jumbo returns

Agree - list clogger.

I think there was an earlier thread on this and I said my piece. Debate soon.

Easy MS, pop those claws back in. 14 wins with this list is just not doable this year - 2014 would be a more realistic timeline. If we achieve 8 -10 wins this year, I'll be very, very excited.

Won't happen this year.

Agree on all accounts, but JT and CD are the complete stand outs for me. JV and Jimmy will really flourish with Jonesy as a role model.

FML

Completely concur and I know what you're saying. But, just in relation to Martin, he was never going to be the answer. Let's hope that all the new boys thrive in their new environs.

Not very constructive to compare players that have been at the club for six months compared to a player who did nothing in six years.

Davey will not play - there, I've said it.

Because he was a dreadful footballer.

Is that FML? Yes! I've learnt another one!!!

Sam was lucky he freed his leg quickly.... That turf was never going to give.

Does that exist anymore? Can't think of any coach that has that bond with his players...mebbe Hardwicke?

I don't know about champs, but you need a leader on EVERY line. As for playing for the coach, the last coach that had that effect was Swooper Northey - the boys ran through brick walls for him.

Yes they do.... Teams that aspire to climb the ladder start their assault early. GWS are going hard against Carlton and Scully's really bulked up.

Have a listen to what Jonathan Brown said about pre - season games.... In a nutshell, sides that strive for improvement need to start early to gain momentum.

I love strong, nuggety, ready to play left footers. Reminds me a bit like Puopolo (spelling?)

To maintain a fair dinkum shift in attitude and culture, Col Sylvia and Aaron Davey will not play in 2014 at this club.

Notwithstanding that JW is his favourite player!

Your boys a cutie, Biffen. I remember the halcyon days when the boys were little - Jeff White lifted them both up for a Polaroid. Now, they're both beautiful citizens, both ensconced at uni. One loves his Dees (Watts is his favourite player) the other bloke's all cafes and nightclubs and hates footy.

You're right - our defensive structures were very good and this is a bonus. I suppose I am getting sick of very, very, poor passages of play. Let's keep chatting throughout the season and I hope our opinions come together to celebrate success.

I know you were down playing the loss with a bit a humour...I didn't mean my post to detract from that, even if I sounded a bit harsh. I'm just sick of players who are 'not ready' or look 'disinterested' or brushing out 'cobwebs'. They should be skilled up, ready to be crunched and give as much as they take. You cited the Swans as your only example and that's fine....but, having said that, barring Carlton, teams that use the NAB Cup as a springboard go on to have pretty good years. Look at the Crows last year who surprised all - from memory, they were a kick away from a granny. Neeld has started the rebirth, now he needs to keep going. Davey, Sylvia, McDonald, Magner and a few others are all skating on thin ice.

With all respect, your summation is somewhat simplistic of where a good side needs to be at at their first hit out. Good teams, consistently good teams, always use the NAB Cup as a launching pad to hit the ground running in Round 1. Posters here love their team and need success....no more BS, no more passengers....time for the MFC to stand up. I don't care if it's Feb the 22nd or Ground Hog Day.

Plenty of good teams have won the NAB and gone on to have fantastic seasons.We still have a ways to go.

I do...what's wrong with high expectations Day 1? What's wrong with demanding more from established players? Year after year we say it's only the NAB cup, but the good sides win everything! Didn't mean to yell.