. The team will have to regroup for next week's game against. the Casey Scorpions if it is to keep its season track. Sandringham 3.0.18 8.4.52 12.8.80 13.10.88 Bendigo Bombers 5.5.35 7.11.53 9.14.58 14.24.108 Goals: Sandringham: Curcio Gileno Monaghan Tregear Zarra 2 Bode Dunne McKenzie Bendigo Bombers: Maddern Weeks 4 Geary 2 Anderson Atkinson Crameri Leech Best: Sandringham: Gribbin Gilchrist Paterakis McKenzie Ott Zarra Bendigo Bombers: Gladman Atkinson Anderson Weeks Marchesani Dillon

THE DARKEST HOUR has now also been posted in our News and Articles Section for easy referernce in the future.

by Grazman "They say the darkest hour is right before the dawn And in the hour of greatest slaughter the great avenger is being born But who then could have seen the shape of things to come" - Paul Kelly (lyrics from "Bradman") I'm driven to write this in pursuit of balance. I know some people have sought to put our situation in perspective and I also know people will be outraged that there could be any justifiable defence for the performances of the club to date. I'm not making excuses and I'm not telling people they shouldn't express their opinions. I'm just asking for people to think before posting and not vent and rant. I'll be the first to admit that I haven't been happy with the way things have gone and thought we would have started the year a lot better than we have. I also suspect that not only are the performances not in keeping with the expectations of the majority of the supporters, but of the football department and players themselves. Depending on which poster you read, everyone on the list (with the exception of McLean and Rivers) should either be traded or delisted, the coaches can't coach, the football department has been negligent in its trading and drafting and the entire culture and ethos of the club tolerates mediocrity and second-rate performances. Such comments are both ridiculous and frivolous. They are made by people whose expectations of achieving a premiership this year have plunged them into a cycle of despair, a despair that "turns imagination into fact" (Paul Kelly again) The club's last ten years have been its most successful since its last premiership. We all crave the achievement of the Holy Grail. I'm not quite sure why people believe that the list is so bad. Last week we didn't have our best forward, midfielder or backman. (Neitz, McLean and Rivers) Throw in another three starting 1st XVIII in Bartram, Robertson and Pickett as well as three of our most promising juniors in Sylvia, Dunn and Frawley and that's a third of the side missing. We are like a heavyweight boxer with one arm tied behind his back at the moment. People are happy to overlook that players like Bell and Jones are developing into outstanding talents, because some can't see past the forest for the trees. The list is in good shape in my opinion, and probably that of many others too, but there are those who are willing to believe the worst, because they lack the essence of moderation. It is all or nothing. Players are either stars or duds. There are even some who openly decry the current state of affairs; that the club is doomed and we will never succeed. Not surprisingly a lot of these people also appear to have all the answers to turn things around. They point to a continued lack of leadership, yet ignore both Bruce and Miller have been working their collective arses off to try and lift their teammates. They say the players are soft and timid, yet ignore that it hasn't been a lack of effort as much as lack of skill and poor awareness that has led to our defeats. They say the players and coaches don't care and are clueless - well such comments are all well and good coming from the anonymity of computer terminal. The game passes by very quickly its not only inconceivable, but the complete antithesis of those driven to succeed that this could be true. I dare say the naysayers rarely take the time to make constructive comment or find ways to assist the club; after all it is easier to blow up a bridge than build one. Occasionally playing footy you are good enough to challenge for a premiership, most of the time you may not be. I think the list is a lot closer to a premiership now than at any other stage since I first started following football in 1981. As supporters we yearn - like players and coaches - for premiership success. For some of us it validates the time and effort we invest in watching and supporting the club, for others it is the very essence of the sport itself - no one wants to follow a loser. If however, the only way we measure success is by adding up the tally of premierships, then I think we will have missed something intrinsically beautiful and magnificent about this game and this club. It is the competing that is the most important element. There is a team that symbolises everything I believe that is good and honest in sport, a team with the likes of Flower and