Whispering_Jack

Now don't sit on the fence Redleg. Tell us what you think about the blood flowing.

I was surprised the Tigers didn't pick Vlastuin (their first round pick) because, from all accounts, he was travelling well. They also have a handful of players from other clubs who they picked up this year and haven't selected which indicates they're hoping to use that depth later to overcome the inconsistency in their performances last year at times when injury struck. Carlton, on the other hand, barely did any recruiting at the end of last year due to salary cap issues. They're hoping that the new coaching regimen will swing the necessary changes to get them back up the ladder. If Carlton win I will completely lose faith in the law of averages. As for the MFC, I understand that it's as rare as hen's teeth to see teams win in the opening round if they have more than four new players. We should have at least that number.

I commented elsewhere that it would be a risky strategy if we play too many players who lack match practice. I doubt we can go in with both Clark & Dawes after their limited time on the ground in match practice. Agree on ruling a line through Sam Blease's name and you can add JT to the outs as well.

Redleg, what did you expect from the trio who set the scene for the tanking investigation? They didn't ask Brock McLean the one question that begged to be asked by any interviewer with a keen analytical mind. Their subject claimed he left because he didn't like the culture of "experimenting" yet he went to the club that made tanking an artform. That they didn't ask that question and now ignore Carlton's tanking over three seasons during the last decade suggests they are more than gutless or weak. They're rank hypocrites into the bargain.

When did we play GWS?

Oops ... spoke too soon ... all out 358.

Now 22 runs shy of first innings points with one wicket in hand. David Hussey just got his ton.

I just passed a building with a sign advertising "fmd architects"! gees, and I thought lawyers were on the nose!

Complete fluke ... but as the great Jack Dyer used to say, " where there's smoke, there's blue cod". I recently asked the question whether the MFC recovery will come quicker than the Australian Test team's revival and I think we (the Dees) might have nudged ahead a little. Cricket has the advantage of having a larger recruiting ground and a monopoly in this respect. However, the football club at least has the capacity to recruit experienced players from elsewhere (as we've done in the past 12 months) to provide some stability, experience and maturity while the younger blokes develop in their roles. With four players suspended, the wicketkeeper (and half the country's pace bowlers) injured and others recently retired, we're badly in need of experience as well as talent. Back when World Series Cricket came along we had Bob Simpson to lead the team and add stability but who do we have now? Brad Hodge, Nathan Hauritz? I don't think so.

Stop the presses. With that news, they might have no choice now but to fly in a couple of cricketers for the Third Test.

... and the banana goes to six6six ... Photo thread.

It looks like Brad Haddin is going to get a call up to India for the third test as a result of Wade's injury. I would also be flying in Joe Burns and Alex Doolan for some blooding before the Ashes series. This might smack of desperation but it's about time there was some decent succession planning at our national level. Put Clark up the order, Watson down to # 6 and bring in the young blood. Throw them in the deep end, I say.

One of those kids was my grandson and I'm offering a free banana to anyone who locates a clear photograph of him leading the team out with Jack Grimes. I almost convinced him that, as part of his mascot duties, he had to line up for the team in a back pocket on Stephen Milne and, modesty aside, I reckon he might have kept him down to less than three goals on the day.

Watch out for the mascot who runs out with the team today.

For Redleg

The only thing I can say about this article is - Carlton angry salary cap dispensation allowed Sydney to snare Kurt Tippett Chris Judd.

Mr. Leg. I live four doors away from you and have plenty of that yellow fruit at my place so if your craving persists your welcome to pick up a couple this arvo.

Do you consider that one or more of the four informants also supplied information to Caroline Wilson? Perhaps that one of those who you describe as "backstabbers" might have encouraged the informants to come forward? I think there has to be something about this club that sets it apart from several others who should be investigated for tanking/list management/acting against the interests of the AFL or whatever. I think there are some uber rats around the place and that's what might answer the question.

We haven't done religion here so how about some Psalm 49:- Loses a little from the original but it sums up the final result nicely.

No banana daiquiris, no banana smoothies and no banana ice cream. Settled for strawberry ice cream. Some interesting lyrics from the band - had they tried to sing that stuff on Demonland, they would have been facing a six month ban!

IIRC, we were still an outside chance of making the finals with about three rounds to go but since the meaning of the word "tanking" is constantly being transformed, widened, embellished, twisted and contorted, I guess you're 100% right. I remember the game against Hawthorn in Round 20 when Aaron Davey went down with a foot injury and we lost by only 21 points despite being murdered by the umpires. Yep, we tanked that so we couldn't make finals.

Reminiscent of Caro Wilson's amazing revelations on tanking that had to have certain dates amended after publication for correctness. She even had us "tanking" in 2010.

Aaargh ... I haven't had this feeling since 2000.

That's rubbish. I eat a banana a day (not too ripe) and it hasn't caused me any problems. You need a balanced diet and exercise and all will be well in the world. On the other hand, if you want to get a job at GWS in recruiting ...

We've been told that the club's approach to Clark's rehab is conservative and Mitch himself keeps tweeting that he's on track with his progress. While he was walking laps on Monday, he was also kicking the football as well (albeit with his left foot only) and there's been no evidence of any setback to his recovery routine. I don't think he's been put on the LTI like Max Gawn so can only assume there must be some chance that by mid March, he might be taking part in some light match practice.