Whispering_Jack

I consulted Professor AI for this:- “Fremantle's Isaiah Dudley is actually cousins with Melbourne's Kysaiah Pickett! They're also related to the legendary Eddie Betts, with Dudley being his nephew. Dudley, a small forward, made his AFL debut in 2025 and has been impressing with his skills on the field. He's also been getting some great advice from his godfather, former Hawthorn player Harry Miller.”

I’m led to believe that both boys are tracking nicely in the Suns’ Under 16s Academies with Kai in the highest level squad. He seems to be going well with his basketball too (with dad as coach) … 🏀

Bailey Humphrey is a late withdrawal for Gold Coast’s clash with West Coast on Sunday night as he manages hamstring tightness. Hmmmmm … if he was a Melbourne player, the rumour mill would be revving up for a big weekend of speculation. Is the injury genuine? Which club has approached him with wads of cash? Control, alt, delete.

Fixed up the bloopers (good to see people paying attention). Yes. Harry Sharp with his great aerobic ability is well suited to the faster paced, fitness based style of game that we’re seeing from the more successful teams at this early point in the season so he’s a definite in at Melbourne this week while Tom McDonald has been overlooked. That should benefit Casey this week because it could have done with some tall key defenders last week against Box Hill.

With Heath, McDonald and Melksham named as the emergencies for the Melbourne team to play against St. Kilda at the MCG, it means that the following players are available for the VFL game at RSEA Park:- 16. Bailey Laurie 18. Jake Melksham 19. Xavier Taylor 20. Thomas Matthews Tom McDonald 26. Jed Adams 27. Max Heath 38. Oscar Berry 39. Ricky Mentha Jnr 40. Riley Onley 41. Paddy Cross 43 Jack Henderson 45. Andy Moniz-Wakefield One or two of the emergencies are likely to be held back for the AFL game and not play at all or play limited minutes early before heading off to the G.

The Melbourne Football Club recently honoured two of its true greats, Robert "Robbie" Flower and Hassa Mann, elevating them to Legend status. Club president Steven Smith said the honour is reserved for those who "have defined eras and shaped the identity of the Melbourne Football Club". Sadly, Robbie passed far too young in 2014, but his brother Tom, who also played with the club, paid a wonderful and emotional tribute, speaking straight from the heart about his developing years as a youngster in a close-knit family. He shared stories of their parents supporting their sons in school and sport, helping Robbie reach the pinnacle as captain and champion player and a much loved person at the Demons. There were brief moments of excitement when Robbie’s son, Brad was coming through the ranks. He played for Sandringham Football Club and was considered a possible father-son selection in 2003, but unfortunately, he never graduated to AFL ranks. Fast forward to today, Robbie's grandson Jett Flower is making waves in the Eastern Ranges' squad. As a bottom-age player, Jett's not draft eligible till 2027, and with no special eligibility rules applying, he's not necessarily destined for the Demons. Given the family legacy, he's got big boots to fill and I hope this doesn’t put too much pressure on him, but I have little doubt that the Melbourne faithful have their fingers crossed 🤞🏻 for success in his future.

This morning, Andy and I went to a gathering at the AAMI centre of some of the MFC sponsors who missed the team photo opportunity a few weeks ago. There were a few players around and the impression I got was that the next full training session was to be at Casey Fields tomorrrow. The purpose of today's meeting for us was to meet our new Demonland Platinum Sponsorship player, Kalani White who is returning to training after a recent bout of glandular fever and is aware of the need for careful, conservative recuperation. He’s a credit to the family and I think Demon fans will enjoy having him at the club for years to come. We also met Ricky Mentha Jr, who is enjoying his preseason and hopeful of achieving senior honours this season. He’s another who looks determined to succeed and from what I've seen at the few times I attended training, he's a greatly improved player. We saw Latrelle, whom JV predicts will play in the upcoming game on Sunday afternoon. Jai Culley also appears ready to go, with the bandage on his arm seemingly shrinking each time I see it. As mentioned above, AMW is one who looks ready to play, and not only that, he appears physically bigger and stronger than when he suffered his ACL injury over 12 months ago. If he can overcome the initial rustiness of a return from major injury, he is my tip as the big improver of 2026. To those fretting about the Demons' lack of match play in the lead up to the season (and the ridiculous rule that prevented the club from playing anybody in the Casey game at the weekend), I was informed that the club had a full on training session at Casey before the VFL game vs Box Hill which included match sim and ... there were no injuries to be seen anywhere.

