Palace Dees

As someone who did that myself as a playing selector I can tell you it is about putting the team first. It is the mindset of a team player - something we all want in every person representing our club.

Wow.....The Hun have given us that latest on each club re trading. Hot off their internet site. MELBOURNE The Dees were linked to Gold Coast’s Dion Prestia and Adelaide’s Tom Lynch but missed out on both. Out-of-contract swing man Jeremy Howe still hasn’t made a decision about his future which isn’t a great sign at this time of year. I feel so much more informed now!

This is music to my ears. Loved watching the big guy play and he is spot on re Gary Hardeman who is also a top bloke. Must go to his pub when next down that way.

I gonna take a punt on this.............smoking?

Bernie's not the only one ... 2015 Stats Nic Naitanui, West Coast 20 games in 2015. 116 kicks, 30 marks, 125 handballs, averaging 5.8 kicks, 1.5 marks, 6.3 handballs. 17 Goals, 12 Behinds. 676 Hit Outs (fourth in the AFL), averaging 33.8 per game. 79 Clearances, 53 Inside 50m, 14 Rebound 50m. 75 Tackles. Stefan Martin, Brisbane 20 games in 2015. 238 kicks, 128 marks, 195 handballs, averaging 11.9 kicks, 6.4 marks, 9.8 handballs. 5 Goals, 9 Behinds. 650 Hit Outs (seventh in the AFL), averaging 32.5 per game. 96 Clearances, 69 Inside 50m, 28 Rebound 50m. 40 Tackles.

Touché

You could pick a damn good side from players not considered in their best 22 at their original club.

Don't believe I have ever read that on Demonland. I'm on the keep him bandwagon (amazingly close poll at this stage) but has it actually been confirmed he has been signed? I have seen nothing official.

More like Austen Tayshus

I will apologise first if this has been identified previously but.......... St.Kilda has won one of their past 7 matches Carlton has won one of its past 8 Essendon one in its past 12! Can anyone spot the common factor?

You used to bring me flower…... Dear MFC, It is with a heavy heart that I write this. Since I was a boy I have loved you. Back then you rewarded my adoration with respect and actions. My love and confidence did not wain as I reached my teens even though you did not look as good as you used to. I continued to give you all of me and was so proud when we made the ultimate commitment in 1981. I have had your picture in my wallet ever since. Five children were raised to show the same love to you that I have – and this they did. Year after year you were given unequivocal adoration and support. There were so many times you were down and out, but we stood by you. You promised so much and at times showed glimpses of what we wanted but could never give. One by one the children have disowned you. Hurt by years of betrayal and lies. One son remains loyal, although you would say a fondness rather than love. Living interstate and not witnessing your deceit first hand has worked in your favour. His children are too young to see it as it is, but that time is soon approaching. I have your name on my licence plate and half my wardrobe. Any time any one sees me they ask of you. They can see it in my eyes when you treat me badly. They know you for what you are but out of respect for me try desperately to find positives in you behaviour and character. Things might get better they say, knowing full well they won't. You constantly change your make-up and style but it doesn't alter who you are. You have been unfaithful for over 50 years whilst I have stayed monogamous. My love, I can't take it any more. Just two weeks ago I renewed our commitment for 2016 as a gesture of my love and how do you repay me? - by selling yourself in Lygon Street. The law states we must be separated for 12 months before we divorce. I can give no more, so if we are to continue it will be up to you to show me if you have changed. If not, I will commence divorce proceedings in September 2016. I give you my promise not give myself to another in that time. My eyes and mood will ensure I remain red and blue and if it transpires that this is the end….then at least we have '87 Yours in hope Palace Dees

I'm sorry to break my self imposed ban on bashing of a very skilled player but Jack Watts can't be allowed to play next week, He again displayed his recent trend of dropping absolute sitters (twice!) that cosy us goals and momentum, as well as being embarrassingly soft on occasions.

6. McDonald - Looking All Australian 5. Jones - Loved his hardness 4. Vince - A side of him I hadn't noticed before - loved it 3. Lumumba - Great pick up for us 2. Garland - Good the 2013 version is back 1. Brayshaw - Great attitude and endeavour. The future

I was there with my family and thought it was great. The announcer was catering to a largely inexperienced AFL spectator base so although a little grating it was understandable. Excellent seats - well tiered so I could till see over the 7 foot bloke in front of me. The crowd was very gracious in victory and I didn't hear any derogatory comments which would have been warranted given what occurred. Easy to get in and out, close parking and just a pleasant short walk to the ground. The only thing missing was Melbourne after half-time.

A few years ago my son was lucky enough to present Colin with his jumper pre-season. 2 years later Colin saw him at a footy clinic and remembered him and spoke to him. Colin then gathered half the team together for a group photo with my son. I doubt he has changed that much.

