Deeoldfart

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.

I heard an interview where he said that he would now consider returning to Melbourne, because his reason for going to Brisbane in the first place was to be close to his ailing father. I imagine if he does return, his preference would be for C'wood.

Probably look to move on with his midfield mate, Jack Viney. ☺️

I've been on this earth for too long to be able to put my hand on my heart, and say with honesty that the Melbourne Football Club has "treated me poorly over my lifetime" .......... but I can say that since the honeymoon period ended late in 1964, I've been treated shabbily, and totally denied what I regard as the football equivalent of my 'conjugal rights'. Sure, I've been 'teased' occasionally since '64, but this has never amounted to anything of real substance. Still, my passion has not wained through the 55 years deprivation. I just want to fall asleep in her ams one more time, for old acquaintance sake.

Paul Roos agrees with you Pates: Oliver's stunning first 50 games I'm particularly interested in Gerard Healy's view: "But on the outside, he can break open sides (with his foot speed) and I can see him being a dominant mid-forward, just like Dusty Martin."

Bernie Vince on panel / boundary for Thursday night footy on Fox. Audition for full time gig in 2019?

We must be good judges. The coaches are on the same wavelength: Gawn takes the lead in AFLCA votes