Deemania since 56

Pedo you little ripper, once again. Going down in history, this bloke.

Sounds like we could have done with a couple of talls in the AFL team against Whorethorn, to me.

Yep, with the slightest doubt on Salem's readiness or minor worries of an injury, get him out of the team, immediately, to recover. He has had enough interruptions and we cannot do well without his lasting skills.

Next to impossible to compare some of our 'centremen' with Clarry. However, never forget that Brian Wilson was exceptional, too. As for Greg Wells, with different and advanced skills on display most of the time, that man was an absolute champion with 'the lot'. I used to really like Denis Clarke, as well. We have had a few really goodies...

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

It is so tiring to have the 'experts' dismiss, ignore, not consider, comment detrimentally, castigate and flagellate the Demons, year after year to the extent that we have seen. Maybe 2018 is just going to be another of those years of insignificance for the Dees despite all of those obvious improvements that have been achieved. I would think that this will be the case even if we sit in the top quarter of the ladder come Aug-Sept. After two wins from 3 games, before the Hawthorn match tomorrow, we sit at third position on the ladder until the rest of the round is completed. That is rarefied air - well done, Dees! Then again, if we keep up this form ...

Blud oath. The distal tap-on seems gone these days but there is still room on the ground.

Aside from noticeable skills improvements and reading the play more intuitively, Wags has become a far better team man, hitting up targets and feeding teammates with regularity. Great improvements, actually, and ones that may well see him blossom quite quickly into a very strong backline asset. With a bit more conditioning, he may resemble HIbberd, very closely...

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.)

That actually sounds like it could be effective because in those moments where it is 50/50 for a mark, or worse, the aim should always be to bring the ball to ground whilst shepherding the receivers as a big bloke should. If it is a clear mark in your favour, take it, but still have crumbers or linkage players very nearby. It ain't no good being where the ball ain't ... or losing possession of the thang. (Courtesy of the Chillingollah U15s Footy Coach, 1968.)

It is a tough selection for a winner, the closer the game gets and with the teams now picked for some review and projection to the match itself. I see this match as something that keeps repeating in my mind: a team of arrogance against a team with a hunger.

Ah, the memories of a fit Ray Biffen at fullback! He really got amongst them, didn't he? I remember that one, too. Barry Bourke just hopped on the tram with Biff, so suddenly stopped was the game. No.26 (Hawks) was a phenomenal forward; good bloke, too. At first, I thought a reference was being made to Greg Parke, who also wore No.26. Coupla tough footy players in that lot.

The eyes of journalistic nutrient are upon you, Nev. We know your form will improve rapidly anyway as one of the best intercept backmen around.

Good rationale, Jaded. Much ado about team balance and combined avenues.

Tyson's 'getting' of the ball will be missed; it is a shame that he is ill this week. With a strengthening midfield array, there will be some considerable assistance and support for Brayshaw's game, nearby and 'rolling' forward with an emphasis on teamwork and set-up. It should be a good result in this part of the game.

No need, actually. This clown has made a fatal error known as 'hare kari', providing further evidence that the pen is less mighty than the sword when the brain is feeble and one-eyed. Football commentary and Adelaide is a bad mix - just living here in terms of football news and views is an agony.

Nope, but the thought process in which you engage within this question is highly stimulating...

The team is going to be a little awesome to overcome once Melk and ANB return to their impressive, competitive streaks, with Brayshaw coming up in the same good form. Most of the 'links' will be strong again - and then TMac and Viney hit the park, as well. That would be intimidating to any opponent.

Rapidly changing tags for Mitchell would possibly force him to adapt to these different players and their styles across the game - this would be beneficial, surely? ANB, Harmes, Salem and a 'weekend with Bernie' could possibly throw his game into some chaos and confusion?

I am not sure that Brayshaw is a good selection as a tagger as he is a great ball carrier and comes into the play well through various footballing attributes. If he was placed in a key tagging role, perhaps some of these noted skills and ball movement would be missed around the midline/ground?

Wagner has be most encouraging and his contributions are often subtle; that has been the case for many backmen yet reliability is strengthening on Wagner's efforts, in particular. He is a good body size, as well, appearing to be mobile, team aware and good with most passing activities. Sometimes, his spoils on opponents are very pleasing, as can be his intercepts. This is a considerable improvement since 2017. Well done, Waggs. There have been a few, very few, miskicks and grubbers but I have turned a blind eye to these little niggles in the past two weeks.

Pedo has played commendably for us for quite a few years now, as most people observe. He is a consistent asset to the team and many of the good results of the past. To say that '... he can only play as an on-ball short ruckman to be effective ... ' is very wrong. Try saying that to his face.

Even though I like the executable element of this scenario, I feel sorry for Mitchell ... please believe me ... just a little ... OK then, don't. Frosty is the Man! Just hope that his 'accidental' fall a la hip & shoulder doesn't hurt him.

Salem, at times, appears scared, hesitant, nervous and/or worried about tackling and 'going in for the ball' when there is congestion or a few opponents very nearby. He often goes to ground, as well. When these factors do not impinge on him, he can be very good at the ball, passing by both hand and foot, and quick to make yards. He is small relative to most other players and this alone should identify his skills needing to be shepherded more often - almost automatically - for the positive effects that his terrific disposal can achieve. It would also assist him to stay upright on his feet.