Barassi, Norm Smith and the Cordners.... I am proud of a club whose football department and coach were big enough to put the club before their own self interests, I am proud too that we aren't like the Eagles... as Caro made the point "They may be the best team in the competition but are winning few friends in the process. Not that they seem to care. " I will cheer as loudly as anyone when we win that premiership - and we will, because it won't be a matter of luck, it will be a matter of hard work and determination. For all those bagging the club and its players have a good look around you and ask yourself ten years on is our club in better shape to not only survive on the field, but off the field as well? I think the answer is yes. Injuries are cruel and they threaten to destroy our entire year, that's not an excuse it is reality. Adversity can be a spur that drives you on or drives you under. Don't give into your fears and frustrations. The following quote from Winston Churchill is worth reflecting on, not for the coach or the players, but for us as supporters. "Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy. "

by The Oracle Who would have thought when the Demons and the Dockers met in the AFL second semi final at Subiaco last early spring that both clubs would be struggling at 0-3 when they were next due to meet each other on the football field? Who would have thought that Fremantle would come in to their Round 4 with so many distractions and a week of controversy over the sledging of a player behind them? Who would have thought the AFL Tribunal would have gone blind and insane at the same time and turned justice AFL style into such a mockery? No one. Not even me and I'm the only person on this side of the Nullarbor Plain who possesses one slightly damaged and one barely operative crystal ball, at least a dozen packs of tarot cards and a mint condition volume of Nostradamus! Nor could I believe it when I read that the Demons were relying on Fremantle's week of tension packed high drama and media scrutiny to get them up against those nice guys from the West. That is exactly what Demon coach Neale Daniher is apparently hanging his hat on according to all reports I'm reading. Speaking to melbournefc.com.au, the coach admitted "he hopes Fremantle have been distracted by the Des Headland sledging saga coming into their AFL clash at the MCG on Sunday." After all, in contrast to the Dockers' torrid week over the Headland-Adam Selwood controversy and its tribunal sequel, Melbourne has had no distractions whatever, has it? "What's happened at the tribunal hasn't been the focus of what we're about this week. "It's about trying to get our game up." Right, but Neale must have been ignoring the constant sledging that his own club has been getting over the past few weeks from the football world and in particular from fans of his own team. Certainly, the Demons are ravaged by injury but their selection table tactics and on ground strategies have puzzled all and sundry – as has the loss of form of what remains of its core of better players and team leaders. The Demons have their backs to the wall this week and they do have Byron Pickett back after a stint with the weight watchers. But, if you pull down the façade of the media spin and the talk back hoo ha, the fact remains that the week's events overall have had one very positive effect on the Dockers’ campaign to win their first game of the season. They delivered two valuable players back from possible suspension and that's what mattered most to them in the first place as far as I'm concerned. Tough man Josh Carr is available to punch the lights out of some more opponents if that's what he wants to do and Headland is free to display that tattoo of his gorgeous six-year-old daughter to all and sundry as he runs around the great oval tomorrow. In terms of what happens out there on the football field, the distractions have therefore all been worthwhile. On the other hand Melbourne remains bereft of its heart and soul and I doubt whether the goody two shoes at the club, would try to get under the opponents' skins to get an edge on them anyway. They're just too busy trying to "get their games up", whatever that means. THE GAME: Melbourne v. Fremantle at the MCG - 22 April 2007 at 2.10pm HEAD TO HEAD: Overall: Melbourne 10 wins Fremantle 10 wins At the G: Melbourne 4 wins Fremantle 3 wins Since 2000: Melbourne 5 wins Fremantle 6 wins The Coaches: Daniher 2 wins Connolly 6 wins MEDIA: TV Channel 7 (delayed telecast commencing at 3.00pm) RADIO: 3AW MMM THE BETTING: Melbourne to win $2.70 Fremantle to win $1.43 LAST TIME THEY MET: Fremantle 14.18.102 defeated Melbourne 11.8.74 at Subiaco Second Semi Final, 2006. Melbourne started well enough on a balmy night in Perth but wilted under the pressure and the humidity to a dominant Docker combination led by giant ruckman Aaron Sandilands and a winning midfield headed by Peter Bell and Josh Carr. Heath