Deeoldfart

According to Misson, "Grimesy broke that thumb and he had an operation. He had plates and screws put in, rather than wires, so thats going to dictate that hes able to come back earlier."

Bugger the comparisons with Greig, Selwood, Harvey, Pendles and the like. Within two years supporters of other clubs will be using our Gus Brayshaw as the benchmark player for their newly drafted 'guns'. Their hopes will be forlorn!

My gut is telling me the timing is perfect. A short break for the players to refresh (both physically and mentally), and time for the coaching staff to make sure that the players 'come back to earth' but take some measured confidence and belief out of a great win, are absolute positives imo. Travelling to Darwin as a group won't do any harm either. Add to this that we will be playing the Weagles on a ground and in conditions that won't be familiar to them, and I reckon that the contest will be a lot closer than the respective ladder positions might suggest. Maybe we might even win, and really start to turn some heads in the wider competition.

Crossy has been outstanding for us, and a 'feather in the caps' of Roosy and our Recruiting Team. Moreover, I reckon he would still be adding significant value at Footscray, both on and off the field. Complete professionals like him add value wherever they go.

Gus does make every single touch count, but his presence on the field is much, much more than that. It's his pressure acts like chasing and tackling, his desperation, gut running and fearlessness and his never-say die attitude and will to get to the next contest, that make him such a standout. His leadership is also starting to show through. I clearly remember early in the season, Jonesy pointing out where he should stand at stoppages. Now it's Gus directing traffic as often as not. He is an absolute gem, and is learning so quickly.

Team selection vs the Eagles will probably the most difficult so far in 2015 for our Match Committee, and it's certainly making for a fascinating and enjoyable discussion on here. I can see merit in almost every point of view that has been raised. For mine, I would bring in Hogan and Garland for Bail and Riley, but like others, it would not be without some trepidation about team balance and lack of mobility in our forward half, particularly in the likely Darwin conditions. The (obvious) answer would be for our tall forwards to crash every pack and either mark the incoming ball or (more likely) create a spillage for the smaller forwards and mids, who would need to be in the right place at the foot of every pack, and make the most of scoring opportunities. With Garlett and the good goal-kicking form of ANB against Geelong, we might just be able to kick a winning score. But, of course, our defence will need to hold up (which I think they can) and we will need to at least halve the stoppages, which is why having both Gawn and Spencer in the side is important imo.

Big picture ... let's dream of 1987, without the nightmare.

If the first post had been a week earlier, who would have predicted a Melbourne win at Kardinia Park, on a major milestone day for a Geelong great? Not me, so I'll stay out of this one!

Without fear, and manic at the ball and the man .... that encapsulates Jack Viney's football prowess for me

Geez, nominations were tough this week, for all the right reasons. Just an outstanding team effort, and many potential nominees miss out because 22 doesn't divide very easily into six. 6. Bernie Vince - Outstanding all day. Oozes class, and you can see that he loves playing for the Dees. 5. Max Gawn - Sensational four quarters, both in the middle, around the ground and as a forward target. Who would have thunk it? 4. Jack Viney - Manic at the ball and man. Ripped Sellwood apart! 3. Nathan Jones - Another top game from the Skipper. Tough as nails. Willed himself to every contest, and won most of them. 2. Gus Brayshaw - Forget about the NAB Rising Star ... he has arrived already! 1. Lynden Dunn - Back to his best, which is very good. Comfortably overcame Hawkins' size and strength advantages, and rebounded to advantage all day. Well done boys .... you've done yourselves proud!!

On paper Geelong look stronger all over the field, and there's no doubt that they are. If they take a 'millionaire' attitude into the game, and maintain it throughout, we are a chance to get within 6 or 7 goals. I'm an eternal optimist and hate losing as much as anyone, but if we can finish within 6 or 7 goals, and run out the match without further injuries, I will be satisfied, because it will mean that all of our boys have given 100% for 120 minutes (and at this stage of our development that's all I seek). I can't believe I just said that, but after 10 years in the doldrums, realism must finally be starting to dawn on me.

Strongly agree on both fronts. Pick 13 for Howe I would be outstanding for Melbourne ....... like Christmas in October!

I agree rjay. Give him a chance at the top level to see what he has to offer and test his credentials for an upgrade in 2016. From now on team selections in 2015 should have a fair bit to do with list management in 2016 and beyond.

Thanks Chris. I told you I was naive!

Can anybody explain why this latest revelation wasn't front and centre on AFL360 tonight? Genuine question. I know I'm naive, but it doesn't make sense to me.

Straight from the 'horses mouth'

Some really encouraging signs from our youngsters vs Coburg. I have the impression that Justin Plapp is not heavy handed with the sugar coating, and the progress of King, Harmes and White seem very much on the right trajectory. They seem to be thriving under his coaching and the work of the Development Coaches. For me it puts a hint of 'sunshine' on what was otherwise a mostly 'overcast' weekend. VFL player review: round nine

6 - Bernie Vince 5 - Jack Watts 4 - Jesse Hogan 3 - Nathan Jones 2 - Gus Brayshaw 1 - Daniel Cross Unlucky - Jack Viney Nowhere - the rest

I've lost my rose-coloured glasses. Did you happen to find them, by chance?

Absolutely gutted. Too many passengers on the day, and too many who don't have the skills or the smarts to play at this level, and sadly never will!

Great work Scorps and great updates from KC and others. Thanks guys!

......................... and then, when they belt out the Grand Old Flag, with their arms 'round each others shoulders!

Great to have you back TDI. Keep up the good work!

I admired Judd's football ability greatly but despised his underhand tactics on the field (eg. eye gouging, chicken wings and pressure point crap). Further, he would be a totally bad fit for the type of culture we are trying to nurture (remember his lack of leadership on the booze-fueled Yarra cruise?). No way in the world would I want him at my Club! Why would we pay good money for dragging us backwards, just as we are taking some tentative steps in the right direction? Edit: spelling

Another late entry, for the record. 6. Bernie Vince 5. Nathan Jones 4. Daniel Cross 3. Max Gawn 2. Gus Brayshaw 1. Jeremy Howe