hemingway

Nicely argued.

Not sure about Robbie. He played inside and outside and ground coverage was huge. Moved in an arc from defence to attack. He literally bobbed up everywhere although it is true he was not always crumbling at the feet of the ruckman at centre bounce

A diminishing interest in this thread I suspect.

High art Uncle, I can't wait to read the proofs. Booker Prize coming up or Nobel Prize for literature?

A moot point. Given Melbourne's record over a 50 year period, I don't think there is a "biggest rivalry." At least from the other side, as our club has such low credibility with opposition supporters. Over the past 10 years, I reckon the Tigers go close. There are good crowds, the result is always uncertain and the Tigers also have a record of failure over many years. Supporters of both sides are always desperate to win this one and there have been some close games. For older supporters, I suspect the Collingwood rivalry is probably still the big one, however, I don't think this is shared on the Collingwood side with Carlton and Essendon seen as the big games. Strong rivalries can only develop over time if both sides have a sustained record of success.

Thanks Daisy, always on the ball. You are right, its been a long time and my spirit soul sometimes misses the things that my material body once experienced and enjoyed.

"Dead bastard". Well it comes to all of us Bitters, and given your proclivities, you will not have to queue. I suspect that posterity will remember the name Hemingway, long after the name Bitter but optimistic. Unless, you have a literary masterpiece that you are working on between floggings. Perhaps you could get some tips from my old friend, Elliot Perlman. His latest novel, Seven Types of Ambiguity is a beauty. Perhaps your novel could be in braille and be called the Seven Types of Ambiguous Floggings. Further down the invite list than Picket, well that's a relief. But don't worry, I realize that this is all just amusing imaginings as the reality of the Manor is very different, How is life in the new housing estate. The Manor Estate ?

Thank you for the invite Biff, but it is a bit like an invitation to the Manor from your step brother Uncle Bitters. You are both great characters, however, I prefer to keep you both as figments of my imagination.

Correct, now for another attempt by Hird and his supporters at revisionism. But there is no redemption.

Who is Special Robert ? Special Robert has a special complex or disorder best off ignoring. Seek treatment Special Robert. The other Special folks on this thread who don't call themselves Special although they may think they are, are either on treatment, not on treatment or so far off the spectrum they defy diagnosis. Like other special folks in the community they exist because they have special people that accept them. But Special Robert the worst thing you can do is ingratiate yourself in the hope that you will be able to befriend them. They are very contrary and can turn on you in a second. Beware!

A fool who has made a lot of money tapping into the prejudices of some. For all the fools who think he is original, hilarious and on the money with his opinions, I suspect that the majority regard him as objectionable or a fool. They long ago stopped watching and listening. However, as Trump and the politics of division employed by so many politicians show, there is an audience for the Newman's of this world. It is easy for those without humility whose ego feeds the behaviour. It is also helps that they really don't give a toss what people think about their views or behaviour. All publicity is good publicity if it feeds their ego and bank balance. TV and media outlets don't care unless there is a public backlash that can impact the bottom line. In Vedic or Sanskrit literature, the world is in the age of Kali Yuga, the last stage or age that the world goes through before it ends. It is an age where personal and societal standards deteriorate and spiritual values are diminished in favour of the cult of individualism and materail cravings, Sam and Donald Trump fit perfectly in this age. That aside, I only hope we win a flag before the world ends and I am still in this materail body to witness it.

The reality check. I have always been uneasy about the Goodwin-EFC history irrespective of his explanation to the MFC prior to appointment. The appointment of senior coach is the most important leadership position in a footy club. As such, his track record should be exemplary both in terms of skills and competence for the job but also decision making and ethics. In any area, you take a risk if you deal with someone with a questionable background. And drugs in sport is just about the most important issue there is today. "Do you or don't you" involves principles and ethical considerations. The appointment can always be rationalized. Similar to contracting ex-EFC players. However, the appointment of the coach is even more important. The smoking gun.

Welcome back Bitters, however, you are rapidly becoming our Dame Nellie Melba of this thread. Like an old burlesque or vaudeville performer that is addicted to the applause and wants to hear it again. However, you do add a little something to this thread and most of us do find you well......amusing. Lovable is a bit of a stretch. Perhaps the act is getting a little tired and needs freshening up? Floggings are a little passe these days. Perhaps a few new tricks to maintain the interest? Have a nice day inside the darkened hallways of the Manor. However, beware of your eyesight. Remember that if you open the door the light gets in !

Not a surprising comment from a businessman and president that was used to getting his own way, without consultation or consideration of the views of others, and also without any concern for the truth. Sound like someone else currently in the news. Powerful people think they get their own way through force of personality and position.

of course Biff, my comments were of course tongue in cheek. i know that you need sustenance and support given the perilous position of the Gat. but you reach a point in your life where you need to learn moderation in all things and seek nourishment of the soul.

Makes my past excessive behaviour seem well what can I say.....not excessive. I feel there is a touch of unreality creeping into your life Biff. A lengthy period in rehab is beckoning.

interesting yes, eccentric yes, diverse yes, perverse yes, off beat yes, sicko yes, cerebral....at times, enlightened....I will have to think about that...,,

The talk of bans, moderators (how Orwellian is that), political correctness, fake news and Donald Trump has given me cause to rise from my slumber and re-engage with the world, in particular, this thread. You realise Biff that my posts or lack thereof are mood related. But Trump, Turnbull and Bernardi have got me going.

Perhaps but that is the nature of all sports as we know. You need more than talent to make it. I think Viney is a good comparison. His major attribute is attitude and a fierce determination to succeed. I do find it hard to judge some of our young recruits during this period when the club was floundering and the words professionalism and development were not part of the clubs lexicon.

Now that's like asking what books of fiction have you read or what reality TV programs have you watched. I know the likes of Biff and BBO may try to tell you otherwise but Picket I think the question is clearly in jest.

Diametrically opposite view Redleg on AFL. However, I understand your view point, For me, it can depend on the sport. I retain a strong interest in Women's Olympic Sports. However, I am not very interested in Women's Road Cycling compared to the men. Cricket similarly. However, I suspect that if I had a daughter or daughters that were top sportswomen I would follow that sport with great interest. Perhaps attitudes can depend on the culture and history of a sport together with the marketing or lack of. Bullfighting comes to mind! However, the AFL women's comp has definitely got me interested as I think their skills are terrific. Also a women's comp just seems the right thing to do given their involvement in the sport particularly as spectators since the early games played in Yarra Park.

Okay Biff, lets call it quits, your all over the shop.

I once believed in The Importance of Being Ernest, however sadly, those days have long passed so that is why I visit this site in my idle moments which seem to last most of the day. Your erudite comments always bring me back to reality after reading the imaginative rambling of others.

You should know Red that I have only one vice. One that is either distilled or bought across a cosy bar or inn.

Never fail to disappoint Biffo, however like the skilled matadors I admired so much in a previous life, I will let the bull charge past my cloak of irony headlong into the picadors sword. Your itchy fingers do get the better of you sometimes and diminishes your intelligence and occasional wit.