Ron Burgundy

I love Paul Roos. Still can't believe he's our coach.

Toumpas has elite skill + great character. That equates to no regrets as to his selection. Will play 200 plus games for us. I'm sure of that.

Can't help but feel completely confident about our recent recruits having listened to that. Fantastic stuff - thanks. Viv Michie - will he be our Josh Kennedy?

Thanks. This guy has upside.

That seems to be what the club thinks too, KDA. I'm looking forward to seeing Vince, Cross, Michie and Tyson in action next season. And Evans, whom I've always rated. That said, I'm interested to know how Aidan Riley's been training. Any reports? (And, as always, thanks for the reports everyone - much appreciated.)

Does that bloke do the ink work for Jake King?

Prior to the first test, what were the odds of Australia being three from three? Very different to today I expect. Most of the odds on that table will change throughout the season, potentially quite significantly for some teams. If we win some games early in the season, we won't be such a lock for the bottom two. For instance, I reckon the Bombers might slide in 2014 - good list, but plenty of off field drama, and a tough draw. Some, however, are saying they have the potential to be top 4 next year. I just don't see that. In short, the odds are accurate in many respects. BUT, at this point in the year, they aren't particularly informative.

The magnets seem better aligned this pre season. In all facets, from the approach to list management/recruiting to the approach to training and education/development.

Whilst not a training report, this is certainly a very good report to hear. Neeld seemed to want every player to be a robot, and seemed to lose sight of the fact that it's a footy club. It's good to hear that the players are out having a steak and a beer together, presumably after an intense week of training.

I take it from this that we're seen as likely to finish in the bottom 2 in 2014.

I would also appreciate a report on Aiden Riley. This guy could be a smokey. From all accounts, there's absolutely no way he plays like a girl.

I reckon Toumpas will be a gun. Very happy we picked him. I also enjoy BH's contributions, and don't see why it's so offensive that he posted something he heard as to a player's apparent assessment of another player's hardness at the ball. It's relevant, even if it might be inaccurate/unreliable.

You've answered the question in your own post DD36. Frawley would be mad to leave the MFC. Especially to go to the Saints. The Neeld era is no longer relevant.

I think Frawley will stay. He'd be bloody mad to leave. Despite not knowing anything about his situation, I reckon he loves the club. I also reckon our club will show signs of being quite a cool destination for players from 2014 onwards - for the first time in 50 years. Get Mundy.

Nor me unfortunately.

Reckon Michie will be a bloody good pick up. Any reports on Aiden Riley and Michael Evans?

Has Clisby played in the midfield previously in his career?

Had 'The Dirt' on the list. And fwiw - Anchorman and Team America World Police are among my favourite movies. That said, I omitted the serious stuff, much of which is out of print and can only now be found in some small town in Minnesota on Amazon - needless to say, I'm interested in the Eastern Front in WW2. And the Demons.

The Accidental Masterpiece by Michael Kimmelman (head art critic for the NY Times). A Little History of the World by E H Gombrich. The Forgotten Soldier by Guy Sajer. Stalingrad and Berlin by Antony Beevor. The Dirt by Motley Crew.

Having watched that interview, Vince is now my favourite player. Ironically, Sylvia was before he decided to go to the purple Anchorheads. My favourite was TJ before that. There is a theme here. Clearly I am a loser.

The round one effect is interesting. I still remember round one in 2002. We played Hawthorn at the G and were coming off a poor season the year before in which we finished 11th. Most 'experts' predicted that we would slide even further in 2002. We had a few key additions though: Powell back from the LTI; Vardy from the Crows and possibly some others (can't remember now). Our forward line looked good: Neita, Robbo, Green and Vardy. There was some cause for hope, but no one gave us much. We then pumped the Hawks in round one. And it set up a great, though ultimately disappointing season. Let's not underestimate the importance of beating the Saints in round one next year. In the context of our performance next season, this game is simply massive IMO.

Prior to the draft, I was hoping we would pick Duigan up in a trade for a late pick. Knee sounds bad, but it doesn't seem as though Malthouse has treated him at all well. I reckon Carlton may struggle to make the eight next year. They seem to have some issues at the moment, and in no way is that a bad thing. They're such a hate-able club.

Not to forget Dunny.

I suspect the only person currently associated with the MFC, whether they be a player, a supporter or a member of staff, who wasn't absolutely over the moon with excitement on the announcement of Roos as our senior coach would've been Dean Terlich. Could be wrong though. Obviously.

Quality report Tappy. It's reports like that that make this site an absolute must read each day. Thanks.