The Emblem

Subtlety and nuance is lost on you ain't it, Sergeant Schultz? And Mikey J and AzzKicka?

No it isn't and it's Siegfried in this particular instance.

Wouldn't it be great now that pick one is sewn up to send the Saints into a tailspin? OK we miss a priority, but the morale boost would be sensational and it's always good to derail someone else.

Shtarker, dis is Kaos. Ve do not do za "derail here" und loze da priority pick you Dumbkopf!

I tend to agree. Even if its an injury that has no chance of getting any worse, I just don't see the upside of playing him when his output is effected this much.

And if its not an injury... uh... let's just hope its an injury, ok?

Hmm it is a worry

as for what went wrong...the injury to Matty Whelan, especially if it stops him getting his 150th game send off next week.

Was I the only Melbourne supporter at today’s game?

Steady on, I counted at least 8 and that's not including the Cheer Squad!

6. Sylvia

5. Jetta

4. McDonald

3. Davey

2. Jamar

1. Robertson

U really think clarko would tell the team the story if their was no merit or valour to it? Barry belted blokes who weren't ready for it, clearly this was an act of courage where the bloke he hit was looking for trouble... But u know betta hey? Footy experts say he's a genuine prospect, see the article from earlier in the year posted here... And before u or any1 else gets on their high horse and says it is never acceptable to hit sum1, ur living in a very sheltered world, sum people r looking for a fight even if the other person has dun nothin more than b in the wrong place at the wrong time, I know cause it's happened to me, I wish my mate who was there and was a big enuf lad to have helped had half this kids bravery

And how do u figure he's injury prone?

Good point evil 1...it may just be that the bully had a particularly thick skull! Which would figure.

we are on the verge of football orgasm !!

I'm with you BB, The Warlpiri Warrior's footy is "forgasmic"

The age of these players has nothing to do with why they were asked to retire. Whelan and Wheatley retired with the bodies of 45 year olds. Robertson was gently nudged because the club needs TEAM players. As good as he has been the current model of player is not Russell. Bailey is building a team that plays 100% of the game as a team, with each player contributing to a strong defensive game, much like Geelong and the Saints and every other great team for that matter. James McDonald is this player. Sure he's older but Harvey retired at 37 so it meens little. McDonald's body isn't failing him, he had one injured knee this year and since he recovered has been playing good football.

He will most likely play a backline roll and I for one will love watching his toughness and team game down back.

He is quite likely the most underrated player this club has had over the last 10 year's and if you actually watched him play you'd realise he easily makes our best 22, and would get a game at most other clubs for that matter. Teams are picked by FD's not posters on club forum's.

Well said Roost It, Junior has been playing well since his overcoming his knee niggles and is in our best 22 and can squeeze out another year. He is also a player who has excelled at the 1% er's and has extracted the maximum out of his ability.

Right now have a squad of highly talented youngsters with premiership potential going forward. To realise this potential we must establish a culture whereby each individual player takes it upon themselves to do "whatever it takes" to improve themselves as footballers and extract every ounce of ability they have out of their minds and bodies.

I believe that Junior is the right man to lead this cultural change because he is the embodiment of this attitude.

I-A-N I ,for one attempt to keep any criticisms , if they are (or praise ) to the play itself. I.e theball more thanthe manso to speak. Its totally unwaranted to describe this or that player as say..scumbag.. loser.. this or that , but there are many desriptions which in all reality are fair go if that is how the player has indeed played. If they play like crap ..then thats that. if a player is lazy , not too flash with second efforts, petulant etc etc.. why shouldnt we call a spade a spade.

""And if you do get the chance face-to-face then remember to smile while you say it, and if in doubt make sure you've taken a recent photo of yourself with a full set of teeth. "" gold !

Indeed you do BB, it wasn't a dig at you , more a note to all of us (me included) of how best we can phrase things and mind the spirit in which its given.

oh please spare me..fs these are professionals ...arent they..they dothis for a living ...dont they..they are very hansomely remumerated and perks. Outright character assasination isnt warranted , fair enough, and thats prohibited here. But these blokes need to understand that they choose to do it.. and when they step across that white line there dedication and performaces are on display and disection. If they stuff up.we'll notice it..and comment upon it. If they perform well well applaud it.

Dont want criticisms... dont give cause.. not hard is it ?

We can't take back whats already been said, however going forward perhaps we should attempt to phrase criticism in a way that we would be prepared to say it to a player were it face- to-face.

And if you do get the chance face-to-face then remember to smile while you say it, and if in doubt make sure you've taken a recent photo of yourself with a full set of teeth.

