Palace Dees

Without bagging Oscar I feel the same way PF. OM is still a project player in my book and I strongly doubt the selectors would have been so brave if Cameron was playing. Still, I trust the club's decision making more than ever before and I love they gave an explanation on selection decisions when announcing the team. Another example on how far we have come.

We have no idea where we fit in this. I wouldn't be casting stones even if we do come out relatively clean. Can happen anytime, anywhere with anyone - no matter how good your club culture is.

“Generally in round one, you need a really fit team and sometimes you can fall into the trap of playing guys who are a little bit underdone because of their talent level,” Roos said. “Dunny’s probably a little bit similar [to Brayshaw and Lumumba] – he hadn’t played a lot over the last couple of weeks as well. “So they’re three that from a fitness point of view, we were able to leave out, based on the form of some of our current players.” So you believe playing OM ahead of Dunn based on fitness disproves the quotes you re-posted? Amazing logic! All things being equal there is no comparison between the two at this stage of their careers. As Sylvia Saint said maybe in 2-3 years but not now. If at mid season both are fit and OM is selected before Dunny then you can gloat on someone else's prediction.

I agree TSD. Like most last year I wasn't impressed with the 'other Jones' last year but so far this year I have. He has been really efficient and reliable down back and his creativity and decision making first class - not to mention his courage. I have him 23rd man in my R1 team but on NAB form would be happy for him to make it.

My comment was based on that not only will Lynden play (he is the glue to our backline in my opinion) but that Oscar is still a good 12 months away from being AFL standard.

Not a hope in hell!

As long as he doesn't Björk as well. We are trying to forget that culture of recent times.

Thanks for the updates WJ, much appreciated and looking forward to reports during day. Maybe today's games should have there own title, I'm sure the interest is there. Jake Lovett showing anything?

I think you'll find that was Neil Balme after we beat Footscray in the semi's in 1994. Balmy was asked why he didn't take the Ox off as well as Lyon (who kicked 10 goals). The question and answer was right, just the wrong Neil and it was before The Ox first injured his knee.

It's funny - I agree, yet Jones was very good today and Terlich apparently has been very impressive this pre season. So maybe these 2 previous top 5 B & F player WILL add real depth this year. So often players that have been around a while blossom when they go to another club. Why can't that happen without changing clubs if there is a changing of the guard, added skilled players and the team is playing better and with more confidence as they develop and learn.

Agreed. Pleasantly surprised also. He scraped into my best 5 along with Kent who hit the Port players really hard. Coaches would have loved his game. FWIW - no surprises with top 3 - Viney, Gawn & Vander. Watts unlucky to miss

I like this and tend to agree with the starting 22. Positions may be a little different and Bugg may be in for Harmes, even though I really like him and think he has a big future with us - but this is round 1. No doubt we are building very good depth for the first time in many, many years with a few rehab guys knocking on the door along with quality 1st and 2nd year kids developing their trade early on with Casey. Can't remember the last time I looked at our expected matchday 25 (inc. emergencies) and hoped no one else saw the 'moth holes'. I agree with all those who have expressed excitement at what we will see this year and the next....and the next....and....you get the drift. Wish I could buy shares! BRING IT ON!!!!!!!

Plucka has better hands and is less injury prone. Sorry Chris .... I do like you

Even allowing for being mid 50m, I would be amazed if Dawes could run 3.6 secs for 50m without a cyclone behind him, a steep downhill decline and a skateboard!

A team cannot be a champion team without winning the Premiership, An individual can, and often has been, the best player of his time without even playing in a final because it is beyond his control. Should a very good player consistently fail in finals then his 'superstar' status can be legitimately challenged but to question it because he hasn't had the opportunity is unjust.

The first match of the next season against Essendon dedicated to Troy was one of the most emotional and unforgettable in recent times.

I can gilt-edge, sworn oath, holus bolus, fair dinkum, blood oath guarantee - Robert Flower WAS a superstar!

A great synopsis of events of the day BB. We have a lot to thank Joe for (I still have my No Merger banner in the garage) as we do Brian Dixon and others. Unfortunately Joe tried to run MFC as his business, never really understanding we are fundamentally a sporting club with need of good business acumen in management. It's a fine and difficult balance to find and maintain but he will still be remembered as a saving grace when we needed one - and he did put his money where his mouth was.

Sad to read of the passing of Jimmy Hill. Match of the Day was what got me interested in (English) Soccer - or if we are to be truthful, the real football. I started barracking for Man U because they were called the Devils and they wore all red (like my then VFA team Preston), I sinned and swapped teams in 1989 after a tiny article in the MFC Newsletter stating Melbourne has formed an alliance with Crystal Palace FC, stating we had reciprocal rights with supporters of either club having membership rights at the other - something I'm sure is long gone. Anyway, Palace wore red and blue and were very much an underdog - both of which appealed to be. As fate would have it within a year Palace played in their only FA Cup final ever drawing 3-3 after extra time, only to lose the replay 1-0 to Man U!!!! I have since become a fanatical follower (hence my name combining my 2 obsessions) getting up at 2am to watch them live each week and getting right shirty if they lose. They have been fantastic this season, having recruited brilliantly and finally keeping a manager for more than half a season. Importantly I see similarities with the Dees as Palace have come from an even worse position than the Dees. If you'd have told any EPL follower Palace would be a top 6 club - above the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Everton etc you would have been admitted. These things can happen and I backed Palace to do what they have done so far this year because I could see what was happening off field. I get the same feeling with Melbourne. They will be knocking on the door of the 8 in '16 and I'm super confident will be a finalist in 2017. I can see the day when red and blue ribbons will be tied on the AFL Premiership and the FA Cups (prefer EPL title but will settle for this) in the same year. Bucket list complete!

Did you coach the club recently?

The leadership group

Like many others I believe Salem is going to be exciting to watch this year and I expect a top 5 result in the B & F. It may be just hope, but I also expect a much better year from H. He is a lot better than he showed us this year. Maybe it was his feet (he had surgery of both ankles recently) and with this rectified he will regain pace, agility and confidence. P,S. Not sure about the new look demonland - putting my avatar in a bubble strips it of all its dignity.

Took me a while to realise that is what the 2nd pack was. If you were the inspiration for this initiative I thank you Wrecker as it is very much appreciated and will be used. The club is progressing in so many areas under PJ. Exciting times ahead me thinks!

By all accounts, a very well respected and inspirational human being. We could do a lot worse when thinking of Christmas presents that will make a difference. One of too many ex Demons whose life was cut unfairly short.