iv'a worn smith

Best good ordinary players we have had on the list for a while. Of course, many were ordinary, ordinary players previously. It's amazing how good ordinary players rise to the occasion, when its required, as the team develops, evolves and gels. As the old axiom goes, a team's worth is measured by how good their bottom 6 players are, not their top 6. Hopefully, we'll get the answer on ours, in the not too distant future.

Frees 15 to 20 in their favour. Also, as the old saying goes, it is not necessarily the frees which are given, it is often about when and where they are given.

Agree Nasher, but it seems to me that the old 'law" of protecting the bloke going for the ball has gone. I think it was NJ in the last quarter, in our forward line, took possession, was immediately set upon by about 3 opposition players - I believe he was hit high by the way, but the ump gave holding the ball. Jonesy is good, but he's not Houdini.

Here's another example. Max should have said, sorry precious. http://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/2016-06-13/rd-12-max-upsets-unimpressed-umpire

Thought the same thing. He was often mauled on the lead and got zilch. Again, even if decisions are bad ones, all we ask for is consistency. Some of these umps obviously think their entitled to centre stage more than the blokes who actually play the game.

Ummmm. Really not sure about that.

Was he the one one who awarded free kick for an "aggressive tackle" WTF???

Last time I make predictions on here. What a good judge I am. Geez

And the word is Michael Hurley will sign with Essendon this week.

I find it more difficult to go in the later timeslot, as the colder evening air means I run out of incontinence pads far more quickly. No seriously, I value my Sunday nights, to prepare for the working week ahead. A Sunday twilight game means I don't get home until after 8:00 pm

I understand OD, but if you did not have the engagement, you would have gone?

And the problem with that is? Only problem I have is I have to make up for things around the house, to keep she who must be obeyed happy. Otherwise, I don't mind the 1:10 time slot at all

Until he rips it up on Monday

spot on. A 'general' would take some of the pressure off.

We have to remember, the likes of Glenn James, Robinson and Cameron et al; umpired at a time when the game was slower. The game is now largely 'umpired' by the media. There are so many programs available now which dissect games from every possible angle. Umps miced up, as well as some players, means there is more scrutiny on both players and umps than ever before. Unfortunately, the result of all of this is that the AFL becomes super sensitive to anything which may appear negative, as portrayed by the media. Given the media largely fund the game we love, the AFL will often bunker down when a particular part of the game or a rule becomes controversial. The unfortunate part of this outcome is that both players and coaches become confused and frustrated. As a result, I understand that players with the ability to do so, will use their skills to play the rules to their own advantage. Who can blame them really? But what I would like to come back from the 'good ole days' - and it won't happen with the oversight of the sensationalist media scrutiny- is a mature relationship existing again between the players and the umps. Of course, footy is a passionate game. We want/demand our players to play with passion. Little wonder then that occasionally, players will utter words to an umpire, which one might say are somewhat injudicious. In days of yore, an ump would just say to a player, words to the affect, "say that to me again son, and I'll make sure you get nothing from me for the rest of the day". Job done. Beer after the game and best of mates, with respect for each other. Now you get a free kick against you for abuse. More than the ducking of the head, the holding the ball/incorrect disposal rules upset me most. The bloke making the play seems to get no protection these days and when 3 or 4 blokes jump on top, how is he expected to get rid of it? As for the deliberate rule, John Beckwith would not have a hope in hell these days. There is no real feel for the game anymore from most of the umps.

And his first game of the year, after a chronic calf injury, played in the wet. In my opinion, Dawes' presence will make JH even more dangerous. Cannot believe anybody could possibly believe it be reasonable to bag Dawes, after his first game for the year in tough conditions

settle down girls and have another pimms. We don't need a cat fight on here. Farrking hell

Sorry OD. I couldn't help myself. I have been PC, ever since I started hugging trees and wearing hemp made pants, while living in Nimbin, eating mung beans and brown rice. Found my inner chakra after reading Germaine Greer's the Female Eunuch. I also have a very strong feminine aspect in my yin and yang. Peace man.

Love the game against Carlton. Sean Wight was heroic that day. G Lyon ran Rhys-Jones off his feet. A mate - a number of years older than me- who was with me at the time cried as he thought he'd never see another granny again in his lifetime . Even though we got belted by Hawthorn, that was enough for him. He loved going to training during grand final week. Sadly, he's no longer with us. I remember Stuart Spencer's great address to the crowd at the Junction Oval at Thursday night training. After that prelim, we ended up at the Black Prince in Chapel Street. Sat with Balls, the Febey twins and their dad. Great bloke. Have to say, the night was a bit of a blur after about 830pm.

There stereotype is alive and well. Gluhwein in hand as well Emerald?

PC??? Personal Computer?

Yesssssssss. Is there room for that in this day and age? Although it would have to be done a bit differently, I'd like to hope so. For any form of such motivation to work, it would have to show leadership, which could transcend the negatives in the workplace, which every workplace has - some more than others. I guess leadership is what its called. Someone, some people, to whom others just want to follow........... regardless.

I agree with some of what you say Gonzo. However, I do not overestimate or understimate the Hawks and my evaluation of the other teams was reflective of my thoughts at the beginning of 2016. After a great start to the 2015 season, Hawthorn lost to Essendon by 2 points in round 2. Come round 6, GWS beat them by 10 points, flogged us the following week by 105, they lost the next week to the Swans by 4 points. Heading towards the finals, they lost to Richmond in round 18, lost to Port by 22 points in round 21 and West Coast flogged them in the first week of the finals. The Hawks are a great side, and know how to win when it matters. For this reason, when the business end of this season comes, I still reckon they will be well and truly in the finals calculations. As I said, I understand, we have a long way to go, before we get to that level. Edit: The Hawks also has significant injury concerns in the middle of 2015

No Chris, I consider, at the present time, the Lions, Essendon, GCS, Port and I thought like many, at the beginning of the season, Carlton to be below us. I thought it reasonable to make par comparisons with Saints, Tigers, Pies, North and I did think the Bullies. Certainly, I do not believe we are anywhere near a Hawthorn at this stage and understand we have a long way to go, before we even get close. I,, for one, am not trying to be negative, just realistic. I have seen all of this before and am a little tired of it being groundhog day so often.

Chris, you've taken a phrase out of the sentence concerned and used it in the wrong context. W That is what I said.