The longer this year goes on the more and more I can't see how anyone else can be Captain. He's a leader on and off the field. He's far and away our best player and he's got the respect of his teammates and the wider football community. He'll be our most senior player next year and deserves the honour. In 5 years when he retires a premeirship captain of the MFC Watts, Grimes or Scully will be well situated to takeover. Anyway you look at it, he ticks all the boxes.

^ What he said!

Ok, so this is my very first comment here! I've been following the Dee's for 3 years now and I don't think I have seen anyone show as much passion for the club as Robbo! I agree he can be frustrating at times, yet when he is on fire I truly believe he is an influential figure that can lift the team in a heart beat! THAT quality will be missed.

It would be a shame to see him in anyone elses colours. He is a true demon - go go Robbo!

Dear POM (preferred old mate).

I agree with you re Robbo's passion but have a different take on Robbo's continuation with another club.

Given that I cannot see us playing in next years Grand Final I would be more than happy to see Robbo collect a premiership with another club. You play for AFL for two reasons, 1) to compete at an elite sport and then 2) to achieve the pinnacle within that competition. Were Robbo to collect a premiership medallion next year I would expect that it would be the Demon supporters at the game to be cheering the loudest when it happened. It don't see that it really detracts from Robbo's status with the club going forward.

12,292

Why is it always the case that Melbourne's home games are played in shocking weather (especially when we're playing an interstate team)? Yesterday was sunny and inviting, hence 60,000 people went to the footy.

Edit: 9.38: Blowing a gale, bucketing down, not exactly warm. Brilliant.

Looking out the window...hmmm. Somewhere in excess of 3. Assuming Dad is still coming and bringing his mate.

Just checked, yes Dad and his mate still coming...so yes a crowd somewhere in excess of 3

They have announced that these 3 are no longer required but not McDonald Why? Surely he won't go on for another year. He has been very poor this year, it has easily been his worst year for the club. He said he was close to retirement the year before he won his first B&F because his form was ordinary well he has been a lot worse this year.

Until recently has been struggling with a niggling knee injury. That seems to have cleared up and he has put in strong performances over the last two weeks.

Will he go around next year? Your guess is as good as mine.

As for Wheatley, Whelan and Robbo.

Wheel's has been great on and off the park, where he has really looked after the indigenous youth, Aaron (my preferred choice for next skipper) now taking over this role.

Paul Wheatley, good footballer, cruel injury run, can't be too shabby if you play AFL for 10 years can you?

Robbo, frustrates me as much as he can delight. Will be fondly remembered though, especially good with the kids.

Everyone should be posting in this thread when they make a donation.

Come on guys !!! Lets get rid of all the bad stuff surrounding our club and start next year a fresh!

Mousey, there is good news and bad news.

The good news is that I have made my donation the the debt demolition.

The bad news is that the funds have come out of the "Send Mousey to the 2010 Queen's Birthday Bash Appeal", replenishment strategies now required

You sound like a bitter 80 year war veteran.

That's a very long war Twisty, you'd be bitter too!

Tom MacNamara - debut game yesterday and showed excellent foot skills. Was hitting up targets all day. Pity those targets couldn't kick straight themselves. I'd love to see him play the rest of the year across half fwd. He earnt the chance to play the rest of the year out yesterday.

In time perhaps as a forward (some more growing and filling out to do), in the interim I'd rather see him as a link man using those kicking skills to feed the ball into the forwards.

Handy debut Tom.

Sit back and look forward to the draft! We have the box seat! And PS Pick 1 which should not be under estimated.

Your right, can come in handy, see one Liam Jurrah.

Dees Closer To Demolition

Going well isn't it.

That debt, we're "slapping it like it's a red haired stepson"

Expect another weak team to be selected this week.

Woo Hoo...I'll dust of the boots and oil up the crutches!

I don't have facebook and never will, and I don't even know what twitter is, except I gather it's a way of communicating to people what you're up to.

Why would I give a stuff what someone's up to ?

I have very young boys, but already I tell them not to put anyone on a pedestal. The hero worshipping that goes on with regards to 'celebrities', etc, is pathetic. And I hate that term 'celebrity'. Why are they celebrated ?

Then again, I accept I'm probably unusual in this regard.

While I personally don't get concepts like twitter they do seem to be what floats the new generations boat (a key demographic that we need to reach out to) and on that basis its a good initiative for the MFC

Ouch for NRL.

How [censored] would you be if you were the Broncos, it's not like they can trade him away for draft picks.

They could always try recruiting Barry Hall

*photo removed*

That appears to be a bottle of James Squires that he is holding. If so then Sam is doing his bit to bulk up with some high quality carb's.

Is everybody happy now?

if you were blind... I think you,d enjoy her. So much better than the rest of them ie :qtrman

If you were deaf you would enjoy it even more!

Tanking is such an ugly phrase...I prefer "strategic withdrawal"