Moneyball

Absolutely, it's a great read - Dees could learn alot from the Oakland Athletics's management too I would reckon (though they are not going will this year).

Anyone hear on the Triple M sunday pre-game from I think Damien Barrett and/or Magic Mclean that they had it on good authority that Melbourne, given the 150th celebrations next year are NOT going to rebuild and are going to try to have as good a year on field as possible... I realise it's just journo's rumourmongering, but any thoughts on that? From my point of view, I would guess this may mean holding onto older guys like Ward, Bizzell for one more year. And it may mean trading for some experienced players...I'd probably be unhappy about that, but it would depend on who we got.

After our first win of the season a senior player comes out and talks about finals to the press. After our second win of the season a senior player comes out and backs Daniher to the press. This happens all the time when MFC (or any team for that matter) talks itself up in the press. When will MFC players learn to just shut up and play? I didn't see any of today's game - was at a social function - but really i pity any melbourne supporter who went, to be subjected to that scoreline against the bottom team. That really is a disgraceful loss.

I don't think you can compare the two. Whether you like him as a player or not Ward is a very quick hard running midfielder/back flank type. His pace is a rare commodity and that's why he get's picked alot... Miller is trying to be a Key position player. Obviously Miller struggles in the current setup and he's trying to learn a difficult position. Some would argue KPP's are worth persising with...and Miller has definitely played some good games for MFC and has a good work ethic. Interestingly enough a friend of mine (non-melb supporter) in the '05 season, spent a whole game looking at how far Miller ran...said he was a very hard worker... in any case I think he still has market value for trading...

Actually when i think about it, Robbo and Neita going to the press after 2 wins is symptomatic of what this club has been like for the last 3-4 years. When we start winning the club starts pre-emptively talking it up massively with hotair before the bubble inevitably bursts... remember Ridley's famous call of "best team since 1964" in '05... i'd say robbo and neita are better off concentrating on footy.

The thing going for Daniher, is outside the existing coaches, i don't think there are many assistants who you could immediately identify as excellent candidates for the job - when Daniher was appointed he was generally considered to be a standout assistant...

I could be wrong but didn't Sydney Players after Eade was sacked demand that Roos rather than Wallace be their coach. I think that has worked ok? Not that I am advocating Daniher staying on next year, btw. I think his time has come. He has earnt the right to see out the year, and have things professionally evaluated from there. I think the board's approach has been very mature this year.

Very good hands today by PJ. I was impressed. I always thought Jamar with more game time could have been quite good also, but the cards at this stage have fallen PJ's way...that's AFL footy I guess. Jamar would probably benefit from more game time at another club. What is it with MFC breeding good ruckmen??? (Simmonds, Jolly)

I'm disapointed that Sally didn't mention the Dick Reynolds "Unless it's a tie story" that "the Don' always tells about the 1948 GF.

Are you sure it was a dislocated knee cap. I heard on ABC that it was a knee tendon problem... But If it's a clean kneecap dislocation (ie no cartilege damage) he could play in 2 weeks. If there is cartiledge damage, then that would have to be removed. He could still play once recovered from the arthroscope. However the risk of re-dislocation has increased immensely. If he goes in for surgery to correct the dislocation (ie Tredrea) then it's the season. -------------------- AFL Result Reports

$13 represents a 8% chance of the bookies thinking that we can make the finals - representing the fact that the bookies understand that Melbourne (without injuries) are a better side than the ladder indicates... Actually it sort of raises an interesting point ... the public/media in general have been quite understanding of our plight this year... Neal Balme certainly didn't receive that sort of understanding in 96, 97! Slightly Different circumstances i realise...