ROUND 0 W L D FOR AGST % PTS SYDNEY SWANS 1 0 0 132 69 191.30 4 GOLD COAST 1 0 0 125 69 181.16 4 GWS GIANTS 1 0 0 122 95 128.42 4 COLLINGWOOD 1 0 0 78 66 118.18 4 WESTERN BULLDOGS 1 0 0 111 106 104.72 4 BRISBANE LIONS 0 1 0 106 111 95.50 0 ST KILDA 0 1 0 66 78 84.62 0 HAWTHORN 0 1 0 95 122 77.87 0 GEELONG 0 1 0 69 125 55.20 0 CARLTON 0 1 0 69 132 52.27 0 ADELAIDE 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0 ESSENDON 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0 FREMANTLE 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0 MELBOURNE 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0 NORTH MELBOURNE 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0 PORT ADELAIDE 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0 RICHMOND 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0 WEST COAST 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0

Seems that the MRO has done its bit with Harris Andrews handed a three-week ban and Zac Bailey and Darcy Gardiner offered one-week bans. That’s on top of the injury to Hugh McCluggage which will test the Lions against the Swans and star forward Charlie Curnow at the SCG next Saturday.

Let’s not forget that on any given competition match day for Casey, there will usually be around at least a dozen MFC-listed players available for them. Once he returns to full fitness Tom Campbell will be a terrific mentor for the young talls in particular.

I accept that we're talking about the VFL competition which thrives on nonsense but the idea that AFL listed players can't play in tomorrow's game even though they might be on the fringe of selection or coming back after injury, is simply nonsensical. In Melbourne's case, we are already at a disadvantage in our preparation for Round 1 given that our opponent will have had a full hit out on the MCG against Collingwood this Sunday, this ban would further upset our preparation. A practice match against the Hawks' VFL team isn't for points or sheep stations. These ultra bureacratic administrators need to back off.

Couldn't announce it on the evening because the confirmation of the sponsorship only arrived this morning but we are pleased to announce our platinum sponsorship of a young bloke called Kalani White. Welcome aboard.

And the final Hall of Fame Legend is the late, great Robert Flower. A loyal champion who is greatly missed. He died at 59 - far too young.

A story about Hassa. In early 1959, my father brought home a new black and white television set (it was well before colour came in). On our first Saturday morning, I watched Veall’s World of Sport and the interviewee was a young recruit from Merbein who had come down to play for Melbourne. Only problem was that he had a broad country twang and I couldn’t understand a word. Thankfully, he improved in that regard to the point where he spoke well and advanced to great heights in business as well as footy.

Next inductee is Hall of Fame Legend - another three time premiership player - 1959, 1960 and 1964. “Hassa” Mann was named captain after Ron Barassi left to go to Carlton. A three time Bluey Truscott Medallist. The award was announced by Barry Bourke who made a bit of a meal of it. 😃

Third inductee is The Ox. David Schwarz who played 173 great games from 1991 to 2002.

The second inductee into the Hall of Fame is Stephen Tingay, courageous, hard and skillful wingman from 1989 to 2000. A very popular award among the crowd. “Nothing in this game is given” - it’s a thank you to his parents for their support.

A rousing speech from Alby’s daughter Jenny and her rendition of Its a Grand Old Flag was sensational.

Alby Rodda a three time premiership player who played from 1939 to 1950 and WW2 soldier inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Of course the big announcement tonight will be the unveiling of Demonland’s new Platinum Player sponsorship kindly offered to us by the club as a result of the retirement of Steven May. We’re just waiting for confirmation of the sponsorship. Stay tuned.

Tonight is the night for induction into the Hall of Fame. This is our current list:-

Q & A - with the Steven King Feeling real now that the preseason matches have started and been played. Lucky that he has a good mix of mature players and talented young players. The big boys have settled in well. Interpretation of the ruck changes important. Don’t want to lose craft. Credit to Troy Chaplin and his assistants. Team to be ruthless, selfless and connected.

Q & A - with the club’s leaders Max Gawn and Jack Viney. Captain role - MG: you have to come and take it off me. I love it. JV: Achilles flared up after the break and unfortunately it didn’t calm down as hoped and surgery was the last resort. Looking forward to returning. MG: Liked Max H’s performances over the summer. Jack and Tom C expected in 6 - 7 weeks. Max says Kalani can kick (unlike certain ruckmen at the club).

Club chairman Steven Smith opens the proceedings. We’re ushering in a new era.