Deemania since 56

That statistic is not often a valid measure. It is where and when the umpires award free kicks that is important - and ends up winning games. Umpires are very good these days at 'evening-up the game' or so it seems, yet in reality, it is a direct measure to affect the outcomes of a game. This happened to Melbourne for many years to their detriment. Melbourne, despite some excellent football, both attacking and defensive, were actually penalised by 'timely' free kicks awarded against them as they were not expected to win the game. So many opposition frees were given in front of their goal and scoring opportunities interrupted by poor/weak umpiring decisions so that a 'bottom' team did not annihilate a 'more popular' or 'heading to the top' team. When, and Where frees are awarded - and the 'non-dangerous' compensatory frees awarded 'outside a team's scoring zone' have been a classic AFL trick for years.

The sheer entertainment of playing the bogey-man, Bernie Vince, on Dangerfield as a tagger, once again, is very hard to dismiss or ignore. A 'weekend with Bernie' has a wonderful ring to it and in practical terms, is effective, par excellence. Bernie is fit and just a fraction slower these days or so the training reports indicate. So why not? He seems to have got into Dangerfield's head leaving a lasting impression. Viney might be effective with that, too.

Thanks for this, Chazz .

Not a desirable post this one, either.

Mal Blight was a thinker. He has always remained in my best 6 players, from memory, and that was headed by Robbie Flower. Blight did some terrific things but often overthought these requirements. He seems somewhat removed from current day practices and thoughts on the game; this recent statement is evidence, to me, of this deterioration. Last year indicated that our end-of-season losses could be interpreted as the fuel to fire his angst. Maybe he is as affected by these losses as were the MFC players and supporters. I do, however, think that assessment is less relevant for the 2018 season. Melbourne will not struggle to make the final 8 and in so doing, will lay a pathway of learning across its player group that will propel success for the coming season. If only now was the time for Barassi to take over the coaching role and its supervision and intent, but it is not. So our coaching teams need to instil great things to new heights throughout the Club. We may just have a flag in our hands if this occurs because the talent and depth is there.

Foxtel, @ 7pm EST Thursday https://www.foxtel.com.au/tv-guide/Live-JLT-Series-Melbourne-v-St-Kilda/92290605 Got it booked for two avid fans, all to ourselves.

You are probably correct, Wiseblood. Viney cannot be risked just yet. It will be a good test for us if the Saints come to play - they have a 'nearly full' team on paper. If we have a good victory, it will instil confidence in our younger brigade. Very keen to check out Spargo if he gets a run and the current capacity of Kent, whom I have always liked as a tough nut with poise.

It seems as though Tom McD is out of the team for the JLT match against the Saints. Not too keen on some match-ups once the published teams were issued. ANB will be missed, too. Interesting to see Pedo named at CHF and Clarrie as a ruck rover at the start. Very strong bench so I hope that they use it well. Other than some minor things in my mind, we should do well against the Saints. Not sure if Lever can hold down the CHB role but he has good support about him from some of our backmen, it appears.

We need Frosty in this team as the Saints are a running machine and he can counter in this regard.

This is possibly a case of 'ignoring the obvious' because of their own disturbed outlooks.

The selectors should not risk Viney. He will produce in the season proper, just as the sun rises each day. Frost, Kent, Balic and Smith would be excellent additions for the Saints game. Ginger would also be very good - but who to rest? Let's be radical: rest Lever and Hannan.

That is encouraging.

Putting the Saints away with style would be very beneficial for the MFC and a big confidence-booster for the players. It is hard to imagine who the 'best 22' might be as a new-found depth seems to exaggerate our capabilities and potentials. I guess a series of 'trials' for some of our youthful recruits may be more appropriate to enable them to taste the steps in the ladder on which they may ascend. A good showing, win or lose, would give the supporters a clearer picture of such depth at this point. Then again, a win will be an assistant to erasing the dreaded game last round, last season. If we field a full blown team, our recruits will be one step behind and potentially, some of our more experienced but improved elements will lose heart, somewhat. Who would want to be a selector?

