Robbie87

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.

Couldn't agree more re the leadership situation (same goes for Tmac), but also, while I know Milkshake has his detractors (on this forum at least) I am rapt he stays on for his footy smarts, skills and forward line marshalling. We are always better with him in the side, and miss him greatly when he isn't. And good on him for being rewarded for staying the course - he could have easily run up the white flag with that knee. A class act...

Listen to the Lever interview this morning on Tim and Garry's SEN program - some might breath a bit easier on the Trac situation...

Agree with many here - we seem to cop it in an extraordinary way. It seems to me that, by and large, the Club is very tight on matters of player management and welfare - not convinced the leaks come from the inner sanctum, more likely family members, friends? It seems particular members of the media don't like that they are not 'in the know' and they try to take us down every chance they get - or at best add 2 and 2 to get 10 - think Barrett on his relentless crusade that everything that happens points to 'cultural issues' at Melbourne (despite a growing flotilla of re-signings) - lazy journalism at best. I think the Club has done a mighty job under enormous media pressure to stay tight - they have given Trac space even though it is hurting us publicity-wise (and maybe recruitment-wise eg Houston?) - and I was pleased in a way to hear Perty in his recent SEN interview admit to the distraction - how could there not be? When the dust settles on all this (and Trac plays on), at the risk of stirring the pot and inviting more malice, I hope we can look forward to a few very public, good natured, but pointed, 'digs' at some of the players. Tom Morris, "Simon, you must have been thrilled with Petracca's performance today". Goody, "Yeah, not bad for a bloke who didn't want to be here, hey Tom?"

Clearly someone (or more) is feeding our 'friends' in the press. Is there a rat in the ranks, or someone associated with the players - either way, what is their motive for running what appears to be a disruptive agenda?

Spot on. Those who claim he is past it obviously haven't watched him this season. Been the Iceman down back, contested marks, spoils, beating smaller opponents at ground level, and - can't believe I am saying it - super reliable by foot. A dirty night against the Dogs doesn't negate the rest of the year. Recruit of the season (to the backline).

Not the forwards Not the defenders Not the coach Midfield getting belted End of story

This has been the real drop-off this season - it has been there to see most of the year - not 'culture' or fitness as some less informed, supposed footy 'experts' have banged on about. Been saying all year that Brayshaw has been a big loss, and if that was a known situation when Jordan was looking elsewhere, there would have been a bigger case for him to stay. Clarrie has clearly been well below his best. Now Trac gone for season, and it is time to try the likes of Rivers, McVee, Nibbler more seriously through the middle. The rest of our on field misfortunes stems largely from here...

Real shame - exciting and promising player who was just finding her feet in AFLW. Fast recovery.

6. ANB 5. Kozzie 4. Rivers 3. Fritta 2. Petracca 1. McVee

6. Trac 5. Nibbler 4. Gawn 3. Langdon 2. Rivers 1. May

6. Gawn 5. Lever 4. Langdon 3. May 2. Turner 1. Rivers

Yes. Apart from being a great and revealing read on the 57 years, the running repairs to the forward line at the end of 2023 and the ultimate attrition of key forwards were highly significant. While the media (cue Damian Barrett) largely went for the 'straight sets' pile-on, I thought that our coaching and selection through that period, plus performances of some individuals, to not only win late season games, but ALMOST win two finals, was stellar. The Club and in particular Goody, received almost zero media credit for that. What might have been if Petts, Fritta and Melky have had stayed on the park....

6. Gawn 5. TMac 4. Langdon 3. Lever 2. Chandler 1. May