The Chazz

Too many first gamers for the club this weekend to worry about that. Would nearly be quicker to congratulate those that are playing who have played in the jumper before. I'm expecting 5 club debutantes.

Thanks for listening, MFC. If you want any more ideas, you know where to find me. Cheers.

Just think that the Power have more players that can take a step up, as opposed to Sydney's core group being at their ceiling. I also question last year's grand final performance by the Swans. They were meant to win that flag. Why didn't they? What impact will that have on them this year? How can that group turn it around? This is very close to my thinking, but I have Brisbane higher, probably replacing one of Richmond or Adelaide in that group. Wouldn't be surprised to see Geelong drop out of that group.

Forgive me if has already been mentioned in the hundreds of other pages in the other thread, but Watson's admission on On The Couch in 2013, does this not stand for anything? He has clearly admitted to taking a substance, that under the ASADA guidelines, is a banned substance across all sports world wide. Did he just make that up? Was this not used as evidence at any stage? Did he change his story? As Cards mentioned above, the Cronulla Sharks must be livid. They took what was deemed the "light" way out - cooperate and/or plead guilty and your sentence will be dramatically reduced, or risk going through the "process" and copping significant suspensions. Essendon did risk it, and won. Part of me hopes there is no appeal, so we can just play/watch footy for what it is. A massive part of me wants these cheating pricks (coach/club in particular) to get caught out and severely punished.

Think it was the late Dean Bailey that summed it up well one day by saying (impersonating the annoying voice of the man in question), "Hughesy, makes me wanna spewsy". Can't stand Hughes, so it was never going to be a segment I raved about.

Now one of those is true, Nasher.

Port should be quite some distance in front of Sydney this year. I actually think the Top 2 are quite predictable (Hawthorn and Port). I'm not sure if 3rd and 4th are easy to pick - will depend on the luck some sides have. For example, I see both North and Essendon (especially now) being in a position to challenge for the Top 4, but it's going to take a pretty flawless season from both to go ahead of Sydney, Geelong and Freo.

Clearly Dank will be made the scapegoat by the AFL out of all this. Will be interesting to see if ASADA/WADA do the same thing.

Going out on a limb here - a bit after 2pm, a decision will be made that will pizz a number of people off.

So, how do we compare, in your view?

It's an interesting one, B59. We didn't score over 100 points in any game last year, but reduced the score against stat by around 5-6 goals. We actually ranked 11th for points against, which I think for a side that finished 17th, it's a fantastic effort. Do we need to improve the "score against" again this season? While this will satisfy the "improvement" folk. But what if that figure were to remain the same, but the key area we improved was increasing our "scores for" tally by 3 goals. For me, if we can improve our points for by around 15 points per game (that's just 2.5 goals per game), while maintain our points against, we will most likely finish around 11th. To finish here, you generally are winning 10 games. That's probably a best-case outcome for mine. To achieve the above, our contested possession and tackle count needs to be the most significant improver.

Let's create an unofficial Robbie Flower Wing on the MCC Members/Olympic Stand side for all our home games at the MCG. Can be unveiled before the start of the Gold Coast game as part of the pre-game antics that generally go on. Don't think there's any need for anything on the banner or in the cheer squad. Something like the above I'd imagine would be exactly what PJ was alluding to - supporters moving on with a level of respect for the past.

Injuries have played a part in Fitzy's career, but when he has been right to go, he's rarely had the opportunity to have an "off" game without being dropped the following week, to, as you rightly put, play in a position that isn't what he was playing in the seniors the week before. All I ask is that they decide what position he is suited to, let him learn it, develop in the role, then give him the opportunity to prove himself. If he's showing positive signs at Casey, reward him, then give him time to adjust to AFL standard. Poorer performing players who have higher profiles seem to get that opportunity.

Some useless points I've picked up/thought about over the past few days; - Out of the three post-game interviews on the MFC website (Roos' presser, Jones and Dawes interview with Burgo), not one of them seemed too concerned about losing. - It is mentioned that the difference between our best and worst is too great. So far this preseason, our best (arguably the first half against the Dogs) saw us leading by around 7 goals at half time. Our worst has only been bits and pieces in games. While our worst is still shlt, in the three games to date is has been for a far less amount of game time than previous years. Regardless of your thoughts on the opposition, our biggest losing margin has been 18 points (against an expected Top 4 contender this year). Sure, we've played undermanned teams, but we have not had our best 22 out there either. - It has an eerie similarity to Bailey's last season (2011). Our best footy was pretty good, we spanked some teams. Our worst was woeful, resulting in us getting spanked. The thing about our poor performances in 2011 was that they were for an entire match. If we reduce the amount of poor footy we play in a game to smaller chunks, then we shouldn't get blown out of the water in games. While I understand the importance of having structured, competitive hit outs during the preseason, I have read absolutely nothing in to this year's results (from any games), to the point where I have barely watch any games at all. The real stuff starts in less than two weeks for me. (Nb. If we had won all three of our NAB games comprehensively, I'd be claiming we should be flag favourites!). Edited for ManDee's sake.

I don't feel that Fitzy has been given the same luxuries as other players in our team. I feel he has been poorly managed and developed, and that includes by our current coach. Before he even played a game, I had zero confidence that Fitzy would make it (not sure why I felt that way). But I can't help but think the poor bugger hasn't been given a decent chance.

Never forget the people who kicked you while you were down. We will be great again, one day, and I sincerely hope the likes of Venom, Purple, and the likes are still around when it's our time. (Nb. I also hope the likes of Old Dee are still around too).

Sort of on topic, but off it just as much; Who do we play on Dawkins and B!tch when we play them? This IS where Frawley will be sorely missed.

One thing I learnt from that article is that, looking at her photo, Caro is one of very few who hasn't "trained the house down" this preseason. I'll presume she is eligible for the golden ticket?

Why, because none of the complainants will either attend or if they do, actually stick their hand up and discuss when they have the opportunity?

I can't believe people are still talking about this. Please request that "Club Communications" and "Marketing/Sponsorship Opportunities" is added as an agenda item at the next AGM, so that it can be discussed in a forum where some of the ideas may be considered. They sure as hell aren't going to be by ranting on here.

The issue is, P-Man, that it has nothing to do with the top 40 players in a season. By the time they name 3 or 4 rucks, 4 or 5 key forwards, 4 or 5 key backs, a couple of small forwards and small backs, all of which Jones doesn't play in, that leaves around 20 or so midfield positions. The question you then have to ask is if he is in the Top 20 midfielders. That's when it gets tight. Nb. Not sticking up for K(no)B, but when you are looking at the number 15-20 spot in a squad, there will always be debate on who should and shouldn't be in there.

Was my poor attempt at humour. Not the appropriate thread to try such rot.

Anyone else have this reaction when they saw the thread title?

I think putting a screw in it is a bit of an overreaction, and it will definitely not see him ready for Round 1. From memory, that was the issue with Clark's foot, so they took it out, now look at him go.

Can we get the Richmond doctor to scan it please? If he gives it the all clear, then I will start breathing again...