donny williams no 25

Those who have been watching Sandy can comment--is Meesen doing any work in the ruck? As I've said elsewhere, he doesn't look 201cm and in the pre-season match v Geelong, he didn't contest any centre ruck bounces. Tho he looks athletic I'm not certain why he was selected pre-season

Two other points about this dinner, which I also thought was too expensive. A selection team has chosen the best 150 players still alve and they, and their wives/partners, are receiving freebies.The more I think about it, that's fair enough isn't it? BUT it adds considerably to the cost. The MSO will not be playing live-but they will have recorded music for the occasion. Come on! Let's support it if we can, especially at the new offer of $350

So what do we make of the recruiting of Meesen? I was one of about 12 Demon supporters at the pre-season game v Geelong, largely to see chaps like Meesen play. As soon as I saw him I was amazed--he appears to be no taller than White/ Jamar, despite the claimed 201cm. He didn't contest one centre bounce that day. He actually moved nicely, looked an athlete, but by no means a big ruckman of the future. Perhaps a CHF? Anyone else watched him closely?

Rubbish again! What do Alastair Lord, Brian Wilson,Scott West,David Clarke, Tony Shaw, even Brian Dixon--and there are hundreds of others-have in common? They were not outstanding disposers of the ball, but a couple have won Brownlows and all won B and Fs galore. Some players get it less often and dispose of it well, others including Bruce, get it heaps. When he has the ball, as Jack Dyer would have said "the other mob don't" Several posters have pointed out his 13 disposals in the last quarter--a useful contibution?And watch how he got it on a number of occasions. As it turned out, most of the targets he aimed at [after 3/4 bad handpasses in the first quarter], he hit Incidentally didn't Carrazzo get Bo G for friday night?

So why on earth did Unstable Punt [well named]shout abuse at a bloke playing his first match for the season. Did it make you feel better mate? Did you think it would help the boy's confidence? It's "supporters" like you who drive many of us to drink!

Stuey is dead right--too many of us are knockers and those who query players' courage are ,largely, cowards themselves. For a lightly built player Bruce is in the firing line a lot

Good heavens man--you'd retain Bruce?Give him 1 more chance?!

I would certainly object. Looks very promising

I agree with you-he stuffed up a few handballs early.But your overall assessment?Pretty fair game?13 disposals in the last quarter, which we commenced 32 points down. Your man Col would have been gasping for breath after 5 minutes. I love Sylvia's skills, but we see about 5 minutes a match. As a matter of interest, in how many games has Sylvia been named amongst Melbourne's best players?

Seriously?What aspect of Bailey's coaching reminds you of Leigh Matthews?Brisbane have been a 2 kicks to 1 handball side--even higher ratio when they won their flags. Our new ambition is to have equal numbers of kicks/handballs.That's what's frustrating the heck out of supporters and commentators alike. I do agree however that Daniher's recruiting post 2003 was good and should give us a base. But who chose Meesen and what do they think now?

have great faith in Bate--but he's not the tall, strong marking option I'm talking of .Newton will be but I doubt he is at present. Holland has been injured I understand, and when he's played for Sandy has done well. Anyway mate, I'm with you all the way--it's just that the present situation is out of the ordinary in my view--that's why the original post was so right.

Of course Holland will be up against it playing on McPharlin!So will anyone else.But he'll create a contest, bring the ball to the ground for chaps like Davey. As the commentators pointed out last week, the players carrying the ball had no options up-front, so they hesitated and passed sideways by hand or foot. ONE OPTION [and it's only one] is to kick the ball to the top of the square--many goals result from this option if you have Davey, Aussie, Yze crumbing.And fellows like Moloney and Green capable of getting the ball in quickly. Of course we bring in the kids during the year, but so that they might display their stuff, bring them into a competitive team--not one getting flogged and in respect to which morale is appalling. Surely you concede that the present morale is no good for the youngsters

I think Stuey Spencer is dead right! I disagree with Gouga that the few fans who turn up are hoping to see the kids. They want to see a win! And as to Rhino's comments, I somehow recall Holland's games against Collingwood and Footscray last year. Two of the best he's played for Melb. But I'm not plumping for any particular player--I just want the selectors to pick the best 22 to win a game.[Nd in my humble, that must include one high-marking option in front of goal] I ask both Rhino and Gouga--can you recall ANY team which has had a percentage of 50 after round 6? Or whose style of play incites such scorn and ridicule as we heard last Sunday from commentators including Shaun Hart who obviously has some real concern for Melbourne.Kids don't prosper in that environment. They [and the Club] need to be competitive. And with our list we certainly should be

Well done to all the positive people looking for ways to help. Never before has the MFC needed us, its great supporters to hang tough and support them. A few of us were wondering about a town hall meeting--yes, in the Melbourne Town Hall--as a demonstration of support. Not to knock or destabilise, but to show support. The coach is appointed, so is the CEO-not a bit of value to start criticising them.As to the Board, we elected them, they're volunteers going through hell, I imagine, for no reward whatever. I believe a new president will emerge from all of this. Any reaction to the idea of a full-scale meeting to show support?

you are a miserable lot, knowing damn all about the game. Of course, if he's playing well enough he should be picked--on merit. Contrary to some opinions, the list is not old, and a lot of young players benefit from having experience in the team

do you recall one of Chris Johnson's first games, against W.C in Perth where we lost a top of the ladder match by a small margin. He was sensational that day--the boy can definitely play, and I also would like to see him get a few games before we write him off

Have you seen Meesen? He's by no means the big bloke he's supposed to be. Looks like a key position player--not a tall ruckman. The alleged 201 cm is nonsense

Guys,the original post related to Holland as a tall backman. How has it degenerated to a discussion about Neitz and Robbo? And who IS going to play on North's talls on the forward line? Whelan?

bell on shannon grant.Spare us please! A similar machup against Nathan Brown in last year's match v Richmond was enough to cost Daniher his job