Black was the icing on the cake for Freo while for the Demons, Brad Miller returned to form after an awful season but was virtually a lone hand in a tired forward line. THE TEAMS: MELBOURNE: Backs: Clint Bizzell Nathan Carroll Matthew Whelan Half backs: Daniel Ward Paul Wheatley Daniel Bell Centreline: Brent Moloney James McDonald Brad Green Half forwards: Cameron Bruce Brad Miller Byron Pickett Forwards: Simon Godfrey Mark Jamar Aaron Davey Followers: Jeff White Nathan Jones Travis Johnstone Interchange: Nathan Brown Lynden Dunn Paul Johnson Adem Yze Emergencies: Matthew Bate Ricky Petterd Colin Syvlia In: Clint Bizzell Lynden Dunn Byron Pickett Out: Matthew Bate Ben Holland Ryan Ferguson FREMANTLE Backs: Shane Parker Luke McPharlin Roger Hayden Halfbacks: David Mundy Antoni Grover Steven Dodd Centreline: Shaun McManus Paul Hasleby Heath Black Half forwards: Des Headland Matthew Pavlich Ryan Crowley Forwards: Dean Solomon Chris Tarrant Peter Bell Followers: Aaron Sandilands Matthew Carr Josh Carr Interchange: Troy Cook Daniel Gilmore James Walker Luke Webster Emergencies: Adam Campbell Paul Duffield Robert Warnock In Heath Black Luke Webster Out: Justin Longmuir (knee) Andrew Browne (hamstring) THE GAME I swear that it was only a month ago that I read at least one pre season "expert prediction" that Melbourne and Fremantle would be playing off for this year's AFL premiership. How has it happened that two teams, so highly fancied and well feted, could find themselves at a point where they are staring down the barrel of a 0-4 start to the season – almost the point of no return for the loser? The Dockers have at least had their opportunities. They were in with a chance to win each of the two opening games and faltered at the end and then they gave the reigning premiers a run for their money before the squeeze was put on in the final quarter and a bit last week. Besides, they had a few players running around Subiaco with other things on their mind. We know the score with Melbourne; the injuries to key players David Neitz, Russell Robertson, Brock McLean and Jared Rivers haven't helped but it's been the appalling form of the players who took the field against St. Kilda, Hawthorn and Geelong that has Demon fans in despair and left with the weekly ritual of hoping that the selectors could pluck something out a hat to find the right mix. The key for the Demons is that they need the players who have been down and who are capable of so much better to regain their confidence, poise and form. We have seen nothing from Aaron Davey, Travis Johnstone and Adem Yze so far this season. Perhaps the return of Byron Pickett as the protector is just what is needed. Or perhaps we're just all clutching at straws and the loss of so many first pick players is simply all too much? One exercise I tried this week was to work out where Melbourne might find the necessary drive to overcome the Dockers. I came up with very little but there is one area where Fremantle, which is also winless and therefore will approach the game with some trepidation, might falter. That single answer is the home ground advantage that should be strongly on the side of the Demons this week. The Dockers lost to the Bombers in Melbourne in Round 1 and let's not forget how they went when the teams last met at the MCG. Melbourne demolished them in round 7 last year to the tune of 59 points. Against that is the fact that the Demons are sitting at 0-3 at this venure at this stage of proceedings. There are other things for Melbourne to be worried about. Firstly, there's the 16cm differential in height between Freo's ruckman Aaron Sandilands and Melbourne's Jeff White. The former all Australian Demon ruckman was positively embarrassed at their two meetings last year at Subiaco when the Docker giant killed him in the ruck and around the ground. It was from this very position that the Docker domination found its expression and continued through the midfield and into its attack. The attack is where the Dockers are likely to taste the icing on the cake again this time around. Matthew Pavlich was relatively quiet last week but that was against an All-Australian full back in Darren Glass. Who does Melbourne pit against him? And even if Nathan Carroll or someone else proves up to the task, who then stops Chris Tarrant and what's to be done to quell Luke McPharlin if Chris Connolly sends him up forward as he did a couple of years ago? And I haven't started thinking about where Melbourne's goals are going to come from. Last week, the Dees could only manage eight goals in a game against a Cats when the coach, by his own admission, stated that the team spent the first half in attacking mode. If they try to shut the game down, will a single figure goal tally be enough to win the four points? I doubt it and I'm therefore tipping Fremantle by 35 points. Following that, we will see another week of sledging from frustrated and irate Demon fans.

