Vagg

I saw Danny for the first time on Saturday at Southport. Have to say I was impressed. Personally thought he was close to the best of the Melb listed players out there. He's been on the list for a long time. Would be good to see him make it. I'll join the chorus. It's time...

I'd very much doubt it.

Bail didn't front up for Casey, either. He has not fully recovered from bad corky, according to the Casey runner yesterday. Hopefully he'll be right for Friday night.

Sorry! Not based on his performance at Southport yesterday...

Based on what I saw yesterday at Southport, I think Stef is probably the better option of the two at the moment. But, thought Johnson did some good things yesterday. But, not enough to demand selection ahead of Stef, in my humble opinion. Johnson sure is a big unit! Didn't realise how big until I saw him amongst the other players yesterday! Would be nice to see him step up another gear and make a contribution as the season progresses.

I had a very brief chat with Jack before the game at Southport yesterday. He indicated he is very keen to get a call up. Alas, based on what I saw in the game yesterday, I just can't see the call coming just yet. I would think they would want him taking the game on and excelling at the VFL level before they give him another run at Melb. But, then again, the Football Dept knows better than me. Should they decide he's ready, and give him a run, and he does well, I certainly won't complain!

No problem with the pronunciation of "PettArd", because that is correct. Have heard Ricky explain that while it's spelt "PettErd", it IS pronounced "PettArd"...

Just got home from the game. For the first time in forty years parked the car beside the boundary fence, and watched the game from the comfort of the front seat. Was able to greet each Casey goal with a long blast of the horn. Great fun! (Pity about the ABC commentary of the Melb match to put a real downer on the day!) Was my first VFL match, so can't comment too much on the quality of the game. But, the scores were pretty close all day, and the two teams seemed to have a pretty even tussle of it. Have to say wasn't actually overwhelmed by the performances of most of the Melb players. Must admit was hard for my old eyes to pick up a lot of the play on far side of the ground. But from what I did see: Miller -- Apart from a couple of excellent goals, thought he was ordinary at this level, Newton -- About the same as Miller, Watts -- Really didn't do much, either. Maric -- couple of nice things, but nothing to get excited about, Jetta -- Rarely sighted. Couple of good chases, but almost seemed disinterested on occasions, Gysberts -- Did a few nice things, but again nothing startling, Cheney -- did some nice things, and was solid in defence, Strauss -- as per Cheney, Johnson -- again, nothing spectacular, Hughes -- thought he was just about the best of the Melb listed players. Did some really good things. Healey -- didn't see much of him. Bell -- Hardly sighted. McNamara -- did a few nice things. Spoke to Casey runner before the game. He said Bail is still struggling with a real bad corkie, so unable to play. So, from my point of view, a good, workan-like performance from the team to run out winners by about a goal. But, alas, didn't really see any performances where any of the Melb players stood up and demanded a place in the Melb side next week. But, I can stand corrected! Also, was great to meet Whispering Jack at half time and have a good chat. Didn't realise he was Andy's old man! Anyway, think I'll now watch just the third quarter of the Melb match...!

Thanks, KC! Been waiting for the team. Really looking forward to seeing the Melb boys in the flesh.

Here's a little trivia for you... St Kilda have named a former Gold Coast Mayor & Qld parliamentarian... In: Ray, Steven And, Brisbane are really getting desperate after their big loss to the Dees: In: Buchanan, Sherman, Austin, Power

Thanks for the heads-up, KC. My daughter & I will be there. Looking forward to seeing the future of the MFC strutting their stuff. BTW, would it be politically incorrect for us to be sporting the red & blue, and yelling "GO DEES!"?? (LOL) Just disappointed the game is on same time as the Melb-Nth clash! Have ta set the recorder, and take the walkman and hope the ABC is broadcasting the match...

Agree wholeheartedly! Just shows how much up-side this team has. The sky's the limit...! Go Dees!

Sorry to be contrary, Titan. But, frankly, I'd love to see PJ back in the side. Because, if he is, it will probably mean he has shown dramatic improvement at Casey, and has earned his spot in the team. He has shown glimpses of brilliance over the years, interrupted by lots of injury and some mediocre games. But, as with every other player on the list, I just hope he can prove himself to be a useful contributor to the mighty MFC. I know. Off subject of the thread. Yes, I also hope Stefan continues to improve on the potential shown thus far.

Yeah, I was one of those who said that, if he could have a good, injury-free year, he would be my choice as next Captain, once the Junior is ready to hand over the mantle. I'm absolutely thrilled he has been a big part of the resurgence of the team. No doubt, he is too! He is absolutely passionate for the Red & Blue, and to see him burst through the packs like a wild bull is inspirational. Definitely leading from the front...!

Cameron has such an excellent way of conveying what this great club is all about. He is a gem, as is the MFC! Go Dees!

Loved the comments from the Foxtel commentators late in the match when one of them said something to the effect that Melbourne are well and truly on the road to recovery. Then, one of the others responded with something like "Yeah, and it's a massive, six lane freeway...!"

Yep! The boys delivered their Birthday gift to Jimmy BIG time! Great to see Jimmy with Ronald Dale on the boundary after the match.

Thanks for clarification. Also good to hear Daniel is back training.

Agreed. Also good to see Jetta back on the Park. And, is the Bell named on the bench Daniel Bell? If so, great to see. Yes, some real talent running around with Casey. Puts good pressure on the guys in the Melb team to keep their spots, with guys putting in good performances at Casey.

Good call! Would be nice to see Don or Denis get a run. Alas, my mail says this particular Cordner is a bit of a sissy! LOL

Well said, Swampy! Let's not get ahead of ourselves with our "armchair expert" judgements on the new kids. We have a LOT to look forward to. I, for one, very much look forward to seeing Gysberts making a great contribution to the MFC in the months and years to come. Would love to see the Club well and truly vindicated in their use of the draft pick graciously handed to us by Brock.

So, he's taking two years off, and will be back after that? (LOL) (Sorry, mate, couldn't help myself! Aint English a funny language?! Such a difference a little hyphen makes to the meaning of the same eight letters!) All good fun. And, the important point you make, of course, is the lad is staying. Go Dees!

Agreed!

Absolutely! We'll need him to stand tall next week against the Brown/Fev show! This week may have reminded him he aint quite invincible just yet...

O crap! The message on screen just said the footy would start after the baseball. No mention of the red button! What's the matter with that crumby outfit? Since when did Yank baseball take priority over Aussie Rules??!! For once in my life I was actually happy channel 7 hi-jacked the early game! At least was able to see the start of the game, and then switched back to Foxtel for the ad fee coverage after a few minutes...