Swooper1987

6. Gawn - another dominant display for the whole game 5. Harmes - after quarter time was great on O'Meara but 2 50's in exactly the same way was inexcusable 4. Salem - Allan Jeans would call him "a good driver in heavy traffic" 3. Oliver - some dumb decisions but boy can he find the ball 2. Hibberd - much improved in the last two games 1. Frost - a very steady game from a player I doubted I would ever call steady.

Even with the injuries he was a star. Whilst probably not quite in the Flower class, he had many of Robbie's qualities - leadership, skill, fairness and plenty of courage. He often played on much bigger opponents, both in defence and attack. He got belted by Brereton and Ablett but was a genuine ball player. He's probably the best Melbourne Captain in my lifetime. A genuine match winner at both ends of the ground. In my time watching footy - since the mid 70's only Ross Glendinning, Paul Roos, Terry Daniher and Lyon have been genuine match winning (or saving) KP utility players. All 4 regularly kicked multiple goals forward and saved plenty when playing back. I'd imagine all were coaches dreams. A state captain and 3 AA's says it all really. Without the injuries he would have jhad a better record in terms of games and goals, but he was a great of this footy club regardless.

He was a great player. Started out as a mobile forward, became a great rebounding CHB and then in 1994 and 95 kicked 70 plus goals both seasons. Then his back injury robbed him of a couple of seasons. Had a solid 1998 when we reemerged in Daniher's first year as coach and then finished up early in 1999 when injury flared again. One of Melbourne's best ever and should be in the hall of fame.

He and Salem are the only two players that haven't gone backwards this season so far. He can say and write what he likes as long as he keeps playing good footy. Thus far he isn't the reason why we are so [censored]. If everybody else was dominating their position the way he does we'd be exactly where we all hoped we'd be.

6. Gawn - his game actually gets better the more you watch it. He is a genuine champion of the game. 5. Stretch - Billy showed a great deal last night. He was physical with his tackling, his pace was a real asset and his ball use was improved. 4. Melksham - Jake's best game for the year. 3. Hibberd - Hibbo's best game since his AA year. 2. Salem - he is having a career best season. Shame he hasn't got more help. 1. Oliver - Just keeps on winning hard ball and a great tackler. The effort was definitely an improvement, but the skill level is deplorable in the main and our forward line is a joke! I think all those who bagged Hogan might now understand just how good he was for this team. To kick 40 plus goals three years out of 4 as a very young man was an extraordinary effort with the opposition best defender hanging off you every week.

The event is fantastic and well worth attending. The game will most likely not live up to the event which is a real shame. I am hopeful rather than optimistic that our mob can can put on a good show but I do like Lockhart, Stretch and Garlett as ins. At least they can all run, which is a massive improvement on the blokes they've replaced. Bull Smith has a crack. He'll make a contest and hits it hard. Maybe we can make things uncomfortable for the Tigers.

It's scapegoat time unfortunately. Macca is a great fella but he's old school. I don't think there is anything wrong with that but obviously somebody does. Our players need to harden up and understand the requirements of a professional athlete - in and out of season. Our players are mentally weak unfortunately. I think more time with Macca is probably what is needed however the opposite is the more likely outcome.

Hard to blame Misson for Jetta's injury and May's lack of condition. Misson is the same bloke that in 2005 saw the Swans unchanged for about 10 weeks on their way to a flag they probably shouldn't have won. His record in sports science and rehab and preparation speaks for itself. He has the absolute confidence of Roos. May, as a highly paid, professional athlete has a responsibility to present in decent condition. His lack of discipline clearly extends beyond his on field brain farts. Jetta is just bad luck. It's a collision sport and [censored] happens. Lever the same. If his knee recovers he will prove to be worth every bit the two first round picks we paid for him.

Too defeatist I think. In 1987 after 16 games we were 6 wins and 10 losses. We ended up winning the last 6 in a row and finishing the H&A in 5th spot and should have won the preliminary final. We are capable of putting a block of form together which could still see us reach finals. Writing off the season is a cop out and gives the club more excuses for inept performances. I have paid this club a fortune over the years in membership fees and I want to see a decent return on that investment. Effort and a willingness to do the basics well would be a great start.