And sometimes, one wonders why a Tasmanian team has not be able or permitted to enter the competition - population is not necessarily the reason, yet that would be based upon the holy $1.00 in some eyes. Tassy football, in general, is remarkable to watch if you get the chance. It reminds me of the VFL days - contests are great. Umpiring is very communicative and as a result, proves to be really consistent.

If you are trawling the Geelong forum for any insights into the Round 1 game against Melbourne, do you have any idea who will counter, neutralise, nullify, upset, beat, combat, address, stand against or frustrate Tom Hawkins? That is the only match-up that I am worried about and on his day, Hawkins can destroy us.

I would be interested to find out a little more about this educational link and how it operates, and what are its criteria and intent, more specifically. Was in the education game for 43 years with multiple links myself; Chisholm was one of these.

I was unaware of this and was commenting to support his post and its stance, despite the invective that seems to arise from several sources. Thank you, 'The Chazz' for the further enlightenment but I stand on that support simply and unhindered. Carna Dees,

I'd reckon you were correct, Wells 11 (great jumper for the centreman). Frost's game dropped a few clangers but I'd reckon that he is so adaptable that now, most of these would be rare. He should IMO be in that magical '22' and several supporters and members that I have spoken to have raised that point to the extent that he would be their favoured CHB or even Fullback with the current personal down that end. If not, yep, he would be a very high quality replacement and even so 'off the bench'. Depth is pretty wonderful, heh? In the DL piccies of players, there is one of Frosty lifting a weight in training - just a chest, arms and head shot - this photo is intimidating as I cannot think of one AFL player who would not be confronted by landing him as a tall opponent with leg speed and attitude.

Well posited. So many responses on DL resort to personal attacks rather than comments and thoughts to stimulate discussion, not abuse or worse. Opinions are rightly held freely and put forward so that others may agree or disagree and this enables to reader/thinker to digest and comment without abuse or directed venom. The quality of the writing can make it difficult for some to rise above the former two observations but these also provide indicators of who might well be largely ignored, in future. DDee, your idea was well put and so is your stance. Persist.

...but plenty of 'corporate lounge space' , press reserves, catering empires' grounds and friggin' closed or empty bars - just not enough changerooms for the players? Same at every ground? Poor excuse, I'd say. Rent a shed.

Absolutely. LIving here can be absolutely bad for your health as well as your mind. If it wasn't for the dinkum meat pies and the beer, perhaps I'd move back to Glen Iris. Over here, nearly everyone under 40 years of age has problems that can only be solved by committing anti-social behaviours and damage (when not detectable - ie: overnight) on a regular basis - or behind the wheel of a car with araldite on the underside of the accelerator pedal. Adulthood does not occur until the locals are over 50.

Agreed, consistency is going to be the issue. I am already sure that it will be consistent, except for teams like Collingwood, Carlscum, Essendrug, Whoreform, Geelong and GWS. NO worries. That is all we can hope.

More changes, sudden rulings and ongoing sidesteps surrounded by commercial (networks and pseudo-advertising) interests given precedence over a historically sensible pre-game process. All for the buck. What would you rather observe prior to a game. Players from both teams warming up, drilling, orienting to the conditions and surface, and confirming selections for that Round OR more Meatloaf crap from all corners with 'kiddie' interviews no-one can hear, 'witty' loudspeaker pro-activity and dancing girls? The AFL will have circus animals on the ground before we know it! The Reserves games pre-match were great - often more compelling than the 'firsts' game to follow as you had a chance to review the talent to come (important for any supporter); the warm-ups replaced these and provided the same scrutiny and spectacle, particularly as the opposition could be viewed simultaneously and early assessments could be made by the paying, viewing public. This is change that few would appreciate. It is also the AFL's attempt to give customers through the door less bang for their buck. Nope, don't like this idea, at all.

Nothing will happen. We cannot even imagine it happening.

Nope, that was only the end result of the financial transaction.