Mickey

Yep, this is fair. I don't have a sport science degree so happy to bow to greater knowledge and experience.

The Melbourne Football Club is aware of an altercation that occurred in Prahran on Sunday evening between Steven May and Jake Melksham. “Following a dinner on Sunday evening, Jake and Steven informed us of a scuffle that took place after a lighthearted disagreement between the pair escalated. “Both Jake and Steven had been drinking at dinner and are incredibly remorseful that things played out the way they did. “Given Steven is still under the AFL concussion protocols from Round 11, he was aware that under club guidelines he should not have been drinking. “The leadership group has recommended to impose a one-match ban on Steven, a decision which has been endorsed by the club’s broader leadership. This will make him unavailable for both AFL and VFL selection. https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/1144624

Yep, I'm not concerned at this point either way. We were up with 5 mins to go on Saturday, despite how poorly we were playing. We also had the chance to be 7-8 goals up against Freo but bad kicking let us down. Our coaching group should have enough credit in the bank for us to back them to find a way out of the slump. My one concern is Tmac. He may not have set the world alight at the end of last year, but we need at least 1 key forward firing to let Fritta and the smalls do their thing. And neither the Weid or Mitch Brown fill me with much confidence.

Sure, I was thinking the last few weeks where our skills have seemingly been poor. I also think, checking the stats again, that the Adelaide game was actually a classic melbourne goal kicking performance. It's always been an issue, and our kicking efficiency in general was ok (70%). This year we average 73%, while our goal kicking is 50% (and was last year for the whole year).

It also happens when players have been in and out of the team through injury/illness. And when other teams ramp up the pressure.

Not really. Adelaide was 100% kicking inefficiency. 14.11 to 15.6 and we lost by a point. And Collingwood got up for Bucks' last game. Plus it was QB. It's their GF after all 😂

I don't think we are loading yet. I don't think we started loading last year until the bye, and as I've said before, this time last year we were knocking off Brisbane and the Dogs, not slumping. We slumped post-bye. I think it's as simple as I juries and illness taking a toll, which we didn't have last year. We had a dream run, with no injuries to key players. This year, Salem, Lever, Tmac and to an extent Gawn have all had injuries, while Trac and others have been sick, whether they missed games or not. Combine that with teams coming at us as the Champs, and teams always looking slow when they lose, and I think it's the simpler explanation.

I don't know why we would be loading yet. We are coming off a shorter preseason, and didn't start loading til the bye last year. We are only half way through the season. I'm not sports scientist but it seems far too early, especially with the injuries we've had. The more obvious reason is we just aren't playing at our best.

Why would we be loading already? We aren't. It didn't start last year until after the bye. These losses aren't coming at the same time as last year, bar the Adelaide game. This time last year, we were pumping the dogs and knocking off Brisbane. We simply have no key forward depth, and with Tmac out for the rest of the year (apparently), we are in serious [censored].

It'll be pretty obvious if he doesn't play in the curtain raiser, you'd think.

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/1137697/dwelling-won-t-help-brayshaw-to-keep-positive-attitude

We lost to both GWS and Doggies last year. Both made finals. It was a bad showing, and we were due for one. Pity it was against a good side but at least the 'when will melbourne lose a game' [censored] is over. Trac must be injured.

Forward pressure non existent. Trac must be injured. Spargo is not a winger. Really disappointing performance

Midfield being shown up. Rucks getting smashed by Darcy. Sorely missing May

The problem from a contract point of view is we will essentially be asking Gus to take a pay cut. His last contract was after his bumper 2018. He would be on good dollar that we probably can't match. I don't blame him putting off talks to play some good footy to boost his value as high as he can. And he is playing some great footy.

Yep, they consistently refer to him as the best looking bloke at the club (If not the AFL)

Viney Tmac Kozzie Brayshaw JJ Trac

I think we'll find out once the CBA has been signed. Post that, there isn't much reason for a delay.

Yep, I hate it. Jones was stupid for getting sucked in but it's a bad look. I thought he was actually going to properly remonstrate and then oh, down he goes.

Would love to announce it as we get ready to play WC in Perth. Long term deal would be even better #hesnotcoming

I always thought he was a Rafa clone

Bill Laurie a chance for a debut?

Casey v Box Hill at this stage...