Whispering_Jack

MELBOURNE 0.3.3 2.4.16 4.7.31 5.8.38 GOLD COAST SUNS 0.0.0 1.0.6 2.0.12 4.2.26 GOALS MELBOURNE Harris 2 Fitzsimon McNamara D Pearce GOLD COAST SUNS Drennan Hampson Howarth Stanton

The fact is that in a competition that could well be tight at the top at the end of the season, it’s important to make the most of your superiority over the opposition. The team cannot afford to be as wasteful in the second half as it has been so far today.

Excellent work Mr. Fence. As you know, Melbourne has recruited a number of Klingons from another galaxy. Wondering if you could elaborate on young Van Rooyen - was he competitive in the match simulation (apart from his mark and goal)?

Let’s hope that this talented sportsman can get his body and mind right. Injured goalsneak takes indefinite leave from Bombers

Home to the Gold Coast Suns but a couple of big outs, one to injury and one to health and safety protocols. Melbourne v Gold Coast at Casey Fields, 7.10pm AEDT MELBOURNE B: L.Birch 9 G.Colvin 32 
HB: S.Goldrick 23 S.Lampard 8 S.Heath 30
C: C.Sherriff 18 L.Mithen 14 E.McNamara 22
HF: S.Scott 12 K.Hore 10 M.Fitzsimon 24
F: D.Pearce C 6 T.Harris 7 Foll: L.Pearce 15 K.Paxman 4 E.Zanker 29 I/C: L.Magee 26 E.West 11 M.Caris 21 J.Parry 19 A.Bannan 16 Emerg: A.Brown 28 B.Tarrant 20 

 In: L.Magee, M.Caris
 Out: T.Hanks (HS Protocol), M.Gay (Quad) GOLD COAST B: V.Saad 39 H.Dunn C 24 
HB: D.D'Arcy 20 L.Ahrens 7 S.Watson 14 C: E.Keaney 30 A.Drennan 33 C.Hammond 29 HF: K.Howarth 23 K.Surman 26 C.Whitfort 4 F: T.Bohanna 12 S.Perkins 28 Foll: L.Bella 2 C.Rowbottom 8 J.Stanton 17 I/C: D.Heslop 25 S.Danckert 9 E.Hampson 1 J.Yorston 5 J.Dupuy 27 Emerg: A.Barba 21 B.Perry 16 In: V.Saad, S.Danckert, E.Hampson
 Out: A.Bush (Omitted), J.Pregelj (Knee), L.Single (Omitted)

Another reminder that the game’s been moved to tomorrow at 7.10 pm. Still at Casey Fields and although we start as strong favourites, the Suns are an improving outfit and we really need to start putting together four quarter performances.

I know it’s not always appropriate to make comparisons between eras but if you think Ron Barassi (6 premierships) as Christian Petracca and Laurie Mithen (5 premierships) as Clayton Oliver then you might understand the importance of Laurie Mithen to the golden era we experienced during his career with the club. The other coincidence is the influence of players coming from Ormond to Melbourne and getting the # 11 guernsey. That’s 6 flags that I’m aware of to date. Laurie Mithen was one of our truly greatest ever players.

A nice article about retired Casey skipper Jack Hutchins 100 and out: Why a century of VFL games was enough for Casey star

