Goodvibes

Does the selection of 4 ruckmen in the squad of 40 suggest they'll pick a second ruckman in the starting 22?

It really is a tough one. Green is my choice too but I'm not sure he'd be the choice of his team-mates. It was only two years ago that he was overlooked for a position in the large leadership group of a very young team. Moloney has been impressive but am I the only one who thinks his position in the team might be questioned within 12 months? Rivers is equally impressive but could struggle to keep his place as well. Davey has done some great things but discipline when targetted in big games is a real issue. Grimes and the younger brigade aren't ready and would upset the dynamic if given the top job too soon. Sylvia might be ready for the leadership group but needs to keep clean off the park for more than 18 months. I hope Green's stocks have risen amongst the playing group because he definitely ticks all the boxes. He's solid with the media, cleanskin off the field, is in career best form and has consistently played well when we've needed him most. He's also got the flexibility to go where the action is when we need our captain to lead through action. I'd have Green as my skipper. Moloney as the vice captain. I'd retain Davey and Rivers in the leadership group. Promote Jamar, give Syliva added responsibility and then round out the leadership team with Grimes as the young skipper in waiting. Who's with me?

That's a fair call Jaded. Living in the footballing wilderness, I'm greatly appreciative of all the reports those closer to the action provide. The least I can do is provide a little detail. A Melbourne victory seemed certain from the outset as far as I was concerned. Pre-game ales at the Pineapple provided the omen I needed when a Brisbane Lions membership card was seen floating in the urinal. We were never going to lose. Don McLardy, Chris Connolly and Dean Bailey all spoke at the after-game function. CC took on his usual MCing role and seemed pretty happy that he was facing some jubilant fans rather than the downcast faces that met him last year. All speakers highlighted how different the reception was last year after a poor performance. Don spoke positively about most of the things people here would already know (new facilities, membership, debt demolitoin, young playing group etc . . ) and then filled us all in on Jim's health. It's strange but sometimes it doesn't matter how many times you read or hear about how serious a situation is, hearing someone first hand use words like "aggressive" and "rare" to describe the challenge confronting our president rams home exactly how big a fight he has on his hands. He basically suggested that Jim would be here if he could again reinforcing the seriousness of his current plight. Bailey mentioned what a lift the team got from the amazing support provided during and after the game. The players seemed generally delighted by the passion shown by both the local and travelling supporters who were in fine voice all night. Bailey talked up the season that Frawley has had before Chip was introduced to the crowd as the QLD Demons BOG. The PA system didn't help Chip out and he didn't really provide any ground breaking insights into the game but his excitement at the future of the club was clear. I'm sure his public speaking will improve as I'm certain he'll be called up regularly in the future and a leadership role surely beckons. Jamar, Rivers, Bartram, Wonaemirri, Garland, Bruce, Syliva and MacDonald were all sighted. The Russian was very very popular! Rousing rendition number 4,587 of the club song rounded out the evening and the greasy burger down the road on the way home never tasted better. Wins at the Gabba are indeed rare and as much as 2002 (Neitz and Ward driven come from behind epic) and the scenes that followed at the German club remain a lifelong highlight, Saturday came pretty close - not because we played particularly well but because the 2010 finals dream is alive and more importantly because all those present are obviously excited about the next 5 - 10 years.

I'm not so sure Jaded. I was there and those three words tend to sum up the vibe pretty well. I now understand the reasoning behind the naming of the hotel. My head still feels like I've been repeatedly thumped by a pineapple.

I'd go the Norman Hotel for a quality steak. Quite close to the Gabba. But instead, tonight, I'm going to take the "steak in every beer" approach at the Pineapple.

Tried catching a bus yet?

Frawley will go to Brown again you'd assume. Last time Warnock took Fev. Most would probably back Garland but I've got a feeling MacDonald might take Fev and Garland might play on Brennan when he plays forward.

I'm not big on the Youtube footy clips but the one clip I keep going back to watch features Blease in the u18 final against WA. There are 3 or 4 moments that scream out "star".

Is Green in All-Australian form? He's played all 15 games this year and averages 21 disposals (14 kicks, 7 handballs) a game. He's kicked 36.19 and averaged over 7 marks and almost 3 tackles a game. If he keeps up his goals per game ratio he'll end up with 57 for the year.

I think the supporters of this club need to have a good hard look at ourselves. Where's the passion people? At our lowest ebb this season we couldn't generate a "Sack the Coach" thread that lasted more than 61 posts! You've got to hand it to the mob at Bomberblitz. They know how to deal with a loss. They've got over 750 people on their forum at 11pm. Their 'Matthew Knights' thread entitled, "Your Time For The Blowtorch" is onto the 144th page!

Umpiring was terrible but in terms of the 50's only the first was genuinely stiff. The holding the ball against Lonergan and the push in the back to Watts would result in an U14 umpire being demoted to the U10's.

Displaying some wonderful political potential with his response to the question about Rivers and Miller. Clearly didn't want to discuss the future of Miller so instead talked about the things he wanted to talk about. I think Miller's days are numbered.

I'm in the same boat and sadly saw this coming. The sunday double-up has happened quite regularly throughout the season. The coverage to the northern states has definitely worsened since the last deal. It's pretty hard to justify maintaining foxtel when my wife wants to have her monthly 'budget chats' and I pull out the, "it's all about the Melbourne games" retort.

Demonland posters to be talking either of premierships or the axing of the coach based on the performance of 22 players in one single game. In all seriousness, Bate will kick 5.

I think we can do a little better than that condemned. Jetta plays with a lot of spirit, has good hands and is a natural footballer. He lacks a yard and may not make it but comments like yours do nothing to improve the quality and tone of this forum.

We're a big chance of ending up with pick 8, 10, 12 or 14. Still enough of a carrot to renew my drafting interest. Day or Darling would be nice. But very little chance of either slipping to 8 or 10.

Would the club select him if we were playing in Darwin this week?

Thanks. What's the status with Boak? Always been a fan and he was clearly their best last night.

If he can't chase and provided 'frontal pressure' there's no place for him in this team. It's an important aspect of his game and without it, he's simply not best 22.

He doesn't want to play against his 2011 team-mates.

Apparently he started the game but had to go off early with some kind of injury and never got back out there. Disappointing.

I've got nothing to add really just wanted to point out that we're one week closer to realising a little fantasy that pops into my head at various inappropriate times at work. It's all very simple really. It involves Scully exploding through the middle of the MCG and hitting Jack Watts lace out. The hum of excitement that follows will be our way of saying to the footballing world that the last major piece of the jigsaw is in place and we're ready to explode!

Sylvia took a mark. Petterd ran hard for the handball receive and Sylvia ignored the team rule and failed to move it quickly. Petterd had a crack at him. I loved it.

Thanks for the facts George. I'm taking a a team from Brisbane down to take on a couple of Melbourne teams in early August and the club are happy for us to come to a training session and take a tour of the new facilities. Can't wait!

Wow. And when Jurrah is available will you be concerned about the forwardline balance? We've had 3 great wins. We still need quality players in our best 22. Cale is quality.