THE EDGE OF SLEDGE by The Oracle Who would have thought when the Demons and the Dockers met in the AFL second semi final at Subiaco last early spring that both clubs would be struggling at 0-3 when they were next due to meet each other on the football field? Who would have thought that Fremantle would come in to their Round 4 with so many distractions and a week of controversy over the sledging of a player behind them? Who would have thought the AFL Tribunal would have gone blind and insane at the same time and turned justice AFL style into such a mockery? No one. Not even me and I'm the only person on this side of the Nullarbor Plain who possesses one slightly damaged and one barely operative crystal ball, at least a dozen packs of tarot cards and a mint condition volume of Nostradamus! Nor could I believe it when I read that the Demons were relying on Fremantle's week of tension packed high drama and media scrutiny to get them up against those nice guys from the West. That is exactly what Demon coach Neale Daniher is apparently hanging his hat on according to all reports I'm reading. Speaking to melbournefc.com.au, the coach admitted "he hopes Fremantle have been distracted by the Des Headland sledging saga coming into their AFL clash at the MCG on Sunday." After all, in contrast to the Dockers' torrid week over the Headland-Adam Selwood controversy and its tribunal sequel, Melbourne has had no distractions whatever, has it? "What's happened at the tribunal hasn't been the focus of what we're about this week. "It's about trying to get our game up." Right, but Neale must have been ignoring the constant sledging that his own club has been getting over the past few weeks from the football world and in particular from fans of his own team. Certainly, the Demons are ravaged by injury but their selection table tactics and on ground strategies have puzzled all and sundry – as has the loss of form of what remains of its core of better players and team leaders. The Demons have their backs to the wall this week and they do have Byron Pickett back after a stint with the weight watchers. But, if you pull down the façade of the media spin and the talk back hoo ha, the fact remains that the week's events overall have had one very positive effect on the Dockers’ campaign to win their first game of the season. They delivered two valuable players back from possible suspension and that's what mattered most to them in the first place as far as I'm concerned. Tough man Josh Carr is available to punch the lights out of some more opponents if that's what he wants to do and Headland is free to display that tattoo of his gorgeous six-year-old daughter to all and sundry as he runs around the great oval tomorrow. In terms of what happens out there on the football field, the distractions have therefore all been worthwhile. On the other hand Melbourne remains bereft of its heart and soul and I doubt whether the goody two shoes at the club, would try to get under the opponents' skins to get an edge on them anyway. They're just too busy trying to "get their games up", whatever that means. THE GAME: Melbourne v. Fremantle at the MCG - 22 April 2007 at 2.10pm HEAD TO HEAD: Overall: Melbourne 10 wins Fremantle 10 wins At the G: Melbourne 4 wins Fremantle 3 wins Since 2000: Melbourne 5 wins Fremantle 6 wins The Coaches: Daniher 2 wins Connolly 6 wins MEDIA: TV Channel 7 (delayed telecast commencing at 3.00pm) RADIO: 3AW MMM THE BETTING: Melbourne to win $2.70 Fremantle to win $1.43 LAST TIME THEY MET: Fremantle 14.18.102 defeated Melbourne 11.8.74 at Subiaco Second Semi Final, 2006. Melbourne started well enough on a balmy night in Perth but wilted under the pressure and the humidity to a dominant Docker combination led by giant ruckman Aaron Sandilands and a winning midfield headed by Peter Bell and Josh Carr. Heath Black was the icing on the cake for Freo while for the Demons, Brad Miller returned to form after an awful season but was virtually a lone hand in a tired forward line. THE TEAMS: MELBOURNE: Backs: Clint Bizzell Nathan Carroll Matthew Whelan Half backs: Daniel Ward Paul Wheatley Daniel Bell Centreline: Brent Moloney James McDonald Brad Green Half forwards: Cameron Bruce Brad Miller Byron Pickett Forwards: Simon Godfrey Mark Jamar Aaron Davey Followers: Jeff White Nathan Jones Travis Johnstone Interchange: Nathan Brown Lynden Dunn Paul Johnson Adem Yze Emergencies: Matthew