TeamPlayedFine39

Can’t stand hyperbole like this! So, by this logic, Fremantle wouldn’t accept Clayton Oliver for Cerra? How about Petracca? Maybe we could package Rivers and Kossie and throw in a first rounder?? Jon Ralph trying to fill his Twitter profile with definitive statements to make it appear that he is ‘in the know’. On reality, he sounds like a fool.

TBH, I would have suggested dropping Smith for Hunt this week anyway. Smith has a lot of fans, but for mine, he is lacking in footy-smarts. I would be very disappointed in Bowey misses.

I can’t change anything I’ve been doing all year or else it will jinx everything. If negativity and angst is the cosmic secret to our success, then I need to keep doing it.

King definitely went all-in during 17 and 18.

I’d say that, since 2017 at least, he’s probably new the most positive journos when writing about Melbourne.

Any other year in living memory, I would be satisfied to finish 4th, but this year is different. We have been the most consistent team for the year, finished top of the ladder, have most of our squad available for selection, are in form, have had a weeks rest and there isn’t a ‘super-team’ to come up against. This is the first time in my life that we are the team to beat; so, despite our fantastic performances to date, I will be not be satisfied unless we win the flag.

Would be an amazing get, but we’d need to stick with a couple of points: 1. Players requesting a trade to a ‘good’ club must accept less money than those going to a battler (Carlton). Tom Lynch and everyone traded to Geelong are willing to sacrifice money for success- that’s not only the attitude we want, it’s the financial reality of what we need. 2. Unless a Melbourne player requests a trade to Fremantle, then I’d avoid trading for a player, particularly anyone in the best 22. We’ll be asking our players to show loyalty and accept less money in the coming years and that is a two way street. 3. Upgrading our picks for the trade. Cera has the potential to be a very, very good players and Freo will need to be satisfied. It’s hard to see how we can do this without some spectacular draft-pick gymnastics by our football department. Mahoney in his time showed that that was a particular strength, let’s how those around him learnt a trick or two.

Unfortunately, the AFL and the Tribunal probably have no choice but to make this a long and drawn-out process. With the legal avenues that are available to clubs and their willingness to appeal to the courts, the AFL needs to make these hearings as comprehensive as possible. It's 'modern', 'professional' and unfortunate.

Mouthguard in please Luke!

What?! That’s it?! All last night I kept reading about this ‘Zapruda film’ like side-angle that would completely exonerate Green of any wrong doing… that clip just confirms what most already knew.

The most positive spin you could possibly put on this is that it was ‘intimidation’. That should still earn him weeks.

I agree with this! Stress free football 2007 - 2016.

Have been watching football closely since 1994 and this team would smash every one of teams that have taken the field in that time. The biggest difference is not in the talent that takes the field, but in the gameplan and selflessness of the players. This is also the first team I have seen in the red and blue that has defence as it’s primary strength. 94, 98, 2000, 2006 and 2018 all had an exciting and attacking gameplans and mentality. This was gloriously entertaining and exciting to watch, but was ultimately deeply flawed under pressure against the top teams. This team not only holds up against the top teams; it plays better against them.

Spot on OP. She puts others in the commentary box to shame. In fact, I’ve noticed that one of the rare times BT tones down the idiocy is when he is talking to her.

1. Jackson 2. Green 3. Georgiades 4. Guldon 5. Rivers Id predict the top three will be very consistent in the voting, then things will even out between about six players for the final two placings.

Think it might be Bont's to lose this year. Though he finished slow, he'll probably have a sizable lead by two thirds of the way though the season. Player link Bontempelli and Petracca catch the eye a lot easier than Oliver and a probably a little friendlier to the umps in the heat of battle.

I fear the 5-8 teams more than the 2-4 to be honest. Not that any team in the finals isn't good, just that the Bulldogs, Swans, Giants and Bombers all have traits that aren't negated as easily by our strengths. So I'm very happy to see them eliminate each other before too many of them get through to us (assuming we can do the job against the Lions. I don't rate Port Adelaide particularly highly, but they could be blessed with two home finals in front of a crowd. MELBOURNE D. BRISBANE PT ADELAIDE. D. GEELONG W. BULLDOGS. D. ESSENDON SYDNEY. D. GWS BRISBANE. D. W.BULLDOGS GEELONG. D. SYDNEY MELBOURNE. D. GEELONG. PT. ADELAIDE. D. BRISBANE.

As we will be playing every finals match away from our home ground and state, we need as many people as possible to jump on board, attend the match and make some noise.

Just had to step out for a halfa, what did I miss??

Didn't realise this, but we actually win the McClelland Trophy for being minor premiers (sorry, top of the ladder) Bring on the fancy silverware!!

Probably complain about Viney’s disposal efficiency… then weep openly in the street, in the rain.

Good on him and the coaches obviously love him, but... 25 years old, 5th year on the list and I don't think he's ever played a particular great game in his senior career. He's a big bodied utility so I can see why he's being kept on, but I'd be shocked if he's being payed any more than minimum.

Hahahahaha The irony here is completely overwhelming.