Gator

More on ACLs, which I found interesting. It's from Demonland's own star resident expert in these types of things @Webber - posted some time ago: "There is no greater incidence of hamstring injuries post ACL reconstruction where the hamstring is used as the graft. The hamstring 'group' (3 muscles) compensate as a collective to take over the progressive loads imposed during rehab. The surgery is a very elegant and efficient process. The graft length is computer calibrated to be anatomically correct, and anchored to the bones top and bottom of the knee (femur and tibia). That graft is initially dead tissue, but over the period of 5 to 6 months, the blood supply re-establishes through the bony attachments, such that it becomes fully vascular, and therefore a self-regenerating tissue. It is 'living' and able to absorb the stresses applied. Fully competitive, full speed multidirectional sport is allowed at 9 months. At the elite level, there are seldom variations to this timeline, and the outcome is as if the ACL had never been damaged."

That goes without saying.

He was injured round 11 June 2. I don't know when he was operated on, but I assume about a week later, so let's say June 9. The standard recovery from ACLs is 9 months. It won't be a one size fits all, some come back sooner and some probably come back later. Also, I don't know if it being his second ACL on the same knee warrants a more cautious approach, or whether it has no effect. I'd just be guessing. Nine months takes him to approx. two weeks before our first game on Saturday 23 March. Theoretically, if it's a standard recovery he may well be ready to play round one. Lynden Dunn, who did his ACL one month later in round 15 on July 2, has targeted his return date as round one. I won't be advising medical staff one way or another, I'm not that stupid, but I won't be surprised if he's ready for round one based on historical timelines - assuming he doesn't have any hiccoughs along the way. I also won't be surprised if it's round 4 or 5 when he returns. His minor set back a few weeks ago won't impact things, I wouldn't have thought.

70s

Flower is the greatest goal-kicking wingman of all time. Flower is the most brilliant Melbourne player I've ever seen. I have a feeling Oliver will be the most effective Melbourne player I'll see.

Complacency - hunger, it's the same thing and it's what every club is wary of. I agree with @Ethan Tremblay. It's most definitely an issue, but it's so obvious it doesn't need mentioning.

And like many Melbourne players, he never lived up to his perceived potential.

It's the exposed form that has me excited. For players who played at least 10 games in 2018 Weideman averaged the 11th most contested marks in the competition. In his last 5 games he took 13 contested marks at 2.6 per game. That average over the course of a season would have placed him equal second with Jack Darling and bear in mind three of those games were finals. When a guy is a 196cm 21 year old and has 24 disposals, 7 marks, and kicks 3 goals in his club's first final in 12 years there's a bit to be excited about. To show you can perform on the big stage in front of 90,000+ is significant. I spoke with Brendan McCartney back at the end of 2016 and he said Weideman would be as good as Hogan. I didn't believe it at the time and he still may not reach Hogan's level, however, I no longer think it's a pipe-dream. Weideman is very athletic, takes some marks Hogan can't (and vice versa), and like Hogan he's a very smart decision maker. He doesn't turn 22 until the end of June. My prediction: 38 goals in 2019. More in subsequent years.

He was a rubbish player who was soft in the contest, had horrible disposal, and made poor decisions. Don't confuse mouthy as being hard.

Hunt is a conundrum. He does have genuine AFL attributes. He's like a cricketer who needs to hone his game and remove the errors. It's a coaching and development challenge, but I like what Hunt offers and can see him still being an important part of the team. There's no reason he still can't improve.

Extra points for not using the [censored] term "Happy Holidays". Well done. And Merry Christmas.

Best looking guernsey in the AFL. Carlton's a close second.

Pederson's time was up and Smith lacks AFL class. In my view Keilty doesn't have the athletic traits to succeed in the backline at AFL level, so I like the move forward. Key forwards don't have to be quite as athletic if they read the game well, work hard and understand leading patterns. I'm not sure if he'll make it, but I think he has a better shot than Tim Smith and it's well worth a try.

Don't be ridiculous. It's a discussion point. Don't participate if you don't want to. Certainly don't tell others what they should or shouldn't discuss. The guy was delusional. If you watched Open Mike you'd realise he's either in denial, or emotionally as thick as a brick.

I find that very hard to believe.

Great. My Brother will be there. Slightly portly, thinning dark/greying hair, 5'9'', in a suit with no tie. Be sure to say hello. ?

*Jordon

I've now lowered my expectations on Preuss.

I knew three men that killed themselves in their late 60's/70s a few years after their wives had left them. They were the Fathers of mates of mine. I worked with a girl who killed herself when she was 23 about 20 years ago. She'd tried a few times before. She was engaged. A woman in her early 30s who was the Sister of a friend of mine killed herself in the actual psyche ward treating her. She was married with two kids. Another bloke that worked in the same company as me (different office) killed himself in his late 20s. He was a real estate agent. This was over 20 years ago. It's been happening forever and will continue. It is what it is. If you must do it don't do it where a loved one will find the confronting images.

He was asked a question and gave the only answer possible.

You're already wrong.

Jetta, May, Oscar McDonald, Salem, Lever, Hibberd Gawn, Viney, Oliver, Brayshaw, Kolodjashnij, Harmes Petracca, Weideman, Neal-Bullen, Melksham, Tom McDonald, Spargo Jones, vandenBerg, Fritsch, Lewis, Hannan That's our best 23 players. Good to reasonable depth: Frost, Hunt, Garlett, Stretch, J. Smith, Kennedy-Harris, J. Wagner That's 30, not 24, imo. Petty will be a player, while I'm not as bullish on Tim Smith and Maynard who have also donned the red & blue. For me, it's as much depth as most clubs. And I reckon Hore might just be a player.

The MFC didn't have to make the decision they did and people don't have to throw their money down the drain. There should be no "reward" for clubs who make a business decision whether it's inspired by community spirit, or not..

No-one is saying that most, if not all, will be ready to go round one. What they're saying is that when you're in rehab, or on a modified or reduced program, then your preseason has indeed been interrupted. Some players boast at the end of the preseason that they've "done every session". I'm sure you've also heard the boast. They know it sets them up for a good year. It's not to say that those on a reduced preseason can't also have a good year, however, they can't make the same claim. You know, because it was "interrupted".

I formally give you permission to "let go".