Dame Gaga

I think he wanted to say, "We all need to pull our socks up." But that would have sounded too simple. The journos would have nothing to write about. Instead they fill the sport pages with waffle. We all know about the injuries etc etc.

Yes, Hillary Bray, I agree the campaign could be more effective if they used actual messages sent to people other than themselves (as footballers) because they may be considered to be more resilient than, say, a vulnerable teenager, or someone in the spotlight who is worn down by relentless attacks. They could place names of the people we have lost through online bullying on the banner as well as the messages ( Dolly Everett, Charlotte Dawson as you mentioned. I'm sure there are others.) This may convey the message in a stronger way. Bullying can lead to suicide. Let's not pussyfoot around the issue.

Sorry, but I think we are all missing the point of this campaign. It is called the Round for Reach. The club has dedicated the match day to raising funds for the Reach Foundation, which has been running programs to support kids affected by bullying for 25 years. Only now the focus is online bullying, an unfortunate reality for our children these days. To donate to Reach, text Reach to 0455 021 021 or visit roundforreach.org.au Jim Stynes will be proud his legacy continues.

Can't believe Reach is now 25 years old. In these times of media and online bullying we need them more than ever before, unfortunately.We also need great, compassionate men like Jim Stynes. Miss him.

B*#*!*y typical. But might have known, he plays for Collingwood. They have to be looked after. There is no level playing field in the AFL. By the way, I notice Clarkson is seeking clarification on a number of decisions made against his precious side on the weekend. No one calls him out for bleating.

How is Hooker right to play after being predicted to miss the first four games of the season? Must have some healing vitamins on hand down at Essendon. Oh, what?

2020 has a nice ring to it. As in, Melbourne won the Premiership in 2020. Good even number.

I agree that last year's rise up the ladder and finals appearances have brought more attention and scrutiny onto the club. Expectations are high, especially when the media run stories all summer about how good Melbourne is going to be, how good their young players are etc. I have said elsewhere on this topic this is the worse thing that could have happened to these young men. This stroking of egos does no good for players who must step up and work even harder this year to achieve the desired Premiership. It can become too easy to rest on the laurels of your past achievements and coast along in the same lane. Hunger, burning desire and the aggressive will to win must exist to take the next step. I worry some players are just happy they are playing AFL footy every week and getting paid well for it. Us supporters want to see more. That is why we are so disappointed. We need to see some leadership on the field as well, not meek surrender.

I don't think this is the right way of proving all the tipsters wrong. Apart from Malthouse, of course, who didn't pick Melbourne to make the eight. Who wants to hear his smug ' I told you so ' at the end of the year? Grrrrr...

Somebody needs to find the ON switch.

What is Neater doing at the moment? Need him in the side now.

When the media started printing article upon article about how good Melbourne were, how good their young players were, how they were about to break their Premiership drought, how the new rules would suit the team etc etc, I thought it was the worse thing that could have happened. Footballers should be banned from reading such publicity. I'm sure much of it seeped into their brains and they began to believe it. All of a sudden Melbourne players were in demand to be interviewed like they were the flavour of the month. This mindset can apply to any player, and Petracca is no exception. The majority of them are young boys and not immune to flattery. We used to call it "being full of yourself". The job has not yet been done. There are other teams who are hungry to win a Premiership as well. Melbourne players need to get their hunger and aggression back. What they did last year was great, and admirable, but it is not the time to relax like the hare did and watch the tortoises win the race.

It will huge at the Colosseum Friday night! Supporters of both sides will be baying for blood! Whichever side flounders first will receive the thumbs down from the crowd and we don't know what will happen next! Heads may roll! Someone will be sacrificed to appease the bloodthirsty fans! Roll up, roll up, for all the fun of the fight to the death! (That's how the AFL should promote the game).

Oliver - champion bounces back Melbourne - must bounce back Umpires - must reread rules

Who is the media going to whip the most this week? Melbourne or Essenbomb?

Disappointed Tommy Mac didn't have any impact on the game. But the delivery into the forward line was woeful, so he didn't get many chances. Also I wish the umpires paid our forwards the frees they always gift the opposition, especially their favourites ( Ablett, Dangerfield, Hawkins etc). Same old story.

Now what I just saw is beyond a joke.

No, we all woke up and it was all a dream..... Oh, wait, that was the Wizard of Oz. I'm feeling the same right now. Having flashbacks.

Players in blue and white striped jumper = umpire pets. Disgrace.

Even Richo is non plussed.

Like to see a free like that paid to one of our forwards. Don't forget not only do you have to play against the Geelong team but you also have to play against the cow farmers in the crowd and the umpires who listen to them.

Selwood can do whatever he likes. Just ask Cameron ( I am totally impartial ) Ling.

How about the basics? Laying tackles and holding marks. Too many new fangled ideas in football nowadays.

Has holding the ball been erased from the rule book?

This is what I call the height of optimism. Like your attitude! Let's all send positive thoughts. The power of the mind.....