Deemania since 56

Good one, Colin. Exactly what we need from him - he was never going to be an endurance player, but moreso a cut and thrust machine who can kick, mark, receive, give accurately, hit the scoreline, unsettle, instil havoc in an opposition after going in and getting the ball. He still needs to be far fitter and be a V8 version of the player he has been - and this is the year.

You betcha. The MCG will no longer be hallowed ground without us, unfortunately.

Quite surprised how tough it is to select the 'right' team. Surprised that Frost is overlooked given the mobility of that backline set-up and his now improved linkage/challenge capabilities. It will be interesting to see how the post pre-season period strengthens those players available and notably, Lever, Harmes and Preuss, and KK.

You are probably correct, it was only a supposition of the smallest order - nothing else. However, it crossed my mind a few months back during and after the 'Jesse silence' on his intentions. TMac, an improved Weed, hot topic of Preuss at the time before selection, rising young bucks from our 'depth' players, etc. Big performances were needed to hold a spot in such competitive arenas made more difficult perhaps with a nasty injury; but I agree with you, a major reason was returning home.

I know that I was wrong about him, earlier - I guess impatience got the better of me. His improvement profile and threshold, seen late last season in particular, might even be one of those minor reasons why JH decided his own future might be at stake and hence, quite convincingly, left the MFC for the Dockers.

Just the start, folks. More is coming without doubt. We are entering a 'dominance' phase for the competition - and the exciting brand of football that we play (the best at the moment amongst all the teams) will drive that success.

Last man out pick up the empty beer bottles ... I need a re-supply for some serious amount of home brew. Thanks.

Have heard that he is exceptional and well ahead of his age group.

Probably correct, McQueen, so it seems you may be hinting that as we are no longer 'basket-case' or 'dunny-can' it may be possible to aspire for Kobe Farmer where his dad can see him assist in a MFC premiership win - coz we're going to win 6 in a row starting next season! You are in WA I think you've mentioned, can you check him out for us and report sometime in the future?

I have heard these statements via media and associates several times: Jeff said: '... Kobe will be a Demon and nothing else...', and '...Melbourne is still my heart and soul...'. We have to find a way to sponsor Kobe right now as a family member of the MFC tribe, his education, his development - all for sentimental reasons related to one of our greatest players.

Is it summer already? There seems to be a considerable amount of hot air blowing to interrupt reading time.

The performance must be remembered ... it was more than just a purple patch.

Kicking penetration similar to the great Rod Grinter, heh? We haven't had one of those for years....

Apt. Nice choice Chook.

We go the 'knuckle' with mongrel intent, now we have the armoury.

Possibly as soon as Trump is impeached.

Frigging tremendous team - now for the flag provided we get a little more 'mongrel' with all opponents.

Just a little bit early to be considering Bradtke, I'd reckon. Certainly has the correct profile at this point, with some noticeable assets for the mid-term future and longer. Lots of hard work - both on and off the field aligned to some really close mentoring - and he will be a tremendous asset for the team as a whole, readying for a big call-up to take his place. Great potential.

Early days yet, folks; big op - great that he feels that he can turn up to training and participate at this stage. Scar pain feels similar to the injury itself so a wise move to be cautious but this is an early point to even be able to contemplate a return. He is in good hands and most probably will not be too far off full blown effort and involvement.

Looks good subject to a great pre-season and injury recoveries. I'd drop OMac for Frost - on game-style grounds and rebound value. Oscar may be better used as a forward in this team.

Moves like a steaming locomotive, faster than a speeding bullet, images of a Rioli superman, for mine. Mild-mannered, too with just a touch of mongrel. Perfect acquisition.

There is a great silence around Jeffy and his form slump in 2018 that questioned his attitude and worth. Looking at that slump and its duration, my bet would be that it was solely an injury complaint upon which one hellava personal matter may have descended taking an even further toll on his football readiness at the time. I have confidence in his capabilities and qualities for the MFC team in 2019 - he is a great crumbing forward, with pace and strike awareness. He can be - and is - a terrific defensive opponent tackler from some remarkable chase downs. He is a 'must have' in our Premiership team next season. Best wishes to him with a return to form and effectiveness.

We are going to miss 'Mr Reliable' (Pedo) in the coming season. Taking that mark, kicking that goal, flattening that opponent and then helping him back onto his feet.

Thanks for that perspective.

It would not be good form to discount the Preuss we picked up - he is highly motivated, young and teachable, driven to succeed in a Max environment and very likely to come out of the blocks of the MFC with roaring form and appetite to invoke opposition fear, trepidation and uncertainty at the widespread level. He is no 'Gentleman Cox', at all. At Preuss' age with his experience so far, Maxy was well known as 'Gawky', and he developed somewhat from that crassness. Preuss is going to murder opponents and play on as a very big part of our team.