Totally accept what you say as we have the statistically proven worst centre clearance team in comp by far. We will pick up one of the 2 best midfielders in the comp and then it seems to be pretty open as far as who's the next best midfielder, including those identified as 'potential' midfielders. Again, only IF the MFC believe like most 'experts' that McCartin is the stand out natural KPF in the draft do I believe we should take him as there is more to gain from this one selection if the potential is realised. I'd be happy for every other pick to be used on midfielder although I would like to see a rookie pick used on a project tall. Keep in mind the ages of these guys below - a couple of which are already established. With the appointments of Simon Goodwin, Shannon Byrnes and in particular Brendan McCartney, it is clear that player development (a long recognised club weakness) is finally a high priority and we would hope that we would find the 2-3 you speak of in this group. Hunt 19, Kennedy-Harris 19, Kent 20, Salem 19, Stretch 18, Toumpas 20, Tyson 21, Viney 20, Harmes 19, Either way, club and team circa 2015 is looking a lot better than we've seen recently.

No one argues the need for midfield depth and talent. Roos has said so ad nauseam. His 2014 recruits support that and for 2015 we have added Newton, Stretch, Brayshaw (expected) and running players Lumumba and Gartlett. Frost was acquired to replace Frawley (no net gain). What if Hogan is injured again...or Dawes? Who is our 2nd KPF? There isn't one. It would have to be a Selley's selection (gap filler) from our ruck, defence or flankers......a move that rarely works more than a week. IF the MFC believe McCartin is as good as his wraps we have to pick him. Who were our household names in our recent successful years.....who kept us in the finals....who were the game changes? Lyon, Neitz & Schwarz. All KPF's of whom 2 could also play KPB. Ask any non MFC football follower who was in our midfield in those years and they will look at you blankly (and we even had a Brownlow medallist!) I know the game has changed but it's still footy and quality key forwards will always be gold and much harder to cover than even a top midfielder. Gary Ablett/Gold Coast is an obvious exception

Like 'return of the dees' my first year of 35 years consecutive membership was 1981. I was playing amateur football on Saturdays, the only day that the then VFL also played. I therefore only got to use my membership a couple of times per year. I barracked for Melbourne but didn't love the club - until Robbie. I couldn't believe the skills, grace and the football poetry I saw in Robbie on the few times MFC would be on the Saturday night replays. In an age of 'last man standing' I didn't know football could be so pure and have the visual equivalent of hearing your favourite song. I knew I had to see him perform in person - and perform he did. He was simply the greatest artist in his field - literally. He never transgressed the rules but had to suffer those that believed it was the only way to stop him. Incredibly courageous as well as talented he was the perfect role model and a hero for my young son as well as me. Because of you Robbie, the MFC now has 10 paid up life long members in my immediate family. You were the human version of what I want my club to be still. Proud yet gracious, brave yet fair, a winner (individually) yet humble, loyal yet balanced, gifted yet tenacious. The closest thing to perfection I have seen and undoubtedly the greatest person/footballer combination we have blessed to call our own. No loss outside my family has affected me as much as yours tonight. You were, and always will be, Melbourne to me.

Don't agree. I have been on the anti-Watts bandwagon for years but I thought his game tonight was the best I've seen him play (at least until 3/4 time). I actually saw some endeavour, chase, tackling and something that resembled urgency at times. Yes once or twice he reverted to type but nowhere near as often or as bad as usual. And his use of the ball and decision making was by far superior to any one else on the field - and boy, don't we need that! I didn't know whether to be happy (turned the corner) or sad because it was an aberration and so he won't be considered for trading. I so hope it's the former, but I fear not. Anyway: 6 Nathan Jones 5 Dom Tyson 4 Jack Watts 3 Chris Dawes 2 Dean Kent 1 Bernie Vince

I had been hoping like hope that we can somehow snag Dylan Shiel over the summer. Watching the first half today (perhaps for the first time without rose coloured glasses) I have seen some deficiencies in his game I hadn't really noticed before. His kicking and decision making has not been good today. He also seemed to lack footy smarts if his first option is not achievable. haven't seen a lot of 2nd efforts either. I don't want to be harsh on him as it's just a half of footy but Is this just today or is this a regular thing. Anyone know his game intimately enough to provide feedback?

Would love to see a timeline graph on this poll. I expect it would be running closer to 20/80 he stays in recent weeks.

When I first saw Bolton interviewed prior to coaching Hawthorn I thought it was a late April Fools joke. He reminded me of myself. But how can you not be impressed with what he did with a (albeit champion) team at the time ravaged with injuries and seemingly heading for a slump. Later we heard from those he has coached he is a lot tougher and switched on that his persona suggested. 5 wins from 5 and he slips back into obscurity. He has to be in the mix.