Spin-it-to-Goodwin-it

Well said - Thanks for your response. You certainly can't argue with the improvement in running out games last year - That's a positive So far, from people's descriptions and photos from training, there seems to be more bulking up going on (But that could easily just be Bailey's request) so that's one change.... But I reckon some responsibility must have fallen on the fitness staff, despite the "story" that we got at times, which served to protect them from criticism and prevent outrage. Don't get me wrong, I'm not having a go and I'm as keen as anyone for improvement....I'm just curious to know if there have been any noticeable changes, cause that would certainly indicate that they identified a need for change, despite bad luck reasoning

Just a matter of perspective I'd say Young players or rookies would see playing AFL as "making it" from where they have come from, but then when you have played a few games the perspective changes - the bar raises. For C.J, he needs to raise the bar.

Yeah not bad - I think I've outdone myself Do you reckon someone actually has an answer? If I do my groin, maybe that might attract someone from the fitness staff to make a comment.

I see no reason why he couldn't fill either of those positions. From what I can tell he is mobile, athletic and strong overhead. I don't see it being a question of physical. Skills?? From what I've heard they are between OK - Good? So the real question mark lies with the man himself, and his drive to get the best out himself. I suppose if you knew that answer, you might be good enough to take stake a claim for the now vacant Recruiting Position. My feel is that he will play a third Tall in the Backline this year until he can stake his claim in the forward line, where I reckon his flair for goal kicking will shine through - It would be waisted in the backline.

For those who have been able to get down to training, or have some inside knowledge - Have you noticed any obvious or subtle changes to Melbournefc's conditioning strategy this pre-season? I'm interested to know proportionately, how much responsibility has fallen on the Physical preparation staff for last years injuries, and how much they have simply put it down to bad luck. Cause if they have made significant changes to conditioning (apart from Bailey's input) - That might provide the answer.

I've got a feeling that the photo from that article may be from last season, when he was about to debut - So a fair bit of bulking could have gone on between then and now. I have to agree with you about it being questionable that there is a spot for him in the forward line this year (a bit of wishful thinking), although the odd "pinch hit" wouldn't go astray - On a needs basis, maybe an extra tall talent down back is more beneficial right now, until Neitz retires. I'd like to see guys like Garland being "blooded" for that inevitable moment. Just a little bit of short term pain for the long term gain, but not so much that we can't still win

OK - Let me explain then..... Firstly - When talking about Carlton and "tanking", does it make sense to you that I'm making a joke at there expense?....and if you can let your imagination run wild a little bit, maybe you would find it as amusing as what I did..... So I thought it kind of fitting that there training device is designed to slow them down (whilst wearing them), and thus make it a lot easier to lose games deliberately (tanking) and they are the masters of it aren't they? I can't imagine them winning with those weight harnesses on....Can you? Why keep all of there Tanking tactics so hidden and stealth like...Why not just let it all hang out...WE WANT TO LOSE! It now seams teams are going to go to the extreme in order to tank games....Maybe this is the ultimate solution......Now are you getting it? Secondly - Carlton left themselves open to this amusement, when they decided to make a joke of there efforts against teams towards the end of last season. Remember? I'm not sure I understand what you mean about your "incident" comment - Perhaps you should just get over it, and get on with making fun at the other team's stupidity, and how they think that they will be better off with "tanking" generated high draft picks. There lack of honesty will come back to bite them in time....just wait and see.

I was flicking through some photos on GSP images where I noticed a few extra pictures of Melboune's recent Leadership press conference This image caught my eye and I thought maybe this was Carltank's novel new way to take Tanking to a new level, although I'm not sure that they have got approval to wear these during games yet

Yes....and can someone give me all of the names of the critical players that we now don't have on our list, compared with the '06 list which played off in the final against the Dockers just two seasons ago?

