Deeoldfart

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

Still injured.

Put on your thinking cap od. Make it a celebratory Pinot with Sis after the game, and kill two birds with one stone.

Jesse would be well aware of where the RS sits in the pecking order of AFL awards. He seems very level headed, and would know that if he continues to work hard, learn as he goes and stay fit, there are far more prestigious awards and rewards ahead of him. The bigger the stage, the more he will thrive.

There was a handful of Melbourne 'greats' in that team, but for the most part it was a team of 'battlers' ........... but they played for each other as if their lives depended on it. If only we could find some of that spirit today there's no way we would be sitting 3 and 6!

Just reading this thread does that to me rjay. Well not quite tears, but definitely moist eyes as those euphoric memories come flooding back.

We become a meek and mild football team at the first sign of adversity. Until we have more than the current handful of players who play for the jumper (and not for themselves), we won't even rise to the dizzy heights of mediocrity.