Deeoldfart

I agree with all that except for the first sentence P-man. I found the Hawks loss soul destroying, and pretty much 'tuned out' of football until the middle of the following week.

I know it seems like forever ago, but it's not much more than a week since we were all wallowing in deep grief following the loss to Hawthorn.

Settle down a bit guys. This thread is getting me all excited, and at my age I'm not sure it's good for my longevity.

Would the knockers prefer Jack Steven, Dustin Martin or Dangerfield to Dom? Of course they would, even with their higher 'clanger count'. Few would argue that Hibberd's disposal off HB has been a revelation for Melbourne this year ........ but he's ranked #15 in the AFL for clangers! And where is TMac ranked? Isn't he our our worst turnover merchant? This stat, when taken in isolation, is utter rubbish. In any event, Melbourne's game style is one of high risk and high reward. Reduce the risk, reduce the clangers, reduce the reward.

It's time to make a statement boys!. Four quarters of what we delivered last weekend will see us romp it in. Anything less will be a disappointment.

He actually reminds me of @ProDee when he does that.

I agree with the sentiment steve, but the question for me is 'can we afford bona fide stars anyway?'. List management decisions and Salary Cap constraints will become more and more critical over the next few years, as key players (eg. Petracca, Gawn, Hunt, Oliver, Hogan et al), come out of contract, and our first priority must be to satisfy our current and emerging stars to keep them together. I expect that our approach to trading will be to go after proven B graders, to fill specific needs, Hibberd is a good example of this. He's slotted in beautifully and didn't cost an arm and a leg.

I agree with all the positives about Sam. The thing that excites me most is the speed of his recent development. I always had the view that while he had some good attributes, his 'clumsiness' and often 'wonky' decision making and disposal, would restrict him to being a somewhat risky kpd. I'm pleased to say that he's really proved me wrong over the last month. He seems to have tidied up the rough edges of his game and is becoming a 'weapon' off half back. Based on his present form, it won't be long before we are including him in conversations about the 'young guns' who are a critical part of our future success. Sam has come a long way in a very short time, and I reckon there's still a fair bit to go.

I agree with all of that pineapple, with the exception of the bolded words. I have absolutely no doubt that we are on a path to success (and hopefully the ultimate success that we all crave), but I'm not overly optimistic about the upcoming games or even the remainder of 2017. However, I am very optimistic that the next few years will see the wilted fuchsia bloom.

I've now seen all of today's pressers, and a number of media commentaries about Jesse's situation. They reinforce what we already knew, and that is that we support a great football club. Their professionalism in handling the situation has been of the highest order, and we know that their support for Jesse and his family will be unstinting. I'm very, very proud to be a tiny part of the 'family'. Get well quick Jesse!

So it's get on Clarrie for the Charlie then.

I wrote this in this week's Player of the Year thread, and thought it was worth repeating here: "Neville is our 'Mr Consistency' and plays his role as well as anyone. In our top 6 to 8 players week-in / week-out. No frills, just very, very reliable and nullifies the impact of the most dangerous small forwards in the opposition. A rock!"

Get well soon Jessie. The Melbourne Football Club family, and the rest of the AFL community are in your corner. You should be able to feel the vibe.

Double standards again Gives me the Tom [censored].

Agree Clint. Neville is our 'Mr Consistency' and plays his role as well as anyone. In our top 6 to 8 players week-in / week-out. No frills, just very, very reliable and nullifies the impact of the most dangerous small forwards in the opposition. A rock!

I agree Adam. The critical thing for me was that we got things back on our terms mid-quarter. When we've regained the initiative in earlier games, it has generally been at the breaks, when the coaches have re-set things for the next stanza. To wrest the momentum back mid-quarter was a sign to me that our list and on-field leadership is learning and maturing. Hope I'm right!

22 into 6 won't go, but on a more serious note: 6. Viney 5. Hibberd 4. Oliver 3. Pedersen 2. Vince 1. Salem That was a seriously difficult assignment, and probably doesn't do justice to the likes of Truck, TMac, Jetts and Jonsey. On any other weekend, they would have been in my bests.

Just two more comments before I retire for the evening (with glass in hand): I'm a pee poor judge of football, but I'm comforted by the fact that I have plenty of company around here. Congrats to all of those who went against the odds and tipped, or even backed us. Well done boys and gals. Goody can coach! Goodnight all!

Un(bloody)believable. I'm hoarse from watching the game on TV for God's sake. So, so proud to of our boys. Courage, determination and desire to stick to the game plan. We found a way to win, and then we went on with it! I'll be wearing my member's cap to bed tonight.

I'm almost always bullish pre-match, which is a pretty good feat over the last decade. Unfortunately, this morning I can smell a bear.

In his presser this morning, Goody indicated that Gus will play back (presumably BP or HBF) for Casey this weekend. I like that approach. The more 'straight ahead' role, as opposed to being 'in the thick of the action', will hopefully assist in building his confidence and form on the road back to being the Gus most us see as a lock in our best 22 when he is right.

Sing this song to my wife of almost 50 years for Mothers Day: (I Believe in Miracles)

Each and every one of us here has been variously frustrated, gutted and everything in between, by the performances of our team over the journey (some have had to endure the pain and heartache much longer than others) but as true supporters, we know that the Melbourne Football Club is in our blood, rain, hail or shine, The author of this letter is not and was never a true supporter ....... but he / she is most definitely an attention seeker of the highest order. Bit sad really!

Yep. Ease him back into his work at Casey, let him build his confidence and fitness, and (barring injury - heaven forbid) it won't be too long before he's bashing the door down for a senior recall. Fit and firing he's a lock best 22.

Not sure anyone is saying we couldn't use him Stretcher, or that he wouldn't be in our best 22. It's more about our team priorities right now, and whether he meets those needs. Personally, I'd prefer that we use up valuable list space and dollars on a player who is more likely to take us to the next level, such as a classy outside mid.or a goalkicking forward/ruck.