Damo

There are about 10 players I'd get rid of before him.

Well I dont agree with you, but not by much.

Pretty honest of you though Jaded (you are living up to your moniker)

We are certainly looking down the barrel of a major clean-out.

I would have thought Chris Johnson has had enough chances. its his application thats missing for mine.

Ferguson deserves a few games straight, he really has had so much bad luck.

When I think of who we could let go and they could come back to haunt us it is Ferg, Russian and Miller.

I dont think CJ is ever going to make it unfortunately.

Im not one that likes Paul Wheatley.

I would like to see him traded.

I dont dis-like him(anymore) as I understand that he cant play any better than he did yesterday.

If it does mean putting him on a wing and accepting he is a receiver, fine.

I just always hoped his talent would lend itself to be more of a really good backman.

But I accept now rather than denigrate him.

My problems with him are:

He cant stay on his feet during a one on one and its a real hole in his game.

When he is in a position to enter the fray he stands back, AAron Davey goes in harder.

It is just my opinion... but Id like to see him Ward and Brown go at years end.

It would seem to me that Ash has been here as long as I can recall, and his opinions are pretty fair.

Someone who has only been around for a month shouldnt really have the say on who can come and go.

stick it up your jacksee Alan.

I have been a redlegs member for over 20 years and this is the first year that I have had enough not because we are losing but because we aren't making any progress. ND is to predictable as coach and won't give young players a go even when our season is over.

I will more than likely not renew our family redleg memmbership nexy year if ND is coach. Like PG our president who doesn't care what the supporters think I don't care what he thinks.

The footy club needs to be aware that this week is the last straw for a few people.

I was going through clothes to take to the salvos yesterday and didnt hesitate throwing out some old scarves.

I still have a couple but Im finally resigning myself to a few harsh realities.

I came across the certificate sent to me by the club when we put in $100 each to "give Robbie one more chance to play in the finals".It was 20 years ago. After the Western Oval game and knocking off the Roos and the Swans, I thought we came out of the wilderness.

And the twenty years since are better than the 20 before.

But I went through the 60's 70's and 80's. since then its been better(what can you say?, I could write a book).

Im 50 and I dont reckon i will ever see a premiership. I think the club will fold or merge.

All the same to me. Im losing my passion, and it shits me, but I have poured money, time and loyalty into the MFC.

All I can add, If Gardner said that, it wasnt appropriate.

For our continual amusment (remember if you don't laugh you will cry).......

Tigers break through in style

A livid Melbourne coach Neale Daniher said he was embarrassed by his team's performance.

"That was an embarrassing and insipid effort for the first half of the game, it was really embarrassing,'' Daniher said.

"All credit to Richmond, they came and played some good footy, but I was disgusted with the way we played that first half and I told the players we've got to do something about it.

"Okay, we won the second half, but at half-time it was 12 goals to two and that second quarter, what can you say?

"From a coaching point of view it was embarrassing, nowhere near the standard required for AFL football.

"That's probably one of the worst performances we've put in for a long, long time.''

Daniher said his players clearly went into the game not mentally switched on and every aspect of their play was poor.

"They (Richmond) got far too much space, far too much of the ball and they didn't get any pressure from the Melbourne Football Club in the first half,'' he said.......

Mark McClure was on 774 today and he reread the above quotes.

He said it was astonishing that a coach would only blame the players and take no heat himself.

He then said that ND noticed 10 minutes into the game that they werent here to play.

On this point He thought it "interesting" that a coach that didnt change any plans, only blamed the players.

I have heard enough today of how bad my team is and couldnt keep listening.

Driving a richmond supporter home last night was depressing enough.

I did think that after looking like making a recovery two weeks ago, now that the MFC have given up (again) so hopelessly, that I feel like we never get anywhere.

Hobsons on spicks and specks as well allot, he is a funny bloke thats for sure

maybe getting training for the finall footy show of the year?

And he could play a bit, just quietly.

Still has a kick on Sundays...

It looked to me as if the "Fire Up" speech of ND's was made at 1/4 time and not at 3/4 time.

We got on the front foot and made the running as opposed to catching up.

It seemed that simple to me!

Ferguson shoud be a certainty as the third tall defender, who can play as a tall forward as well. I know he is for some reason not one of ND's "chosen few".

To those who said he is tried and tested - he has never been given a decent run in any position, His courage is on a par with Brown, and his skills are far superior.

Just so you dont think you are Robinson Crusoe, Monoccular, I agree entirely.

I dont understand who's dog he kicked on the selection committee, he just may be a Jonah....

Ferg gets pole-axed with criticism but a few others are seen to be B&F material, who in my jaundiced eye are not footballers.

I did think there would be a few others to come out and support Fergy. But then I must confess I like Godfrey,

so I guess that limits my judgment

Give the guy a chance to actually play some footy before giving up on him.

Well said.

We have had a very good run with less injuries than most Melbourne clubs for a couple of years.

Many players will be seeing this as the chance they are waiting for.

Yes it will be a big challenge.

Yes we wont see all our "stars".

Dont forget this is the type of game we may win against all odds. We have done it before.

Dont forget also that this is the very type of game that Geelong may choke in.

If we do get up, you will wish you were there!

I hope Godfrey plays.

If Baker is in the middle we need someone just as tough. And thats Godfrey.

I dont understand the negativity against Simon, but everyone has their favorites....

I always think he is good value especially if it is going to be wet and windy.

Because then of course, it will be the conditions that we can blame not his disposal.

He can get the hard ball though and I rate that higher than less or softer possessions with excellent passing.

Go Godders.

Where are you getting $61 for Brock?

I put the bet on in Jan. on sportingbet.com

Sylvia's apprentiship is done & dusted and even with a limited pre-season was able to exert an influence on Sandringham's result today.

