Deeoldfart

Thanks 45. So at this point our membership is a few hundred up on the same time last year. Not too bad given our spate of injuries to key (both good and attractive to watch) players and disappointing form. I'd say we are currently on track to achieve our target of 31k, but we could easily fall behind with a few repeat performances like last Saturday.

Excellent post GNF.

PJ was interviewed in the Hassett Room after Saturday's game. He said that the medicos had found that the foot injury that he suffered in 2008 had not healed properly, and his most recent surgery was to correct that problem. It seems that he was 'playing injured' for all of 2009, and it is fair to say this may be the reason that his form went backwards. Hopefully he can progress from where he left off in 2008 when he returns this year.

Thanks for providing some 'balance' Roost!

Many (not all) of the contributors to this thread, need to take a few minutes to distance themselves from the emotion stemming from the weekend loss, and carefully read (or re-read) what Goodvibes wrote in introducing the thread 'Crisis in Confidence'. It is an first class post, and puts into context just where we currently are as a footy team.

In another time I might agree, but not after Bruce's pre-season limited by hamstring problems.

No, not just his height. I havn't seen him play, but from what I have read he is mobile for his size and in the under 18s he showed that he can kick a goal when he goes forward. A lot of reports suggest that he would have gone earlier in the draft if it hadn't been for his knee reco. Fair enough that you prefer to remain seated until he shows his wares ..... I just come from a more optimistic school.

Potentially pretty good. I wonder how they would go against the lineup that will face the Hawks tomorrow? Obviously less experienced at the moment, but in a couple of years time they could (hypothetically) make a fist of it. I guess that confirms your view that we have reason to be excited about the future!

I'm very excited about Max Gawn as a ruck prospect.

I'll be part of the 48k crowd cheering the Dees to a narrow win. Driving down from Canberra with a couple of Demon mates. Wouldn't miss it for quids.

I have read somewhere that Rivers is no certainty for Round 1. Does anyone know anything about this? I'm also concerned by the amount of time Davey is taking to get over adductor soreness. From reports he seems to have been sore since before the intra-club match at Casey.

I didn't get down from Canberra, but I hope there was heaps of activity at the membership tent / table. Family Day is usually fairly productive for memberships, and we certainly need a good lift to get within cooee of 30k target by Round 1.

According to the MFC site the Hun got it wrong: "luckless forward Austin Wonaeamirri injuring his right hamstring in a practice match for the Casey Scorpions. This is opposite hamstring to which Wonaeamirri injured during the pre-season."

You give up far too easily Theo. Thank Heavens our players won't do that!!!

We seem to have run out of legs in the 2nd half. We had a few players who would have needed the run (Davey, Bate, Bruce, etc) but not sure if WCE had similar situation.

....... and Garland in the half that he played!

Played in early game. Came off 3rd qtr. MAY be hammy problem.

Great job KC, very much appreciated by those of us who couldn't get to the game. Any news and views in due course on best players for Casey, and (if you can get it) how Wanna and the other Dees pulled up fitness-wise, would be great. Thanks again!!

Beautifully summarised Dappa.

Sorry WJ, but no way can I ignore it! Already lying awake at night trying to select the team for round 1. Sounds like Tom and Jack T are certainties. I can now concentrate on the other 20.

Strongly agree DD! Perhaps the AFL is seeking revenue through additional finals, so that they can pour more cash into GC and GWS.

Injury has been a constant concern, but if he can get his body right, and his confidence up, he just might surprise a few people. I'm not sure he has exactly torn VFL games apart, but he had some very good games for Sandy between extended injury breaks. Our Footy Dept. obviously think he has something to offer at the top level, or he would no longer be on our list. Clearly on his last chance, but don't write him off just yet.

A couple of things jumped out at me on reading this: Re: Addam Maric "think Shaun Higgins" ........ I'd love to think so, but it would be a huge step up! Re: Lynden Dunn "has a bit of mongrel about him. Perhaps too much". .......Is that the Lynden Dunn who plays for Melbourne? Not from where I sit!

Totally agree! The article is a barrow of manure that you wouldn't even waste time digging it into the garden. Every club in Melbourne's position would handle the situation in exactly the same way. Football is big business, and financially strapped clubs would be derelict not to use their player assets to improve their financial position. In any event, if there is undue weight of expectation on our youngsters, it is built by the media and you and me, the success starved passionate supporters who (quite understandably) hang our hopes for the future in some early draft picks, and a potential star of the game drafted from outback Australia. If you can't do better than that Ashley Browne, you should give the game away (journalism or football or both!).

Couldn't agree more jcb!