Robbie87

Billings is no certainty from there...good chance for out of bounds on the full.

Totally agree - there was no need to draw attention to Max's issues - the press didn't instigate this one. Nice of Goody, but not very wise IMO.

Apparently he has indicated he wants to play midfield - may not be a match.

Depends on where you coming from AoB - if you are coming in on the Craigeburn line and don't want to hop trains at North Melbourne you might go Kensington or just continue on to North Melbourne station - 10 minutes walk also.

There is also Kensington Station (Craigeburn line) - both are about a 20 minute walk, but I would suggest Kensington Station might be a slightly easier and more straight forward walk, plus I also believe trains don't always stop at South Kensington...check that.

Great Melbourne man - he and Arthur Wilkinson guarded the change room door like their lives depended on it - should be nominated for the Defenders of Team of the Century! Barry had a gruff demeanour when on duty, but was a lovely bloke. Worked out along the way that he lived just near me on those days, so used to give him the occasional lift home after a game, and got to know him a bit better than just his doorman duties. Generally, Barry took public transport to and from games, making for very long days for him, especially in his later days. One of the old-time good guys, Melbourne through and through. RIP Barry, and condolences to friends and family.

Fritta probably still recovering from last session's Clarrie tackle...

Thanks Ghostwriter - should be a nice day for it...

Does anyone know if it is on at Gosch's at the usual time? Nothing on club website about it.

Great report Deespicable - thanks. Here is hoping Jed Adams can take a step forward. The absence of Tomlinson down back at VFL level might be just what he needs - more responsibility on key forwards. Windsor observations are interesting - I keep getting flashbacks of Robbie Flower when I watch this bloke on the move. Stick the number 2 on him?

WC website: Taken with the first pick in the Mid-Season Rookie Draft in June 2022, Culley arrived in the west from Dandenong with a mature, AFL-ready body and made an impact in the second half of the year. After four games in the WAFL, Culley was called up to debut for the round 18 clash with Hawthorn at the MCG and laid 11 tackles. He tallied four games in his first half-season in the AFL and returned to pre-season trimmed down and extremely fit ahead of his first full campaign in blue and gold. Culley found his place in the Eagles’ forward line early in 2023, earning himself a Rising Star Nomination for his career-high four goals in round six. Unfortunately, Culley suffered a season-ending ACL injury in round eight and was moved to the inactive list. He was re-signed on a one-year deal for the 2024 season. At a Glance: Junior Club: Langwarrin (VIC)/Elizabeth Murdoch College (VIC). Debut: Round 18, 2022. Recruited from: Gippsland U18 (VIC). Brownlow Votes: 0. 194cm. Forward or mid in other bios.

For all the talk of being an elite kick, his ability to regularly turn something into nothing (especially with any heat on, perceived or otherwise) was very evident. A depth player at best - would rather have seen a younger project player in that spot. Not a contest player and as an outside runner, not enough speed. Been largely disappointing and probably would have had a lot less games if Hunter or even Spargo were available. Admittedly he was a bit better in the last few games but agree with Biggestred on his likely status in 2025.

...but "cultural issues", "crisis" and "mess" at the Demons? Damian Barrett = first class hack...add this one to the list.

I would consider Membrey or Kruger for the reasons above (all things considered like age, injury history) - better than backup - could make an impact at crucial times if not season regulars. Kruger is a beast.

For all those D'land Dribblers who have been calling for Tim Lamb's head. The Demons have aced the AFL futures market, but Collingwood have floundered.This is how they did it Melbourne’s bold move to trade up to Essendon’s pick nine surprised clubs for its audacity as the AFL’s trade period entered its second week, but it’s straight from the Demons’ successful future trading playbook, which has made them the best traders in the first 10 years of the AFL’s future trading system.