Spin-it-to-Goodwin-it

Good example... And one interesting point also is that back in 2000 - Simmonds had much less muscle development, than what he developed over at Freo. Look at him now, he's one of the most Injury prone going around, I don't remember him being so in his days at Melbourne, apart from being decapitated by Long in 2000 (Case in Point) That bump still sends a shiver just thinking about it

Your words, not mine - Not once did I mention anything to do with being unsuspecting of contact You would be in the "Popular belief" category that I was referring to - I'll answer your question without the bolded bits thrown in: Yes, I'm talking AFL here. I never said they wouldn't brace themselves; there are two separate realities in terms of bracing for contact: One is to go fully flexed and thus tense (you can't have it both ways) and to use "physical" force at the first contact - being extremely prone to injury The other is to be in a relaxed state, but not in an "empty state" and able absorb impact, and for someone who has trained this skill, to be able redirect the opponents incoming force. IN an AFL context, it is not simply a matter of being bold over or pushed out of a contest....on the contrary, it gives you the upper hand, to the extent that they come off worse than you would (Which I doubt any players or clubs have delved into as yet) The trouble with AFL footballers in respect to conditioning, is that they push to many weights (amongst other things), and their bodies are actually very poorly conditioned specifically to the game they play. Clubs are onto it in on a very base level, but the body is a very "fine line" instrument. If there are imbalances (of which being too tense is one of them) then it will get found out pretty quickly. To get the advantage, you need to think outside of the box. I heard this quote from Einstein yesterday, and thought it appropriate: "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."

A few points stand out regarding your observation: 1. There are two distinct topics of conversation here, one questioning the level of technical expertise going into the warm ups, and the other whether our attitude is a problem - I'll address the former 2. What we have been like in past years doesn't really serve in term of examining this year’s warm up routine, it's an evolving beast 3. Don't confuse bad attitude with a super relaxed approach to warm ups. The later is highly advantageous to the muscle bound, tightly packed, hamstring prone already fit footballer. You have to remember the warm up is not conditioning, it's simply to prepare them for the game physically and mentally. I would suggest that this pre-season we have performed exceptionally in term of injury prevention (during games) so from that point of view there is nothing to complain about 4. I prefer the description that you gave about the Melbfc warm ups better than I do the one you gave about the Roos, simply because my idea of warming up is to be as completely relaxed as possible, because it enables your body to loosen and open up better, and also the relaxed state flows over into the game to help prevent injuries, and also leaves them in a state of mind better equipped to execute game plans etc. 5. Besides popular belief, a relaxed body is better able to absorb heavy contact during the contest. An example being falling out of a top bunk, smashing to the floor whilst sleeping and getting up without even a bruise, and going back to sleep. (Happened to me when I was younger) Or a boxer needing to relax before and during his bout, or he is more prone to being knocked out. Or people surviving being hit by a car at speed whilst being heavily drunk. Also, you conserve your energy better for the game 6. Have an open mind, and don't just assume the worst with the Dee's - All is not as it seems 7. Go Demons!

Loss has Demons running hills

Not too much too report. Bailey speaking about the punishment Footage of the Robbo charge, the club yet to decide whether they will contest it - but from the footage, it looked like unavoidble contact, and I can't see what the fuss is? He has his eye on the ball, looking to fly for the mark, and the Bulldogs player was backing into the pack - Robbo didn't see him until too late Showed a little footage of the family day

It's late notice....but I thought some of you may be interested I heard a preview announced on ESPN saying that there is going to be a feature taking a look inside the Demon's camp, on their 7.00am Live program (3/3) The good news is, if your hooked up - I think it will replay 3 times following the live edition (7.30, 8.00 & 8.30am) I never watch the program, so I don't know what to expect - If it's crap, blame the T.V