Bate Ricky Petterd Colin Syvlia In: Clint Bizzell Lynden Dunn Byron Pickett Out: Matthew Bate Ben Holland Ryan Ferguson FREMANTLE Backs: Shane Parker Luke McPharlin Roger Hayden Halfbacks: David Mundy Antoni Grover Steven Dodd Centreline: Shaun McManus Paul Hasleby Heath Black Half forwards: Des Headland Matthew Pavlich Ryan Crowley Forwards: Dean Solomon Chris Tarrant Peter Bell Followers: Aaron Sandilands Matthew Carr Josh Carr Interchange: Troy Cook Daniel Gilmore James Walker Luke Webster Emergencies: Adam Campbell Paul Duffield Robert Warnock In Heath Black Luke Webster Out: Justin Longmuir (knee) Andrew Browne (hamstring) THE GAME I swear that it was only a month ago that I read at least one pre season "expert prediction" that Melbourne and Fremantle would be playing off for this year's AFL premiership. How has it happened that two teams, so highly fancied and well feted, could find themselves at a point where they are staring down the barrel of a 0-4 start to the season – almost the point of no return for the loser? The Dockers have at least had their opportunities. They were in with a chance to win each of the two opening games and faltered at the end and then they gave the reigning premiers a run for their money before the squeeze was put on in the final quarter and a bit last week. Besides, they had a few players running around Subiaco with other things on their mind. We know the score with Melbourne; the injuries to key players David Neitz, Russell Robertson, Brock McLean and Jared Rivers haven't helped but it's been the appalling form of the players who took the field against St. Kilda, Hawthorn and Geelong that has Demon fans in despair and left with the weekly ritual of hoping that the selectors could pluck something out a hat to find the right mix. The key for the Demons is that they need the players who have been down and who are capable of so much better to regain their confidence, poise and form. We have seen nothing from Aaron Davey, Travis Johnstone and Adem Yze so far this season. Perhaps the return of Byron Pickett as the protector is just what is needed. Or perhaps we're just all clutching at straws and the loss of so many first pick players is simply all too much? One exercise I tried this week was to work out where Melbourne might find the necessary drive to overcome the Dockers. I came up with very little but there is one area where Fremantle, which is also winless and therefore will approach the game with some trepidation, might falter. That single answer is the home ground advantage that should be strongly on the side of the Demons this week. The Dockers lost to the Bombers in Melbourne in Round 1 and let's not forget how they went when the teams last met at the MCG. Melbourne demolished them in round 7 last year to the tune of 59 points. Against that is the fact that the Demons are sitting at 0-3 at this venure at this stage of proceedings. There are other things for Melbourne to be worried about. Firstly, there's the 16cm differential in height between Freo's ruckman Aaron Sandilands and Melbourne's Jeff White. The former all Australian Demon ruckman was positively embarrassed at their two meetings last year at Subiaco when the Docker giant killed him in the ruck and around the ground. It was from this very position that the Docker domination found its expression and continued through the midfield and into its attack. The attack is where the Dockers are likely to taste the icing on the cake again this time around. Matthew Pavlich was relatively quiet last week but that was against an All-Australian full back in Darren Glass. Who does Melbourne pit against him? And even if Nathan Carroll or someone else proves up to the task, who then stops Chris Tarrant and what's to be done to quell Luke McPharlin if Chris Connolly sends him up forward as he did a couple of years ago? And I haven't started thinking about where Melbourne's goals are going to come from. Last week, the Dees could only manage eight goals in a game against a Cats when the coach, by his own admission, stated that the team spent the first half in attacking mode. If they try to shut the game down, will a single figure goal tally be enough to win the four points? I doubt it and I'm therefore tipping Fremantle by 35 points. Following that, we will see another week of sledging from frustrated and irate Demon fans.

Try Tomi Johnston, son of Wayne "The Dominator" Johnston.

