Nasher

There are so many posters who are guilty of being biased towards 30 seconds of play DA (read: probably all of us), but very few capable of recognising it after the fact and correcting. Great post.

Not a bad effort for someone "completely and utterly out of his depth".

Source that OMac is injured please? Not mentioned at all in today's Misson report - although that could just be a timing thing since the game was only played yesterday - or in yesterday's post match washup, If he's not injured then it poses a major selection dilemma if one of the rucks are selected. We don't need all of Gawn/Spencer, Frost, TMac and OMac in the side. OMac is the most junior of the three tall defenders but played the best game. 'Horses for courses' selection could see a player arguably in our top 5 of the most recent match get dropped. He'd be outrageously stiff, but I find it hard to see any viable alternatives. The ruckman may replace a small out of the usual pool of foot soldiers - Harmes, ANB, Melksham, Bugg - all of whom were serviceable and would also be stiff to be dumped, but run will matter so I don't like that option much either. Great problem to have though.

Navicular injury. http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2017-06-13/smith-to-miss-rest-of-season Feel for him - do all that work to get here then have your first season on the rookie destroyed with two major injuries. Ridiculously unlucky, but that's footy I suppose. All the best with the recovery.

4th is within reach next week if all goes in our favour, although Richmond play Sydney at home and Port play Brisbane - and of course we have to win - so the odds are against it. We can't fall out of the 8 though unless we suffer a large loss, which also seems unlikely. Huge opportunity to push a game clear of the logjam occurring below us this week, which includes the team we play against. The season is definitely heating up now.

If they'd prefer to play against North Melbourne on Sunday afternoon instead of that atmosphere yesterday, I'm sure Essendon wouldn't mind having a kick on the QB holiday. As despicable as the Bombers are, I'm sure they'd love to get behind Neale and the MND cause. I think it would be quite reasonable to share the gate with Collingwood on an alternating basis, but if they'd prefer to take their bat and ball instead, no worries. I think they might be struggling with the concept that Collingwood is not the centre of the universe.

He's a bit like Hunt in that he's tougher than he looks like he should be. He hits the ball at full speed, even if there are players in the way, and gets up for a second effort every time.

No, it's bagging him incessantly when he isn't playing well that isn't right. Your claim that now is the time to show respect nearly made me throw up - it's always time to show respect, and you don't. Glad you were happy with his output yesterday.

Hah, yep, I had tried Googling it too. I thought if I tried sounding it out I might be able to figure out what it was. Must be something in Collingwoodese.

Nah, I reckon it's yet another soft effort from PF. The time to show Oscar some respect was before, when he was struggling a bit, rather than laying in to him excessively. Supporting players when they play well is the easy bit.

An...un...it...otion?

Back to the hotel at midnight, up at balls o'clock to catch the first flight out. Hoarse, hung over and still bloody buzzing. Fantastic day.

Congratulations on the arrival mate. I trust she is named Clint.

Extremely fatigued before the game, empty stomach and nothing to drink other than beer to drink. Nearly passed out screaming at the Watts goal which happened right in front of me. Thought about posting in the match day thread at half time that we were certainties to win. It was almost classic 2017 version Melbourne. A period where the opposition gets ahead in the second, a late quarter evening, run over the top in the third. I never felt at any stage we couldn't win. I didn't think Oscar was as poor as some say early and was definitely immense in the second. Definitely makes an interesting selection conundrum for next week.

Got my photo taken with Neale. Don't normally fanboi but had to for that. Such a legend.

LOL mate, as if you'd be able to focus on the chores. Who are you kidding?

Night shift Sat night, late night last night, early flight this morning. Might have to ask you all to keep it down a bit at the ground so I can have a nap, if you wouldn't mind?

This post is tongue in cheek, surely.

Even I've abandoned this idea now! ? I'd hoped Goodwin was foxing, but Spencer played the full match in the VFL yesterday. I think the dream of having a ruckman for this match is officially over.

Actually most Pies win outcomes should boost their % enough to knock the Bummers back out. Obviously I'd prefer an MFC win and neither of them in the 8 though!

McDonald-Tipungwuti goal: 103.25%

Hooker point: 102.71%

102.62% with Hooker lining up for goal.

For what it's worth, on current score, Essendon will finish the round outside the 8 regardless of who wins out of us and Collingwood (unless it's a draw). If they kick another goal, only an MFC win will keep them out.

For some reason I thought when I looked before we were a game clear, but no. So yeah, their % is probably more relevant.