No. 31

Is Lever a chance to come back for KB game?

Was a reference to Ed Curnow (Charlie's older brother), when the Blues were in their mid season slump last year Ed hosted a night for the senior players at his farm near Torquay. Aparently it involved some frank conversations and a midnight jump into his dam for a swim. After that Carlton went on a 9 game winning streak and deep into September from 15th spot on the ladder. Maybe the Dees also need a short retreat for a reset ... 🤔

Maybe Ed rented out out Camp Curnow near Torquay to the Dees?

So now I finally get to see what MFCSS is all about. Drop this talk of closing windows and asterix premierships in 2021. It is May, a big cluster of teams vying for the top 4 & 8 and a lot of footy yet to be played. Was the West Coast game a poor showing? Certainly it was, the Dees can and should play better (mind you, WC Eagles at home are no longer the goal kicking practice they were last season and they will notch up some wins this season) but that doesn't mean the Dees are sinking into a mediocrity hole (just yet). This season feels like it will be a very even one amongst the top 10 or 11 teams. Those that hit form at the pointy end of the season can win a flag. As for heading beyond 2024, trying to recruit a KPF and a pacey midfielder would be my priorities (easier said than done mind you).

McAdam & Chandler with some steadiers ... poor showing by Narm thus far but now only 15 pts behind ...

I took my young son to Carlton's open training session at Princes Park last Sunday morning. It was full of families with young kids. These type of events are important in helping grow engagement with a club amongst children I say. It is a further reason why a Caulfield facility is important so that MFC can organise similar events that aren't just in far flung Casey on the very fringe of S.E. metro Melbourne. As an aside, I took my son to play in the playground next to Ikon Park after te open training session finished, was filled with kiddies from the Blues training session and from the local Auskick that had finished that morning. There were actually quite a few kids in Demons guernsey's, never knew that Carlton North/Brunswick was a bit of a Dees supporting hotbed 😊

I hear you. I got a Stan subscription to watch Melbourne Rebels matches this season. Also have Optus for soccer (Euro 2024 and Everton in the EPL). It is not cheap. Honestly, would love a pay per view system where I can just pay per match I would like to watch.

Dusty will clock up his 300 in yellow & black and retire a Tigers legend. He has lost his motivation to do the hard yards required to stay on top. Perfectly understandable, has had a stellar career and its time for him to plan his post playing life.

Does Kayo cover any VFL matches. Are there any streams online?

Yes indeed, Kemp as well. A lot of goals against Geelong & Collingwood came via Young and Williams.

The biggest benefit to the Blues of the player changes for tonight's game are Young and Williams out. They were directly responsible for numerous defensive lapses against both Geelong & Collingwood. Had the Blues been cleaner in defence, they would have won both of those games. As for McGovern, he is not a superstar defender but he is competent, a very good mark and actuallly provides some initiative when transitioning from defence, Young just slows everything down.

He just finished a 5 week conditioning block. In the past he had repetitive calf problems but his last specialist appears to have fixed it, been 12 months now. Reckon he is ready to go otherwise they wouldn't risk it.

Being a Thursday night, I would guess around 60K.

If McGovern & Kemp are in, that will stabilise the Blues defence somewhat. If Martin comes in, that is a big 'in' IMO, he adds a lot to Carlton's offense, a genuine 3rd threat along with McKay & Curnow. I suspect Marchbank needs a VFL match to sharpen up before coming back in.

I would say it is a 50/50 prospect myself. I think Demonland is going to be a lonely place for me this week 😁

#FellowshipOfTheNavyBlue* Think I might even wear my Navy Blue Demons polo top when watching the game on tv tonight. (*does NOT include Geelong or Adelaide ... i really loathe the Adelaide Crows and am ambivalent about Geelong the team despite liking Geelong the city) 😁

I caught the train to Murrumbeena from Richmond last night but today it is only trains to Caulfield then you can switch to Frankston Line heading into the city, so minimal extra time for the Cranbourne/Pakenham Lines travellers.

Dangerfield being out gives Melbourne a real chance tonight. Carn the Dees!

88,500 is still a big crowd for a Friday night.

Was at the MCG last night. Other than the first quarter, Collingwood out tackled, out pressured a fairly listless Carlton. Quite simply the Pies were hungrier, wanted it more and Carlton had too many passengers. The worst performance by the Blues this season and amazingly still only lost by one late goal (mostly due to the goals of McKay and Owies). If the Blues bring that level of intensity on Thursday the Dees will win. I think McGovern is back for next week so perhaps a bit more stability in defence might be seen for the Blues. Still, I think the Blues are playing better than last season at the same time and being competitive and a chance to win even when not switched on.

Rozee should not have been playing and should not have come on for a second time either. The insanity is partially explained by the fact that Port hate, hate the Crows. Its not some puffed up faux rivalry, they really can't stand each other (I have a work colleague who supports the Crows and another who follows Port).

Port are such a flakey side, never know what you will get from them. As for the Crows, they are always up for playing Port.

No, it is the Lord's wish 🙏

But was one of the main immigrant hubs in late 19th and early 20th centuries which saw waves of different ethnic groups come through the suburb and eventually disperse to other suburbs ...

Historically, North Melbourne was always squeezed in geographically between Carlton to the East and Essendon to the North and never made inroads into the West as Footscray was there. They were always limited by their traditional geography in Melbourne. They really should have pursued interstate options when you can do it on your own terms and have some bargaining power ratger than circumstances forcing you into it.