M_9

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?

Has always happened at Pork Barrel Park (GMHBA).

Level 2 is N12 to N49 (38 bays) Punt Road end and N29 to N36 (8 bays( at the city end. I reckon we'll be allocated the city end and only a small portion of the Punt Road end. Good luck getting level 2.

I've asked before and certain I know the answer - I want a standing area ticket. I can't buy one until all seats are sold?

And here's me thinking this was a post about our players potentially getting ahead of themselves.

Herbie Mathews to Peter Brown was 1976 (and Swans didn’t win the flag) 😀

Collectively but not individually.

Who takes centre bounces if Max is on the bench. If it’s JVR who is the second tall forward?

For anyone who didn’t see Casey today, forget TMac and Schache. Probably 20 disposals, 5 marks and one goal between them (my guess). Totally devoid of intensity. Tomlinson terrific, but not a forward.

Agree. Tomlinson today was terrific. Close to, if not, BOG. Does something neither Schache or TMac do. He gets involved and is effective. I’d still have Joel Smith and JvR as key forwards, Max forward when not rucking and Grundy resting on the bench rather than forward. I know that’s ‘expensive’ but I just can’t see anyone else to take the centre bounce. Grundy ok there and around the ground. He just ain’t a forward.