Deeoldfart

Maybe a more pertinent question is: "are Melbourne closer to a Flag without Watts?"

We need an "Oh Sh!t" emoticon for moments like these.

That's our future right there!

As they say, "a picture is worth a thousand words" These are brilliant Six. Thanks from all of us!

I know exactly what you are saying IT, but both Misso and Jack have said on several occasions that Jack's injury would be managed conservatively, and if 'conservative management' means that Jack will be training with the main group early in January, then I'm happy to take it at face value and be thrilled about it. Of course, that doesn't mean that I won't be somewhat nervous about the possibility of the injury recurring , but that's just standard, par for the course, MFCSS kicking in.

A great Christmas present indeed: Viney gives Dees an early Christmas present

Thanks Saty. Re the running: was it repeat sprint work or were they just churning out laps?

I was at the SCG that day, and will never forget it. Schwarta, Stinger and Stormboy (Charles), all outstanding, and all had their careers cruelled by injury. Cost us a flag I reckon. After the game Mrs Deeoldfart, myself and our three kids were in a bus full of very forlorn Sydney fans returning to Central Station. Five of us up the back singing the Grand Old Flag with gusto. Fond memories. Please excuse the nostalgia.

Treasured memories viewed through teary eyes. Sincere thanks Demonland!

ANB progressed to become a good role player in 2017, and his work ethic almost ensures that he will go on to become very good as his skills, strength and vision improve with experience and application. If he progresses to that level he will be an integral part of our team for a long time, and another very good 'call' by Jason Taylor.

Fantastic pics Six. Thank you! Geez, some of the boys look in sensational Nick for this stage of the pre-season. Clarrie and Jets as well as other standouts who have been mentioned elsewhere.

What's the golfing equivalent of backing into a pack to take an overhead grab Dee?

From the highlights that we've all seen, this kid looks exciting. If he lives up to that promise, and retains his flowing locks, he'll add to our growing list of cult heroes quicker than you can say 'ginger ninja'. That's got to be a good thing!

Right now I'm comfortably satisfied, primarily because over the last few years I've developed a fair degree of confidence in Jason, Todd and team to make sound calls on draft night. But as always, it's got to be a question of 'wait and see'! This time two years ago I was ambivalent about Clarrie (sight unseen), but I now wear a bit of residual egg on my face .......... and conversely, Col Sylvia was an outstanding pickup in his year, but sadly, we waited too far long for him to have that one decent pre-season.

I love the fact that he has fought back from previous disappointment to be drafted. Work ethic and leaving no stone un-turned is the new Melbourne way!

Fantastic result. I'm now fully over the malaise prompted by our late season crap football, looking forward with anticipation to tomorrow's draft, and genuinely excited about what 2018 might bring on the field. Seriously, strong plaudits to PJ and his team! PS. My current exuberance is only slightly enhanced by a by what I've used as a thirst quencher in the last hour or so.

Impressive interview ...... impressive young man!

Looking forward to reports from anyone who is lucky enough to be attending today. Pre-season training reports are just the remedy to get me back in the swing of things after the doldrums set in in late August. Thanks in anticipation ps. any confirmation (or hopefully) otherwise about Jonesy's calf injury would be appreciated.

Q6. Stephen POwell?

Q6. Max Gawn?

Q11. James Sellar?

At a stretch, Q3 could be James Strauss.

Q2. Rohan Bail (cricket). Could just as easily be Brad Green (lawn bowls)

Not the correct answer I know, but on reading Q4 I immediately thought of Heritier Lumumba.

I'm somewhat surprised by this debate (even on Demonland), but for my part, I'm very comfortable with David Schwarz the footballer (circa 1994), being mentioned in the same breath as Wayne Carey, the footballer. It's just a huge pity we only had a brief glimpse of Schwarz at his best.