45HG

Don't even.

Perhaps that's what grates me. Hate the Yankees Though, again, it's not a model similar to Melbourne town. Comparing teams in London would be more relevant?

To me it's more like comparing Dom Tyson to Tiger Woods. Completely different beasts in entirely different environments. I see what you say in that there are areas we can emulate, but it's just an outrageously skewed comparison that I, personally, can't see the logic of - especially as we are still largely irrelevant in our own competition. The Yankees aren't big because their name is New York just as we'd obviously need so much more than a presence in Collins St to become a key player. Perhaps I'm missing the point, I'm certainly no marketing guru, but I know enough to know that much of the Yankees success comes from being synonymous with 'America's Favourite Pastime' and basically the only team in their area playing in the summer months - a huge coup and one that I'm not necessarily comfortable with being simply compared to our situation. There are things that we can look at that they do, but we have to become relevant before spouting this kind of stuff (not sure how it came out, myself). If this is our goal then fine, but it should be an in-house goal IMO. If I were a supporter of another team I'd probably have had a little giggle over the idea of Melbourne being like the Yankees.

Genuine nerves for this one.

I just don't get the Yankees link. New York attracts 47 million tourists every year, the Yankees have won 27 World Series (more than double the appearances and wins of the next best) and is one of two teams of its sport (1 of 8 top teams in total by my count). They have also won 5 flags in 18 seasons. New York itself also has a population of nearly 9 million and the opportunity to see their team over 80 times per season I'm home games that belongs only to them. Melbourne attracts 17 million tourists per year, we have won 12 flags (to sit fourth on the list) and is one of ten teams of its sport (1 of 13 top teams by my count). We haven't done anything for half a century. Melbourne has a population of 4 million and we get to see our team play about 9-10 home games a year in a stadium we share with other teams who average bigger crowds there. It's just words, sweet words that turn to bitter ash in my ears.

Why did he come out and say this stuff?

Make that 8 in 11 and half!

7 goals in 11 minutes!

THE BIG ONE! (Whoops, sorry rpfc) I like the look of this round, so here are some tips, tidbits and things. Carlton v Geelong - both teams coming off disgusting performances, looking to make amends. These games have a tendency to be pretty close but I think it depends more on which Geelong shows up. If they're half on the ball, their goal scoring mids will be far too damaging and the Blues won't be able to downhill ski and run forward of the ball. Cats have won the past 4. Cats by 32 Hawthorn v West Coast - West Coast don't mind the G and will be keen to fight back after that terrible display. Hawthorn have a few handy ins but are still missing a great chunk of players and this could be a mighty close result, even an upset. Eagles by 11 Port v St Kilda - no chance of an upset. Hide the children. Port by 83 Bulldogs v Lions - A Brisbane resurgence? The Dogs have been underwhelming to say the least but should enjoy the Lions on home turf. Dogs by 41 GWS v Essendon - This could be anything. Both sides can be mystifying and I have no idea what will happen. Siding with experience, Bombers by 27, siding with vigour and attack, Giants by 27. Either way, it will be 27 points... Fremantle v Adelaide - could be an intriguing little battle, though I fear Freo's choking hold will be too much for the Crows. Dockers by 32 Gold Coast v Sydney - GC are good at home but will be ruing a missed chance to entrench themselves in the top 4 last week. Sydney with too much firepower with the easy outs could be the deciding blow and they're the form team in the comp you'd think. Sydney by 25 North Melbourne v Richmond - I'm looking forward to this match, but probably to see more of a Roos midfield domination than anything else. Tigers will be keen to impress but I'm not convinced they can against this outfit and I think Hardwick may be in strife. Roos by 45 Melbourne v Collingwood - if the Dees can be anywhere near as good as they have been at pressuring and tackling at stages this year, it'll be exactly what Collingwood hate. I refuse to tip. Feel good story of the week is undoubtedly Lowden's debut - a great video here of him calling his mum to give her the news. Thrashing of the week - Saints v Port Close one of the week - Dees v Pies (?) It's certainly the match of the round IMO. Upset of the week - Eagles? They who will not be mentioned? Edit: somehow completely forgot Hawks game is in Tassie despite watching that video! Still reckon it will be close...

Loved the pre-Viney time signature. The problem with it is that years in the future will be regarded as Post-Viney (PV), making this year 0 PV. Years before Viney will need to be defined, in Barrett terms, as Pre-Viney, also PV!

Tackle hard, run hard, pressure - pressure - pressure, make the most of our opportunities up forward.

Don't reckon you'll get a hell of a lot of sympathy over this part, Pates.

Doesn't seem like much, based on this article.

At the registry or would you rather go the whole hog?

Not a good bloke. Not a good footballer.

With my form I'd rather it stay down

First and last 15 minutes = 51-0. Middle of the game = 44-75. Geez we're an immensely improved team. They tried their guts out, skill errors and lapses of concentration cost us. I have a feeling it won't be long before lapses will be a thing of the past and poor skill errors will be a nuisance rather than a match-defining element. Well done Demons. Hopefully the loss pushes us even further!

How many rubbish holding the balls have there been against us today? I count 4.

Poor Grimes...

How's the angle they put him on?

Played for Geelong, yeah?

Umpires crucifying us for a change.

That "punch" was from Jamar. The heat from the sun and the Power's run could make for a very, very ugly last quarter.

Still stunned by how much Dunn has improved. Good on him.

Would love more of Jamar's taps to go to Melbourne players. Tyson. No right foot or right hand...