Deeoldfart

What a ripper kid! That interview was like a 'breath of fresh air' in today's football world .... as honest as they come, and not a cliche to be heard.

Interesting how Spencer was on the road to recovery a week ago after his foot complaint 'self repaired' (about to start running and 4 weeks away from resuming) but is now the dreaded 4 to 6 weeks away from resuming. Has there been some sort of setback?

I know exactly what you mean fndee. Fortunately I'm currently in remission, but it is known to relapse without notice.

There are too many contenders pushing for spots in our best 22 for anyone to be complacent against Essendon ......... and they all want to be on the plane to Hobart the following weekend. We will win by a big margin in spite of our recent record in 'should win' matches.

I reckon the only change for this week centres around OMac. This weeks' injury update indicates that he is a 'test' so probably 50/50. This means that 'no change' is a possibility. However, IMO OMac still has some learning to do and some confidence to build before he is close to 'AFL ready', so I reckon the return of Dunn is most likely. His experience and disposal will add value to the team we fielded against GWS. Roos' comment about the size of the Essendon forward line is interesting. Maybe Lumumba in and Garland to CHB, or Brayshaw in and Pedersen to CHB. Intriguing, but I'll stick with Dunn for OMac.

I don't think we will lose, but we must pummel their second rate team to show the football world that we have taken another step on our journey. If we come with the right mindset, we will win by a big margin, and that will be an important signpost that a 'new' Melbourne is emerging.

Fantastic reward for effort. Easily the best debut game I've seen from a Demon since the introduction of the draft. His repeat efforts, commitment to the contest and composure against seasoned footballers are unbelievable for a kid. Imagine what he will be like when he matures and develops a tank! Strikes me as definitely not the type of player who will easily be shut out of the game.

6. Viney 5. Watts 4 Kennedy 3. T. Mac 2. Gawn 1. N Jones

McClure: Plenty of emotion, no analysis, no cognitive ability, no understanding of the modern game, no common sense. That's the kindest way I can put it!

Good spot!. You will get a great view of the black and white army filing out half way through the last quarter.

Bernie is obviously highly regarded as signaled by his promotion to the Leadership Group and now a contract extension. A move to HB will likely prolong his longevity on our list. Hope he will still be around to enjoy the first years of a long and successful era for the MFC.. Great stuff!

Over the last decade, I have picked the the Dees to win most games. It's in my blood, and somehow I've managed to convince myself that we were at least 'in with a chance' in almost every game. 2016 is different. At long last my head and my heart are on the same page. The current model demons have more talent than at any time in the recent past, and they play a brand of football which is tough, resilient and often exciting. Moreover, they are a team of 'believers' who play for each other, and definitely will not give up!. GWS won't beat a team with those qualities. Dees by around 6 goals.

None of Pav., Murph, or Rooy deserve a Flag more than our skip. None of them have played through a seemingly interminable period of hell the way Jonesy has. Besides, Jonesy wears red and blue, and when it's all boiled down, that's all that really counts for me!

I hope lots of Demonlanders will be doing exactly that hb. Being an 'interstater', I'll be hanging out for lots of informed reports and opinions.

Yep. We were on tonight but they buggered up the sequence. The advertised teams for tonight were shown after us.

Each of the 4 panelists was asked who they thought would be the best of our current group over their careers (paraphrasing). Interesting that they came up with 4 different players, as follows: Dunstall: Hogan Mooney: Gawn Johnson: Viney King: Petracca I like that!

So you're perfectly normal then?

I'm over the moon, and the stars are starting to align.

So many positives on here about Oliver (hard to disagree with any of it) but the greatest positive of all is that he didn't slip through our fingers. He's a Demon, and part of a developing midfield that oozes strength, determination and power. The sort of midfield that premierships are built around.

Fair outcome and good for us.

I reckon initial contact was with with shoulder (which took the brunt of the impact) but slid up for low impact to the head. Careless at worst.

I agree. Dean Kent has the where-with-all to be a 'game changer', but he needs to start changing games. Right now, he has a bit of time on his side, but he needs to have a lot more influence over the course of 2016.

Schwarta was (potentially) the best KPP I've ever seen in 60+ years of avidly watching the game and supporting the mighty Dees. He was imo, destined to go past Carey, Ablett (snr), Dunstall, and anyone else you care to mention, but sadly, injury robbed him of his rightful place in the history of our game . We have a couple of youngsters with star 'potential' on our current list. If one of them could realise the potential that was denied Schwarta, we will be a great team, I promise you!.

Disappointing overall (we should have controlled the game all day against their seconds!), but some good signs none-the-less (Clarrie in particular). The Club won't be earning many dollars from the "Pledge for Win" program, unless our skills improve markedly. Way, way too many turnovers, even in non-pressure situations.

I've even got a few pre-match 'butterflies' ... in the pre-season for God's sake.