M_9

I’m not sure to what extent you can negotiate. If the last year of TMac’s contract is for $700k and he accepts a payout of $500k, which figure counts in the TPP. I’d think it’s the former.

Pardon my ignorance but if we are able to retire one or both of BBB and TMac my understanding is that their salaries for 2024 are still part of our TPP.

See my post re the limited number of GFG memberships a club can sell.

I have been a Redlegs/Platinum/ Legends (name changes every year) for 30 years. I’m not ware whether the MFC allocate three categories of GFG membership but I guess they do. As far as I’m aware each club can only allocate a fixed number of GFG memberships and it’s probably the same number for each club. I know for the Cats it’s 6k. Probably the same for us. In 2000 Legends members got access to tickets the day prior to ‘ordinary’ members. This year when I logged in with my barcode I only had access to Cat 1, 2 and 3 tickets for each of our two finals. I assume that ‘ordinary’ members only had access to Cat 4-7 for the first 60 or so minutes to give Legends a chance. Happy to be corrected on this. The ‘joke’ was that I only wanted standing room for both finals and had to go out and re-enter as an ‘ordinary member in order to access Cat 7.

It’s going to be a big crowd. Queue for MCC walk up is huge apparently.

Can you access the Founders Bar if you have a level one ticket?

I like the idea of Rivers playing significant time in the midfield. To that end I’d have Tomlinson back in (releases Lever). JJ for Brayshaw. BBB or Grundy for Roo. Woey for Laurie (similar attributes but can score).

Im not sure your seating map is correct. On this map https://www.austadiums.com/stadiums/mcg/seating-map the Cat 1 bays on level 1 extend from the 50m arc to the wing. I assume all Cat 1 to Cat 7 seats are split 50/50 as it should be. I also assume there's very few level 2 seats available to (Premium) members as they have been allocated to coterie groups, sponsors, etc. Players are allocated 4 tickets and have access to 6 more (as I understand). Fair chance they're Cat 1.

Premium allocation for the public is Category one. That's 9 bays on level one in the Southern stand and about 32 bays on level 2 (Olympic, Southern and Ponsford stands). The clubs have numerous coterie groups, sponsors, and the like. They get level two seats. Each player is allocated 4 tickets but can purchase up to 6 others. I think they get level two seats. Happy to be corrected. And on it goes. I reckon your chances of getting a Category one seat on level two is very slim.

I'm a premium member and have been for nigh on 30 years. Have been happy to stand in Bay 13 (M9) every MCG game including the 1988 and 2000 GF's. Had a seat in the back row level 4 last week and had to bluff my way into M9 standing as they were checking tickets. Didn't want to risk the same thing happening on Friday night. Got front row N9. The irony.

Staring at the back of a few big heads? Frequently I hope (after we score a goal).

I wouldn't be using a finals game to find out if Joel Smith has any knowledge of ruck play! We're yet to decide if he's best as a forward or back. Grundy plays as a ruck rover, not unlike an older version of Luke Jackson. I reckon he'd be champing at the bit to play against the Pies on the big stage. He'd wipe Pittonet and De Konning and Oscar (if we go to Brisbane). He had 45 hitouts in his one game v the Lions.

We need a second ruck. TMac is useless (IMO) as a second ruck. Smith has never rucked to my knowledge. Grundy's stats not all that bad. Same number of goals as Max (10). GM K HB D M G GA B T HO FF FA CL CG I50 R50 AF SC Total 17 100 143 243 46 10 3 4 49 349 29 29 50 59 46 12 1,275 1,466 Average 17 5.9 8.4 14.3 2.7 0.6 0.2 0.2 2.9 20.5 1.7 1.7 2.9 3.5 2.7 0.7 75.0 86.2

I know Max plays his best footy when he’s the sole ruckman, but it’s a big ask for him to ruck solo for four successive games should we get to the GF. Grundy in means Max plays, say, 50% forward. Would certainly test both Blues and Lions(?) defenders. A bonus if Grundy could snag a goal or two.

One player who does look for a target kicking into the fifty. Something we’re crying out for.

HUN says Brodie did little, virtually nothing when forward. Schache even less. Harmes did his hammy. Disco went forward and did OK. Spargo the standout.

Sub?

I’m sure she does Sam. I wonder who Alan will be barracking for Thurs night. He was Pies before JH was drafted. I suspect he’s reverted.

NFI. Played with Murph snr.

Played golf today with a Pies insider. If Murphy plays he’ll be far from fit. Struggled to train last night. Glut issue. Will play on Fritta if he gets through training on Sunday.

WCW will tell us soon but I reckon we'll be Punt road end as Pies seem to have opted for city end even for their home games.

Are all our AFL listed players eligible to play?

You certainly used to be able to because I did it a year or so ago. The reason I ask is because I want to stand in M9 but fear we will only be offered Ponsford Stand seats as per previous years when we've been the away team.

Can someone advise me please - is it still possible to walk from the Ponsford stand around the back of the Members to the Olympic stand?