Deeoldfart

So young, so naive, so tragic, such a waste. As a parent I can't begin to imagine how I would feel in Brett Ratten's shoes. Heartfelt sympathy to all those who were close to young Cooper.

6. McDonald 5. Viney <.................... a country mile 4. Watts 3. Hogan 2. Michie 1. Harmes

They played like an empty shell of a team for 3/4 of the game. No heart, no pride, no belief and no care factor. How the hell can that be? Unless we can somehow inject these qualities (not using needles) for every minute of every match, finals in 2017 seems like an outrageous objective. Last night I was angry. That emotion has now dissipated, but I remain extremely disillusioned with a team that promises so much and gives so little.

I'm bloody close to crossing the floor!!

I'd be very surprised if we delisted Fitz, However, I reckon there's likely to be some interest from a few of clubs, and he will either remain at Melbourne or be traded.

Agree, but that's what I thought last time we played them.

I saw Truck at training before the C'wood game, and there's no doubt in my mind that he's carrying some extra kgs. I thought at the time that it was probably a combination of his body type and having been 'off legs' for an extended period. He seems like a terrific fella. Gave me a wink, a smile and the thumbs-up as I watched on in awe of what he might become when he becomes toned.

Thanks Jack. This article should be music to our ears, and a far cry from what we were witnessing just 12 months ago. Importantly, I get the distinct impression that Plapp is true to his word, and what he has said is a statement of facts, and not something churned out because it's what supporters will want to hear.

Ripper ........another important piece of the puzzle locked in! Fantastic fillip for our footy club and great reward for Maxy's hard work and perseverance following a wretched run with injuries. Comfortably in the top five 'most improved' players in the AFL for 2015 IMO, which is outstanding for a young ruckman who is probably still several years away his prime. Great effort Maxy!

I'd go further than that rjay and say that at this time of year, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

If we are chasing a back flanker who breaks lines and kicks well, I hope we set our sights higher than Seedsman.

Personally, I'm a bit ambivalent about Howie, but I have every confidence that under the present administration, he will not be paid more than his 'realistic value' to the Melbourne footy Club. I would not have had this level of confidence a few years ago.

6. Hogan 5. Viney 4. Dawes 3. Howe 2. Gawn 1. Tyson

Thanks Jack. Very reassuring that I still have a smidge of memory left. The names you mention would have made the world of difference to our team through the '70s , but I reckon it was the administration of the Club that Norm mostly frowned upon, and that inexorably led to our downfall on the field as well. It took him 50 years to again smile on the Club that had treated him so shabbily.

I love: that Jack has taken his first running steps on the comeback trail; the outstanding team spirit that is developing around our Club; and that our great club cared enough to give Jack a contract extension, so he has every opportunity resurrect his career. All things which bode well for the future, I reckon.

Nup. I remember Trevor very well from our Premiership years, but I'm thinking of a different beast who never played a senior game ........come to think of it, that might be the reason he doesn't appear in my MFC 'library'.

I agree Pates. While we all love Hogan's goals, his contested marking and and physicality are the standout features for me. So much more to look forward to with Jesse!!

I regularly watched our ressies 'kicking the dew off the grass' way back then. Mention of Phil Rhoden didn't immediately jog my memory, but Redleg and WJ's description of his long kicking and physique quickly reminded me. Casting my mind back to around that time for some reason reminded me of another reserves player who is memorable more for the way he was built, than for his football prowess. If I recall correctly his name was Terry Johnson (or Johnston?), and he was a ruckman built along similar lines to the "galloping gasometer'. I have looked up his name in a few of my references, but can find no mention of him. Do any of you MFC aficionados remember him (?) or is time starting to take its toll on my long-term memory? It killed off my short-term memory years ago!

Goldstein has played a major part in North's recent wins, and I reckon Jamar might play to help keep his influence in check. Michie misses out in my lineup, and ANB is sub. North have a habit of putting in a shocker when least expected, and if the Gawn / Rush combination can keep Goldstien from dominating, and our boys turn up with last week's mindset, I give us a show. On a satisfaction rating, a win on Sunday would rank right up there with last week. I absolutely loathe the ..........s (insert the description of your choice).

Players and parents of players.

Maybe ..... we'll know Friday evening, I guess.

Like you Mach, I'm surprised. At his best Myers is pretty good, but he is rarely on the park. Averages around 10 games a year over close to 8 seasons, and only one senior appearance so far in 2015. Maybe Goodwin likes what he has seen, and he certainly fits the bill as a Roos type mid (tall, good pace with a raking left foot). However, we'd need to be confident about his durability and positive about any Essendrug fallout, before I'd have any more than a passing interest in him. No doubt if the story about our interest is true, the good judges at the MFC will have these issues front and centre.

Paul Roos seems inclined to no changes for Sunday: Roos' Views: Round 19

........ just take it in my stride, and not get over-excited!

A specific snippet of the PJ interview that I really enjoyed was when he was discussing Paul Roos role at the Club beyond his tenure as senior coach. He made the passing comment that neither of them liked to leave a job unfinished. Great!