Travman

A reserved seat is the best way to go if you want to guarantee to sit in a Melb supporters area. I'd call the club and tell them what you're after and see if they can offer anything to suit your needs.

Agree with you on the need to fight but the drafting strategy of finding skilled players is sound. If you look at the bulldogs they followed this model but have been able to supplement with 'rough diamonds' through the rookie draft & trading - Moles and Morris are two that come to mind with Hall as the obvious trade. Look at the players we passed up in last years draft by holding on to Newton and Moose - Barlow, Hitchcock, Moles, Kayler-Thomson, Howlett, Silvagni. I'm having a hard time keeping my breakfast down thinking about it....

This function has nothing to do with old elitist ways. Any other club would do the same - including Collingwood who receive no such criticism when they run their corporate style events. If people really want to go I'm sure they'll find the way to cough up the $90. Do we really need a knees-up for the thousands (that would make the news if it was held) to celebrate finishing last?

sorry, that was my joke for the day. he missed his calling as an on-baller imho. PJ at FF at Casey is fine by me. Jamar is the better option as a pinch hitting fwd swapping in the ruck. He actually can take a contested mark, can kick the odd goal, does make a contest and does bring the ball to ground. If PJ can't make it as a ruckman then the club should cut its losses.

He's probably better suited to a running role off HBF than deep in fwd 50

Go and buy the club history book released last year for the 150th anniversary. Aside from being a good read it'll give you much of what you're seeking.

The club has spoken about creating an 'MFC area' in the Olympic Room and Jim Stynes room area. This is right next to the MCC, where the presidents club members sit and where the Presidents lunch is held so would be perfect way to get everyone together. At the moment it is open to anyone to buy tickets in that area but it would be fantastic if we could lock it down. Anyone know what the Jim Stynes room is used for on game day?

You'd hope that the wholesale player-swapping that went on this year is a thing of the past. If they can play established players in set positions (sylvia midfield, bruce HBF etc) and surround them with a sprinkling of young players who can develop in various positions then that should be the right mix. Position 10-12 for me.

It's our home ground. We should be able to play the song as many times as we want!

Steady on. Its not all doom and gloom. Whilst he played mostly off half back, Yze had a 4-5 year period where he was constantly in the running for AA honors. It amazes me how people forget just how good he was in his prime. Should have made it AA 2-3 times IMHO. Also, Tingay was an elite wingman. The standout at the time was Matera who had everyone covered (once in a generation player) but Tingay was as good as anyone else after that. If not for some luck with injuries could have been a great of the club. After that the cupboard is a bit bare so we do struggle for numbers compared to other clubs (so u do have a point!). Viney had 1 elite season where he secured AA but he didn't have a sustained run though he was a fine player and captain. Even in his brownlow year Woewodin was towelled up by Hird and Kouta when he played on them and you wouldn't call him elite anyway (albeit he was a quality player). G Lovett was good but probably never going to be elite (we'll never know though sadly) and I can still dream that Trapper will turn into the gun he should be some day.

Nice post Joeboy. A fair bit of that has clearly gone into it. Having sat through this season from hell I can't quite anything but fairly despondant right now. Too many players seemed to regress this year and others seem a long way off from making it. I could comment on every player but because I don't want to be too broad on my analysis I'll stick to a few: Negatives: Bartram - turnover city. I close my eyes and pray for break even result whenever he gets the ball. I don't know where this guy's future lies. Bate - For mine he is over rated without the work ethic or skill level required at this level. He might be worth a 1st rounder to a Sydney or other side that doesn't want to slide. Please trade this guy. Bell - Has no idea how to play footy. Seems like a good bloke who really does want to prove himself. Perhaps one of the Adelaide clubs will take him for a 2nd rounder? Jones - has confused himself with Bartram. Terrible. Has gotten worse this year. Positives: Buckley - well done to Simon for a returning a season better than anyone could have hoped for. Great speed and confidence to match. A lot of turnovers accompanied him but with the low expectations placed on the team this year it was a perfect place to be for this guy. Now lets see him with another season of maturiity. Frawley - on the surface he probably has more negatives than positives but I'm taking a glass is half full approach with this guy. Given where he was last year he improved on 2007. Having said that he'll need even more improvement next year. Garland - The highlight of the year. period. C. Johnson - 2nd place in my highlight of the year comp. P. Johnson - 3rd place. Martin - Love where this guy is going with his footy Miller - Gets the Determination award for the year. Put alot of doubters in their place. Will need to back up again next year though. Where to Next? Davey - my favourite player. Having said that, he's in his prime now and we are a long way from being able to benefit from his brilliance. I'd look for a trade for a decent pick if one was available. Valenti - I fail to understand why Bode was given time in the seniors this year and I hold the same view of this tryer. I don't see where this is going.

It's the guy's 6th olympics! he's a 3 time gold medallist and he played for the Dees. What more do you want?

Congratulations to James Tomkins on being selected as the Aussie flag bearer at the opening ceremony tonight. For those of you who remember, James spent a year running around in the reserves in the late 80's. Many years ago I asked him what it was like to run around with the Dees and he likened the experience to a chook running around the yard with its head chopped off.... In any case, there's a definite Demon flavour to this day. I think, from memory, he was number 35. Was that right?

agreed. its a cracker.

It was clear as day for all to see. Where I was sitting we were all heralding the arrival of the modern day Darren Bewick. Angus Monfries I salute you! Good to see a time honoured Essendon tradition is being upheld.