Craig Drinker

Don't give up after 2 rounds OD! It's only been one pasting so far this season. Given the team we had on the park and the opposition we were up against I was thinking we would cop about a 10 goal beating. It blew out an extra 33 points due to the slowness that we moved the ball forward, when we did move it forward at all. Hang in there OD! Give Roosy a chance to turn it around and reserve judgement until we have closer to our best team on the park.

I think an open apology to the descendants of Norm might help. Or a field trip by Demonlanders to Norm's grave and a service. Does anyone know where Norm is buried? Maybe we can revive him and he can solve our issues up forward? Desperate times call for desperate measures. There has to be some sort of official apology to break the curse imo.

Given it is a few days since Sunday's game and I have partially recovered, this is my take on things so far: We have played two games of the season proper so far. Game One:We competed well, had our moments, copped injuries, kicked poorly, but could have won. Not too bad a performance. Game Two: Got plenty of the ball (better than last season), butchered the ball when we had it and over possessed the ball. Only one player was prepared to be first in for the ball, the rest happy to sit back wait for the opposition to get it and then tackle. I think it is hardly a "Chicken Little" situation just yet though. The biggest concern for me is from Game Two. If you don't move the ball quickly into the forward line you can't possibly kick a winning score or as we saw it a score at all. We gave the Eagles defence a decade to set up with our slow ball movement.If our players thought their defence would simply let us short pass our way into our forward line in range of goals and then just simply slot a goal from a mark they are clearly delusional. We may not currently have much up forward, but I believe if we replayed that game, left a couple of contesting forwards up there, for arguments sake Watts and Dunn and moved the ball quickly into them with a couple of crumbers front and square, we would have got a lot closer than 93pts. Over possessing the ball just sets you up for turnover goals which is currently killing us. No problem with Roos' game plan the boys just HAVE to move the ball more quickly into the forward line. I don't cop the argument we don't have any forwards. We have the guys that we choose for that match in the forward line. At least give them a chance to compete and we will score goals.

I'm not sure of the answer re our bad run of injuries. Is it the "Norm Smith" curse? Are we drafting players with a history of injuries? Do the recruiters put more time into studying injury history of recruits. We have way too many players who are hardly ever on the park of late: Clark Dawes Gawn Grimes (arguable) Jamar Strauss Tapscott Viney (arguable) I think Misson and Roosy are pretty tight so I don't think Misson will be put under the microscope any time soon. Also, I'm not sure that he should.

The message is clear that Roosy is going to change up the side for the game on the weekend. new players in and players playing in new positions. Who will come in and who will be placed in a different position? I have no idea what those changes might be but I'll throw up a few ideas for discussion? Viney in, Blease in Howe to a wing. Watts to full forward .Dunn having a run on the ball? To be honest, with our injury list, we are not that flexible at the moment.

I'm looking forward to Gawn getting up for a game. Spencer is okay at running interference but can't take a mark around the ground or up forward. Spencer has to be taken from the ground for a rest whereas Gawn could be rested up forward.

I would definitely persist with Blease because he has the courage to take the game on. I was reasonably pleased with Byrnes' game on the weekend. He worked very hard and didn't do much wrong. However, he is not the future.

I agree mostly with the analysis except for a couple of ratings. I thought Pederson tried very hard. I like Gergiou's endeavour, he is listed in the footy record as 187 cm's the same height as Grimes and stood Dean Cox at times and gave a decent contest. I think he's got the spirit we need. Again I thought Dunn was one of our better players and Jones continues to lead by example but doesn't get enough followers. Most Melbourne players barring Jones are happy to let the opposition get first hands on the ball. Is this lack of courage or confidence? I'm okay with Roosy's game plan however if we continue to move the ball in to the forward line as slowly as we have been we will be lucky to get more than 5 -10 goals every game.

How about we focus on what is, instead of what might have been?

Nat Jones was best for me and Lynden Dunn didn't do a whole lot wrong. Wattsy pretty solid also. Not sure what Byrnes brings. I would persist with Blease over Byrnes every day of the week. Hated the result but loved the endeavour! The head hanging which started at half time round one last season was missing which i liked. It's a long road but we are moving forward imo, which is all I'm asking for.

Give it a rest!

Might have had a couple of handy players out ourselves tonight. For me the 'Norm Smith Curse" continues. Until the MFC makes a public apology to the descendants of Norm Smith our fortunes will remain limited.

I was 4 years old. I'll have to ask my mum.

Great effort coming forward with personal information Jazza! I'm sure this wasn't easy for you. Your post is wonderfully encouraging for any other sufferers in that they know that they are not alone when dealing with this health issue. Your attitude as I read it is great "Take it one day at a time and judge each day on it's merits". I think this attitude will carry you well and you will find that the good days will start to blanket the down days!! Best wishes to you and to quote the motto from my favourite EPL team "You'll Never Walk Alone!"

Totally agree! Ollie Wines plays for Pt. Adelaide let's move on please!!

Has anyone come out and said what is exactly wrong with Mitch? It sounds like it might be a depression issue? Certainly injury frustration wouldn't help. Obviuosly it's considered pretty serious. I hope things work out for Mitch and if he plays footy again and enjoys it great.If he doesn't, but sorts out whatever his issues are then that's fantatstic.

Surely Travis Cloke wins that mantle hands down, but I hear what you're saying.

Agree with all sentiments of other posters re the AGM.Looked well attended, moved smoothly and didn't get sidetracked. You couldn't help walking away feeling that we will be competitive in most of our games in 2014. If Roos lifts the confidence of the group , which I think he will , we may surprise some pundits. Not sure it was a good idea for Brett Allison to be called up in front of the crowd with Brad Miller! Excellent head for radio that Brett Allison!

Pretty impressive that a tall defender in Tom McDonald can come in second. Good player and valuable asset for the MFC.

Hmm Royal Pines not far from Broadbeach Waters. Tough job fooling the Age.

I could get exact times for you. What he was wearing.The car he was driving. How long he stayed for. etc etc. But do you know what I couldn't be bothered and I'm sorry I mentioned it just thought I would try to add a little balance. Never mind.

Believe what you like mate , he was there. Don't personally give a crap if you believe it or not . It is fact.

They're actually friends with both. My brother in law met Brownie when he was doing some work with the Gold Coast. Anyway, come to your own conclusion. My take is good friend's don't generally BS each other.

My source was my sister. I texted her this morning and asked her what was going on. She and her hubby are close friends with Brownie and his wife Jess. Brownie was over at her place last night and my earlier posting was what was relayed to me. He would have no reason to BS my sister and her hubby.

That is incorrect. Team mate was tanked and having a go/bad mouthing Josh Gibson.Brownie told him to settle down and team mate then decided to take him on.King hit is media [censored].