M_9

Watching our game against the Hawks this year I could not believe the gap in ability. They were missing a number of their stars but witches hats would have been more of a challenge than our players.

It's really just a move to expedite matters. The players' lawyers must believe that putting their case to the ADVRP is a waste of time as the ADVRP will almost certainly put the players' names on the RoF. That in turn leads to the issuing of infraction notices by the AFL. Players are suspended immediately infraction notices are issued unless the AFL determines otherwise. I don't have an issue with the AFL tribunal determining any sanctions. ASADA will have considerable input in to what those sanctions will be, if, in fact, there are any.

Six wins max - only sides we will be competitive against are St Kilda, GWS, Carlton, Essendon, Tigers (ie same as this year).

Somewhat ironic (for want of a better word) that her father Max played 136 games for the Bombers.

I reckon Williams had every right to carry on like he did. As far as I understand it, Allan Scott believed that because he was tipping serious money into the club he should have a say in who coaches the club. He had been undermining Williams for quite some time. As an aside, EPL manages appear more professional to me by way of dress than the polo shirt look. If need be stick a sponsor logo on the shirt collar as Williams had.

HUN reporting that SCNs will be re-issued as early as Monday. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/show-cause-notices-to-be-reissued-to-34-essendon-players-james-hird-remains-coach-for-immediate-term/story-e6frf7jo-1227081771680

Currently watching our Rnd 7 win v the Crows. Chip having a shocker - 8 disposals at 40% late in the game. Pick 3, you pearler.

The Saints put an offer to Tim last week. He just wants an opportunity to play. One thing he has in his favour is that he is a pretty accurate kick. A Traralgon boy - and top bloke.

I played golf yesterday with a mate who just recently attended an Essendon Past Players day. He rubbed shoulders with some very wealthy supporters who tip in a big quid to the club. None of them want Hird as coach. Caro got it right. If it wasn't for the liklelihood of a whopping payout Hird would have been sacked on Wednesday.

He (Prendergast) added that by moving restricted agency from 8 years to 6 years would somehow facilitate more chance of players moving from higher placed teams to the lower teams as there'd be more players on the market. Absolute shite.

New rule means that the compensation we receive for Chip is set as soon as he signs a new contract. The compensation won't be 'diluted'.

Same report coming out of Buninyong and Torquay where his folks have a caravan.

Not sure that you can access this article if you're not a HUN subscriber: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/melbourne-considering-shifting-its-base-to-mcg-on-back-of-aflsponsored-plan/story-fni5f91a-1227075709610

From the HUN: 'It is understood the Pies are buoyed by Clark’s progress since last month flagging his desire to revive his career next season. The Magpies believe it is Clark’s preference to play at Collingwood but the club will wait on the results of further health and wellbeing tests before finalising negotiations with Melbourne in next month’s trade period.'

Just reported in the HUN - Lumumba for MC - straight swap. Gotta be BS.

Oops - just saw the DL POY votes, and will go with that order. Apologies to Nev.

I'm there this Thurs and from memory there's a $10 in to pick the top 5 in order. Can I get a few DL's to help me out? I'm thinking Nate Dom Bernie Lynden Tommy Mac Special mention Pedo and Crossy

Is a rookie position an option?

Seems odd to me that he that he tweets about recovery swims in the bay - recovering from what?

Tweeted Mon that it was 'a perfect day for a recovery swim down at St Kilda'

Gerard Whateley said they had checked with the AFL today. There was some talk that if he was to play, say with Freo, he would be worth their first pick.

From The Age: 'Justice Middleton warned Howe there could be another legal challenge should ASADA seek to secure the same information within 24 hours of his verdict.' I don't think the EFC give two hoots as to whether or not an appeal would be a distraction during the trade period. There's no way the matter is going to be wrapped up this year. If Little can continue to appeal, he will (unless his board overrides him). I can't see how Hird could appeal further.

I wouldn't go as far as to say we had a star-studded line-up, but we had a lot of players who played to the utmost of their ability. I'm talking about Warren Dean, Earl Spalding, Ricky Jackson, Graeme Yeats et al

I hope young Billy Stretch was allowed to stay up late and watch his old man, in his prime, play a blinder.

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