Elusive Tunbridge

Irrespective of the line up on Sunday, we need to start giving match time to either Spencer or Gawn. Either they develop or we trade for a ready to go ruckman, but either way its a priority

Early in Jamar's career, when White was our No.1, he spent a lot of time riding the pine. I think his development was delayed by Daniher's neglect. I don't have a clue what Roos' plan for our ruck development is, I just hope he has one. Frost might turn out to be a serviceable backup, but that's not enough.

Spot on. 3-5 thousand down due to the fight. I am as diehard supporter as you get, however this fight is the biggest sporting event of the year, and arguably the biggest fight of all time. I will be watching the fight.

Bigger than Ali-Foreman? Hell, I'll have to watch it. Too bad, Dees, you'll have to win without me.

Sorry, but once the same joke has been made over and over and over, it tends to wear a little thin.

I agree. Mods, it's time to put your foot down.

I doubt that he can make it at this stage, but if Roos and Godwin think he's worth a rookie spot I'll happily accept their judgement. I thought Nev didn't have much of a future at MFC in his first couple of years.

My guess - Jordie and the Pigdog have been named for encouragement, but the real decision is between Pedo and Spencil.

My bench - Michie, Pedo, vandenBerg, Newton (sub).

If we have a full list, including JT and CP, we can't offer a contract because the position doesn't exist. A contract for 2016 is a different thing, as rpfc points out.

when the wish becomes rumour, it's a fact.

I'd like him to stay, but I also trust the current FD to get full value out of any trade, so I'm not fussed about the outcome of this.

OK, MFC I get. But SS?

MFC Supporter Syndrome. A currently incurable malady. It's thought that a premiership will be the magic bullet, but like many such cures, it may be many years away.

Ex-Demonology members will remember him. Troll of trolls.

Or should that be Dr Whom?

I was trying for a Graham Gaunt effect, but Who will do.

I am not a hacker and have no way of accessing his metadata, but can anyone here categorically assure me that Houli is not in fact a terrorist?

Yes but giving it a go and being any bloody good are two different things.

Never thought of that.

Given that our injured list is lengthening, it's comforting to know that in blokes like Bail, Grimes and Pedo we've got experienced players who'll give it a real go.

It feels ridiculously early to be naming him a future captain and there's a kiss-of-death feel about that tag, but the force is strong within him.

Just watched the footage. Deliberate provocation, getting up in his face with a view to getting saleable video, which is what happened. I don't blame Clarkson at all for giving the guy a slap, though I probably would have walked on myself. It didn't look like a punch to me, there was no weight behind it, and all the "one-punch can kill" stuff is pure beatup.

33,855 at the moment and only our second home game coming up this week. We'll top 35k, might even make 36, but that's it.

it's a great story (so far) isn't it maurie? seeing young players develop seemingly from nowhere is one of the delights for a footy follower

Barry Oakley wrote about this in "A Salute to the Great McCarthy" (1970).

"It is the story of McCarthy, the brilliant young footballer from the bush, and his adventures when he comes to the big city, determined to succeed."

Barry Oakley also wrote "Let's hear it for Prendergast".

I wouldn't trade cowpats with Carlton for fear of getting ripped off.

So, just to put it clearly, Barrie Vagg was the greatest half forward flanker in the history of the MFC! (Written without even the slightest hint of modesty...)

You're just lucky Mark Jackson didn't play HFF.

Thanks, ManDee, I already had a good excuse. Now I have two.

Once upon a time in the West - ?

Rosemary's Baby - must re watch this.

Then watch 2001 it is magnificent by comparison. A benchmark in cinema.

Just back from a Blockbuster clearance sale with Rosemary's Baby, A Prophet, The Philadelphia Story, West Side Story, Edward Scissorhands, Once Upon a Time in Anatolia, Before Sunrise and Before Sunset.

Once Upon a Time in the West is a magnificent Western, and Leone's Once Upon a Time in America at least as good. I'd rate them both above 2001, which looks great but is treacle-paced - although Hal is one of the great movie characters.

Hornblower rated 100% on Rotten Tomatoes - directed by Raoul Walsh, a great action director. Your memory is still intact, daisy.

Tony Zhou's stuff is eye-opening for anyone who loves movies.

Just another issue to be over-analysed and flogged by the media ad nauseam, overshadowing our great game.

The vitriol towards Clark on here has always made me uncomfortable, as there is no way to know the full and true story behind his illness unless you are in his brain.

On the other side of the coin, I'm a traditionalist about keeping things on the field - which is the point Sam Newman was clumsily trying to make. He's always been one who can't understand how people can get so affronted by only 'words.'

If a player feels someone has overstepped the mark, let the captains have a chat and deal with it on the day, shake hands and leave it at that. Taking it elsewhere can end up creating a lengthy distraction for the whole club and overwrought speculation.

People say things they don't mean in the heat of the moment and it's something that shouldn't be picked apart by armchair experts who weren't out there.

Sledging and physical intimidation are an integral part of team games, whether you like it or not, and as such they are as suitable for picking apart by armchair experts as any other aspect of the game - and a forum like this is created for armchair experts to share their pickings.

Whether Clark was sledged for his mental state or his off-field activities, I'm absolutely sure the sledger did mean it and didn't act in the heat of the moment. The idea that mouthy footballers, cricketers etc. aren't acting purposefully defies common sense.