Kev

I thought there was some karma. Maynard slammed into Murphy, who then lost his bearings and ended up unconscious from the subsequent collision in the '23 grandfinal. Murphy has been unable to get it together, remaining on long term concussion protocols. The wrecking ball strikes again. Very little duty of care, a thug, goes in with intent to hurt any in his way. Turns himself into, ~100kg missile that leads with his shoulder. Is the "Angus" shoulder still a worry for him after his surgery? The AFL cannot afford to have such recklessness from the players.

Difficult to replace a player like Gus. He offered much more to the club than just his on-field skills. His family was also heavily involved in the club, billeting the young players, and I assume always around the club.

Oh, difficult news to handle! Thank you Gus.

A good thread Sam, especially for days and a pre-season like this. All in it together ❤️.

Nothing is set up at Gosch's

"Truth will set you free". Young men with money, time, and the psychological issues of being thrust into the limelight, expecting to be greater than they believe themselves to be, and any associated trauma of growing up, what could go wrong! Mistakes are made, I don't see it as serious and really could be just a medical/psychiatric/psychological intervention away from those afflicted being the best they can be. Rip the bandaid off quickly and get on with it. As for us supporters, I can see what Sam and those positive about us are expressing. I expressed protagonists require antagonistic, now upon reflection I can see, we can all get along and rally behind the "unified" sentiment of Sam, and what they were trying to get across. All for one and one for all, in this "broad church" of the MFC. Thanks Sam

Read in the transcript from the spiel of Gawny, that they have 3 days off, after the match sim with Richmond. They may be training somewhere on Thursday, so Sunday 25th may be a day off (a change to what I wrote in the previous post). Your guess is as good as mine.

Sorry Sam, I am not on the same page. I love diversity and the variety of opinions, this site can bring. The spectrum is a natural expression of the real world. Those who want, have, need a contrary, abrasive, rebellious view, are at least a balance and at worst a laugh. Protagonist need an antagonistic to cause some entertainment, and be thought provoking. We will never be on the same page as individuals, and expressing that we should or could, leads to oppression and banality.

Amazing, thank you to David Thurin, his family, and those generous Tridents. Hoping they get the rewards of the club staying more than competitive on the field, for at least this generation. A great benefit for the players, coaches, and as Wayne Russell mentioned the community.

My guess is they will be on a break until Fri 23rd, when they have a run at Casey. I reckon they will do something Sunday the 25th. Maybe at Gosch's, but they may also get creative. I like that they get to spend some time away from the job prior to the season real starting.

The club is taking a mini-break following Sunday's match, and will return to training later this week. Sessions below. Gosch's Paddock Tuesday 27 February 8:30am onwards Casey Fields Friday February 23 9:30am onwards https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/training-times

So as to serve more of the clubs supporters. Shouldn't they be encouraging more members, and not just those who can afford to get the doors opened for them. At least post the match replay on You Tube or something like this. My only realistic chance to watch the game was to go to pub at 9.30 in the morning, worse for any WA supporters without the pay vision. Some, like me struggle with the cost of living. Seems like you have a gripe against me advocating for equal access for a large percentage of MFC supporters to enjoy the game? Would you get on that bus? My advice to the MFC would be to create a members club room for guesr and visitors as well, where they put a stream of the game on for those unable to attend all non free to air games. My preference would be an alcohol free environment.

You might be able to pick them out of this line up. https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/casey-demons/squads/vfl A short chunky at training on Saturday was Charlie Peters.

My issue is the two, three, four tiered social stratification of society and the clubs/groups that reflect this system of inequalities. Why only a pay per view at a ground that is difficult to get too via public transport? Cannot expect much input from those left outside, getting glimpses as they strain to look in.

I didn't get to watch the game today. My worry is the momentum issue that we cannot control. Five goal lead, then they take the momentum. We have no replies to their goals. Why couldn't we close it down, or continue scoring? Was it a lack of ability to read the game or the same old, drink the bath water and believe this is a cruise? I want us to be ruthless and "put them to the sword" when we are in that position. The backline sounded like a bit of a rabble. They will get their act together, they hate getting scored against, and 21. 21 from the opposition is a shellacking, which, I hope won't happen again. Shame the club couldn't stream via their own methods but used a pay for service. Hope they got well reimbursed. Casey is too difficult to get to by public transport. They need to find a way to include all the supporters of the club.

Did anyone notice any changes or influence, McQualter made on the mids?

Tholstrup will be raring to go. Has a point to prove. Would love to see him and Sestan kick plenty.

I imagine he was talking about the second 18 side. Means we should see Salem and Clarry run around in the 4th quarter tomorrow.

I doubt that. Fitting in well at training. Just hasn't done much with a group. Looked ready and drilled well today with the Casey group. The seconds also did more extensive sims, I believe, so they get know each other. The selectors may change their minds given he had no trouble with fitness, but I doubt it. Those young ones get an opportunity with Clarry out.

With Woey getting concussion, it leaves the door open to probably Windsor, but, K.Brown is also knocking. A chance that Rivers also steps into the wing position. Makes for an interesting practice game! Hunter has the skills, but the 'old man' problem, calf strains, is restricting his preparation. We have quite a few old heads and some young that will push by at least round 3 to 4; Salem, TMac, BBB, Fullaton, Petty, McAdams, Turner (10 to 12 weeks), Melksham, Jefferson, Brayshaw, Spargo and AMW. Tough for them to have an interrupted pre-season.

Another no show was Hunter.

Tholstrup occasionally misses his kicks and he can fumble. If enthusiasm, team player, leadership, run your heart out means anything he would be in. Perhaps they want to iron out his weaknesses. Just give him some time to add some perfection.

My prediction is, year of the Sparrow. Hit some great passes, looks fit, appears slim downed, and I reckon, will run through brick walls. Hoping Rivers will also continue his trajectory. When they entered the field, the backline came out together, no Trent. Reckon, Howes will play his postion (linking back flank) tomorrow and Rivers will be pushed into the mids. Windsor has learnt so much in his short time with us. Interesting to see how he goes, I reckon he will be a class above. I really want to see K.Brown. Reminds me of R.Flower body shaoe, very elusive (cannot be tackled), has great vision, uses/changes the angles and has skills. Hope Verrall has got what it takes. Big game for him. Another no show today was Melky

Lovely morning for a run, overcast, no wind, cool temperature. It's a captain's run of 23 players strutting their stuff. It looks like Kossie will be able to play. Interestingly they are giving some first yearers, new and young ones a go at it, Verall, K.brown, Laurie, Windsor, Howes, Chandler, Billings, Schache. They appear switched on in the drills. Goody has implemented a few different scenarios in the no contact sims. Once he called a “power play”. Pushes a backmen forward of the stoppage, gets the wingers to be wide ('will only work if you are very wide') and they take the ball straight down the middle from a backline stoppage. Another drill had them receiving the ball on the inside corridor and hitting into the forward area. I can see us playing with a more open forward area this season, or at least at times and using a bit more strategy during the game, as we change the styles up. Keep them guessing Dee's. Forgot to mention that Brayshaw was also a no show, as well as no, Spargo, Petty and Turner Great to see all the rehab do some sprinting drills and were included in the team drills with the seconds (except McAdam's and Jefferson). Woey wearing the yellow concussion protocol hat. Oliver made his way to most of the Casey players. Those Casey appeared a bit star stuck and Clarry introduced himself, shook hands and encouraged them. Nothing highfalutin about him. The Casey players did the drills well, looks like most of the younger ones. I'm impressed with Tyler Williams, Ryan Valentine, Charlie Muley

No shows. Turner, Spargo, Petty. McAdam's doing own program.