Wiseblood

Yep, and I would have been one of them. That hasn't aged well.

I can see why they've made the move. Harmes is not super quick, but quick enough to go with most half forwards, and he is strong enough to go with them. He is good overhead so he can float across to take some contested marks, and his kicking is good enough to regularly find targets by foot, although he is no Christian Salem. I'm interested to see how they use him once the real stuff begins, but I'm confident it will end up being a positive more than a negative.

I know we always say we shouldn't focus too much on the result when it comes to pre-season footy, but you couldn't help but be a little worried if you're a Swans fan. That was a pretty poor showing and, while I'm sure they'll be better with players like Mills, Papley, Buddy, Reid, Heeney etc in the side, it's still not a good look to be smashed by a team who were missing more quality than you. If the Giants stay fit they'll be a scary proposition every week. Edit - took out Kennedy as he played.

With all due respect to Bedford, he is no chance for a gig come Round 1. Too many in front of him. However, his game yesterday was encouraging, even if it was only a scratch match. If anything it shows some improvement to our overall depth for 2020.

See, being a Melbourne supporter isn't ALWAYS bad...

Hey DD - I always enjoy your posts and positivity, but in this instance I think the discussion is still valid. While he played okay at times last year, and was able to hit the scoreboard more than previous years due to his move to the forward line, I think the question around his future in the side is fair. I'm not going to bag him, but his career seems to have stagnated and watching him not get selected last week and then play yesterday is proof of this. I'd love him to work his way back into the side as he does have some handy attributes, but it seems that many others have gone past him on the pecking order. He has a big year ahead.

Brown has to play Round 1. I'm a big wrap for Jackson's future, but Brown does so much more at the moment (as he should) and will bring more to the table right now. Weid as the back up ruck for Gawny with T Mac and Brown as the stay at home forwards. As others have said, lots to like about today. Our depth is looking better and some of the kids are showing that they can hold their own. I thought Spargo gave us something good around the ground today, while I like the look of Rivers. I think he is one for the future. May not get a huge amount of games this year but definitely has a bright future. Kozzie has to play Round 1. His forward pressure is immense and he'll kick a few bags this season as he finds his feet. Overall, great hitout and our solid form and build up to Round 1 continues. That's a big win in my book.

Loving Trent Rivers. Very happy to take them on and can then hit a target 40-50 metres away.

Good move IMO. Both have had a good hit out, now to rest them before next week's Marsh Series game.

It's a Casey fill in wearing the #30 guernsey.

Good play off half back. Love the run of Baker through the wings.

Bayley Fritsch is certainly up and about. Why don't we play him across half back........?

That handball from the Casey player that went straight to the opposition was hilarious.

Half forward.

If we can take anything from a scratch match, and really you can't read too much into it, there are some positives. Rivers, outside of the late turnover, has look good with ball in hand and shows composure. Spargo did some nice things and it's good to see him hit a few targets and get to position well. Melksham is a cut above the rest but, most pleasingly, is looking really fit. Gus and Fritsch haven't had a major impact but will get better as the game rolls on.

I almost fainted.

Classic turnover there.

Melksham is way too good for this level. He is killing it.

Of course. But it's good to see none the less.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, as I'm not watching it all the time, but it seems our skill level and decision making has been pretty good so far. Watching Spargo hit Brown on the lead at half forward was good to see, and there seems to be some method to our use going forward, rather than long bombs to contests.

He looks very good. Love his composure.

Was it Bedford with the nice pass? Obviously this isn't top line stuff so they didn't zoom in when it went into our forward line. It was good movement though.

Which doesn't matter one bit. Why would it? It's all about fitness and getting some run into the legs. Nothing more.

(Yeah yeah, I know it's only one example... )

Didn't take him long to get over us being 'pre-season champions' due to the documentary we've put together. He flip-flops more than a politician does.