Deemania since 56

How sad for Carlscum ... it would almost break your heart. He'd heard that Viney was after him, obviously.

It is agreed that freakish ability is the lesser of the comparators in any case. Longevity added to the contribution and its consistency is the best measure of worth to the Club. Stynes was an example of that aptitude. As was the great Robbie Flower and Neitz. Jakovich could be included categorically. It is also agreed that Oliver is the most outstanding midfielder we have had but the game has changed so much that this comparison can be rendered meaningless to some: I recall quite vividly how superb Hassa Mann proved to be as a midfielder (centreman) with many more years of impeccable contribution than Oliver has chalked up so far. With the changes in the game within the modern era, these game changes have enabled Oliver to impart different skills sets to different roles of the midfield, eliminating Hassa from the current perspective yet not detracting from absolutely elite performance criteria.

Jakovich was not a midfielder - he was a full forward. It is therefore difficult to compare him with Oliver, and possibly inappropriate. For example, before his knee injuries (and he 'came back' to play until retirement), the Ox was a forward and was better than Jakovich but he played at CHF mainly and so, it would not be valid to compare him with the game qualities that Jakovich contributed to the MFC - just as it would be invalid to compare Jakovich as being a CHFwd in the role of the Ox.

Support these comments entirely, well done so far and in particular, your message to 'users' related to DL needs.

Who is this girl?

Just wonder if Lewis can do it again? A man of his experience and football know-how will be familiar with ground revisited. It's still the same target (jaw), at the same location, elevation and physical topography, so I reckon we could set him a task for this weekend and he would not need a map and compass to triangulate such an impact, surely?

Dem figgers mean ahellavalot, Boss.

Agree with you, CBDees, there are heaps of players who would compete easily with the newbie teams, if not surpass many of those in the past thirty years. I could list them, but for heaven's sake, it would also be unnecessary as some of the newer teams listed are just fantastic. What I see as surprising is that Neitz is at full fwd so often; he was better and best at CHB. How could you separate Ingerson and Sean Wight and Icke at CHB anyway? This problem arises out of the need to consider 'the best', and exists all over the ground. The only two that I could think of as being ahead of the pack for their position were Flower on the wing and the Ox at CHFwd.

K'noath!

Phark, it's the Phantom!

I appeal to you: don't appeal with this idea to Carlscum so that they do not appeal against the appeal until the appeal of having both brothers play together in their team becomes so appealing that they proceed with what you suggest. FFS!

It is good to see that OMac is making such improvements to his game. I no longer shudder when he is in the play. In fact, I now have confidence that he is thinking better and as a result, executing better than ever before. We all hope this continues for him.

No matter what opponents throw, kick, knee, fall on top, throat punch, elbow, sling, hold, spit, slap and/or threaten with Jesse, he always walks away with a smile and refuses to be stirred up by such antics. His tendency to retaliate has disappeared this year, as well. All good signs to complement his incredible talents onfield and the returns he makes for the MFC. Such a COOL character, now. To my mind, he is ideal Brownlow material if he can lift his team and scoreboard returns for the remainder of this year.

It would seem to be the case, if we had him. We also need a backline tyrant of the physically unstoppable variety, with good kicking skills and a brain. ( ie: a Rod Grinter type) I'd reckon we could get by with the youngies that we have now, once they mature and further develop in the game, should Gaff not be available for our midfield acquisitions. For example, Oliver and Brayshaw may well develop to a point where both of them are better than Gaff ever was - if not pressing for that status right now. Once Lewis and Vince - both mindful of the Club and its needs onfield - cannot keep playing, sure - Gaff would be more than handy.

Sloane has been a Ranger, sure but he is getting just a little past his best these days ... injuries, solid bumps and tackles, decreases in speed and directional changes ... whereas Gaff has those things we need and should keep giving for a few years yet.

You forgot: Pedo to keep the ambulance people busy rather than allowing them to watch the game for free.

...or Petracca, or Pedersen, or Hibberd, or even Jesse. Geez, I'd like a Rod Grinter in our team - the lay opponents on their backs gazing up at the clouds in aftershock, to kick 50m passes with dead accuracy, to unsettle anyone in front of him - or behind, or at his side. Grinter gave for the MFC better than anyone - body, mind and soul.

Good call, both ways. We need to knock the 5hyte outta them to win the ball more easily.

He sure has left this impression. For the Carlton game, I'd like to think we could give him a rest as he has had a few knocks in past weeks. My rationale is to save him for the Crows and Collingwood, up forward, where he might tear those teams to pieces.

The bench is going to make all the difference for us against Carlton. Onfield rotations are critical and the selection of the bench can determine a win or loss situation, without doubt. My preference to match the Carlton team and positive pressure - now that they are selected as potential 'benchers', would be: Pedersen - tough as nails, lethal in packs, shepherding skills, very good kicking for goals and passing. Can ruck/clear packs; Garlett - talent to burn provided he applies forward defensive pressure - worth 2-4 goals per game as mobile fwd; Hunt - capable speedster and ball winner, can clear a whole backline with pace, can overcome slump with support; Smith - worthy of a try, quite impressive skills, hungry for opportunity, intimidating when on the move, another target for team. This selection also gives a few key newbies a rest - that is required. I just wish Kent was able to play for drive, rebound, intimidation, speed, passing, goal sense. These are gut feelings held for the above reasons against the Carlton team who must be shut down across the midfield, the backline and in the ruck/utility role. We should win this game, after a first half battle. In the final term, we will run away with at least a 30 points lead.

does look great, to hit the Bluebaggers hard.

I suspect that the '...had to act' burden that the AFL endured was to save face as best it could, once a flawed Tribunal had taken place. However, they still preserved Carlscum's game-day integrity at all costs - staggering.

One is 'more permitted' than the other to tell porkie-pies. Beez.was correct, had to be a win one, lose the other scenario to save AFL face. How would the AFL look now if they both got off? They both committed a crime, but one was more guilty than the other?

Good pick. To save AFL face, it really had to be, didn't it? Let's steamroll the 'Scum this weekend - and along the way, flag, tag and bag Curnow with a couple of 'get up slowly, with assistance' bumps whenever possible, and I mean more than once.

Yes, very probable - just a whitewash for a gleaming facade.