I don't have heightened expectations of Sylvia's output for the first half of this year. That said, he has demonstrated , particulary last season, that he is capable of playing at the highest level and having considerable impact. When, and if when, he is fit and on song, I have no doubt that he has a great opportunity this year to announce his arrival and stamp his mark as a rising and potentially elite AFL player.

OK. When exactly?

He is looking to have a career damned by O.P.

Same as last year, if he plays at the end of this year he will be frustratingly hamstrung, without showing all his wares because he has not been able to put in a Pre-season. It must do his head in...

I wouldnt be at all surprised if Ben Cousins plays more games this year.

FWIW I will be happy if Brent Moloney's season is not overshadowed by Osteitis Pubis.

I feel sorry for Colin and hope Im proved wrong.

True, but they will be underdone, and so if our new fitness regime is really as good as what we've heard, we should run all over them in the last quarter.

Lyon is kidding himself if he thinks he has inhereted a list that is as physically strong as the Swans.

Thats how I see it Jaded.

Word coming from St Kilda City F.C. (not far from the Junction) is that the demon players truly believe they are MUCH fitter than their Saints counterparts. Not just opposed to MFC but I heard they think the saints are seriously under done.

There is conjecture that the moorabbin boys and staff are also keenly feeling the loss of one Grant Thomas.

Almost to the point of not being as focused as their professionalism should ensure.

I must confess to only hearing "word of Mouth". Easy to believe when it sounds so good!

Sandilands at 14 is, well, entertaining to say the least.

I've put $10 on Sandilands to win the Brownlow at $81. Apart from Brock, ($61) my only bet.

I think Burgoyne is value too at $31(I think).

I reckon it is the best list Sheahan has put together for a few years.

I'm sure there are plenty who would have Colin Sylvia and Daniel Bell in, going by the exuberant urging going on here.

Well done JJC!

Very Observant.

Yes, Thanks Alpha.

A great get for those that missed.

A generous gift.

He is now firmly in our best 22, and will continue to make people eat their words. He has no direct competition, in fact, Whelan can finally have a much-needed helping hand.

Go Belly! :D

OK. I am ready to eat mine.

And I will have fries with that thanks, if I have to... as it will be good news to me for the club (but obvious to the Bell band wagon)

But put up...BellBandWagoners

What is a reasonable outcome in the Saints game for Bell and say, Ward?

Assuming, and I am, that both will play?

Its not good enough to disparage everything one player does, and heap praise on another.

Im not saying Ward is the same type of player BTW, Im just of the opinion he is a better footballer and his positives outweigh the negatives.

Go Wardy.

Really?? I can't think of a commissioner with more bad things said about him than Evans.

I suppose many will be taking the "nothing nice to say, say nothing at all" approach right now.

Condolences to his family

Not quite as strong as that, I do believe he set up Spotless to have a captive audience that had all footy fans paying above reasonable prices for food.

It is my understanding that most of his decisions that counted, either benefited him in

(1)his role as majority shareholder in The Spotless Group or

(2) the Essendon Football Club in their large share of Telstra Dome.

Franky the surf is going to be much better Sunday morning, 4-6 ft and offshore early.

Go for a surf Sat morning, then go to to the footy, then surf Sunday morning. That's what i am doing.

Where are you heading for a paddle?

Well good on you for all that travel it sounds like you have access to Reg ansett's chopper...

i believe it will be SE by Sunday at the Beacon Thirteenth

It may seem Glass-Half-Empty but I have a feeling both teams will be eyeing each other off quite closely.

It would seem time for us to make a genuine submission to win by this time of the year.

Even if we were having a "late start", I cant believe any one at MFC would be happy to tank this one.

I reckon it will be a belter of a practise match (if Im right and there hasnt been a deal done to go half hearted)

I almost wish I wasnt going surfing...

Bell plays in the back line and will be beaten by opponents on occasions. He'll get tackled with the ball and he'll make mistakes.

But he beat a very good opponent on Sunday.

Williams didnt play well or Bell beat him, your choice.

Carroll hasnt been lauded far and wide unduly, he has built his reputation on many great games in in important matches.

He had to work hard to get support on this site. Bell hasnt had that hard a run.

I believe Carroll's tackle on Fraser Gherig saved ND's arse and burnt Grant Thomas's.

How important is that? Another debate....

If you want to compare how many good games Carrol has played against Bell's, you may well win as you would have many happy campers agreeing with you and you would spin a fancy tale.

Whether it had a semblance of truth or balance may not be the point.

I dont agree. Sorry.

GLIDING by The Oracle

Among the younger brigade Chris Johnson, Daniel Bell and Nathan Jones (especially in the first half) showed plenty and will be the big improvers in 2007. Recruit James Frawley was promising in his first run in senior company and Simon Buckley, who was drafted at the end of 2005 and spent 2006 with the Zebras, showed some pace and class.

I wonder why I cant see Daniel Bell in the same league as Jones and Johnson.

Two players who can play the game as if they are having fun.

Many valuable possessions and few disposals to a contest, against many hard fought disposals more times than not, delivered to a contest.

If his disposal is one of his best assets, I dont think it is special.

Bell is a hard at it pick 15 who has never shown polish or timing. To rate his game as good as Chris Johnson is biased....

Also if he is in our best 22 then we wont be top 4 in my opinion.

It seems Im pissing into the wind and I try to keep an open mind, but Ward and Brown must be above him in the real world.

BELL! Are you kidding! He was easily in our best! What game where you watching????? He looked so impressive! Hope you were meaning someone else!

Too often leaves his man to go to the contest. It cost us dearly.

I admit Im not on his bandwagon, but think it is silly to see him defended incessantly.