Gator

I have no problem with there being no Dees, but that list has some extraordinary inclusions.

They're both young and not yet best 22. Matt Jones is ahead of Stretch. He may not be next year or even later in the year, but he's had a great pre-season, is making fewer errors and has the more mature body The other two have plenty of time. I like Stretch, but ANB needs to be cleaner. He's a bit of a fumbler.

Update: My final prediction (not necessarily preferred) Jetta I Dunn I Garland Vince I T. McDonald I Salem Brayshaw I Viney I M. Jones vandenBerg I Frost I Kent Garlett I Hogan I Watts R: Gawn I Tyson I N. Jones IC: HarmesI Kennedy I Oliver I Bugg E: Pedersen I Grimes I Lumumba In: Brayshaw, Harmes, Kennedy Out: Pedersen, Grimes, Lumumba Pedersen v Frost is the one I'm least sure about. They both may play, but I'm guessing one and I'm guessing they favour Frost (with no confidence). I'm also thinking (guessing) there's no reason to get Lumumba in yet. If Lumumba goes in it will be at the expense of Harmes, but Harmes did very well on Shaw last time around.

I assume you've just made a point. I have no idea what it is. And I haven't seen the list or read the article.

It's a "prediction" not a current rating.

What does this mean ?

So would I.

They would add Webster, Newnes, Freeman, Ross, Sinclair, but your point stands. Our top end elite juniors are far superior.

Unlike some, I really like listening to Plough. He said prior to the game (and has said repeatedly for weeks) that "Melbourne will go past the Saints at 100 miles per hour". He tipped the Saints before the match.

Exactly. How many other clubs have the amount of top 10 talent in their 22 as Melbourne ? It's nothing to be proud of btw, because we got them being insanely mediocre, but we they're ours nonetheless.

Hmmm what ?

Your posts have such an objectionable (and excitable) tone, nonetheless... As others have mentioned, James Hird was dogged by the same injury and missed plenty of football, but here's some more detail from a 1999 article: - In 1999 he missed 20 weeks because of a recurring stress fracture in his right foot - since Hird's fabulous 1996 season _ which culminated in his third best-and-fairest award at Windy Hill and a Brownlow Medal _ injury has forced him to miss two entire seasons - Out of a possible 66 games, Hird has played in just 22 and none since shattering the navicular bone in his right foot in round two this season - Who can forget the vision of Hird fighting back tears after limping from the MCG to sit on the bench on the first Thursday in April this year (1999). It may have been April Fool's Day but it was no joke that Hird had broken down with a recurrence of a foot stress fracture - In his 110th game, the 26-year-old was as shattered as the small bone in the instep of his right foot as he watched his team-mates power over the top of the Kangaroos in the round- two clash - Hird has had his share of injuries since his debut, but the stress fractures, caused by a heavy work load, have proved disastrous - in round 10 1997 he received a stress fracture in his right foot that prematurely ended his season - further scans in February 1999 showed the fracture had continued to widen. The bone eventually shattered early in the April 1 night match against the Kangaroos at the MCG - New and radical surgery was performed, this time involving metal screws to hold the bone together, a bone graft and the use of a synthetic protein to speed up healing. Melbourne orthopaedic surgeon Julian Feller injected Osteogenic Protein-1 into the navicular bone to promote regeneration and growth of skeletal tissue Summing up - from 1997 through to the 1999 season Hird had recurring issues with the navicular bone in his right foot. Sound familiar (except for the foot) ? Finally clear of pain and injury Hird resumed round 1 in 2000. He went on to captain a premiership, play another 143 games, kick 156 goals, make 3 All Australian teams, 3 Anzac Medals, and 2 more Best & Fairests. Unlike (some) others, I'm convinced Trengove looked like he was running in quicksand due to his then undiagnosed foot, but someone like Weber could perhaps shed more light on the likelihood of that. Trengove may not fulfill his once undoubted potential, but Hird shows that it's entirely possible. Trengove will embark on his comeback at a younger age than Hird. http://www.examiner.com.au/story/643652/hird-the-news-about-james/ Btw, I don't expect any of this information to resonate with you, as I'm aware of how you roll. I've done it more for others who may be interested.

Can't believe you think it was Hogan's idea to have the pre-training interview.

It's a silly question. As Trengove's form at Casey unfolds over a 4-6 week period we'll be far better equipped to provide an answer.

That's not quite right. They were asked "whose number would you have on your back ?". An important distinction.

You're the quintessential reason I've often despaired at this club's supporters.

I had no info at the time, but Mark Harvey has told a good source that Melbourne are right into Hurley. Now I know a lot of clubs would be, but Melbourne was specifically mentioned. The only club mentioned. Who knows ? He'll probably stay, but he might want a fresh start and at 24-25 he might not see a flag at Essendon. Plenty of his mates have moved on, including Melksham. And he'll also be familiar with Goodwin. I hope we go hard. Hogan up front, Hurley down back with that developing midfield could be very exciting. I'm sure the Hawks and Pies, etc. will be just as keen.

The players must cringe.

Media ? Ex disgraced sports administrator Brian Waldron, complete [censored] Mark Allen and Harford ? Were there any more ? I wouldn't be too perturbed.

Poor Jesse ? I think he'll survive. He doesn't live in the microcosm of Demonland. Btw, he's lauded and hasn't suffered 1% of the treatment Watts has.

You think it took analysis ? Wow

He was VERY nervous during that interview.

I was told Trengove "looked as sharp as anyone else". Do you have a view, Bob ? Tom McDonald said in his interview on the club website that match simulation would be ramped up on Friday and Monday, so I assume this was a lighter session.

Training update just in: "Brayshaw in full training. Not even a bandage on his knee."

They often trot out a player for an interview before training and it looks like it's Hogan's turn. I wouldn't read anymore than that into it.