BDA

“Collingwood members set the benchmark when it comes to achieving huge – and let’s be honest – noisy crowd attendances; and that is a benchmark we want to chase,” Roffey told this masthead. “I believe Melbourne can and should be a big club on and off the field. We have seen our membership grow to record numbers over the last few years and are on our way to reaching 75-80 thousand members, and I want to see that number keep growing. We have always had a great rivalry with the Pies on the field. Let’s add the membership-number challenge to that great rivalry off the field.” Roffey went on to explain that her remarks should be interpreted as a call to arms for Melbourne supporters. In 2023, the Demons had 70,785 members to Collingwood’s 106,470, while the two clubs’ average crowds, including finals, were 43,860 for Melbourne and 64,429 for Collingwood. “The crowd at a game makes a huge difference - especially a noisy crowd giving their team 100 per cent support. I’m not sure supporters realise how much difference it does make to players on the field - but it matters a lot to them. When the MCG is full and our members are making lots of noise it gives the players a massive lift out on the field. “I will keep encouraging every Melbourne supporter to play their part by getting to games, by being louder in the stands - and getting behind their players whether the team is five goals up or five goals down - because it does matter. Roffey admitted, “I may well go down in history as the only Melbourne president who has ever said anything positive about Collingwood - but in the context of the conversation I was having around the size of the club and crowd attendances I don’t think there is any confusion for supporters. “We love playing at the MCG - our spiritual home; and we want to see the ’G full of red and blue every time we play there. Our supporters are the ones who will make our club big - and I would like to see them filling the stands at every one of our games and being a part of our incredible journey.”

Took an Uber to travel 50ks once. Thought I’d never see my family again. Definitely used up a few of my 9 lives

Our president had some membership comments in the age today. I think her remarks are fair. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/the-melbourne-president-didn-t-want-this-remark-ending-up-in-the-newspapers-20240312-p5fbs9.html

The food is great in my experience although I wouldn’t recommend buying from street vendors. The driving is mental. Traffic keeps moving though.

We should start a negative news thread to draw away the doom mongers from this thread

i always though he was a great pack mark. when did he forget how to mark?

Don't forget Clarry was told to shape up or ship out a couple of months ago. That said, Geelong have nothing we would want. I'd be disgusted if he ended up there. If Carlton were prepared to offer Charlie Curnow in exchange I'd entertain the conversation.

I'd prefer Naughton.

If Dermie is right, we're asking the wrong question.

i remember that game. Our kicking skills terrible that day. a bright spot was lingers kicking a banana

we should just trade in Charlie Curnow. simples

GWS the pick of the bunch this round. Strong from back to front. Polished skills. If they can stay fit, in particular hogan, then they’re as good a chance as anyone this year.

Brown has improved a lot. Been excellent tonight.

Hogan has been moved on from 2 clubs for a reason but I’m glad his attitude has changed and he’s doing well now with gws. Very talented player.

Maynard is loathsome

Better from Richmond hate the tiges but for adems sake I hope they put up a fight and make it respectable

This is horrendous. couldn't be going much worse for Yze. the sort of performance that completely undermines belief in a new coach. Feel for him.

Ooze won't like what his charges are dishing up here. this could get ugly.

Lions will be in the gun this week. Coughing up a lead in that manner, at home, to an injury depleted team was a choke of epic proportions.

Great game it has to be said huge result for Carlton. sets up the season for them. Lions really [censored] the bed. Pathetic second half from them

brilliant grab Charlie Cameron shocking kick for goal. terrible miss

makes the beating we dished out to the blues in the praccy game look all the more impressive. joking

Harris Andrews is an overrated defender. Drops his bundle too often.

Lazy lions Fagan needs to rip them a new one at 3 quarter time

blues showing some ticker here. Lions have fallen asleep. they need to wake up fast.