Tim

Devastated. A champion whose qualities transcended mere football brilliance - which he had in abundance anyway. Condolences to Robbie's family.

Amen, Bob! (in an entirely non-religious sense…)

Maia Westrupp

No, Nathan. 54% vs 68%. And 100% more wins. I'm not throwing my hat in the air, but don't just bulltish us.

Yep. Can expect a bold showing tonight in the Bluey, I reckon. It will be interesting to see the match committee's assessment of his season vis-a-vis their assessment of Chunk's, as reflected in the voting.

Well said. Would the "I need my Viagra" brigade please seek inspiration elsewhere, rather than getting your jollies potting blokes who've had a crack for the Red and Blue, and who now would be feeling some distress.

Agree, and in more than 3 words: I like the way he takes the game on, and his capacity for good decision-making and good finishing (not always demonstrated - yet). Also like his apparent competitive instincts, and his willingness for the contest. Upside as a developing cog in a side better than where we are now.

Joeboy - enjoy your posts. Thanks! Main difference would be: Kent - lot to like.

Good summary 'bean.

Steady on Nasher, don't let the facts get in the way of a lynch mob!

Actually, I think they both had one of these episodes, as I remember the Nev one as well. Great efforts from NJ and RB, but would have to mark Westy's report card down for this happening twice.

The Bail running was evident even from the TV, and was a strong part of our ability to get up off the canvas at 30 points down. He kept popping up around the ground - late in the third quarter he was even down deep in Port's forward line, isolated one out with Westhoff in a marking contest, and brought the ball to ground against the odds. I'm sure that wasn't the desired match up, but just as well Ro was at the contest. It's no wonder Ro is in the small group who have played every game this year - work ethic and effort would be highly prized by Roosy and the other coaches.

Even if he does get elected, Matt won't be getting a Stephen Bradbury-like elevation as per his brother, as he is facing a field of contenders, unlike his brother did when he stood.

Courageous call, Cowboy. Make you feel better about yourself?

Melbourne FC ✔ @melbournefc Follow The club is saddened by the passing of music great Jim Keays – a big Demons man. The club sends its condolences to Jim’s family and friends.

Star.

Yep, RIP Lord Flashheart.

On the one hand I can't stand his bullying demeanour at post-matches and on other occasions with the press. On the other hand I note that he seems to inspire long term loyalty from former charges - there's ample evidence of this, including players and assistants with whom he has maintained long term relationships. I took it from that that "inside the tent" he was someone who demonstrated strong personal qualities in terms of leadership and establishing and maintaining relationships. However, I found his attack on Hutchy a few weeks ago on Adelaide radio (as shown on Footy Classified) to be interesting. Malthouse said that he had helped Hutchy in the past during a difficult personal time, and now couldn't believe that he was asking him hard questions in the media. Seemed to smack of breaching a personal confidence in the interests of getting back at a perceived antagonist, and this would give anyone wondering about trusting in his discretion on personal matters some food for thought. And he apparently thought that pulling a thorn out of Hutchy's paw gave him a pass of immunity from scrutiny by Hutchy in the future. So much for altruism, it would seem. Interestingly, it seems that his trademark "circle the wagons" approach is now under pressure. That is, circle the wagons and shoot anything that moves outside the circle, while mobilising those inside the circle to hang together to achieve a great common purpose. I reckon in his current situation Mick doesn't know where the circle is, whether he is inside or outside it, and at whom he should be shooting. Self-preservation is the order of the day.

Yep, particularly to give up the first 4 goals and come back to head the team that was a game clear top of the ladder, and on the road. Have witnessed many years of that ending up with a 40+ point deficit at quarter time, with the prospect of scoring a ton by the final siren. That's a major, major improvement on the recent past.

This. The other teams would score a goal, and in the old days we would just cede first touch at the next bounce on the way to oblivion. Now an opposition goal gives us hope of a possible counter-attack. I still can't believe it!

Where's the Clis? Doesn't seem to have been picked anywhere, and not on injury list.

Indeed, for both. Harmesy has shown quite a bit in his first year so far.

The "like" button is too anaemic a reaction to these posts. I would like to press the "really, really like" function. This is the most important thing we're doing this year to get the best out of the talent that we currently have. The evidence is there week by week.

MFC - how sweet itiz!

If I'm not mistaken, the return match at the Gabba was the last game of the season, a sudden death affair - the winner to the finals, the loser to the end of season trip. Garry Lyon was prominent in that game also - as the step ladder to Shaun Smith's "Mark of the Century". At least there was some momentary joy that day….