Neil Crompton

An experienced Captain would have known how to answer this question without possibly getting teammates offside, A good Captain will learn from this and think of a team-first response in future rather than giving the reporter the answer that he wants.

Jeremy Howe made an off the cuff comment - which, given the circumstances, I thought was a pretty funny one-liner. To now suggest that the Melbourne players will want to extract some sort of revenge for this comment is just absurd. While the players will already have an opinion of Howe following his departure a few years back, I bet if you now asked the players about this comment, they would probably just laugh. To suggest that Howe is a "germ" and a host of other insults is, in my opinion, just disgraceful. His character assassination in this thread by people who most likely have never even met him is something we should be ashamed of. The guy possess the one single trait that excites all fans - no matter what team they follow - and he does this week after week - he is a once in a generation player for that skill alone. So the guy wanted to leave the MFC - get over it - I'm sure his ex-teammates have.

perhaps a jeer instead

Did anyone else think it significant that Fritsch and Melksham kicked 9 goals between them? Our key forwards in TMac and Weideman were simply mobbed every time they went near the ball - which left Fritsch and Melksham either on there own, or one on one. And for once we adjusted our game plan to take advantage of this situation. The Weid and TMac can become decoys every week if we get these sort of results.

I believe we should play both of them. Having Jackson in the side allows the Weid to concentrate on the role we signed him up for - a KPF. Personally i don't want to see Weideman as a back up ruck, and the longer we use him in that role, the longer it will take for him to develop his KPF skills. Just look at what we did to Fritsch last year playing him down back, when he is a natural forward. Necessity last year? maybe, but with Jackson available, we don't need to do that to the Weid. Jackson is so raw, but even so, I think this kid is special. Agree with Wayne and BBO that the kid was learning and adapting and eventually winning last night. It was like watching your kid successfully learn to ride a bike for the first time - it was great to watch. Happy to allow this kid to develop his skills among the big boys.

Last year we were at relatively full strength (injuries aside).

Agree with you Wiseblood on Bedford, but I think our depth has improved considerably this year. And because of that I think selecting a best 22 come round 1 will be a headache. Baring the injured players, I think there could be 31 players vying for 22 spots - and I cannot remember the last time we were in such a good shape.

i wouldn't be surprised if that was Harmes and not Trac first left hand side.

This is what I'd like to see from Jayden again. Straight lines? what a load of BS.

How do you know I’m not?

Sorry mate - had Moonie on the brain for some reason.

I’m sure your right Moonie, but I’m also sure it will be a proud moment for whoever leads out the team onto the field - probably their only chance to do so, ever.

Who will captain the side? Gus? Melksham?

Guys, please get a room

Really impressed with the effort of Lockhart, and Sparrow not too far behind. Was disappointed the Kossie show was only a small highlight reel - but heaven help the opposition if he gets more of it. However, I won't be distraught if we never pick ANB again - a good footballer must be so much more than just an athlete. Spargo in the same boat to my way of thinking. Petracca wasn't too shabby though.

I must be dumb - I still cannot see the rort here. If player A has 2 years left on his contract at $500K per year. He retires and club pay him out $250K for this year. Surely the club has the right to add $250K to their payment purse this year and $500K next year? Could someone please explain the issue here? As I said, I must be dumb

Interesting you haven't ended up in hospital, BBO, given the amount of stroking you supposedly do.

Best wishes DF- wish you a speedy and full recovery.

If you are watching what is effectively a part-time, amateur competition (AFLW) and expecting to witness the skill-set of a highly professional comp (AFL) then you are going to be very disappointed, and may well think it is “awful” by comparison. The same comparisons and comments were prevalent when women’s cricket started. Today however, I’d happily watch the Aussie women play cricket, or the women’s big bash equivalent. The growth and skill improvement of women’s cricket came about by investment by the cricket board into better facilities, more junior coaching, and finally better payments for the players. Which came about because of large spectator interest and of course tv payments. The same will happen with the AFLW - as long as the AFL understands that skill development can only occur if the women get the right levels of coaching, and a proper level of compensation to allow the players to spend the time they need to develop their skills.

To me, the real feel-good story about Harley Bennell is that the MFC has given him a chance to make an AFL comeback - and I am really proud of our club for making this a reality.. What happens from this point on is up to Harley and really, is in the lap of the gods - but we all wish him well. If he gets to a level of fitness where he can play again - I'll be extremely happy for him. If he gets to a point where his performance gets him selected in our best 22, then i will be ecstatic for him. If he gets to the point where he actually stars in our best 22, then I will be orgasmic. However, if he breaks down during any of these stages, and has to give the game away, i'll be sad for Harley, but extremely proud of our Club for doing all it could to make Harley's dream a reality.

My father used to play for the swans and used to swear by Bill Mitchell. Said he was a miracle worker.

This post makes you sound awfully familiar MFM. If I'm correct, your previous incarnation i think broke the record for the most blocked poster on Demonland. My apologies if i am wrong - but please do not turn into a reincarnation of that bloke.

Pickett Petty Jackson Sparrow Lockhart

I would have thought that if we had any notion of signing him up, he should be going to Maroochydore. One of the great aspects of the Qld training camp is the bonding that occurs - and IMV would be worth going for that alone.

Tomlinson Bedford Baker May Langdon