Wiseblood

Melksham is on fire early. What a difference he makes to the side.

SPARROW!! Great start for us!

Loving Weideman's start. Already seeing the difference of Jones, Viney and Melksham in the side.

A touch slippery in the middle.

Username checks out.

Last time we played 'em at the 'G we got just over 27k there. Hopefully we can do a little better this time around. It is Port after all though, that's always going to keep the numbers down a little.

I feel like we can't lose when you're up and about, SWYL.

I forgot to elaborate - it feels like a strange decision as we have others like Wagner, Stretch and Maynard, for example, who are more ready made players waiting in the wings. But, Goody knows best and he has proven that time and time again. So let's hope Sparrow plays well!

Seems a strange decision, but if it's going to be a bit wet and slippery, then playing Sparrow makes sense. The FD must really see something in him because, as others have said, he looked a fair bit off the pace through pre-season. Hoping that he plays a ripper game and surprises us all.

You owe me half if it happens! ?

Bring it on. Viney to win the first clearance, T Mac crashes the pack, Melk roves... Goal! Can't wait!

You may be right, LH. But the signs aren't flash. This sort of stuff hasn't been going on just since he returned to Perth. As we've seen with the video (which was rubbish stuff from the Age), he's been up to a bit of 'hijinx' for quite a while now. It seems as though it's been heightened since he has returned to Perth. I'd love him to get over all of this, but it may take stepping away from the game to do it. I'm not really suggesting it, Moonie. It's more a hypothetical and based on how much he loved being at the club and how much the club is still willing to support him. Nothing more than that.

I don't think Hogan will see out his contract with Freo. Whether that is because his issues force him to step away from the game, or because he asks to be traded back to us or at least out of the state, it all adds up to the fact that going back home was a mistake.

I'd love someone like Jack Higgins in our forward line. Little ripper of a player.

They do it every year. Hell, the Herald Sun spent weeks churning out article after article trying to talk them up. I have no idea why they do it as everyone knows their team is pathetic.

Carlton before this game - "We will score more this year!" Carlton at the end of the first term of the first game of the year - Goalless. Don't change, Blues.

How many years in a row has this happened, too? When do the AFL stop gifting Carlton this game and actually give it to a team who could make it competitive? I know I'm going early as the Blues might make a come... nah, who am I kidding.

This is how much they love Rance - the bloke drops an absolute sitter and they blame it on the lights.

Commentators absolutely salivating over Sam Walsh... after he hit a 30 metre pass. You would see it 100 times in a game, yet for Sam Walsh, it was unbelievable stuff.

Even with both Lycett and Ryder playing, I think we made the right decision in leaving Preuss out of the side. I like the inclusion of Corey Wagner as I think he'll provide some strong pressure inside 50, and I think he's also capable of snagging a few goals as well. I also like the look of both Salem and Fritsch on the wings, as well as having Viney back into the side to compliment the midfield. Port have still got a pretty strong side in there, but I think we should be able to account for them on the day by 4-5 goals.

Do we know if he's even fit to play yet? Even though he was with the main group yesterday, they may still feel he needs a run around at Casey, or another week on the track recovering from his groin injury, before considering him for selection. Also, I don't believe we got Preuss to play in the same team with Max. While it might happen on occasion, he is there as insurance. And he's handy insurance at that.

It's frightening how close to the truth those two statements are.

Harmes may not need to tag anyone with the outs they have. That's a bonus for us.

And?