Deeoldfart

I like the confidence on here about the prospect of a large percentage booster, but I hope the players don't take that attitude into the game. Just stick fat to our game plan and structures, and the margin will take care of itself.

From MFC website / AFL Media. No mention of Vanders "Get them in: After a VFL bye and with no fresh injuries from a strong win on the road against Adelaide, Melbourne will be reluctant to make too many changes to the side. However, Cameron Pedersen, Dean Kent and Mitch Hannan may come into consideration. Under the pump: First-year forward Charlie Spargo may need a rest soon after a long stretch of games, while Jay Kennedy Harris and Joel Smith are others who wouldn't be feeling safe. Medical room: Changes could be on the horizon in the next fortnight, with the Demons hopeful Jack Viney (foot) and Michael Hibberd (quad) will be ready to resume in round 21 or round 22. Jayden Hunt (ankle) will return via the VFL this week. Verdict: The Demons may consider Kent or Hannan, if he has overcome a jarred knee, for Spargo, but otherwise no change."

Nice stats Febes. You are spot on about him being a quiet achiever. Without looking at his numbers, I certainly wouldn't have been aware that he was going quite so well. Rapt with his contribution, and the fact that he is (at last) getting a decent run at it (touch wood).

So you come to Demonland for "decently balanced perspectives and commentary"? ?

That's fair, following a road trip to Perth.

Gee jnr, you have become a grumblebum lately.

Line-ball, but I'd go the other way DSpence (assuming the MC reckon Vanders can run out most of a game). The oppo have been walking through Sparg's tackles for a few weeks now, and that won't happen with Vanders. Give him a run now I reckon, so he has time to 'acclimatize' and build into September, assuming we make it that far. His experience, body size and pressure will be an invaluable in finals.

I know Port beat us (luckily I thought) a few weeks ago, but they don't worry me one iota. If we make it to September, I'd be very happy to play them at any venue.

Is it ok if I wash down my blood pressure tablets with a single malt (or two)? Of course it is!! I love our Club!!

6. Oliver 5. Gawn 4. Lewis 3. Harmes 2. Brayshaw 1. Nibbler

Logic says that we should comfortably account for a team we beat by 91 points only two months ago, but logic and reality live worlds apart for the Melbourne Football Club and its long suffering supporters. I still haven't read last weekend's post match thread and I don't intend to, but I desperately hope that I will be inclined to read today's. Just get it done Dees ........... one point will do! Surely that's not too much to ask in return for my patience and loyalty.

No change. A bit surprising, but I'm not sure who we could have brought in to really improve the side.

I just hope that the final score is in our favour, like when we ruined the after party for Corey Enright's 300 milestone game at the Cattery in 2015. That will do very nicely thanks!

Without checking the stats, my impression is that he has recently increased his kick to handball ratio.

'Optimistic' Demon out for at least a month

He "shows a bit" wherever he plays. He has great composure and 'calmness' as well as excellent skills and awareness, but his versatility is becoming perhaps his greatest asset to the team.

Bloody rippa Dockers!!

Bugger you Jack Watts (not the first time I've said that!)

I 'm loving round 17! Bring it home Freo (never thought I'd be saying that, even after a few reds).

6. Gawn - simply the very best! 5. Oliver - so good, so consistent, and now adding new dimensions. Wow! 4. Brayshaw - (out of the blue) he has become a star. 3. Hogan - a significant step back towards his best. 2. Melksham - gee he makes a difference when he's on song! 1. Salem - tough in the clinches, and used the ball so well. Enjoying a lovely run of form.

Bloody rippa! Now we must capitalize!

Stuff it that sucks! Its not so much the fact that Jack's won't play today, but the nature of the injury itself. I wonder if it's the same foot / toe.

Early in the week I was very apprehensive about this game (our home ground disadvantage, the doggies outside run, scars from the St Kilda game, MFCSS kicking in, etc), but after more thought, and seeing the respective teams, I'm now more confident of a win. We are both more talented and more experienced, and besides, I just can't bring myself to tip against Melbourne when finals are on the line. ? Dees by 24 points.

I love the idea of Clarry spending more time forward. He seems so self assured and confident in his own ability. Cool under pressure and keeps things simple. (I can't imagine that he would ever get the goalkicking 'yips' a la Tracc, for example). Just a very good young footballer, who has 'future champion' written all over him. The sort who will win us matches off his own boot one day.

Just reward for JKH's effort and good form at Casey, as it was for Billy last week. It's now up to Jay to replicate his VFL form at the next level. It's his spot to lose for the rest of the year and beyond, and we'd all love to see him take it with both hands.