The Chief

If he did he’s done a [censored] poor job at it, because Salem’s not even within the same postcode of Hodge for hardness at the ball.

Not convinced that Salem is as good as everyone else here rates him. Understand the illness and injuries history/excuse, though the latter is just part of being a footballer. This view about his elite disposal skills seems a bit over the top based on his performance to date, sure he hits targets every now and then, but he’s no where near the elite like Sam Mitchell, certainly haven’t seen anything to indicate he’s top class in being in & under and he’s never been a major possession accumulator. He’s a solid B class player for me based on evidence to date, but hope he proves me wrong and has a great year.

I was there as an 11 year old with my Dad, a mad Melbourne supporter who sadly died the following year. Somehow he managed to get tickets to the stand behind the goals at the railway end (Sherrin Stand?). I'm pretty sure we were the only Melbourne supporters in that whole stand and my Dad gave me strict instructions to barrack quietly! Its all a bit hazy now but I remember Laurie Fowler, a fearless defender, getting KO'd and Henry Coles playing a blinder. We waited to hear the result of the Dogs game and like others I clearly remember the Collingwood members abuse once we heard Melbourne hadn't made the finals.

As expected VFL have thrown out Watt's charge.

So I'm guessing your a comedian

Your self diagnoses is spot on, if you're only half series I suggest you seek help quickly

Let me put in language you might (?) understand, who were they conspiring with?

Don't see conspiracies in either of those. One was a crime and they got caught and the other a government sponsored scientific development that ended a war. I'm sure you'd find a thread against the umpires on most club supporter sites. They're just incompetent, clearly not helped by HO constantly changing the rules and interpretations.

There's a bloke who's been sitting in N12 on 2nd level of Southern Stand for the last decade who has every game and all game (this is no exaggeration) bagged any Melbourne player who's made a mistake. He does this by shouting his abuse, obviously getting his rocks off hearing his own voice above everyone else. It's got a bit heated a few times when those sitting around this idiot often tell him to shut up. Why would you bother going to the footy when all you do is whinge and abuse the team your supposedly barracking for? Today his abuse was mostly targeted at Tyson, Stretch and Gartlett. He often questions players courage, but I bet the soft [censored] never put his head over a ping pong ball let alone a footy. Anyone else in N12 having the pleasure of listening to this idiot's abuse every home game?

Would be interesting to.see today's centre clearances stats for Max v's when Pedo was in ruck. Gut feel says we won more when Pedo's in ruck.

You blokes are kidding yourself. They may be incompetent, but there's no umpiring conspiracy against any team. Conspiracy believers are nut jobs. Name one that has ever been proven true.

Another great game from Pedo. Unusually was a bit inaccurate in front of goal, but still miles ahead of Weid and Watts.

Agree with others that he's miles from being AFL ready and has to be a question as to whether he'll ever make it. Instead of destroying what ever confidence he still has, put him back to VFL, bring Frost back and send Tom Mc forward.

Great first half by Gus. Strong marks, smooth running and fearless as ever. He's a true footballer. Fingers crossed his luck has changed.

Davey retired, can't play forever.

Might have already been mentioned but in Ch 7 after the game interview with Clarry, when told he had the most handballs ever at this stage of the season he responded with a smile he prefers hand balling to kicking, which I guess is pretty obvious, but I think it's something the coaches need to look at. Numerous times his quick hands put the reciever under enormous pressure and we either cough it up or have to get the ball back from a stoppage. He's an above average kick and think he could be even more damaging if he kicked it more often.

Double standards of the AFL re jumper clashes on display again. Carlton & Richmond both 'dark' colour jumpers and no one has any issues or complaints. should apply this standard to all.

Totally agree, Zemplis was almost dribbling from his constant gushing for Meth Coast players like Petrie and McGovern. Failed to comment on the numerous soft free kicks given to them, can't recall a mention of the fact they had 11 more frees or the total they received of 27 being unusually high. There were numerous similar infringements against Melb players where no free was given and nothing was said. We not only beat Meth Coast, but the crowd, the commentators and the umps!

Bit of 'I told you so' but I called it after seeing the intra club game back in Feb that Pedo was way ahead of Weideboy and if we played Weid instead of Pedo we were putting player development ahead of selecting our best team to win. Pedo is no star and expect he'll struggle to sustain yesterday's great form, but he knows how to position his body, compete in the air and gut run. Weid needs another two pre seasons at least and plenty of Casey game time to get him capable of competing against men and surpassing Pedo.

Pederson has to play every week in preference to Weideboy for the rest of the year. Pedo has given more in 3/4's then Weid has given all year.

Sat in the Ponsford stand level 4 near scoreboard and crowd near us was around 50:50, but the roar from the Punt Rd end when Rich kicked those goals in the last was incredible. Agree about the hassle with Hurstbridge line, got home to Plenty about 12.30am after leaving pretty much straight after game. Wouldn't have minded if we won, but have to say the Rich supporters were very good through our marathon commute, no [censored]

How's St.kilda's start to the year going. Not only getting pumped by Melbourne, they can't even spell the sponsor's name right on their jumper. Logo on front of jumper said 'Drae ice coffee', should have been 'Dare ice coffee'. If it was my company I'd being asking for some compensation.

Yeah sure he is

Intra club was nearly a month ago now and Pederson competed very strongly back then, so difficult to believe that's the reason he's not being selected, unless he 'tweaked' it or something else in a subsequent session.

Disappointed that Pederson hasn't got a run in any of the JLT games when he was clearly streets ahead of Weiderman's in the intra club. If Weiderman's is picked round 1, which looks almost certain now, then can't help thinking we are selecting on the basis of player development in preference to selecting our best side to win the game.