Waltham33

I think he is tipping the Dees are going nowhere!

You missed Darren Kowal - been a long day!

And DB has said he is an educator. We just need the students to start applying what they have been taught. Keep the positive threads coming :D

Agree with this. If we can get our list up and running (e.g. Rivers, Bate, Wrecker) and learn the lessons that we are currently being taught – I see no reason why the second half of this season will not bring substantial improvement. I am still very positive.

Actually a non-Melbourne friend of mine made the exact same observation regarding our inside midfielders. Hopefully the teamwork thing is being straightened out.

One of the first things Clarko did at the Hawks was get rid of their games room and install a boxing ring which got used every week until the players learned the level of aggressiveness required to compete at the AFL level. A second difference I believe!

I like Bate at CHF but honestly, he will struggle there if we continue to take so long to get the ball into the forward line considering he will be giving up height to almost all his opponents. I almost see Netiz/Newton as a better option if we are not getting the ball in quickly, with Bate closer to goal.

100% agree.

A few of our blokes need to consult him on the art of laying a tackle. Sylvia always lays great tackles. I thought he was good but he still has no engine - he blew up in the 2nd quarter today.

BTW his time at CHB showed he should never be further away from pur goals than the wing!

Cale Morton was definitely a positive – has great poise. Seeing Bartram in the number 3 was also a positive and of course well done Junior!

Without question I agree. Col Garland at least laid some tackles.

This thread is a clear indication that things have gone too far, now we all calling for untried rookies. Franklin, Roughead and Boyle will create immense problems for all teams this year (not to mention Mitch Thorp and Beau Dowler if they ever get in). No one on our list outside of Rivers would have played any better as a key backman on Sunday.

Sylvia joined the recovery session – what was he recovering from? Maybe I should not ask. On a serious note however, these press conferences annoy me. Players face the media and what value is there in it apart from a story for the media on how the losing team will turn it around. Personally I would prefer nothing to be said and the players to use their actions on Saturday as their reply to the loss. Rules stipulate you have to do press conferences however.

Good post, much more logical than most of the others. The criticism of the key backs is over the top for mine. The ball was coming in uncontested for 90% of the game and considering each key back (Carroll, Miller, Bell/Wheatley) was giving up height and weight to their opponent, the result was not surprising. We are made to look worse than we are because we are so slow, the slowest Ds team I can remember. The worrying thing is you cannot improve your speed through training, only the draft.

You cannot turn things around over one summer. We have to take our lumps this year and it will pay off in the long term. Already looking forward to the response next week.

Great - I asked for some positive news and it has been delivered.

Colin Sylvia gets one match and $5000 for violating a curfew which has been in place only a week and then having it splattered across the front of the Age sports section. This is a very soft penalty. I find it bemusing that someone who is nearing ‘bust’ status can’t (or does not want) to get it together. Can anyone find some positive news out there about the club?????

A fit physical Moloney will make a big difference - bigger than most realise

Would be happy if by the end of 2008 someone (anyone) can become - Best player around! Looking forward to the analysis this year joeboy

Possibly because CAC didn't do defence! (outside of Riv)

If you can’t keep Steven King out of the team, you are not much chop. Blake is just like Guy Richards, too light to have the necessary impact in the ruck we need.

It all turning around – we are getting on the right track. Bring on 2008

Can we get his name right on the thread – Byron. Thanks Byron, I enjoyed it even if others didn’t.

To be honest, I am happy with any of those 3 for different reasons. Sheedy because he is Sheedy, Hardwick because he will toughen the team up and Bailey because he obviously knows his stuff. Looking forward to the announcement but I think it goes to Sheedy. Bring on 2008!