I just received this sad news about Laurie Mithen (one of my original Demon heroes from the 50s - # 11) from the Past Players and Officials Condolences to the family. It is with much sadness that we announce the death of past player Laurie Mithen, at the age of 87. Laurie came to the Melbourne Football Club from Ormond, making his senior debut in the first round of 1954. Wearing No. 11, as he would for each of his 153 games (with the notable exception of the 1958 Grand Final), this game against Collingwood saw the youngster receive rough treatment, which bred resilience and toughness in him throughout his stellar career. Entertaining and clever, Mithen could play on either side of his body, and was valued for his kicking and marking ability. In his second season – 1955 – he not only played in the first of five premierships, but was also the inaugural recipient of the Ron Barassi Senior Memorial Trophy for outstanding service. In 1956, Mithen was a member of the all-powerful Melbourne outfit that would later be inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. The ‘Olympic Premiers’ thrashed Collingwood, and Mithen’s contribution was hailed by the club, with the annual report for the season stating that: ‘In Laurie Mithen Melbourne possess a player of outstanding skill and cleverness. In the semi final this year Laurie played the type of amazing game that he alone in our side can play.’ Injuries curtailed the typically consistent Mithen in 1957, but he returned to cement a dominant spot in the centre, along with a third premiership, this time against Essendon. It was Mithen who set the tone for the Grand Final when he took the ball out of the centre. Then it was on to Barassi, who kicked the first goal for the game within seconds of its start. Barassi and Mithen formed a dominant combination within a powerful team, and unfortunately this was part of the downfall of 1958. Up against Collingwood in the Grand Final, the two Demons were among those particularly targeted for distraction and roughing up. The ultimate result was a three goal Grand Final loss, and dismay for all those in red and blue. There was a silver lining for Mithen, however, as he was named Best and Fairest in 1958; an achievement that was followed up by another premiership, and a second Best and Fairest in 1959. Having also represented Victoria, Mithen was celebrated for his achievements, with the plaudits including that comments that: ‘Our “Best and Fairest” winner for 1959 for the second year in succession was Laurie Mithen. Laurie…has developed into one of the outstanding footballers in the Victorian League. His clever and brilliant football now possesses a directness and vigour that only comes from experience.’ That experience helped to take Mithen to a fifth Melbourne premiership in 1960. In 1962, he went on to serve as the club’s vice-captain, before hanging up his boots to become playing coach of VFA side Port Melbourne, helping to deliver the 1964 premiership for the ‘Borough’. In 1966, schoolteacher Mithen headed west, teaching in Perth for four years, as well as playing for WA side Claremont for two seasons. He then spent time as a school principal in Canada, before later returning to the Gold Coast. Throughout his lifetime, Melbourne continued to recognise Mithen for his contribution and status within the club. Named as an emergency in the club’s Team of the Century, announced in 2000, Mithen was inducted into the MFC Hall of Fame in 2003, and was named as a ‘150 Hero’ in 2008. In 2013, he was made a Life Member, as humble and delighted as ever in accepting honours for achievements that are an eternal part of the club’s heritage. We will always value and remember Laurie Mithen as a special part of the Melbourne Football Club, and offer our most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

He was certainly a colourful character. Started off with Footscray in the late 60s, spent a couple of seasons at Yarraville and crossed to Port Melbourne where he had a stellar career as a full forward. Spent his final season in the game at Moorabbin before that club folded (for a second time). Had a chequered career off field but as a footballer he was larger than life and lifted the VFA in the modern era before the VFL took over with Sunday football.

The two most highly touted KPF’s in last year’s draft were Jye Amiss who was taken by Fremantle and Jacob Van Rooyen. It’s interesting that in the case of the former, the Dockers have him training away from the main group. Amiss is understood to be following a personalised training program ahead of his maiden season in the AFL. It will be interesting to see how the development of both players turns out. Of course, Freo would probably have a greater need and more immediate need for a KPF - the experiment will be interesting.

The word from one supporter up here (and you won’t find too many) but this one has a son in the junior football system here is that Mac Andrew is coming along very quietly but is impressing local track watchers who like his vertical leap, his elusiveness and ability to out run opponents. The Suns also recruited Mabior Chol from the Tigers in the off-season and since he’s about 6 years ahead of Andrew, he’s expected to make the side ahead of him. They’re also trialing former Collingwood and St Kilda speedster Nathan Freeman as a supplementary selection. That’s it - I’m done with the Suns.

Don’t really know. The Suns don’t get much publicity up here and whereas a few years ago, when my nephew was Gold Coast’s club doctor and I was able to visit a closed Suns’ training session, the opportunity is no longer available. He’s now with another club. I’ll make some enquiries.

Well, at least that concern I had about accuracy in front of goal wasn’t really an issue. MELBOURNE 01.1 02.2 0.2.2 3.3.21 ADELAIDE 2.1.13 2.5.17 4.10.34 4.11.35 GOALS MELBOURNE D Pearce 2 Harris ADELAIDE Phillips 3 Martin BEST MELBOURNE McNamara Hanks Goldrick Lampard D Pearce ADELAIDE Phillips Marinoff S Allen Rajcic Hatchard Jones INJURIES MELBOURNE L Pearce (ankle) ADELAIDE Randall (leg) REPORTS MELBOURNE Nil ADELAIDE Nil CROWD TBC at Norwood Oval

Who's flying? No surprise here, but Christian Petracca is tracking beautifully. The reigning Norm Smith Medal winner looks just as big, strong and powerful in the contest after returning this summer. It's a scary thought for opposition sides, but could he take his game to yet another level in 2022?

