Bring-Back-Powell

Can definitely see Lever and Trac as the 2 obvious contenders for captains, but as they're the same age I suspect only one of these 2 will be the long term captain after Max relinquishes the gig and the other misses out. One of the key criteria of a captain is their communication skills through the media and the public and how they represent the club. That's why I couldn't believe D Martin was a supposed contender to captain Richmond and why Oliver would probably never captain our club. Being a captain is more than leading by example on the field. Both Lever and Trac handle themselves brilliantly and are natural public speakers.

It’s a quick turnaround considering he did his knee in May last year. A lot of players take the full 12 months until they play another AFL game, eg- Lever.

49,995 tops. Wednesday night. Dogs supporters won't turn up. People still hesitant to attend public events.

I heard that Jack Darling's mum in law is a high profile anti vax campaigner so he probably never stood a chance in regards to making a well considered and informed decision.

I get the need to have a 7 day break into the Carlton AAMI game, but it would've been great to have this match as a double header leading into the Melb/North AFLW game on Saturday night. Hopefully the club's website will show a full replay on Thursday night.

A little surprised we're going in as favourites given we're on the road against a good side (albeit one that hasn't beaten anyone of quality this year)

I was thinking that if it came down to prioritising Brayshaw or Harmes, we’d clearly spend our money on Gus. Only to find out Harmes still has 3 years left on his contract.

Not sure I understand you’re last paragraph in reference to a surreal experience that probably won’t be replicated. Are you suggesting that the next flag (if we win another) won’t be as special as 2021? Or are you suggesting that the nature of the win was surreal with respect to 16 goals to 3 in the second half. I reckon there will be 30,000 Victorian based MFC supporters that would find winning a flag live at the G better than having to watch their clubs first premiership in 57 years in lockdown with sub standard channel 7 commentators.

I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a mutual parting at the end of the year if Gus plays another year on the wing. (And I hope he doesn’t play inside as that would likely mean that Trac or Clarry are missing games) He’ll point out (and sell to other clubs) that he plays his best footy inside the centre square as evidenced by a 37 possession 3 goal game against Adelaide in 2018, or the clinic he and Gawn put on in a devastating third quarter against the Dogs later that year. We need to save our money for generational game changing players such as Oliver and Jackson who are out of contract soon, not spend the farm on solid role players such as the one Brayshaw has come. We can’t keep all our premiership heroes.

And hopefully we'll be able to attend games in August/September this year.

Going to watch the GF for the 4th time this coming weekend. Only watched the prelim once in full. Poor numbers I know. And yet I've watched the Freo, St Kilda, Richmond, Geelong (first time) Sydney wins at least 7 or 8 times.

Adam Schneider was recently referred to as an AFL “legend”. The accolades really get thrown around loosely.

Before I reading this I would’ve said Petty was arguably the most replaceable player in the Premiership side aside from say Sparrow. Perhaps not after all.

Just win one at the G fellas.

A good deal for J Darling. Earn $187,500 a year for doing absolutely nothing on the inactive list.

It's fantastic that KAYO customers can benefit from the telecast/streaming of the week 1 practice matches but what about for Foxtel customers who pay significantly more than KAYO customers. Anyway, hopefully the MFC put the replay on its website by the Thursday night, or the game can be found on Youtube shortly after.

Friday 8 July or Saturday 9 July. Obviously down at Geelong because where else would the reigning premier be fixtured against Geelong?

If there were any COVID doubts whatsoever, McGowan would’ve shut the game down at the drop of a hat.

According to everyone's favourite non MFC coach. Geelong had too many players under an injury or illness cloud and thus the game should've been postponed until Geelong were fit and healthy. No excuses but flummoxed Scott still wonders why prelim went ahead

I can't imagine tickets will go on sale any earlier than Monday 7 March. May even be as late as Monday 14 March.

Dunstan and Ratten got along as well as Neeld and Moloney did.

The injury list was our most valuable player in our premiership year and here's hoping that continues next year. Hopefully ANB's knee concern isn't concerning. Tomlinson will be a good replacement for Petty if he's not available for the start of the season. Those two are probably fighting for the one spot regardless.

The state of origin game in pre-season 2020 was a bit of a yawn. No defense, walk in goals all night. Nothing at stake. Just doesn't invoke the same passion as NRL

Agree in that it's a momentous occasion. No question. But it all goes back to the Wednesday night time slot. Will cost thousands in attendance. Either the AFL and/or Pert has gotten a bit cute with this one.

I'd be flabbergasted if we got 80,000 to the Dees v Dogs game. 1) Wednesday night is a shocking timeslot even allowing for the special occasion of the flag being unfurled. The game should've been on a Friday night - would get the same amount of eye balls on the TV screen but a way bigger crowd and more $$$ in the MFC till. 2) Dogs fans prefer Marvel over the G. 3) Dogs fans won't be particularly keen to see the flag being unfurled and a reminder that they gave up in a GF at 3 qtr time. 4) The biggest crowd between these two sides at the MCG in a home and away game was 45,000 in 2010 on a Friday night. I predict 55K for round 1 but as many as 65K-70K for the Essendon Friday night game if both clubs start well.