That's right, and the AFL would be setting a dangerous precedence by fining Roosy, cos tanking is fairly widespread and this would open up a can of worms. Whichever way they approach it they are screwed really.... You've got to give them points for their "act" though, as if they don't already know that this stuff goes on...yeah sure It's actually good for the game when this stuff comes out, because it makes it that little bit harder for them to just sweep it under the carpet - like they are doing with the drug scandals etc. Good on you AFL, doing a good job *Extreme sarcasm*

AFL launches an investigation - Please explain? for P.Roos Demons flying under the Radar beautifully at the moment.... This is all the evidence you need to know that our performances so far this pre-season are a stooge, just in case you weren't already aware See you at the 'G' Round 1

Thanks for the messaging guys :D

They didn't want to win, nor did they plan to win - It's part of the grand old plan Rest easy

It's not, and that is my point Don't forget pool parties at a five star Cairns Resort - that would be good enough for a bunch of rookies.

I never said we would win - simply stating how I see the smokescreen (hope we do and think have a good chance) Whether that enables us to win or not, comes down to how effective their strategy is - At no stage, have I claimed that it ensures success...but that's how they are going about business. I do think it is a good way to go about it though.

Then why the closed training sessions?

Thus the closed training sessions It does fit, just look at the lack of media coverage, match details for supporters etc. Looks and sounds very much like a stealth bomber flying under the radar to me. Besides style of play, it has the affect of keeping things quiet. And also, keeps people from knowing too much about the state of our conditioning And at the moment, we aren't giving them any compelling reason to do so - thus my point

If you read my last comment, you'll see that I'm saying that there is more to this time of year than taking care of supporters, members and prospective members. A couple of weeks ago, I was thinking along the lines that it was all important to get in front of people, perform and get mouths wagging etc.- but now I'm not so sure My theory, as I have stated in another thread, is that the Dee's are playing it as low key as they possibly can, and playing outside of Melbourne away from the Cameras and spies, certainly fits with that. If you put all of the pieces of the puzzle together, it paints a very clear picture of what they are up to - but you need to look at the big picture, and not just focus in on the minor details

This might not go down well with everyone, and understandably...... But has anyone stop to think that maybe Melbourne requested "Out of Melbourne" venues? Does anyone actually know for fact, that we have requested, or would prefer a Melbourne venue during pre-season? There is more to this than just doing the right thing by the supporters at this time of year

PRE-SEASON 1923 Here's a quote from Rudy: "Women are not in love with me, but with the picture of me on the screen. I am merely the canvas on which women paint their dreams" - Rudolph Valentino - 1923 Very fitting given the AFL's attempt at teaching players how to treat women AFL eduction on on how to treat women A litttle snippet from this article: "Young men come into football and go from not being able to get a date at the social to suddenly having half a nightclub throwing themselves at them."

It just occured to me who he reminds me of as a footballer...... Greg Healy Perhaps the guy's can call him "Stevia" - Being a good substitute for Sugar :D Or Herbi?

Valenti ready to take his chance

Send him to the Gold Coast

Let's just say it is true and the majority decide that it is time for a change....then I couldn't imagine anything taking place between now and the remainder of this season That would be incredibly poor timing, and not in the best interest of the club - So I think you can rest easy for the moment. Mind you, I do share your view of Gardner being one of the best we've had for a while, and I'm all for him continuing cos I think he is doing a stellar job, from what I can see.

Regardless of whether we win or lose?

That's a good point - Buckley did pull up with something towards the end of the Geelong game... assumed it was cramp And that's a valid point you make about Cale, more an issue of managing him along the way

True, and there is also no harm in getting a little excited for the young bloke. We've finally got a chance to get on up to Cairns in the Cyclone and watch him play It's too far even from the Sunshine Coast. Perfect introduction for Cale, away from the spotlight and playing on his brother - how the heck could you do that... crunch your brother in a tackle? Can never quite fathom that

I agree - it's a tad farcical, but you could call it a debut of sorts for the young guys. It’s a chance to represent the club