There have been a few changes at the top with only one winning selection separating the top 11 tipsters. Don't forget to put your tips in before bouncedown tonight. I would think it will be necessary to put your tip in for the Anzac Day clash a little earlier than the normal deadline so don't forget about that one as well. 1. (3) 15 bl3281 1. (3) 15 deanox 1. (3) 15 Demonland 1. (3) 15 Jackieboy_0 5. (11) 14 canberrademon(herb) 5. (11) 14 Clyde_Cabbie 5. (3) 14 Dees_Fan16 5. (3) 14 DeMoNiC 5. (3) 14 great_gatsby 5. (1) 14 TimDees 5. (11) 14 Whispering_Jack 12. (1) 13 demon_fanatic 12. (3) 13 Kieranbj 12. (11) 13 petejh2000 12. (11) 13 Pinball_Wizard 16. (11) 12 achirnside 16. (11) 12 BigKev Demon 16. (11) 12 Dappadan 16. (22) 12 demon_davey 16. (31) 12 Fingers Power 16. (22) 12 Go_Ds 16. (11) 12 KrazyJay 16. (11) 12 paliosiana 16. (11) 12 slamevil 25. (22) 11 dee'viator 25. (22) 11 deesthisyear 25. (22) 11 Rivers Run Red 25. (22) 11 Scoop Junior 25. (22) 11 snarler_0 30. (34) 10 frangas 31. (37) 9 Alpha_33 31. (22) 9 Goodvibes 33. (34) 8 jaded24 33. (22) 8 melon22 35. (31) 7 No Cigar 36. (31) 6 rusty_corner 37. (34) 5 rusty_kingswood 38. (37) 4 CarnTheDees

WIN AFTER A STRUGGLE by Ice Station Zebra Sandringham has never found the going easy at Werribee's Bartercard Oval and Sunday's game against the Tigers was no exception. At half time the Zebras were struggling but with Nick Sautner doing the job at full forward and Shane Valenti on top in the midfield, they rose to the occasion and held off a dogged Werribee combination to prevail by 12 points and claim top spot on the ladder. The injury crisis at Melbourne left the defending premier with a weaker team on paper but it gave the Zebras an opportunity to show off the playing depth of their list. Into the side came Peter McGettigan and newcomer Stefan Martin who impressed playing a secondary role in the ruck to Demon rookie Shane Neaves. Sandy also lost Peter Summers but he was replaced by the experienced Andy Biddlecombe. Sandy opened with the advantage of two or three goal breeze but a combination of errant disposal and a poor choice of options had them lucky to be in front by five points at the first break. The story was no different in the second quarter and Werribee held a six point lead at half time. Sandy was being well served by Sautner who had three goals to the main break despite some close attention from the Tiger defence. Valenti, in the absence of Summers, was providing a good contest around the stoppages and, as always, Chris Lamb very steady down back. Sandringham's third quarter was a little more impressive with the team's better use of the wind well to kick four goals to two to snatch back the lead at three quarter time thanks to some inaccurate kicking for goal by Werribee. The job was still ahead of the team with just a three point lead and kicking into a gusty breeze but Sandy responded well to Mark Williams' call for calm approach by kicking five straight (two from Sautner) of the first six goals to hold on as the Tigers kicked two late goals to close. One of the few highlights of the day was a brilliant effort from David Gallagher to slip through traffic and kick a sealing goal. After the game, the coach was quoted as follows, "We won the game between the 10 and 20-minute marks in the last quarter, our best quarter. "Our experienced players stood up when we needed them. "We have high expectations of our young fellows and I was disappointed in some of their games today." Sandy's best were Valenti who although small in stature is progressing in leaps and bounds at the club, Clint Bizzell for his steadiness at half back and Rod Crowe at centre half forward. Both Johnston boys impressed again while Chris Johnson was solid and Ricky Petterd showed that he has a future in the game. Peter McGettigan and newcomer Stefan Martin who impressed playing a secondary role in the ruck to Demon rookie Shane Neaves. The Zebras are away again this Sunday when they take on the Bendigo Bombers. Supporters should note the new venue for the game is Windy Hill at Essendon. Seniors at 2.00pm, Reserves at 11.20am. RESULTS Sandringham 5.3.33 7.7.49 11.10.76 16.10.106 Werribee 4.3.27 8.7.55 10.13.73 13.16.94 Goal Kickers: Sandringham: Sautner 6 Dunn 2 Gallagher Liddell Pickett Newton Johnston Bizzell McGettigan Valenti Werribee: Baird 2 Robbins 2 Castello 2 Harbrow 2 Williams Young McDougall Skipper Robinson Best: Sandringham: Valenti Bizzell Crowe Petterd Gallagher Johnson Werribee: Pask Gleeson Skipper Barham Williams Furfaro YOUNG ZEBRAS ON TOP Sandringham's reserves broke the ice with a solid 33 point victory over Werribee. The victory was set up by a six goal second quarter. Stalwart Tom Paterakis led the way while Phil Zarra from the Dragons was among the goals again with three. Kenton Hall, another experienced reserves player, was in fine forward Daniel Gribbin showed he is improving rapidly. The win puts the Zebras in fourth place on the ladder. RESULTS Sandringham 2.0.12 8.5.53 11.11.77 14.16.100 Werribee 3.2.20 6.2.38 10.6.66 10.7.67 Goal Kickers: Sandringham: Zarra 3 Gileno Neville Paterakis 2 Collyer Dean Dunne Hughes Paule Werribee: Batchelor Kenelley Penny Twomey 2 Rockefeller Thompson Best: Sandringham: Paterakis Gribbin Hall Neville Dean Curcio Werribee: Rockefeller Chisholm Hahn Mentha Penny Batchelor

