dee-tox

Cliche-ridden drivel delivered by a hack journo. Nothing new apart from toying with the idea of changing the jumper. What a great move that would be with our club's heritage. I for one embrace our stereotype. I love that we are modest, thoughtful and seemingly aloof. We have an air of superiority about us and a level of intelligence that the average Narre Warren living Collingwood supporter will never understand. Let's not become toothless ignoramuses under the guise of being passionate. In the 50s we did have great players, so did Richmond in the 70s, Carlton in the 80s. It's a different era. Nothing wrong with the way Lyon, Schwarz, jacovich, Farmer, Davey, Viney, Neitz, Robertson, Sean Charles, Whelan, Woewodin et al play(ed). Our time will come, we just have to hang in there.

Pretty 'big' squad so one imagines Frawley, Holland, Jamar won't play and question marks over Bartram, Whelan possibly Maric. Decent side, albeit on the slow side.

Back flank or run with midfielder.

One player (Thompson) didn't make Melb's midfield. It came from good coaching. Rock and Williams have not been able to replicate or even come close to Ratten's year much the pity.

Diablo, You are spot on again. I too have doubts as to whether Williams has anything to offer. First-year coaches need to have a vision, like Brett Ratten did in his one and only year that the players' follow. Last season our midfield was probably the worst in the comp.

If we're doing good blokes then: 1. Brett Kirk - committed, courageous, humble 2, Robert Murphy - son of a preacher man! 3. David Wirrpanda - won awards for helping indigenous community 4. James Bartel - made a good impression Brownlow night 5. James Mc Donald - determined, disciplined, hard working, modest.

Well worth the trip to Bendigo. Only an hour and 15 from Melbourne (car and train). The QEO is a superb ground. Come into centre of Bendigo (Pall Mall). Turn left at the historic fountain, go up the hill for 500 metres and you are there. The pub opposite the ground, the Rifle Range, is one of the best pubs you'll ever go to.

Lets go: 1 Matthew Lloyd 2 Campbell Brown 3 Spider Everitt 4 Scott Lucas 5 Cam Mooney

The common theme among the injuries are those players (McLean, Whelan, Moloney, Rivers, Bartram and Neitz) who enjoy the physical aspect of the game are regularly injured. The only exception is Junior who had his fair share of problems early in his career. Is it conditioning that allows the likes of Brett Kirk, Simon Black and Daniel Kerr to stay fit, or just luck?

We won't be the best but we won't be the worst either. All three lines, defence, midfield and forward line worry me. The return of Rivers, Moloney and a fit and firing Yze will help. However, question marks still hang over Whelan, Bartram and now Bruce. I'm expecting big things from Bate, McLean, Sylvia, Garland, Dunn and Petterd but we need 22 hardworking contributions every game. Mark us down for nine wins, perhaps a couple more if Neitz and Robbo steer clear of injuries.

Andy Moir was a decent player!Wore number 29 from memory and burst onto the scene kicking five in only hissecond or third game. A new award i needed!