Chook

That could just as easily be Luke Jackson.

One day I'll be old, and little ones will gather around me by the fire, asking for the story of the Rise of Melbourne. And I'll think back, and say: "This is the story of a time long ago. A time of myth and legend, when the Footy Gods were petty and cruel and they plagued old Melbourne with suffering. Only one man dared to challenge their power…Nathan Jones. Jones possessed a strength the world had never seen. A strength surpassed only by the power of his heart. He journeyed Australia battling the minions of Geelong, Collingwood and Hawthorn. But wherever there was evil, wherever an hardball needed getting, there would be…Nathan Jones."

When it was airing, I said to myself "…and back? We're not back yet surely." So I decided I wouldn't watch this series till we win a flag. Didn't think we'd get this close this quick.

An Angus Brayshaw retirement announcement may occur before the GF then, which would be less than ideal.

The book was written by Americans. You know how they are.

I misspoke. I think Garry is a deeply hurt person by things he's done, missed out on, and been burnt by. His lack of emotion (or rather, his attempts to push back at emotive displays, especially those prompted by others) is his way of controlling that hurt.

Brilliant picture. A quick bit of Google kung foo tells me it's from The Australians, by Robert B. Goodman & George Johnston https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49548379-the-australians EDIT: A bit of context https://juliaritson.com/2012/03/15/football-and-lifesaving/

I think that's right. He has been hurt by footy just as much as he's been lifted up by it I reckon.

"I don't feel anything." —Garry Lyon, AFL 360, Tuesday 14 September 2021 He's a very strange person, Garry. Not much emotion in the guy, I'll say that much.

It's clearly going to be Gary Lyon. I have had issues with his "one foot in, one foot out" relationship with Melbourne while we've struggled over the years, but I'm putting that aside now. He's one of Melbourne's most famous names, and would be a worthy cup hander-overer. Need at least two more for Barassi and Neale though when the G can host finals again...

Identical twins playing for opposition clubs?

I once met a Dogs supporter (honestly the only one I've ever met that I'm aware of). It was in the park when I was having a kick in 2004. He told me the Essendon 2000 side should have been a dynasty. I told him there can only be one dynasty at a time, and it was a pity (not really) the lions existed.

I’ll play it by ear but here’s the most likely way it plays out: I’ll attempt to drink myself into oblivion on the Friday night in hopes of waking up at 2:30pm on Saturday and most of the waiting behind me. Upon waking up I’ll probably heave, then amble around the block a few times on a run powered entirely by nervous energy. Then it will be a shower and back to the bar fridge for the next 4 hours.

First lesson: Steer clear of guys with shifty surnames. Costa and Shokman aren't even subtle as far as pantomime villain last names go. Messers Rippov and Forklous are next.

Give me the simple life thank you very much. I would never want to put myself through the stress of a big investment or owning a business. Sure the payoff could be great, but if it goes wrong your life can be absolute hell.

Personally I believe everything that happens is the result of what came before. Cause and effect and all that. If I had full knowledge of the state of the universe I’d be able to predict the grand final, of that I’m sure. My research continues.

Anything changes in this season and the Dees might not be in the Grand Final.

Well the three boys from First Crack say we'll win, so we're 3-0 in terms of media tips, which means absolutely nothing I know.

Not sure how I'm going to go on with my life for the next two weeks. I'll be thinking/hoping/praying/worrying about this game on repeat the entire time.

Most one-sided weekend in Preliminary final history.

Hinkley looks bored at times.

True! People also say they're the hardest games to win. I think Geelong and Port will tell you that's true.

Dogs have to win this by 70+ to make it the most lopsided Prelim week in V/AFL history. I want them to do it so we can add it to the "Embarrassing records" thread, which I think over time will need a new name.

Not too sure. I think it's just a corruption of Power.

Hello what do we have here? 3 goals in a row for the Pear... EDIT: Touched? Shame for the Power and the neutrals.