by Ice Station Zebra Sandringham has never found the going easy at Werribee's Bartercard Oval and Sunday's game against the Tigers was no exception. At half time the Zebras were struggling but with Nick Sautner doing the job at full forward and Shane Valenti on top in the midfield, they rose to the occasion and held off a dogged Werribee combination to prevail by 12 points and claim top spot on the ladder. The injury crisis at Melbourne left the defending premier with a weaker team on paper but it gave the Zebras an opportunity to show off the playing depth of their list. Into the side came Peter McGettigan and newcomer Stefan Martin who impressed playing a secondary role in the ruck to Demon rookie Shane Neaves. Sandy also lost Peter Summers but he was replaced by the experienced Andy Biddlecombe. Sandy opened with the advantage of two or three goal breeze but a combination of errant disposal and a poor choice of options had them lucky to be in front by five points at the first break. The story was no different in the second quarter and Werribee held a six point lead at half time. Sandy was being well served by Sautner who had three goals to the main break despite some close attention from the Tiger defence. Valenti, in the absence of Summers, was providing a good contest around the stoppages and, as always, Chris Lamb very steady down back. Sandringham's third quarter was a little more impressive with the team's better use of the wind well to kick four goals to two to snatch back the lead at three quarter time thanks to some inaccurate kicking for goal by Werribee. The job was still ahead of the team with just a three point lead and kicking into a gusty breeze but Sandy responded well to Mark Williams' call for calm approach by kicking five straight (two from Sautner) of the first six goals to hold on as the Tigers kicked two late goals to close. One of the few highlights of the day was a brilliant effort from David Gallagher to slip through traffic and kick a sealing goal. After the game, the coach was quoted as follows, "We won the game between the 10 and 20-minute marks in the last quarter, our best quarter. "Our experienced players stood up when we needed them. "We have high expectations of our young fellows and I was disappointed in some of their games today." Sandy's best were Valenti who although small in stature is progressing in leaps and bounds at the club, Clint Bizzell for his steadiness at half back and Rod Crowe at centre half forward. Both Johnston boys impressed again while Chris Johnson was solid and Ricky Petterd showed that he has a future in the game. Peter McGettigan and newcomer Stefan Martin who impressed playing a secondary role in the ruck to Demon rookie Shane Neaves. The Zebras are away again this Sunday when they take on the Bendigo Bombers. Supporters should note the new venue for the game is Windy Hill at Essendon. Seniors at 2.00pm, Reserves at 11.20am. RESULTS Sandringham 5.3.33 7.7.49 11.10.76 16.10.106 Werribee 4.3.27 8.7.55 10.13.73 13.16.94 Goal Kickers: Sandringham: Sautner 6 Dunn 2 Gallagher Liddell Pickett Newton Johnston Bizzell McGettigan Valenti Werribee: Baird 2 Robbins 2 Castello 2 Harbrow 2 Williams Young McDougall Skipper Robinson Best: Sandringham: Valenti Bizzell Crowe Petterd Gallagher Johnson Werribee: Pask Gleeson Skipper Barham Williams Furfaro YOUNG ZEBRAS ON TOP Sandringham's reserves broke the ice with a solid 33 point victory over Werribee. The victory was set up by a six goal second quarter. Stalwart Tom Paterakis led the way while Phil Zarra from the Dragons was among the goals again with three. Kenton Hall, another experienced reserves player, was in fine forward Daniel Gribbin showed he is improving rapidly. The win puts the Zebras in fourth place on the ladder. RESULTS Sandringham 2.0.12 8.5.53 11.11.77 14.16.100 Werribee 3.2.20 6.2.38 10.6.66 10.7.67 Goal Kickers: Sandringham: Zarra 3 Gileno Neville Paterakis 2 Collyer Dean Dunne Hughes Paule Werribee: Batchelor Kenelley Penny Twomey 2 Rockefeller Thompson Best: Sandringham: Paterakis Gribbin Hall Neville Dean Curcio Werribee: Rockefeller Chisholm Hahn Mentha Penny Batchelor