JACKATTACK

I don't know art, so i'm sure my opinion is of little consequence, and given the subject matter I feel a bit bad saying this. But I don't like it, and it's not because it doesn't have a Demons thing on it, in fact I think that fact adds to it. THe detail looks fine, it certainly looks like him, and his big smile is there which is a must. But standing back, or rather over the net (hardly fair i know) I just don't like it.

If Gumbleton can live up to his early wraps on him then that is a solid forward line. Hille will make life difficult for us as well, and given that we currently have exactly 0 ruckmen available he will be able to spend as much time as he likes forward.

Not a bad effort considering where it is from, and how difficult it is to make assumptions about a team that is full of unproven players. Generally accepted wisdom is that we are back heavy and forward light, he seems to have this backwards.

I hope they have closed it cos they don't want the kids to hear the coaching department unload profanity on the group.

Hun article on Jordie What a guy, I had never heard about this crows offer before, or that he was injured for a large portion of the TAC cup. It is shaping as a grey value rookie pick. In the article he says he's not theist skilled player but I would disagree with that I think his kicking is great, accurate and smart. He's a hard nut too!

Especially when there are only 46 players to pick from.

Good to see Silvagni get a gig for Freo. Jamar I suspect is a precaution being left out.

Sounds like Jordie will get a promotion.

So where is this actually at? Obama is coming to Australia. Is he coming to Melbourne? Has he said he will come to a football match?

So from Melbourne who are the value picks? Trengove is a must I would have thought, Scully?

Not sure where I heard this (probably here somewhere) but I heard Gawn was going to be put on LTI so Spenccer can play. Personally would prefer McKenzie, he could be a very good value pick, and one that I think would look better at AFL level.

Dissapointing that he put on the weight, I would expect much more from our players.

Doesn't mean much in relation to the Hypothetical, but here are the sportsbet odds for Melbourne players to win the NAB rising star. (Martin fav at $5.50) Scully $8 Trengove $12 Watts $29 Gysberts $51 Tapscott $67 Blease $81 Spencer $81 Strauss $101 McKenzie $101 McNamara $101 Gawn $151 Fitzpatrick $251 Strauss is value at $101 I would have thought. In terms of value outside the Melbourne players, I would take Swift $26, or even Gary ROhan at $51. Link

I wonder what the result would be if you grouped them by club. Demons have 15,16 and 26.

I hope they're ready for a big crowd, there is a lot of anticipation for this seasaon and I think there will be plenty of supporters down there to see the boys battle it out. I'll be there

While our current ruckstocks are weak I think we have drafted intelligently by picking up ruckmen late or in the rookie draft. It is still early days and you would think between SPencer, Gawn, Fitzy we would have 1 hit by the time our window opens. Johnson and Jamar are not too old either, 1 of them neeeds to step up. Martin will be a handy 3rd option, but won't be anything better. In terms of what our strategy should be at the next draft I think we should again go for 2 late (or Rookie) prospects.

Without knowing the methodology I think it is pretty easyy to dismiss this kind of analysis. Certainly to assume we have been the besst drafting team 04-07 is a stretch but it does highlight the fact that when 2012 rolls around there will be teams who will need to rely on players drafted in those years (04-07)we have a set who will have the most experience when they move into their mid to late 20s.

The HUN made two sets of predictions today, Crawf's one with us finishing 15th next year and the other one saying that due to our drafting over the last few years we will be a top team in 2012-2014. I'm happy with that result, unfortunately history tells us that these kind of predictions at this time of the year are usually off the mark.

So if we assume his story is true, not a user, purchased for friends and all that, where does this sit in relation to Hurley? I'm probably pre-empting this somewhat, but IMHO Hurley's actions are far worse (if true), and the likely punishment for both players (beyond that of the law) at this early stage seems to be poles apart. Stokes' career ended. Hurley? No conviction and at this stage no reprimand from EFC.

"Nah man I promise it aint mine, I was just holding it for some friends" The stupidity of footballers never ceases to amaze me. Is it possible to prove a person has used it? I have heard of tests that might be able to prove he hasn't used for a certain amount of tiem. And while 1g is a considerable amount for a single person, I don't think it is really "trafficking quantity" (although the law probably disagrees).

Not a player maybe? Legend of a coach though, and in terms of most inlfuential people in the MFC's History I would say he would be in the top 3 or 4.

Bate interview (link may not work, go to Melbournefc website) Said Scully and Trengove were 1 & 2 in Yoyo test (Beep test). Followed by Jones and Morton.

What is it with the foot injuries, seems like our whole ruck department is suffereing from some kind of foot complaint. It will be a tough start to the season it seems.

Overheard a couple of players saying Green would play full forward this year.