Deeoldfart

Me too. A lot more than the loss on the scoreboard.!

It was a mountain too high tonight, and it showed from the outset, We all know that we're better than that, and a decent break now comes at a perfect time for us to recuperate and go again.

There are any number of reasons why we could / should lose tonight, but I'm not having a bar of any of them! My reasoning: our midfield can match their main strength (which is hardness around the contest), and Max will give us first use more often than not; our pace will get them on the outside; we have the flexibility / options to nullify their game style and key playmakers; our resolve will wear them down. Dees by 27 points.

I agree with you poita, but the questions remain (in my mind at least) did the AFL appeal because: the 2 week penalty was manifestly inadequate (?): or to avert the massive media backlash that was inevitable (?). We will never know the answer, of course, but I'm cynical enough to believe that self preservation would have had some part to play ........... but maybe I'm just shitty because I think the Schofield decision was equally culpable, and by its nature, it reflects poorly the integrity of Clarrie.

According to the HUN, the Tribunal took only 5 minutes to deliberate before coming to the conclusion that Schofield could walk away sott free. Didn't question Clarrie, don't appear to have questioned the reporting umpire, just took the word of Schofield's QC at face value (that is, that Clarrie's tender jaw might just as easily have occurred slightly later in the scuffle when his jaw bumped Schofield's back). Mlnd boggling justice!

...... and the field umpire who reported him was little more than a metre away looking squarely at the incident. The system is a bloody joke!

Mitch has been fantastic, and his contribution seems to be growing by the week. As you say, "some serious goal awareness", but much more than that! His diverse skill set (pace, high marking and ground ball gets) make him hard to match up on, and he complements our forward structure beautifully. Further, his stints in the midfield are becoming more and more valuable. Great pickup!

The only reasonable decision. If he hadn't been cleared, the Demonland server would have melted..

Ralph (Hun) saying that both Salem and Garlett are definite 'outs'. Didn't reference a source so may be just guessing.

This is (arguably) the most joyous thread I've read on Demonland. Loving every post!

6. Jack (lead from the front) Viney 5. Tommy Mac 4. Maxy Gawn 3. Mitch Hannan 2. Dom Tyson 1. Cam Pedersen

We were under-manned and down and out but willed across the line. Unbelievable belief, guts and courage! My red and blue heart is close to bursting outside my chest tonight!

No late changes for either side.

Is that all?

Wasn't aware of that McQueen. Maybe he heard a whisper that Jake Lever will be on his way to Melbourne.

I like a lot of what Sam currently brings to our team. His game has been steadily improving since he recovered from a long-term toe injury, and returned to defence. He's still an athlete more than a footballer imo, but the footballer is starting to emerge as he spends more time under the guidance of our development team. 50 games is a nice early milestone, on the way to 150+, I reckon. Congrats Sam, keep up the good work!

What I want from tonight's game: an all-team four quarter effort like the one that humbled the B'dogs last weekend; no injuries: a strong first-up effort from Max, with the promise of much more to come as he gets a few games into his legs; and (obviously) 4 points. I rarely get all that I want, but like last week, I'm quietly confident about us winning this game. Across the ground, I think we are at least as talented, a bit quicker and a bit stronger around the contest than the Weagles. Further, if it comes to the crunch, I reckon that Goody has more coaching 'guile' than Simpson, and I'm sure that we have more 'ticker' and belief than the often flaky WC. Dees by 17 points.

At this point of the season, and despite missing the fitst four games, Hibbo must be the AFL 'recruit of the year' and in strong AA contention. I can't remember a better pickup from another club by Melbourne for many, many years.

Fabulous news. Salo is one of our core group of 'top liners' who are destined to take us to the next level. His signing was an imperative imo, and he's now locked in. I'm thrilled that he's chosen to be part of a very big future at the Melbourne Football Club.

Now I know why everyone refers to Tommy as a pest.

Totally agree. Our boys will have to run off the 'G' after the final siren, and change into our proper colours before the premiership medal presentations team photos.

Congrats Goody. Loved hearing in your acceptance speech about your love for the game, and your football and people values, It's clear that you have brought these same qualities and values to Melbourne Football Club. Long may they be prosper and be rewarded.

Both Smiths , but still a bit light on. Based on this, the off season will be another very important one for our list managers to capitalise on our current (seemingly) strong position.

We have plenty of medium HBs. I'd therefore look to develop Joel Smith as a big bodied mid starting from now, and over next pre-season. Then let Jason Taylor and Todd Viney to do some more magic with the draft. A pacy / classy mid should be high on the agenda.

I enjoyed that one too Lucifer's, but I liked this one from the same article even better: "After a decade out of finals, it was plain to see in the white-eyed aggression and desperation of Michael Hibberd and Nathan Jones that this Melbourne team is as driven and as selfless as any in the league." How good were Hibbo and Jonesy's acts (?), but the real beauty is that they typified the approach of our entire team throughout the game. Never in a million years were we going to lose, because we would simply go to another level at the slightest hint of a challenge. As a former great of our Club once said: "Whatever it takes". Love the Dees!!