H_T

Frost signs and they all go running ..... Just because he signs, doesn't necessarily mean we are out of leverage... Could be that the Crows aren't interested in him (could be another player and/or just pick 10), or we require some depth down back, and we're not prepared to let go of him - he's required...

The reality check is ...and it will fall on deaf ears as usual because mindsets are sometimes set in stone around here ... is that there are at least half the competition and it's supporters 'expecting' to make finals and be a Premiership contender - not with 'hopes and dreams' - expectations. It's these supporters that help drive their clubs and their players to achieve high standards...unlike the impotent and insipid display on Saturday when the stakes were at the absolute highest.

If you want to see a Premiership, more than likely a top 4 finish will help. Therefore 16+ wins. I think you do care.

Absolutely. 125% +

They set a goal to just play finals. That worked out well... When you set the bar high - and I mean high - mongrel and desire and focus come with the territory. You need a clearly defined goal. That's straight out of Clarko's notebook.

Yes!

Change your mindset, change your expectation. What do you think the Clarkson's of this world do? The Hawthorn's, Sydney's and Geelong's of the world do? They 'expect' to finish high and give themselves the best chance of winning a flag. They don't just make finals for the hell of it and a pat on the back. They're ruthless. ANd THAT is their culture they nurture and instill in everyone who enters their doors from the first meeting. Rid yourself of your MFCSS, your cheese platters, and golf clap. FCS.

Bullsh!t it's ludicrous. Have higher expectations. If you want to set the bar low, the lower you're more likely to achieve. This is the exact kind of mentality I'm talking about. Be ruthless. Some games have been mentioned above. If others recall, we were in it up to our necks in the Richmond and Geelong games - played reasonably well, but for injuries at critical times and hampered in ruck and rotations. 16+ was definitely achievable this year and as such should be the benchmark in 2018. Set it high! #ruthless Another..: Celebrating a finals berth next year will happen naturally for many yet to experience finals. But for many who have suffered, a finals showing is NOT enough - winning finals and achieving a premiership is where the satisfaction is, and what it should be for the players as an achievement. The players should sense this from the fans. Making the final 8 - is not enough for many. And after what's happened in the last decade - it shouldn't be for the club. #ruthless

I have no doubt that our 12 wins season for 2017 was well short of what the team SHOULD have achieved - 16 wins minimum IMO. I shouldn't have to explain why - every Melbourne supporter with a ruthless streak, who follows footy - and I mean follows footy - knows why. As soon as the players and coaches develop a ruthless spine of expectation and MATURE, and ignore the pitter patter of pats on the back from the 'Cheese Platter' brigade - the more RESPECT they will have from the comp and opposition supporters. Finishing OFF opposing teams by putting foot to their throat when in front by 4 or 5 goals, instead of putting the 'cue in the rack' or clocking off early with plenty of game time left...is a hallmark of a ruthless team and club. Another thing..... Disgraceful starts to games says more about mindset and preparation before games than just the players performance themselves. Ben Dixon highlighted perfectly the lack of defensive pressure v Brisbane through visual examples on League Teams on Fox Footy Channel and described it "very lazy" - suggested that if Collingwood started like they did v Adelaide and Geelong - that the Pies could tear the Dees a new one in the first quarter. He said the Demons needed to be on the ball from the start and work hard defensively because of the Pies midfield and their kicking efficiency early in games. Now, I'd like to think our coaching staff are thorough! Thorough enough to take note of footy analysis which is easily accessible by experts. But given the output in the first quarter on Saturday - leaves a lot to be desired and tells me very much - how prepared the team actually was, and how much they were switched ON.

What ever the case, these days Carlton don't travel there, and haven't for a long time. So it's no real biggie.

Whilst every win is important, and to end such significant hoodoo's or get the monkey off the back so to speak.....this game to me has more importance than any of the other previous lost games streak v North. Given where we were as a club, and where we are at this point - a candidate for top 4. Win this:- • and top 4 is still a very good chance • closer to cementing finals for 2017, first time since 2006. • could well be the final nail in Brad Scott's coffin as Norf coach. • could help Norf achieve wooden spoon.

May our thoughts go to those suffering the low pressure system which was Cyclone Debbie at the moment. From where it crossed the flattened land and to today where parts of Sth east Qld can expect up to 500mm. thankfully the banana plantations remain mostly okay unlike the damage inflicted by cyclone Larry and Yasi. So the good news you ask? Banana prices to remain steady for the time being unless supply is affected by transport - which could be likely, given this storms nature.

I think you've brought this up before picket. Just had deja`vu. Fell free to pm BBO if you want to express your B$ love and romance, but leave this discussion here to 'no B$' and bananas.

Getting my hands on Season 5 the end of this week. I'm going back-2-back - I'll be feeling like that bloke who caught up before his date. Tired.

Very observant of you Ernest. Perhaps Bitters can be referred to as the 'package'... God knows Stringer hasn't been living up to that in recent weeks...

Ernie, Entertaining is his game. No problem for Bitters, he'll blend in and go in unnoticed in Switzerland. Like the time as a late teen in his modelling days...the judges couldn't pick him!

Sometimes pictures help tell us a thousand words Ernest. And I reckon that would be Bitters shirt; he doesn't mind catching a few rays on the Suzuki.

He is a master of disguise BB, he spent some time with Bert Newton and Patty; many afternoon delights. Think Mission Impossible. Although I believe he's had trouble with the exploding gum, hence his penchant for wigs.

I know..I wasn't expecting a Suzuki either!

Good to see you're in stealth mode with the 'weeks growth' Bitters - you'll definitely blend in! ...the latest from CCTV captured from Beijing..: {Picture captured courtesy of and thanks to surveillance work via Cafe Beijing via Redlegs Cruise - Crystal Serenity docked in San Fran via Redleg} ps. Good work Redleg.

Nice one Ar se kicker! I've checked RL's progress and it appears the floatation city of Serenity (not the serenity depicted in The Castle by any stretch) is stuck in first gear. I'd dearly love a cruise like that. Given the camera positioning dead ahead view from the Captains quarters, Redleg has no concerns of any movements or spillage of his red wine during his San Diego bound feast! {unfortunately missing banana fritter - off the menu}. You would think given Americans spruik their detailed range of foods on their 16 page menus - they would at least bow to Redleg's request of a small bunch of bananas so that he may devour the finest of Banana Fritters for dessert. Pft..yanks.

Any planes? I see you're nearly halfway between Hawaii and San Fran. Surely the skipper would have been good enough to fly in several large bunches of bananas from the surrounding islands off Hawaii for the home route to San Fran?? You have a lot of pull RL. Have you had dinner with the Captain yet RL?

It's catching on thanks to RL: