Wodja

By pure coincidence I just happened to read Peter Fitzsimons’ book Gallipoli just before Anzac Day. To be honest, I knew very little about the Anzacs prior, now I have a far deeper appreciation, (in other words I know a little more). I guess a lot of people’s take on what Anzac Day means to them would vary, each to their own. When I was at the G for the game this time round my focus was very much remembering and paying respects to all soldiers (on both sides of the fence). This includes the fallen and those that survived but carried physical and mental scars for the rest of their lives. War is a very cruel business. I understand that there is a commercial aspect to how the AFL handles Anzac Day (eg Anzac ‘Eve’ game). To me however, it gives me an opportunity to reflect and at the same time I am proud of the ‘humble respect’ that the crowd exhibited to our fallen soldiers in all wars and …..enjoy a great game of football. There is no conflict for me.

Off topic a little but I have been pleasantly surprised by how he is almost first on the scene to back his teammates up in any scuffle that occurs. Don’t consider him ex Collingwood anymore, he is simply one of us.

Every game we play is a danger game, simple as that

I can understand a lot of where you are coming from your post. From another perspective, I saw it as a big game in front of a huge crowd where Richmond (no matter who was in or out) was going to take it up to us and they did. (Bit like what Essendon did to Collingwood). Richmond’s season was on the line. In many aspects it wasn’t a pretty game, it was tough and gritty, but we won. I think that pretty every game for us is a danger game, North included. Just need to keep winning and bank the points at this stage of the season.

I’d be disappointed if we didn’t. It was so obvious that our players loved the support they received on the night against Richmond. Mention was made of our crowd in player interviews and by Goodwin. They crave for our support. I went to the Collingwood Essendon game. I felt for the first 3 quarters, Collingwood was not playing all that well and were beatable. At 3 quarter time I jokingly said to an Essendon supporter sitting next to me wouldn’t it be funny if the Pies came back and won. In that last quarter Collingwood players had the inner confidence and lifted and took the game on and won. They ‘fed’ off the noise in that last quarter. I have no doubt. Again, their players and coach acknowledged how important the crowd is to them. So……those of us that can, please turn up on King’s Birthday. If you do, it will be a bigger crowd than the Richmond game. More importantly, the players need you (and like the Collingwood players will need to have self belief and take risks, take the game on when it comes to the crunch). If we are on, we can beat them. I know it sounds stupid, our players will need us being loud and backing them in. GO DEES!

Some varied opinions here. Must be influenced by where you sit. My guess is if you were in the northern stands you would say it was 60/40 Melbourne’s way. I sat in the second level of the Shane Warne stand (and could not see what was in level 4). It appeared to me that we had the numbers in the northern / mcc area but were out numbered in the AFL members area, city end goals and some sections of the Punt rd goals. My guess 50 / 50. It was nice to hear us make some noise this time round (eg Oliver’s goal on siren) Obviously we got noisier as our confidence grew. Well done guys.

Totally agree. Grundy stays in.

Might as well start a conspiracy theory here. I presume at Richmond’s home games their cheer-squad sit at the Punt Rd goals. This would attract a lot of their supporters to sit either side of them. If that is the case, I then reckon the Tiger nuffies that sat either side of the DA forgot that this was not their home game. No need to fact check this, Fox News says that is exactly what happened. I’m glad you guys enjoyed the last quarter. It would have been fun.

Agree. Every game is a danger game.

Seemed to me where I sat that you guys had on both sides of the DA lots and lots of Richmond supporters. Are they seats allocated to them or am I reading into this far too deeply? Just seemed so wrong.

Interesting to note that both Viney and Chandler (as well as Goodwin) all mentioned how they appreciated having a big Melbourne crowd. It does make a difference. I know I keep repeating, the best thing we can do as fans for the team is to turn up and make some real noise.

Pencil in to break this record in the upcoming Kings Birthday clash

Can someone who had tech smarts send Kozzie a video of Melbourne players being introduced at the start of the game. Max (deservedly) got the biggest cheer, Kozzie was a close second

And let’s not forget. Richmond are one win in six games. Oh, that felt so good to say so I’ll say it again- Richmond are just one win from six games. Let me repeat……

I know we won and it was more gritty than pretty football but what the eff, how shocking were the umpires !! They were a disgrace. My mate who barracks for Richmond did not disagree. Using his words ‘we had a few dubious ones go our way’. Anyhow, got the four points, one week at a time etc, etc.

This is the game back in 2021 that I became a true believer when I realised that we were a serious premiership contender. I hope that this game I can again capture my faith again and believe. Sounds bit like a religion doesn’t it….

I am totally with you. Having said that it annoys me that I even have to think like that. I could almost get how and why we lost to Brisbane. I can’t get over the loss to Essendon. I really hope that the ‘premiership contender’ Melbourne turns up tonight. I want other teams in coming weeks dreading having to play against us rather than seeing us as an opportunity to win. GO DEES!!!!!

I hear you but a practice game is just a practice game. They looked pretty good today.

And not to forget, this is their 57th year since they won their last premiership

16 frees to 6 in favour of Carlton. Hmmm

Please, please, please, play football like you are the hunters. Take the game on, play fast attacking football. In other words, smash ‘em.

Does look like the umpires do like Carlscum

I’m glad it wasn’t ‘served’ up to him. Much prefer having Grundy on board with us.

Just listened to the interview. It was very good and very informative. Well done! That’s all.

I am oh so hoping that we outnumber the opposition supporters. It is our home game after all! So… not caring if you are a member or not (or even just a Richmond hater) please turn up (those of us that can) and support our boys. It is the most tangible way we can help our team on game day. It is the least that they deserve.