Deeoldfart

Apart from building up his body and his aerobic capacity, Gysberts also needs to learn some basics like where to run, where to position himself around the ground and to improve his disposal. Perhaps these weaknesses are 'fixable', but imo he will need have a huge summer if he is going to make it at the top level. I'm not at all surprised that he is not in the team this week, especially on the expanses of Subi.

Beamer is way too predictable, and other clubs have him well and truely worked out. He is on the outer at Melbourne because he has been unable to add the new strings to his bow that are necessary under the Neeld game plan. Thanks for the memories Beamer, and good luck wherever you end up.

The MFC membership blurb at the start of the season was something like: 'Give Robbie one last chance to play in a final' .... and we bloody well did! I go back to our glory years of the 50s and 60s, but that day will always be one of my fondest football memories (moist eyes as I type this). I still have a vcr tape of the game, but sadly its getting very worn. Thanks for the momories of better days Grimes Times! ps. In a strange sort of way, what we are going through now reminds me of how the early 80s transpired into the late 80s for our Club. Still hoping and dreaming!

Varies a bit, but more often than not at home (Fox). We get to the G, or interstate games as often as we can. Only occasionally with the Canberra Demons.

Yep, Mark Neeld was quite definite that Cloke is not part of our plans ...... to my relief I might add.

Not quite young fella. I can name a few in their 20s, and several of those I mentioned in post #2 are in their early 30s.

I've recruited the following as signed-up members: - wife (a former Footscray fan); - 2 sons and a daughter (none of whom had a choice); - daughter in law (former NM fan), although my eldest son probably had more to do with bringing her into the fold than I did; and - a close mate and his son (both former rugby league fans); I'm currently working on 4 grand children (I doubt that they will have a choice either, given the strong commitment of their parents).

I'm not, so I'll ignore it!

Bail is very lucky imo. Obviously took a dose of agro pills before the game (which I don't mind in the least) but throwing an opponent into the fence is not a 'tough' act.

MCC should be embarassed. Showed their complete lack of understanding of the occasion.

These would have been my votes if I had arrived home before the cutoff: 6. Sylvia: building a bit of consistency late in the season 5. Jones: worked his butt off, as usual 4. Howe: becoming more than just a highlights reel 3. Sellar: a solid target up forward 2. Grimes: another sound performance 1. Tapscott: perhaps the best of the rest

I have seen no signs at all that Beamer is "coming to grips with a new game plan". Imo he has struggled enormously, and made absolutely no impression! Unfortunately, Beamer is a 'one trick pony'. Other clubs have worked him out, and he is far too predictable. My guess is that there will be a mutually agreed parting of the ways at the end of the season, but if that happens, I really hope you renew your membership tonatopia.

We are owed a few good news weeks! Great news about Mitch's progress from an unusual injury. Hopefully the repaired foot will be as strong and flexible as ever, and Mitch regains 100% confidence in it over the pre-season.

We'll all be delighted if he can be Bluey's equal, Bobby! You're spot-on, he has a lot of the right traits.

Excellent news. An important part of our future. Well done Sammy.

Well said Redleg!

Dunny has earned another year imo. Given our list as it now stands, we need his experience, size, kicking skills, versatility and the depth that he brings to the playing group. He will never be more than a solid foot-soldier imo, and is likely to be overtaken over the next year or so, but by my reckoning he's a keeper for 2013. My only qualification is that we don't know who we might recruit to the Club via free agency, trade and the draft. Obviously that could change things around a bit.

............. and it got the biggest roar from the crowd all day! .

6. Howe 5. Dunn 4. Grimes 3. Trengove 2. Joel Mac 1. Sylvia

Agree jnr. Insightful article from Jolly, and it points to a path we must take if we are to get out of the current mire. I very much like your point about the two Jacks. It's tough going for them at the moment, but I think (hope!) they have the where-with-all grow into the captaincy role, and establish standards and expectations at our Club, the likes of which we have not seen before. It will be a long journey (and severely test the patience of many), but if we can pull it off, the rewards will be worth it.

or, roughly equivalent to the amount of hair I've torn out during Dees games this season.

Based on a few cameos earlier in his career, I would have thought Ricky would be a 'perfect fit' for the Neeld game plan, but he hasn't got out of a trot this season (and on occasions has looked disinterested). We might get a late draft pick for him, but most likely PSD imo.

Well done Sam! As Neeldy said the other day, you have come a long way, but there's still a long way to go. ps. we all know that you have pace to burn, but please don't get too far ahead of yourself.

My memory is getting a bit hazy with the passing years, but I seem to recall the great Norm Smith telling Bernie Massey (I think that's who it was) that he wouldn't be playing on Saturday unless he got rid of his 'tache. Maybe Neeldy has had a similar discussion with Dunny, or maybe Dunny has just taken it upon himself to smarten up his act now that he finds himself on 'the List of Eleven'.

One of footy's great characters, and a legend in his own way. RIP Slug.