Chook

The fact that he put Jack Watts into the midfield at this stage of his development shows that he is playing to the strengths of some of his players. Watts is a winger/mid in my mind, and his accurate disposal and pace is better than anything currently offered by the blind, mute pack of turtles currently gracing our midfield.

So Aaron Davey is playing to instructions by failing to chase hard and tackle? What about Brad Green falling on his arse after every contest? They don't want to do what I'm sure Neeld has told them to do. It is an assumption, but this whole website is based on assumptions, so I don't think you can really blame me for that.

I have no idea where players get off dictating terms to coaches. It's absolutely unfathomable. As a coach, you ask for input from many, accept the advice of few, and delegate roles to all. But the number one thing is that you must rule with an iron fist. Anyone who won't listen to you is poison and must be gotten rid of immediately.

If Sam Blease wants to head up to GWS, it's no skin off my nose. He won't get by simply front-running up there either. Brake a leg, Sammy.

Any "leader" who adjusts his willingness to lead based on official titles is no leader at all. Leadership is a character trait that can only be turned off with a concerted effort, and can almost never be turned on by someone who doesn't have it naturally. If Beamer is [censored] off at not being in the leadership group, then he doesn't deserve to be in it at all. Leaders don't lead for the benefit of themselves, but for the benefit of others.

Agreed 100%, Clint. There should be an unwavering focus on tackling, contested possession and defensive structures. Everything else should be tailored to your players strengths.

If only Moloney could get the ball by drinking beers. He'd get leather poisoning.

Magner, Trengove, Watts, Martin.

Even my grandfather rang me up to talk about how bad Davey was. We hardly ever talk about football, and when we do, it's me starting the conversation. But here he is, a week after a hip operation, ringing me up to have a whinge about Aaron Davey. Pathetic game from a player I wouldn't select in a million years.

I actually thought his press conference was brilliant. But coming after "stonewall" Bailey, anyone's presser would be better.

OUT: Davey, Green, Macdonald IN: Tapscott, Petterd, Sellar

Haha, Biff. Still in love with Beamer?

No Brent Moloney means that Trengove, Magner or Jones get tagged. We would not benefit from that at all. Davey is worthless as a player and Brad Green is simply not quick enough to apply any pressure or lead effectively and not tall enough to provide a realistic marking target. Joel Macdonald is also a liability in defence. If anyone thinks these guys would have played BETTER if they were still in the leadership group, then you obviously don't recall their poor performances last year.

6 Magner 5 Trengove 4 Watts 3 Martin 2 Bail 1 Howe I never want to see Aaron Davey in a Melbourne jumper again. Brad Green is also way to slow to play regular footy, and Joel Macdonald (who I used to rate higher than most) is now a deadset liability. Bring in Tapscott, Strauss and Petterd to replace them.

Horriffic goalsquare error from Macdonald. He's out next week too. Green, Davey, Macdonald. Maybe Magner if his injury is as bad as it looks. Not good, Demons.

Nice ankle injury to Magner to boot. What a day.

Junk-time Davey. I hope Neeld isn't sucked in by his worthless fourth-quarter goal.

After 186 I felt hopeful because I knew it would be a catalyst for change. Now that change has happened, I just feel gutted by this poor performance. It is truly a disgrace to the Great Man Jim's memory.

Rest in piece, Jim.

As someone on another website said "Who needs to die to make Melbourne want to win a game." Damn good question.

This ought to be the last game Aaron Davey ever plays.

The brains trust, Brad Green and Aaron Davey kick a "genius" goal to give me more hope than I should have.

Yes it is wrong, considering we're still in the game and our senior players are showing Neeld what they're really made of. The sooner he learns what we already know about them, the better off we'll be.

Brad Green, Aaron Davey, Brent Moloney - Melbourne's "star" senior players everyone. Not the greatest start to the year for them.

Clearly marriage is an affront to God, since it interferes with the Football Holy Communion.