Mel Bourne

A game here and there, for sure. But I’d like to see him on the track for the most part. You’re right, he will be great one day but I think getting games into him is the fastest way to make that happen. He does get a bit too clever quite often, but he’s often just centimetres from pulling off some ridiculous [censored] (that mark he went up for and very nearly took down would have been a MOTY contender), the kind of stuff that spooks the opposition and gives huge confidence to his side. I’d like him to hone his timing and balance playing AFL, not scratch matches.

For the record I was never one of them. But I think most of that camp were more concerned about him getting his body right, and not about his capabilities once he did. I don’t think his talent was ever an issue.

I made my (non-football-oriented) wife put her hand on my chest after the siren. Feeling the best of the racing heart inside, she looked at me and said “that’s just weird”.

A buddy of mine is one of the fitness trainers In the Tigers hub right now. All things considered it’s a pretty calm atmosphere there, and they’re all getting on well. I wouldn’t read much into Hardwick’s outburst. He’s got a colourful mouth when he’s peeved, but apparently does an incredible job of keeping the mood pretty light there, generally speaking. I’ve been privy to a couple of Tiger functions, and I can tell you they have a very enviable club culture there.

Do you think there’s more to the story?

Obviously hoping for light traffic on “Is Goodwin The Right Guy” tonight. But expecting gridlock.

Dropping Fritsch for being late is dumb, dumb, dumb. Fine him. Make him clean the showers. Do anything else that sends a message APART from harming the team’s chances of a much-needed victory. And dropping Lockhart is ridiculous. But who knows? Maybe he’s also being punished for something. Falling asleep during one of Simon Goodwin’s inspirational team addresses, perhaps.

The specific discussion being had was centred around how to police social media effectively. It was suggested that a degree of government oversee could be employed, but the point was made that certain politicians, with their predilection for authoritarianism, could not be trusted with that kind of power. I didn’t see it as any kind of gratuitous political tangent.

How can you have a discussion about racism in this country without any mention of politics?

Honestly have no idea what anonymity on social media brings to society except generally ****ty vibes. The only example I can think of is being able to express controversial political opinions in countries that offer no protection to dissidents. But in countries and societies as fortunate as ours, if you can’t put your name to your words, then chances are you just shouldn’t be talking.

Nah. He’s our next match-winning small forward. Stick to the plan. Let him learn.

C’mon. We know who the pretenders are.

Indeed. Like they were trying to clone Tim Robbins but something went wrong.

I’ve met Tom Lynch. Not the sharpest blade in the drawer.

Past: Yze, Grinter, Farmer and let’s say for depth, Mark Jackson. Current: Max, CP5 and increasingly Ed Langdon.

Interesting first post. Let's hope they improve a little.

6. Langdon - exciting to discover more and more what a gun we have in this fella. Get that kicking a little better and we have a legit star 5. Oliver - Just keeps getting better. I think Brayshaw and him connect far better than he and Viney do. Nothing against Viney. You cannot fault his commitment to the ball, but he almost has a "me vs the world' aspect to his game that isn't easy to read and doesn't always benefit those around him. On other occasions though, you're so glad to have him busting through 4. Brayshaw - such a relief to see the colour come back to his face. Thought we'd lost him for a while there 3. Trac - Not his best game, but his average games are still a big asset, which is a true hallmark of a star player 2. Spargo - would have put him at the top if his second half was like his first! 1. Preuss - just a really impressive season debut. You can tell by his fitness and ruck-craft that he's been a really committed player away from the action. Players deserve more credit for this.

Naughton is threatening to regain some form too. That kid is good.

I really needed that. Thanks Dees.

You bet your sweet asss!!

Ha. I think we all know what it is, but it’s an odd distinction.

Tom Mac is a bit of witches hat out there.

Hannan’s been solid. Not always impactful but has been winning the hard ball and providing much needed poise. A couple of clangers here and there, but whatever. VDB has been bloody average. So much for Goodwin’s policy of playing the best team at every opportunity. Edit: Hannan out with illness. My bad.

Let’s go Preussy! The guy has one wish*. Let’s hope he can make it come true! https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/90168/pocket-profile-braydon-preuss *see final question

And some people have no capacity for nuance. The global economy need not be doomed to a choice between “capitalism” or “socialism”. Most economies operate on a hybrid of these systems. If Australia decided to suddenly abandon it’s socialist policies (health care, high minimum-wage, education, housing, old-age pension, jobseeker/keeper, emergency services) I guarantee you would suffer the consequences, even if you’re of the naive opinion you don’t personally rely on these things. You may very well be some sort of successful capitalist who doesn’t need a “hand-out”, but all wealth is built on societies that function cohesively. And no society does that without an aspect of socialist policy.