Deemania since 56

If we appreciate Watts, all we can do is to wish him well, and so be it. The statistics seem to indicate that Bailey F is doing OK at his age and stage of development, whereas Jack W seems to have plateaued, once again.

He not only went in for the ball and came out with it on commendable occasions, he also ran to space as a target for those who had not looked for a 'target' in the open for quite a few years. Blending with Melksham's fine passing, the future looks rosier for the MFC - and his cues assisted Fritch to do similar things, as well.

Brayshaw, with good skills at his disposal, was earlier considered to be very cool under pressure and found a way out of tight corners with good effect. Since returning to the field and this level of competition, this coolness has not reappeared. He has been away for a long time, so hopefully it will return as he settles back into the mix. His pace is not great but it is an avenue for him to do those things in traffic that he used to do. Head injuries are still a prime concern and just maybe, he was tentative for this reason. I'd still reckon that he is one of our best players in terms of determination so let's get behind him as a confidence booster.

If it were your mother in law that was a Richmond support, there'd be no need to '...hold on a minute...'

Last week against North, the vacant spaces in the 'reserved' sections were almost entirely vacant for the whole game, forcing those who attended to sit clustered in small spaces and in general, well away from the facilities (if these were open, as most were not open), and good views of the ground - the two scoring ends, and the light. Surely it is time if these 'exclusively priced' elite areas are blank and deserted by half-time of match, MFC Members and others of the general admission (GA) public could be tactfully marshalled to utilise this vacant, yet cherished wasteland set aside for Ticketek profiteering at $50 per seat above GA seating charges. There are many AFL/MCG marshalling employees at each exit who could manage this with little real effort. The AFL needs to re-align itself to the people who support the game as most of these have been the backbone of football crowds for generations! It is a pathetic example of AFL waste, exclusivity and its hunt for the corporate dollar and influence. Footy is our game; it is not theirs to 'control' or 'steer' for non-public relativities.

Jibroni, go to the Sporting Globe, Richmond at 288 Bridge Road, Richmond, just a stone's throw from the MCG and dedicated to the mighty MFC - it is an easy pre-game stagger if you leave there with 10 minutes walking time to spare, having been lured to indulge in the wonderful, chilled Carlton Draught. Not great for parking unless you are there before 1200hrs. Food is average to good, depending on your preferences. (Around August, the MFC throw a good pre-game, free 'snack' lunch with guest speaker for the members of MFC - hosted by none other than Robbo the Robertson, with Bernie Vince. Very pleasant. Order tickets in Aug from the Members dept at the MFC.)

Another AFL exposure against the morally astute?

That's productive thought and somewhat of a gross assumption. Inaccurate, too. Brainless post, once again. Congratulations....

If he'd kicked just two goals per match for us so far this year from the more than 12 goals others had missed, so far, we'd be in second position on the ladder, right now! What is that likelihood? Every bit as likely than not. He is the best kick at goal in the league. At half forward, he is a great mark, too. He is also a very good space-finder on the way to goal. Jesus schwepped. He also thinks so quickly on the field that others cannot keep up, so once in a while during a game, someone catches on to his intent with the ball and converts. As we are reminded so constantly by those on DL who regard themselves as 'oracles' of the game, we are over that transfer to Port. Like hell, we are over it.

Spoke with Oskar on the way to the ground. Looks a fit, strong and keen member for the team, heh?

NIcely posited proposition, in all exhausted timeframes.

Inappropriate adjective '...power...' in this case. Sad, really...

The possibility of another of Eddie's fatal forays into player attraction? Let's talk the Weed up a bit, so then just maybe, Eddie might think he is onto another very hot piece of property. We might make the Club a quid out of it, too.

And nothing looks like happening until the 4th year. Not a bad kid-glove apprenticeship.

2 years is enough, 3 years is shameful.

Yes, DJ - it is all just another worry and as I have said it before, another tall kept in abeyance.....for how long?

King has talent. Gone missing? What is happening with him - at Casey?

Painfully true. He has a particular body shape and size. If he really wants to play premium football, he needs to work harder than he has on that body and its capabilities. He could well handle 15 kgs of sheer muscle development from head to toe; his ability to read the play is in need of attention; he has very little agility in lateral and directional change; his light frame renders him noncompetitive in critical fwd marking duels or packs; he could work on speed increases and leading to space as a fwd receiver of midline effort. Injuries, sure were important but I doubt that he has been 'really' working on his aptitudes for success. I'd give him this year only to make the change - then hand him back to the Filth if key milestones are not met.

The Weed: Reading the play is his key football need. Putting on some real muscle is another - much more than one pre-season of 'bulking', as reported. He could also increase his speed considerably and lateral agility is vital for him to become the key forward that he already should be. Consistent competitiveness in marking might result. Leading to deliveries would be highly desirable, as well.

Clever gambler, clever. The thinking man's punter.

What you indicate, largely, is the general sentiment and well done for expressing that problem. The injury malaise is one that haunts the MFC. We hope all of our war-weary recover successfully and in future, there is more open honesty from the Club messengers.

Yes....

A finite term to this point of time was intended. It was discussed amongst some colleagues and summarised from that forum in this form.

We cannot forget that fact.

Big mistake all around, as it panned out. Watts was conditioned to play for us for a few years to come yet there seemed to be a coaching issue to overcome. If it is too hard, snip it off? He is the best shot at goal in the league and our long-bomb policy going way over Watts' head did not help. When going forward with possession himself or when dropping back into the hotzone, Watts produced. His thought-action processes were elite. If he dodged an incoming tackle or stayed at the periphery of it, he could see an alternative which in team-play, could ameliorate the problem, moving the team forward. This was a feature of his game. He never lost a game from his actions. He did win a few, though.