wisedog

The Sun reported that they’ve lost around 50,000 viewers since the Caro incident. But it’s fair to say that for a long time the bulk of their ratings could probably be attributed to Sam Newman. Without him, it’s a pretty boring show… So it’s fickle to attribute a drop in ratings to the person who’s given them such high ratings to begin with… This year The Footy Show’s had a bit of a resurgence, and now it's dipped… All the while Sam has been doing exactly what he’s done for the past 10 years. When he was dacked in front of millions of viewers, people just laughed... When he groped Molly Meldrum's balls, people just laughed. And when he repeatedly likens Jason Dunstall to a gorilla, people just laugh. But when he fondles a manikin with Caro's face stapled on. THAT is where people draw the line. And really, that’s only because she’s a women. The political correctness and dynamics between the genders is complicated. But if that’s where the joke ends, then he’ll just have to walk the tight rope. It'll be interesting to see how the show rates in his absence.

He's on 190 official games now...

Last year there was a lot of talk about our backline being in complete shambles… and they were. For most of the season, Bell and Carrol were our only recognized defenders. Carrol battled away, but he was mostly played at full back out of necessity. At the time there was no heir apparent. Garland, Frawley and Warnock were just a bunch of tall guys who hadn’t shown much. But they’ve been given some real game time under Bailey, and it looks to be paying off. Who would have thought Garland would hold Buddy to one of his lowest scoring games of the season… So if these three continue to develop, add in Rivers and Whelan and things are looking up. How do you think we’re traveling?

3 goals in 5 minutes! HERE WE COME!

Sounds familiar... Are you sure it wasn't that Johnno article? He said during his time, Melbourne would have won a premiership if the training facilities had been up to scratch.

ah well.. we got Davey. Can't have it all our own way.

Miller must have a pathological hatred of Fremantle. This 'other good game' he played for us was agasint Fremantle in the 2006 Semi-Final. And last year he kicked 3 goals against Fremantle in the absence of Neitz and Robertson. I loved his game yesterday though. Picking up the footy, breaking the tackle and hitting Woonaeamirri on the chest was a highlight for me.

I did the same thing, and bought Bateman. I was seriously regretting that after Jones scored 100+ in successive weeks.

I get the impression from a few people around here that things will be changing soon, at least in terms of Melbourne's image. And I guess it may have to be that way, if we're to survive long term. We have the lowest supporter base in the AFL, and that won't change unless we chance upon the next Franklin, or have some long term success... But even North Melbourne's era of greatness with Carey hasn't done alot for their current situation, who knows where they'd be now without those years. Somehow, the club has to find away to increase it's supporter base and membership at a rate signifcantly higher than other clubs. Given our endeavors in China, it's obvious that they're the group who've been identified. But how hard Melbourne is sold to the Chinese remains to be seen. Will we be seeing oursleves called the 'Melbourne Dragons' in the future? I think I've read suggestion here before. I see it increasingly likely that this 'MelbourneFC' may just be a temporary phase to get people used to being removed from the Demon. An overnight swap, would have only upset and confused people. Every footy club in Australia has a moniker, and I thought it was extraodinary that the board took that decision. I can't see it bringing huge improvements in sponsorship opportunities, and I wouldn't say it's best way to cultivate a young supporter base. Kids want to support the Tigers! or the Bombers! not.. MelbourneFC. So this 're-branding' I keep hearing... what do you think it will mean for Melbourne? As long as we're still Melbourne, and still red and blue, that's all that really matters to me.

I'm in the same boat gOLLY, it's taken 4 rounds to clear out the dead-wood and to pick up some players while they were still cheap. But I should be pretty solid for the rest of the season, 12 trades should easily cover any long-term injuries.

I'm only picking this up on the radio, but it sounds like we've shown a lot of heart today. Just under 3 goals down... Brock Mclean... 22 disposals!

Whenever a club isn’t firing, there’s always a lack of interest. I remember a few years ago, we were touted as having the best skills in the game, and one of the more ‘exciting clubs’. When you lose by 105 points.. no one cares. You're not a threat. In my opinion, our guernsey is the best in the league. Bold design and great colours. I wouldn’t be too hasty about changing something that every Melbourne player has worn for the last 100 years to something that’ll probably date in 5 years. What would that change anyway? It’s completely superficial.

I'd go Bartram. Looks like playing more footy, so as well as being an investment, you could probably rely on him as a resrve. I have high hopes for Cale, but I think he'll be in and out of the side all year.

I cant view any of the AFL websites in Firefox. Haven't been able to for ages.

Is it worth making a demonland league on SuperTipping? Your SuperCoach details can be transferred, so it's probably easier. I know JoeGutnick64 has already made a league at oztips, but there should be room for both... p.s. That's a scary looking team, Addam... Plenty of star power in there.

Based on what I've read from Yze, I think that was probably a joke. But for what it's worth, I think Demonland needs a few characters like Yze_Magic around, not many, but a few.

The first year I played, half my team were dees players. I learnt my lesson. I've got Yze in my forward line. Bit of a gamble, but he's cheapish and could still rack up the possessions. Sylvia's in there too. Not too expensive, but if he finally finds some consistency in the midfield while kicking some goals it could pay off. Jones in the midfield because I figured he'd be going from strength to strength, but that's about it. I'll be making room for Valenti as soon as he gets elevated off the rookie list. By the way, there's only 2 spots left in the Demonland 2 league.

cheers

Just a question, Can you make changes up until the start of the season, or is it locked once you register? Just thinking if one of your players gets injured or suspended in the pre-season.

That's probably the best AFL vid I've seen on youtube. Good work mate.

Well I wouldn't say it was a meanigless result. I mean what is it about State of Origin that works for rugby league and not AFL? The thing is, AFL isn't an international game, so state level is the highest level it can be played at in it's true form. I don't know why people wouldn't want to see that. If the club's are worried about injruies, then to me, the solution is obvious, play the game after the finals series. The only downside would be that it takes away from the climax of the grand final.

I was at this game too. I was only 9 or 10.. My sister and I made 'no merger' signs but they were taken off us by MCC staff. I remember Neitz kicking 4 goals in the first quater, and in that last quater seeing the ball being bombed into the forward line again and again... we just couldnt score! Needless to say I was devestated and left the game in tears.

It's very expensive treatment. Like $90,000?... I'm not sure. But if the Eagles aren't paying for this stint, could it be that Cousins just can't afford it? Surely there's good help available here.

Lol Yze.. Demonland seems to keep its morals in tact unlike most internet forums. Congrats Clint and Jen.

They were just our fullback options. Let's not forget Whelan and Bell. There's alot of potential in Frawley, Garland, and maybe even Miller. If just one of them came good then it would solve alot of problems for us.