Keyser Söze

Maric is an interesting one. I think we need to see him playing in an AFL game to judge him, preseason doesn't count for me. For some reason I feel like McNamara and Cheney will be given more time. McNamara because he is significantly younger and a medium-tall, Cheney because we lack a real nuggety midsize defender. It really depends on what is on offer come draft time. I think we stand to lose a combination of PJ, Newton, Meesen, Hughes, Healey, Bell, Miller and Bartram, depending on contract expiries. I know 4 of those are rookie list, but i think it actually gives us scope to recruit well and retain all 3.

I don't mind them being cautious and I doubt he does either after the injury setbacks he's had.

I imagine when they say 24 rounds, that it will be 22 rounds over 24 weeks.

I rate them equally as forwards and Martin the better ruckman.

If he keeps getting those numbers in the tackle column they can't ignore him.

I don't agree with dropping Bennell, but it's hard for us to speculate from outside the club. We don't know who is performing better on the track and adapting to the gameplan quicker. Maric showed quite a bit in the preseason and will be given chances this year, but he has to take them this year too or he will miss out.

OUT: Bartram - depth player at best. Served his purpose. Newton - same again. IN: Sylvia - can wreak havoc. Martin - can perform the role Newton was asked to but, I think, better. I doubt Bennell would be dropped because of the negative effect it could have on his confidence. Those dropped marks will not need to be pointed out to him and they will play on his mind all week. He should be given a chance to redeem himself. Every player these days knows it's very simple: when it's your turn to go, you go. He'll be spoken to, but I doubt they'll even need to do that. If he happens to come out this week and do it again then he goes on the trade table. Simple.

http://bigpondvideo.com/AFL/255610 Here's the link... desperately waiting for it to be uploaded to youtube.

Not even close. It was about 5-2.

A lot of unfounded speculation there... JM is a great kid, but he is just that - a loyal kid, not a "smart man". Neil Craig is a very very good coach, but he is not their recruitment guru, that role belongs to Matt Rendell, I believe. And the crows have stockpiled a lot of tall young talent. They are in a transition stage, but are by no means anything like Melb in 2007.

Either way, it's a clear blessing in disguise. Neither he nor Brock could find room in our midfield in coming years.

Do you think he gives enough run? Is he fast and mobile enough? I'm thinking that maybe we are a little too tall with him in the side. If that is the case, who do you leave out - Warnock? Chip? (not likely) Depends on the forward-line we are facing. Horses for courses.

I like Thomas too. He isn't afraid to speak his mind and offer an alternative view. I like people like him who think outside the box, but he can be antagonistic at times.

Stay the course. Unwavering support in a strategy they believe in. Integrity. Strength through Adversity. Fortitude. These things will guide the re-awakening of our great club. (... are there any other grand clichés I've forgotten?)

as if..?

How many times will he mention the phrase "playing games together"? It's becoming a cliche at the Melbourne Footy Club, but I have no problem with it since I subscribe to the same theory. We're on the right track.

Yeah, that's what I thought, but after reading what I just got in the mail it gave me the feeling I'd be there for the whole match. It doesn't say that though. Cheers ID

What would be an interesting exercise for an MFC supporter, especially in terms of understanding why we have tough losses like Round 1, would be to do a matrix for MFC, then a few more matrices for clubs like Hawthorn, Geelong and Collingwood. If you are unbiased and brutal, you can see why we have been so bad and how long it will take to get back to the top.

Just opened my pack yesterday when it came in the mail - does anyone know much about it? I'm wondering if it is just a pregame peptalk and basic rundown of the tactics employed, or will this be where we are expected to remain for the course of the match? Not sure if I should be planning to meet mates at the game, etc. or if I'll be in there the whole time. NB. Confidentiality agreements need to be signed and faxed back in about a week's time.

I'm thinking of creating one over the Easter Break for a bit of fun. Watch this thread.

Maybe it's because I'm cocksured..? Or it could be because Roos has repeatedly stated that he is not a career coach and has no intention of coaching any club other than Sydney FC, ever. But hey, delude yourself at your own leisure.

See? Troy Taylor will be finnnnnnnnnnnne at Richmond

Here's mine. I think I'm a bit out on a few of the ages though.

Uh... the priority pick will NOT be available for any team this year, no matter how few wins they have. You can quote me on that.

Sorry, were either of you there and saw the drill they were trying to execute? Did you happen to see how exactly it went wrong? FFS, it's all being heard 3rd hand. No one has said they couldn't hit their targets by foot, that was imagined. Nor should anyone have to give them a pass - there is currently no case to answer.