"I honestly can't see us not making finals this year because I think we've got a fantastic list.'' - Clint Bartram (Geelong Advertiser) Good to hear that Clint is upbeat about the season and our list potential - And you have to think that someone in his position would have a good idea about it. It sounds genuine to me....You Guys? "I HONESTLY CAN'T SEE US NOT MAKING THE FINALS THIS YEAR" - BARTRAM

Great response...priceless - Haven't laughed that hard all day.... There certainly seems to be some contradiction in the voting. Maybe that is because people want to give themselves some reason to believe even though deep down they think there isn't any chance, or conversely, that people see us as deliberately tanking this year, despite having the capability to win the premiership? It's a tricky one

So as an alternative, do you suggest no rule changes at all? Or different ideas that you think will work?

Thanks Nasher. It's kind of like Demonland - good contributions can make a difference whether they come from the inner or the outer sanctums. It's all good. P.S Anyone know if there has ever been an Aboriginal Captain, and if so how many throughout the years?

Or Steven Stretch perhaps?

I take your point, and I don't think you have taken my point in context. There is nothing stopping them from resting players in the same way they have been - 64 a game is heaps. It's really to prevent clubs from going down the path they have been, in order to get that extra edge. It's a reality that the more creative clubs become to try and get a win, that this will need to be matched in someway with rule changes in order to keep the integrity of the game. Take the "keepings off " crap that goes on for example. The game will become ridiculous if the rules aren't differed slightly over time. The increasing speed of the game is undeniable. Do you think that the game needs to slow down or at least not get any quicker? IMO, more speed means more load on the joints, and besides the increased risk of injury, this is going to wear the body out quicker than if you were playing at 1980's speed. Haven't seen any Michael Tuck's lately?, and look at all of the players that retired last year, most of them were riddled with injuries in their twighlight years and probably didn't play more than half the games for the season, if they were lucky. Guys like Hird and and Kouta became Rehab specialists and you hardly know they are playing sometimes. Yeah sure player welfare is addressing all of those issues as best it can, but the mere fact that it has developed to the extent that it has over the past few years is a sign that more has to be done.

Good find Straight from the horses mouth....has a good perspective on things and sounds as though he sees himself belonging at the top level.

That's encouraging. I can't help but feel that Melbourne will find a new leg this year if they can fast track some of there promising goal kickers. As much as I love Neita and everything he brings, it would be a massive breath of fresh air if some young guys like Newton, Bate, Dunn, Martin and maybe even Zomer became legitamate threats and develpoed a physical presence in front of goals. We really miss the bullocking that Schwartz brought to the team before he retired. Has the importance of a Centre half forward diminished over the past few years - do you think?

Perhaps that is a sacrafice that they need to make in order to blood a replacement/s for Neitz. Although, any experience in the backline this year should serve as a good apprenticeship for a future career in the forwardline. From what I have seen, he is reasonably capable below his knees aswell For what it is worth, he is my tip for the biggest improver this year.

I'm wanting to hear from those with a bit of insight into how Garland is positioned for the upcoming season.

And where do you think he will play from what you have seen/ heard?

His comments about Miller having a strong work ethic, certainly explains how he could poll well in the leadership voting during preaseason. It's exciting to hear about two of our developing key position players impressing .....These guys are like finding Gold and finding them has been a long time coming

That's a good point - I imagine they have enough to focus on already

I agree....the changes are in the games best interest. Players are tending to become crippled much earlier in there careers compared to the past, and a rule that puts a slight dampener on the speed of the game can only help in this regard. Especially O.P, which is in some cases, is finishing careers before they even get off the ground

Well said!

I can understand the youth argument, because everyone wants to look forward to the future and promote young talent... Me too But consider this; perhaps these guys are going to be playing a slightly different role under the Bailey regime to what they were under Daniher. So things have changed slightly and it doesn't make sense to argue that some of these leaders underperformed under Daniher From what I can gather, Bailey has come up with a new concept of learning from the players themselves, and whilst young players can also potentially have a good view and ideas on the game, there is no substitute for maturity in terms of games played and in terms of consulting as more of an assistant coach. I believe that this is why they are generally older - something to do with Bailey's learn from the player approach. Players that are still learning the game potentially have every bit as much leadership as an older bloke, but they simply may not carry themselves as well in the coach's box. (So to speak) If you look at what Port have been doing with there just retired or soon to be retired players, then it makes sense of our leadership group.