titan_uranus

Bennell out? Don't like that, especially when Bell's still in the team. But good to see Cheney. Medhurst didn't make it. What a pity.

Sure has been good so far. Add the Casey deal to that, and it's even better.

I agree that his attitude is so much better than it has been. It's a good sign.

Watched most of it (missed half of the 2nd and half of the 3rd). This was the first time I'd seen Jurrah play. This guy really excites me. Loved that set up in the 4th quarter where he picked the ball up off the ground and passed nicely to Miller. Plus 4 goals. If he keeps that up we might see him some time later this year. Miller was outstanding. Did everything you would assume Bailey and co. would have wanted him to do. 3 goals 4 is a bit of a letdown, but he absolutely dominated, took 15 marks and was far too much for the Werribee defence. Should be in line for a recall. I thought Dunn was pretty good. Seemed to go harder than I'm used to from him. Jetta was also impressive with his constant harassment of defenders. I also thought Petterd had a good game both in the forward line and up the ground. Spencer is still the most awkward and fumbly player I've seen in years, but he does well in ruck contests and knows how to use his height. At least he's not afraid of getting a possession either. Bail did little, and I forgot Strauss was playing until I heard his name late in the 4th. Bartram was OK but not great. Wheatley kicked a superb goal in the 3rd from about 55, but he looks like he needs a few more games at VFL level to regain his fitness. Seemed to be really out of puff. Jordie McKenzie looks promising. Seems to do his best work in the clearances. Not based on today AJ. He might have got a lot of the ball but wasn't damaging and didn't impact on the scoreboard. Miller and Jurrah had better games than Newton.

Moloney for sure. Whelan and Sylvia to join in later. Fines to be awarded for wrestling.

I have no idea. On the one hand, it could have been a factual error (i.e. he actually passed the fitness test or, like you said, he hasn't had the fitness test yet). On the other hand, it might have been true, but mistakenly put in the article (possibly because they want to give Macca up until tomorrow evening to see if he can make it or not). If he does miss, Cheney is the obvious inclusion (assuming that Cheney, Dunn and Newton miss out on the final cut).

Have a look at this quote from this article: http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/newsart...51/default.aspx "Captain James McDonald has been unable to prove his fitness after hurting his knee in last week’s loss to St Kilda, and will miss this week. " ???

Oh, unfair on Martin. This extended bench sucks. I want all of PJ, Maric, Jones, Bennell and Cheney to play. I think Cheney will miss, meaning final changes are Robbo and Watts in, Miller and Martin out. Edit: Bell is lucky. And it would be a step backwards to play Dunn.

Collingwood B: Harry O’Brien, Simon Prestigiacomo, Shannon Cox HB: Nick Maxwell, Leigh Brown, Sharrod Wellingham C: Brad Dick, Tarkyn Lockyer, Dale Thomas HF: Scott Pendlebury, Travis Cloke, Leon Davis F: Alan Didak, John Anthony, Heath Shaw Foll: Josh Fraser, Dane Swan, Shane O’Bree I/C (from): Nathan Brown, Martin Clarke, Paul Medhurst, Ben Reid, Steele Sidebottom, Alan Toovey, Cameron Wood In: Travis Cloke, Paul Medhurst, Ben Reid Out: -

Well I didn't hear the Eddie interview but it's true that 2 boys from Brighton Grammar have swine flu. However the school (and the MFC) have said that he, in all likeliness, did not come into contact with the two and so he shouldn't be in any danger.

Wouldn't surprise me. He'll be making more excuses, that's for sure. He's also scheduled to be on Footy Classified on Monday night. Should be interesting watching if we beat them.

If Stosur can beat Dementieva, I reckon she can beat Kuznetsova. Mind you, anyone who beats Serena must be doing something right, but still, the way Stosur's been playing, she certainly is in with a real chance to make the final. The final!

Exactly.

Of course you're allowed your opinion QueenC. I wasn't saying you were wrong for liking Rafa or for not liking Roger. I respect both of them and love the way they both play. I wasn't trying to put you down or anything, sorry if I did.

Jurrah may have been taken in the PSD, but that's only because he wasn't available in the national draft, where he would have been drafted had he nominated. So he might have been taking at around pick 80, but his worth is higher. Having said that, you and sylvinator are right to have him in the speculative category. Atm Jurrah could become anything from a superstar to a 0-gamer, and, despite the hype, there's no way he'll be playing this weekend.

What do you mean you nearly cried? I love Roger, and Nadal seems a bit cocky to me. Agree though. It's now or never for Roger. The seas have parted nicely. Yes, well done Sam. Into the top 20 she goes.

Jamar?!?! I thought he was one of our best, if not BOG for us last week. And Maric is improving each week. We need to keep playing him. If you're going to drop people, drop Bell. There's no future in him.

Agree. Poor choice from Campbell Rose to bring this into the public. Doesn't help the Dogs at all.

That's a very short-term look on life. Of course we all here hope and pray for a 15 year magical career, and god forbid it should be anything but, but Jack needs to consider what happens if it doesn't work out. And what did you mean by that last bit? Are you saying that, if he screws up his VCE, he could just waltz into a full-fee paying position because he'll be able to afford it? You still need a decent ENTER to make a full-fee paying spot. Agree with you on this one. There's a difference between being the be all and end all and being important. As a figure, the enter score will mean nothing once he's started uni. But as a means of attaining self-confidence and satisfaction with oneself, the enter score has much more meaning. Besides which, not caring about your studies shows a lack of forethought and a lack of maturity.

I've been thinking about that. I think Maxwell is the perfect match up for Watts, whether he plays in the forward line or up the ground. Which means he's likely to get pushed and shoved all match, to the point of utter exhaustion. I'm not sure if having Miller in the team is really going to help, but having a bigger body up there, hopefully who won't be afraid to stand up for Jack, might help and give the boy some confidence.

I'd have Green with Davey in Category A. And I'd have Meesen in the 'players we are relying on to become Category A or B players', only because we really are relying on him making it as a ruckman, otherwise we won't have one. But it's a good analysis I reckon.

Someone told me Dean Bailey said on radio last night that Wonna is 3 weeks away from resuming. Agree. Not a huge loss though.

Nicely written Dave. I like seeing outsider's takes on Melbourne. And I agree with your Melbourne changes. I notice you too have got no match-up for Martin (assuming Cloke doesn't play). Interesting times at the selection table for both clubs this week. I don't think Rivers can take Medhurst's speed, and is a much better match up for Anthony. Whelan/Cheney could take Medhurst or Davis.

All valid points. Martin's an interesting one. If Cloke returns, then it might be Warnock to Cloke (worked wonders in Round 2), Rivers to Anthony and Martin to Leigh Brown (who played well last week). I think Martin could squeeze into this side.

There are so many options for headlines. A picture of a glum Mick Malthouse could be headed with 'Watts wrong Mick?' And for something a little different: Jumpin' Jack Watts Star recruit puts in his bid for Mark of the Year as Dees stun Pies