Frost was our best tonight

There aren't many good ones around now. Hudson and Whately, Tim Lane and then guys like Speed, who I think is very underrated. Going back a long way now, but I used to love listening to the ABC 30 odd years ago to Peter Booth, Smokey Dawson and Doug Bigelow. Crosses to Clelo (Ian Cleland) and Swan McKay - that was a great commentary team back when radio was worth listening too - before the MMM boys club!

Jones had a good game but he was far from the most influential player on the ground. Gawn was outstanding all night and was the single biggest difference between the teams. We are incredibly fortunate to have a player like him. I am 50 this year and I don't recall a more dominant ruckman since Simon Madden - and that includes Dean Cox who I rate incredibly highly. His ability to collect ground ball is remarkable for a man of his size. He really is one of a kind. Based on influence on the result: 6. Gawn 5. Petracca 4. Oliver 3. Jones 2. Salem 1. Fritsch I really like Hunt forward as well. His tackling and chasing created plenty of scoring opportunities.

Jones is actually playing significantly worse than Junior McDonald was when he was forced into premature (and as it turned out, temporary) retirement. For the first time in his career on Friday night I noticed him deviate from a contest and self preservation was obvious. The Jones of previous seasons always ran a straight line and took the punishment when it was coming his way. I have always thought of him as a good honest player - no star, perhaps a B grader in an F Grade team for much of his career. He has zero accountability and is a kick chaser. He is not and never has been an elite level midfielder and Tyson was of more value to us last year than Jones. At present though, he is still in our best 22. That may change as players return from injury, but for now he stays and as a midfielder - which in the modern game means anywhere from half back to half forward.

A gun. His kicking is a joy to watch. Salem will be a real weapon for us for many years to come.

I'm pleased to hear it. As much as I would have loved him to be playing for the Demons, I am happy that loyalty isn't dead.

If true I'm stoked. He'll be well compensated but it strikes a blow for old fashioned club loyalty. Simpson and everyone at WCE stuck by him. Despite his old man's illness, he's four hours away, not in another country. A few blokes could learn a lesson if that's how it plays out.

You'll need to call the club. Tracy is great but there isn't much available in the premium memberships.

Upgraded from Redlegs to Trident a couple of weeks back. Couldn't get 2 seats together in the Olympic stand so we are in the Great Southern Stand section. Loved the Redlegs area (N1-4) behind the Punt Rd goals, hoping the move to the HFF will be worth it! Very limited opportunity for the premium packages by the sound of it so register your interest asap.

Given who the Dockers are trying to bring in, a more likely trade is a very early pick (likely 5) plus a player. They'll need to keep some picks but Hogan is clearly the most valuable KPP in trade conversations so he is definitely worth more than 1 first round pick. It may be Andrew Brayshaw or it may be somebody else but I think this is probably the most likely outcome.

I'd be reluctant to let him go. No team ever gets through injury free. Which young midfielder that we haven't yet seen at senior level is going to be better than Tyson if Viney gets hurt again or if Brayshaw gets concussed, or Oliver's shoulders don't come up? I think the GF proved that depth is crucial. Both sides were a long way from their best 22 yet still played an extraordinary game of footy. Tyson played some pretty reasonable footy towards the end of the H&A season and was nearly best on against the Giants for the first half before he broke his arm. He can play. People knock his disposal and it's true he isn't a fantastic kick, but he can find the footy and he is a big, experienced body. As long as his arse points south he'll never be a winger but he is an important part of our depth. Hold him to his contract.

I think Salem's year has been very underrated and he'll be top half dozen in the Bluey!

FWIW Tony Sheahan reported on his twitter feed that the Demons are back in the race for Gaff. Usually a fairly speculative fellow, but he's put it out there.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if May and KK are packaged up for a top 10 pick assuming the Hogan trade goes ahead. May alone is not worth a top 10.

Two first round pick, one of which goes to GC for May and I'd imagine KK. No way May would be worth a top 10 pick by himself. Darcy wouldn't go with it if he had any doubt and Jones certainly wasn't refuting it.

I've got a lot of sympathy for AVB's situation. He carries a massive family responsibility with the business and he has been running it by remote. Sure we looked after him when injured, but he got injured playing for us! He always gives 100%, but as others have already pointed out, he isn't critical for us going forward. If he goes then I wish him all the best and sincerely thank him for what he has done for our footy club.