JTR

Story re losing the baby and getting dropped from the side the very next day (based on "form", so not compassionate grounds) is here: https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/afl-2020-ben-brown-dropped-after-baby-death-north-melbourne-confirm/news-story/695e04db06b018a4a3da0fc2a286c5cd The rest would seem extremely plausible, even if you left all the stuff re a falling out with the club and just concluded his head wasn't in it.

The current season was only his 10th, so in terms of wear and tear on the body he is a very young 32. He is still killing it in the time trials at the Hawks, having won it every season between 2015-2019 and coming 3rd this season, behind a couple of endurance freak new recruits. So... running/endurance is not an issue, he has good skills, is a booming left kick, we are in desperate need of a left winger and we can get a proven one in Smith for free. What is not to like?

Does anyone know what the actual hold up is? Its crazy that we are less than 3 weeks out from the trade period and the clubs still don't know what the list size and salary cap is.

Yesterday I read someone here (or was it Facebook?) say that their "friend" told them the Bulldogs were keen on Hannan. Today its a story. The 'journalist' is probably just pulling their scoops from fan pages.

Sorry if already answered/covered but I recall reading somewhere (maybe within this very thread) that there had been a bit of a falling out between North & Brown? Tried to google what that may have been, and found this: https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/afl-2020-ben-brown-dropped-after-baby-death-north-melbourne-confirm/news-story/695e04db06b018a4a3da0fc2a286c5cd

LOL @ Essendon for sure, but I'm not too thrilled about Carlton getting Martin and now potentially Saad for nothing. Makes a completely mockery of the trade, draft & PSD period.

I don't know when it happened, but I appreciate the addition of the facepalm reaction for posts.

I'm a little over the "good citizen" argument re whether we should bring in a player or not. Where has recruiting choir boys got us over the last couple of decades? I want footballers.

I think he is saying with Merrett the cake would become vomit. Eg. chocolate mud cake with pickled onion icing?

Am I just imagining that he is much better on his non preferred side than what he has been in previous seasons, or even earlier this season?

Considering your tiresome campaign this season against anyone who dared question Oliver's place in the side, I would hope you take some of your own advice and front up when the penny drops and you realise you are wrong re Pickett and the value he adds. I won't be holding my breath.

Oliver's goal, again. Sick to death of his hot potato handballs to complete disadvantage of team mates, rather than taking responsibility himself. Nothing to see here though says @Dr.D

Gunston needs good ball delivery to be effective. How do re reckon he'd go with our midfield kicking/bombing/shanking it to him?

I get that, and I would rather that too. There are however a lot of people out there - and I'd count myself amongst them - who have had to work harder and longer in the last 6-7 months than they probably ever have. So from my - I suppose you could say selfish and 'right now this is about me and not the economy' - point of view, then yes, it'll 100% feel like a break. Again, I completely see the other side of the discussion, but right now, any extra time I can get to re charge the batteries will be most welcome.

This. I can't wait for a long weekend. Though I do see the point of those who have been unable to work during this time and just want to get back into it.

In Lockhart, Harmes Out Jetta, Smith

This is where I am at too, I think. Now I am just going to get hopes built up again, for no logical reason

To be fair, 3 of those were forced due to injury. Of the remaining 4 (Wagner, OMac, Brown, Spargo), who would you have left in the side? I could probably make an argument for giving Brown one more shot, but that'd probably be it.

Florent bounced it twice, so no. Tomlinson, yes

Yes please. Mobile, athletic, and a strong mark. Played his first season as a defender, then went forward last year and kicked 44 goals. Can also pinch hit in the ruck. Massive upgrade on TMac

St Kilda melt thread: https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/round-14-2020-melbourne-v-st-kilda.1246398/ Enjoy! ?

Re Viney you could see when they were heading off that he was pretty keen to get back to the rooms and just before they formed the circle he ducked though the door behind them. Obvious [censored] break

I haven't read everything so apologies if already said, but I reckon that brain fart at the end of the 2nd, probably gave us the kick up the bum needed to control the game when required in the last

Let's not add layers of detail and speculation to what at this point is nothing more than a rumour, from someone who posts a lot of rumours.

I'm still wondering how he wasn't already suspended. He had the fine from earlier in the season after pushing Witherdens head in the ground, then got two $1000 fines for striking Witts & Collins. Witherden, Witts, Collins = three. Did they only count the latter two as a single offence 'cause it happened in the same game? ?