Deemania since 56

I would add gutsy Bugg, Salem's poise and delivery, and Tracca's drive to the 'standout' list. Gawn was great all game.

Yep, he marked a few as intercepts, he did kick several accurately to a position or a player moving into a position and these were as good as you could expect. It is an improvement on last year so there is some hope for a better 2018. I just believe Tom is our best resource for FBK for marking, kicking and positioning, and his ability to clear or destroy opponents' marks through his spoiling/punching skills.

Great performance - even though it was a JLT series game - that clearly indicates his capacity to mix it with others as an opponent and as a team player/resource. Would also like to see Spargo and the Ginger Ninja (Baker) next week.

Good result and well played, as a team. Greater options appear available with the list. OMac failed to please being led up the ground out of position too often. Does a bit too much holding, as well, without acquired discretion. Frosty needs to be at CHB and Tom needs to come back to FFWD as we have great players in the forward line with many options. Loved to game played by Salem, Maynard and ANB.

Too right! Supergoals are a killer and mess with the game.

Have a good-ee, Josh. Wish I was in the vicinity for a few dozen, pre-game Tassy oysters on the dock, a bowl of chowder and pub crawl to the ground, with the good wishes of James Boag. Ah, the Tasmanian air! Carna Dees.

Now that is controversial.

Robbo in all his football ignorance should stop attempting to generalise the Club or the League. His perceptions seem to be very insecure - falling back on his 'feelings' or 'hopes' (for some reason - does he bet?) and thus fails to make a point based on observable fact. The final ignominy of the last game of the previous season has tempered and motivated our players - a fact brought out of the darkened air in training and preparation for this coming season. We now can run in the light with a team of depth, far greater potential and comparatively limited injury to players to date. Too much was asked of our young brigade to overcome the various losses of form and fortune of last season - be these injuries, suspensions, brain fades or just unexpected on-field talent; umpiring played a part in this, for some reason, disadvantaging our team several times in several on-field recoveries against 'greater' opponents. Sneaking up behind were the Tigers, as had the Bulldogs the year before. Robbo, you must barrack for a team that is not the MFC. It is too easy to generalise, to consensually dismiss a team operating in considerable hardship over many weeks. Perhaps this year may prove to be a far bigger year for the MFC than 'generally' acknowledged at this point.

Could not agree more - Pedersen and Frost are essentials without doubt and both now have the mobility to do it big time. It is nice to have a few recruited 'guns' in abeyance, at this stage of the season and to use them as 'shock tactics' at a slightly later stage. I'd really like to see Tom McD resume at full back to ensure our 'elite' backline prospects come to fruition. We already have several power forwards, with Hogan at FFwd and Pedo with Garlett nearby. Tracca moving through the middle into a direct route towards goal is going to be exciting, and it is time to free up Melks as a pure forward asset.

Brilliant, jnrmac!

Can only see one frequent weakness in the backline. Guess who?

There is great literary, philosophic and extremely esoteric meaning in these words, and these come from a long way back in a time when most things were quite straight forward, including umpiring, Well said, Dedogtor. ...breaking a Tom Scully tackle and his leg to kick the winning goal?

Hell, that is a great consideration. Fits nicely with a total running game to have two feeders in tandem.

One of my greatest hopes with the team is that Billy Stretch can emulate a reasonable percentage of the fine running, ball-carrying and disposal that his father, Stephen, was able to achieve on all grounds.

Win a few early, impress the AFL monolith and the true-blooded fans, stay aloof as best as possible from the sponsorship debate, honour the jumper by not carrying a viral logo from a sponsor - and allow the team to get on with it. We could do worse. Then, be selective as to who is knocking on the door. Go slowly...

Yes, good discussion, Macca. Agree with you in general and the roles of CHF-FF players, these days. Thanks for your comments. Ideally, I'd reckon it is going to be a potent forward line, as well. I have visions of a new running game coming this year from the backline into offensively effective territory. Cheers!

Yep TPF39, pre-season anxiety genuinely stimulated; these photos have that magic effect. Anticipation seems to be at fever pitch right across the board. Thanks to the great photos from those who have contributed to this site.

He is very close but not quite there, yet. Trac will be there if he can get his 'engine' to last a whole game at full bore.

It is a great idea. My only worry with Hogan is his inability to kick the distance in a set shot from 50m out. He needs to be mobile within that range and this may require him to further develop a kicking style, 'on the run'. His snaps from inside ranges have been very good, accurate and blindingly fast to execute, re-balance and/or take a step to balance. Just a thought.

Seen a good deal of that, OMac - feet flat on the ground, thinking out loud 'What do I do next?', 'Maybe if I stand here looking like I can occupy this ground the rest of the game will go around me, perhaps?', 'Hey, they did!' Gutsy stuff, I'd reckon.

Just saw the recent photos on Demonland. Frosty will star at full back. Pedo will star in the fwd line. End of story.

Great photos....and look at Frosty! Talking of a 'breakout' year, I am changing my position. Both Frosty and Pedo are going to scar the whole competition this coming season with fear, trepidation and unstoppable defensive and forward excellence. Watch out Collingwood - they're coming to get you!!!

Memories fade, SWYL. Can you remind me of: what was the alarm, and Carlscum players' talk with Ratten, broken bones. Just cannot recall these things but a stir of the grey matter may be of assistance, if you wouldn't mind. Kind regards....

Twas a beauty!

Blud oath.