QueenC

On the Saints fan site there is a poster who says that is Bailey...... And that he (she) got that information directly from a Melbourne board member this evening. Frankly if that is true (and that is a big "if") I would find that fairly disappointing. That a board member would walk out of a meeting as important as that and open his (her) mouth immediately. But I think after all the speculation and guess work that has been going on I will just sit patiently and wait for the announcement.

I found this on a Tiger website and thought it was amusing and not the least bit appropriate....... Round 22: Melbourne Vs Carlton Match Report by Michael “Squints” Polydoris. The stage was set for one of the most exciting matches of the season at the MCG on the weekend. Despite their lowly status on the AFL ladder and the disappointment of missing the forthcoming finals, both teams went into this game with much to prove and even more to lose. Four wins each going into the last round of the season meant that both teams were playing for pride and the opportunity to begin their pre-season in October with a winning feeling. Unfortunately, they each had a prized priority pick to protect. A small but loyal crowd gathered at the MCG. The ski season was still in full swing at Mt Buller and the Lygon St Festa had been moved to this weekend at the last minute, contributing to the disappointing crowd. The impact was felt by each of the five spectators in the Great Southern Stand as the wind whistled through their ears. Umpire Goldspink, officiating in his final match, signalled the start of the game. White and Ackland faced off, snarling. The center square restriction of four players from each team at each bounce has been in place for many years now, and occasionally, a team gets it wrong and a fifth player can be found in there, giving away a silly free kick. Does anyone know the rule if no players from either team are there to witness the first bounce of the match? Umpire Goldspink certainly had no idea what to do next. He just bounced the ball and watched it bounce again and again until it came to a halt in the center-square mud. Where were the players? The boys had all gathered in the Melbourne goal-square. Neitz and Whitnall had neatly laid a tartan rug on the ground and they had assembled politely for their picnic. Betts and Davey were tending the camp-fire, Johnstone had made the tea and was swinging the billy around over his head, Fev’s mum had baked a lovely tea-cake for them to enjoy. Melbourne’s midfielders attacked the Herald-sun sudoku with gusto while Carlton’s had the Giant crossword to amuse them for the afternoon. Brock McLean, competitive as ever, started up a game of cricket with his bat and tennis ball and a wonderful afternoon was had by one and all. Matty Lappin's rottweiler was easily the best fielder on the day. So what were White and Ackland snarling about at the start of the game? Well as usual, Lance had eaten all the chicken legs and there was only one left for them. They refused to share and it was on! The eerie sound of Umpire Goldspink's whistle, followed by a grunt as he bounced the ball again and again could be heard for hours into the night. A ghostly, white figure, he was left alone to repeat his ritual, friendless to the last.

As I understand it Sailor apparently took the drug either the night before or the day before a Waratah game. He was tested after the match, as is custom in the Super 14, and the result came in just prior to the next home game. He was pulled from that match and subsequently banned for two years for having cocaine in his system on match day. So yes the circumstances are obviously quite different to the ones that we are talking about here,

Apropos........ 'Kreuzer Cup': Robbo insulted by tanking talk

Maybe...... Melbourne defenders call it quits

Even with everything that may happen, I hope the club will actually stick to offering him two. Three years is a proven risk plus he is thirty-ish, injured, and we have been burned by three year contracts before. I will never argue that a player should not try to get the most that he can, he has every right to. But I can imagine that the club would have other concerns about that length of deal. It will be interesting to see how this will be handled, especially since other clubs may be interested. Can't really see him leaving though !!!

Looking forward to it joeboy..... I might not always agree with your assessments, but I always enjoys reading them. Keep up the good work !!!

I love the idea of going into next year with a winning attitude, I really do, but...... I think I would rather go into next year with some new top quality young players. Our future is more important that this single game. Sorry !!!

Watching the Fox Sports News bulletin on this it stated that it was expected that Pickett would follow soon.

Here, here..... Congratulations to Shane, it is a wonderful recognition of what has been a great season. Well done :D !!!

Me too, Bizz has been a favourite of mine since his arrival....... But to both I would say thank you for the loyal years of service to our club, especially Browny, who always put in 100%. It is sad to see it when players hang it up, but they have done the right thing by the club and probably themselves. Thanks to both for the years, it is now and always will be greatly appreciated. And I would wish them well with whatever they have planned for their futures :D !!!

Maybe, but it could be a very good thing to happen, if it did !!!

He really is an incredibly stubborn individual, sticking his heals in all over the place at the moment !!!

As I understand it, the maximum number we can delist is six players per year (if I am wrong, then sorry)...... Of course there will probably be at least a couple of retirements on top of that. Personally, I can't see Ferguson on our list next year .

Things are the same Mick, thanks for asking....... And congrats on continually doing such a great job with all of this. I would imagine that the club would appreciate your efforts :D !!!

Put me down for 5 (x 20), so $100......

Oh sorry, no probs at all deesrock....... I wasn't trying to say anything contrary, just that I also saw the press conference and had what seems like the same thoughts you did :D !!!

This might seem like a silly question, but if this is a "shallow draft" would we really go all out and trade for the latter round picks, even if other clubs were willing?

I saw that as well and mentioned it in the other coaching thread, with the poll. Make of it what you will, but........it does make you think !!!

He also did it fairly succinctly on the Footy Show...... Who knows maybe it is just jumping the gun !!!

This may be nothing but in Hird and Sheedy's press conference last night, it was asked how difficult it will be for Sheedy to not put on the Essendon colours any more. He said that it would be difficult (as you would expect) but such is life and you have to move on. Hird then jumped in said something to the effect that he just had to change from black to blue <_< Make of that what you will!!!

No probs there at all sylvinator...... I would never expect everyone to agree, that would be boring and pretty pointless in the overall scheme of things, but it's the condescension and dismissal or belittling of others simply because they state something unpopular or that some or even most posters will never agree with that grates my last nerve. And unfortunately the Miller topic seems to bring that out in some. I have worn it for quite a while now simply because I refuse to give up on him when others have and I will only do so if and when the club also decides to do so. For some around here that seems to make me (and others) stupid and my opinion irrelevant. Disagreeing with the popular opinion, for my reasons, does not mean I should be disrespected, which unfortunately happens in regards to this topic !!!

Cheers mate :D ........ I really should try to drive the ten or so minutes it is to get to their home ground and have a look!!!

This is completely unrelated and for that I apologise but...... Say Jezza, how are the Pennant Hills Demons going this year? I haven't had a chance to go and see them. I used to watch them all the time. But I haven't seen any results on our local paper.

Its like some kind of covert undercover operation to completely suck for the betterment of our future !!!