Rodney (Balls) Grinter

I recently re-watched the last 45mins of that game in Geelong and James Harmes contribution to that win is somewhat underrated and unnoticed. He didn't do the most silky things, but he was in it everywhere contesting the ball, laying tackles, generally getting involved in the play in positive ways and not giving up when the game looked gone. He wasn't the only one, but seemed to me to be one of the main culprits, along with guys like Gus, Gawn, ANB, Oliver etc. Guys like that can be a pretty important part of the fabric of the team. It was sad seeing his deminished form this season. It would have been nice for him to be a one club player, but I wish him all the best at the Bulldogs. At least he racked up 100+ with us and hopefully we are still his spiritual home for a potential future father son/daughter.

Yeah, at the same time as putting in their token 'protect the head' effot in an attempt to legally indemnify them down the track.

Would be great for MFC supporters to buy up tickets and get a good Demons crowd to this game. I'm not buying into the Brody Grundy grudge match garbage, but I do bloody hate Sydney and would love to go up there Rd 1 and beat them on their home deck.

Agreed. I feel there is a primevil human motivation for vengeance and violence against Collingwood the next time we play them. The logical part of my brain says it may not be the right one, but the emotive part definitely feels that way. When I do think about it more deeply, what I think would satisfy this lust for blood is to categorically demolish Collingwood on the scoreboard every time we play them for the next decade, leaving their low life supporter group humiliated, depressed and bring home the flag next year in a totally dominant season from start to finish.

Might as well let Patrick Cripps win one after charging front on and giving a guy concussion, or let that Maynard bloke play the next 2 games and play in a GF after knocking a guy out cold. This is the AFL we are talking about here. They will probably find some excuse and cave and give Jobe back the medal.

So why is Mike Sheehan of all people leading this campaign?

Totally agree and this is why as I suspected, the exchange was something of a reflection on you as well WCW. If only the media would remember the last bit. So much of the time the seem to be reported on like they are objects, there for our entertainment, the sponsors and media.

Just to add one more to those saying what a great post this is WCW and how it lifted my spirits Re the mighty Red and Blue. I also think it's amazing that given all that's gone on with the media, Clarry would be so open and happy to have an exchange like that with you. Think it say something about both of you. Clarry does seem to be a pretty simple country lad at heart - just open and straight down the line, no BS. Think he and the club made the right decision to stick by each other. Can't wait to see what he and the boys can produce this season with him back to his normal self physically and mentally.

We all know Rivers is a star, but I'm really excited to see where Woey can go this season as well. Wasn't really expecting him to get a game last year based on the reports comming out of his performances at Casey (i.e. some good stuff, but not setting the World on fire). But when Woey got his crack at AFL level, he looked the part almost instantly and I thought he did some really classy stuff. A bit of AFL body size and strength was perhaps all Woey was lacking last season, so he could really make an impact this year if he can work his way into the side.

JT obviously keeping a keen eye on the lad. Does the quality and potential of Kalani partly explain why we haven't recruited more developing ruck depth at the recent draft and trade period? If he's anywhere near as good as his old man, he could be a genuine ruck replacement for Max not too long after I'd expect Max to be in a 'retirement window' I do fret a bit though and just hope we don't get dudded like we did with Mac Andrew, with a change to accademey and father son rules that makes it difficult or impossible for us to recruit Kalani.

So I just wounder how important the seemingly good state of the keeping the past players engauged has been to this? From what I understand Rod Ginter and Paul Hopgood? have been very active and really revitalized that group. Also woundering if family are invited to the events and if not, would that be a good idea?

100% and full credit to him (and others like Oscar and Corey Wagner). That never say die attitude and personal resilience not to drop your bundle when the chips are down post being delisted is the sort of attitude and culture that we want at the club. I think this is also sensible in respects to getting a bit thin for mid - key back depth with Hibbo gone, Petty poised to play mainly key forward and some question marks over the availability of Joel Smith. Smart move by the club in my book and good luck to Marty second time around in the mighty red and blue.

I also like the graphic the MFC used for the signing of Melksham in is original U18 draft kit. We did pretty well this recruitment period and picked up 3 first round picks - well done to JT, Lamb and the team!

His spot on the list could be considered very marginal, purely from the likelihood he'll spend much of it injured, but I'm stoked the club as kept him on. Seems like a great character and I think this move is a great way for the club to repay the faith to Jake. I don't think it should be forgotten, that Melksham was one of the first developed players of quality that sought out a trade to the MFC, at a time we were pretty much rubbish on the field. In the years that followed, we picked up Hibbo, Lever, Langdon, Tomlinson & May, but perhaps asides from Bernie Vince, Melky was one of the first. If he can get back to his 2023 form, that would be a bonus, but I think this shows how far the club has come from the dark era, when guys like James McDonald, Robbo and others were pushed out the door not on their terms. Similar for guys like T Mac and BBB, how we treat these guys will have a big bearing on how we continue to move forward as a club.

That makes 4 at the club now. Can't ever remember us having that many at any other time I've been a follower. It's kind of 6 if you include Spargs and Bowey, be it son's from other clubs past players.