Flower Magic

What has the late great Robert Flower to do with our current position? This article appeared on Facebook today, clearly written by a Dees fan. I have to agree with every word, but the article reminded me of the events of 1987. To round 17 that season, we had won just six games. Six wins, not ten as we have now, yet we didn't just make the finals, we then won six in a row through to round 22, then won two finals by a combined 186 points and very nearly made the Grand Final (which many believe we would have won). So here we are again, six rounds to go and a Robbie doppelgänger playing on a wing for us (could this be an omen?). If you believe that history can and does repeat, let's believe that we can still go deep into September as many of our competitors are faltering around us, just as in 1987. ................. Robbie Flower - Everyone loved Robbie. 272 Games 315 goals. 2 time All Australian. Melbourne captain 81-87. One of the great wingers of all time. Robbie had the respect of many opposition fans, in the 80’s this was unique but the way Robbie went about it it was hard to dislike him. Few had the elegance and classy skills like Robbie, he was clean by hand and foot but also was strong in the one on one battles on the wing. He played at just 67KG. Robbie made his debut at Melbourne in 1973 and amazingly was given #2 in his first year, a number he would wear for the rest of his career. There’s no escaping the fact Melbourne were a struggling team in this time and Robbie won 6 of his first 31 games, but was a shining light. 1975 was somewhat of a breakout year for Robbie with the Dees winning 8 games and Robbie playing some great games including 28 disposals and 2 goals in round 2. In 76 Robbie averaged just on 20 disposals a game as the Dees went on to win 11 games and miss out on the finals by half a game. The Dees struggled in 77,78,79 Robbie had consistent years and in 79 he kicked 33 goals from the wing and in 77 won the Melbourne best and fairest. 1980 was arguably Robbie’s best individually. He averaged 22 disposals a game was named all Australian and kicked 21 goals. In 81 Robbie had a injury interrupted season In 83 Robbie was all Australian once again and kicked 40 goals. Robbie’s ability to outrun his opponent meant he was dangerous to get into good positions in front of goal. He was an extremely fast and intelligent player. 1987 rolled around and Robbie was yet to play a final. Entering 1987 on 252 games things were not looking good for the Dees early in the season. They had only won only 6 games to round 17 before going on a 6 game winning streak and snuck into the top 5 and to make the finals. They smashed north by 110 points in the elimination final then beat Sydney by 76 points before coming up against hawthorn. The Dees lead by 3 goals at 3QT before the hawks came back and Bucky kicked a goal after the siren to give hawthorn the win. It would be Robbie’s last game. He got to play finals but many have no doubt that Melbourne would have beaten Carlton in 87 if they went through. Robbie retired and went on to be a passionate fan of the club, he was inducted into the AFL hall of fame in 1996 and was named on the wing in Melbourne’s team of the century. Sadly Robbie passed away at just 59 after a brief illness. Paul Kelly played at Robbie’s funeral playing his favourite song called how to make gravy. The memories will live on forever and some will never forget everyone cheering on the Dees in 87 hoping Robbie would go out a premiership player. Thank you for all you gave to footy Robbie.

6 Langdon 5 McVee 4 Rivers 3 Pickett 2 JVR 1 Windsor

Sad to see a champion like Clarry reduced to a plodding ineffective confused player. Looks totally cooked.

As opposed to me being rendered speechless after the last two games.

So you must believe that Trac is telling porkies, given that his post on the melbournefc Insta page says this: "Im responsible for putting myself out there by the way for people talking about the medicos." And of course you must have personal knowledge that "a doctor would have to sign it off", maybe you are a former club doctor.

Incorrect, this comment by Trac is on the melbournefc Insta page: "Im responsible for putting myself out there by the way for people talking about the medicos."

Trac has stated on his Insta feed that he brought himself back on, his decision alone not the medicos, so can we please cease the cr@p and hand-wringing about the alleged negligence of the club medical staff.

Gentlemen, I have only one request. Please limit your broadcast to a maximum of 15 minutes or I, like @Clintosaurus, will give it a miss this week. All we need is 5 minutes (or less!) on the game, 5 minutes on changes and 5 minutes on Casey. Having sat through that horrible game, I do not wish to hear it dissected over an extended podcast.

I did, and feel like I have been scammed. I believed that I was coming to watch two teams play football, but instead only one turned up.

You can make a case for any one of eight players to be dropped this week - Petty, McAdam, Bowey (who was atrocious today), Turner, Windsor (who played as if he didn't think he had an opponent - how many times was Freo's number 14 miles in the clear?), Tomlinson, Woewodin and Sparrow - add Hunter who should surely be dropped if he wasn't injured. But apart from JVR and maybe Kolt, the cupboard looks bare. We are in big trouble.

6 The tree on the half forward flank 5 The immaculate playing surface 4 The glorious weather 3 The female singer performing "It's a Grand Old Flag" in the indigenous language pre-game 2 The welcome to country 1 (In advance) Qantas for getting me the hell out of here No Dees player deserved a vote IMHO.

I’m at the game and my feeling is one of sadness as our premiership window has just been closed. Several players not up to AFL standard and others who today have simply given up. This will be a defeat of 100 points by a team not even in the 8. Sorry folks, we are done and dusted.

Chin looked great in the Captain's Run today. No bandages, no restrictions, moved smoothly and efficiently. He's not injured now, that's for sure. Tipping a good game from him tomorrow.

Perfect day at Traeger Park for the Captain’s Run. Flawless playing surface. Lots of supporters up from Melbourne. Heaps of indigenous kids cheering for Kosi. The boys looking super fit, not a knee bandage in sight.

Now able to answer my own question - captain's run 1.00pm tomorrow at the ground. Will be there with bells on.