Last night GWS 7.1.43 defeated Western Bulldogs 2.10.22. That’s what I fear the most about today’s game - the Doggies score line reads so much like the Melbourne of the past.

First big test for the Demons on hostile (albeit red and blue) territory in SA Adelaide v Melbourne at Norwood Oval, 2.40pm ACDT ADELAIDE B: N.Gore 7 M.Rajcic 32 HB: L.Whiteley 22 S.Allan 39 N.Allen 8 C: A.Considine 16 A.Hatchard 33 E.Jones 2 HF: E.Phillips 13 C.Randall - C 26 T.Charlton 25 F: A.Woodland 24 C.Biddell 12 Foll: C.Gould 1 E.Marinoff 10 R.Martin 5 I/C: M.McKinnon 21 J.Simmons 11 M.Newman 17 H.Button 6 A.Ballard 27 Emerg: J.Hewett 19 B.Tonon 28 In: L.Whiteley, C.Randall, C.Gould, M.Newman Out: J.Hewett (Omitted), S.Thompson (HS Protocol), D.Ponter (HS Protocol), J.Mules (HS Protocol) MELBOURNE B: L.Birch 9 G.Colvin 32 HB: S.Heath 30 S.Lampard 8 S.Goldrick 23 C: E.McNamara 22 T.Hanks 5 C.Sherriff 18 HF: T.Harris 7 K.Hore 10 L.Mithen 14 F: D.Pearce - C 6 J.Parry 19 Foll: L.Pearce 15 E.Zanker 29 K.Paxman 4 I/C: M.Fitzsimon 24 M.Gay 3 E.West 11 A.Bannan 16 S.Scott 12 Emerg: A.Brown 28 M.Caris 21 In: L.Mithen, M.Gay Out: B.Tarrant (Omitted), M.Caris (Omitted)

I’m up on the Gold Coast and had dinner in a restaurant last night where there was a table of three young blokes, one of them, the Suns’ gun recruit Mac Andrew. I’m no expert but he doesn’t look as if he’s put on any weight. 😀 But we were in a pasta joint so that’s a start!

Good to see Ronald Dale Barassi has recovered from his recent bout of Covid and is training the house down!

Did you mean Spargo, the Dutch band?

I take it that Djokovic hasn’t made the Serbian bobsled team?

Agreed. I really can’t see this working. REPORT: AFL considering top-up pool of replacement players for 2022 The AFL seems to be concerned that some clubs manage better with their second tier affiliates than others but they should be rewarded rather than making further allowances to the lazy clubs that don’t do enough for their development.

Firstly, kudos to Tegan Cunningham on her design of this year’s MFC AFLW Pride guernsey. I thought it looked not too overstated - just right. We started off shakily in the conditions and finally overran them thanks to our superior fitness and run with that infamous Casey wind in the final quarter giving us a good ride to a percentage boosting win. However, it must be of some concern that we are basically winning our matches off the back of a single quarter and we’re going to be more consistent next week against the Crows on their home deck. Karen Paxman came good today and led the midfield. Our defence held up well and Tayla Harris and Kate Hore are dangerous up forward. I think George on the Outer in his preview of the season was concerned about the team overdoing the handball. If they are going to handball as often as they’re doing then they need to work on it at training. It’s not just us but a feature of many of the games I’ve been watching that teams are coming unstuck with poor handball. Still, a 41 point win after being level pegging at ¾ time can’t be sneezed at.

All over and a big win to the Dees. Having the advantage of the wind in the final quarter on a hot day works wonders. MELBOURNE 1.0.6 2.5.17 3.5.23 9.10.64 ST KILDA 1.2.8 2.2.14 3.5.23 3.5.24 GOALS MELBOURNE Harris 3 Hanks 2 Fitzsimon Hore D Pearce L Pearce ST KILDA M McDonald Vogt Xenos BEST MELBOURNE Paxman Lampard Hanks Harris Hore Birch ST KILDA Lucas-Rodd Jakobsson Priest Xenos Shierlaw INJURIES MELBOURNE Nil ST KILDA Nil REPORTS MELBOURNE Nil ST KILDA Nil CROWD TBC at Casey Fields

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