bing181

It was an idiot thing to do, for obvious reasons.

Really? Why doesn't the real Mike get it taken down then? I was a bit surprised to read it to be honest, thought Jack had shown some good signs last year, and was positive about having Mitch Clark around. He's still only young - the same age (give or take a few months) as John Butcher at Port (for example), who's only just now starting to be seen as a regular first-22 after a couple of decent games late last year. Not comparing ability, but more the time it takes for these bigger guys to even start to get it together. Anyway, sorry for the footy discussion, back to the puns ... larfing so much it hertz.

Meanwhile, on Twitter: Mike Sheahan ‏ @Mike_Sheahan Mark Neeld all but publicly confirmed Watts has been a disappointment. Pressure on him to lift or join the two senior players on the outer.

Stating the obvious.

You mean .... that's not their real names???

Nice post Arsene.

It's an NAB cup match, it's not about being up to it or not. It's just about giving the players some experience, trying them out, working on structures etc. etc. Basically, a practice match.

Five (or even six) of our first 22 out, one (Blease) in. Not a good look.

As always, Twitter is our friend here: Melbourne FC ‏ @melbournefc Jack Grimes update: Grimes injury is minor further details to come on melbournefc.com.au soon

That's a big difference!

I just think it's going to take longer to turn the ship around than what people are imagining. Just seeing Clark run in and spoil Watts, or those easy goals over the back to GC as a result of getting the structures and press wrong - sure, like many, I believe that we have the cattle to start moving forward. But they need to learn to play together - which is going to take time. People talk about Richmond's midfield - those guys are starting to have a few seasons together, and under the same coach. 2 wins for me, but then the second half of the season should start to see things come together ... as long as we don't get any/many injuries to key players.

Also believe we won the clearances, especially out of the centre. Messy, scrappy footy played in their backyard and their conditions. Liked the endeavor and attack on the ball. Especially liked the fact that in the second half against Brisbane we were able to turn the game around somewhat. Credits to the coaches and players, especially after that miserable first half. As mentioned, Magner, Tynan, Seller, Clark all very useful additions. Nicholson ... disposal? Fitzpatrick wasn't disgraced for where he's at. A couple of the old dogs did OK - Green, a super courageous attempted mark, and from what I'd been expecting, Davey showed a bit. Colin Sylvia - we're going to miss you round one. On the other hand, Jack Watts - don't like his chances if this was the audition. Finally, anyone notice Trengove in the coaches' box? Good for the boy.

Anyone know when teams are announced ... if they haven't been already?

... except that we have to play two games, so not all will play together. Of course, that's equally true of our opponents, so will be interesting to see how the teams are lined up, and whether we "stack" one relative to the other.

I'd be really surprised if Sylvia (has missed a lot of training), Davey (see Sylvia, and knee heavily strapped), and Jamar (it's a long season) play both games. We might also give Green, our oldest player, an easy night. GC have a decent slab of outs, as do Brisbane. Think Brown will only play one game ... against us I would imagine. FWIW, majority of supporters of both teams are expecting to win against us. All the changes and work of the off-season are behind us, the question now is, can they put it out there on the field? Will be interesting.

Just to put some of this in context, article on the HUN site about us trying to pinch Collingwood's number two in recruiting, Jason Taylor. Still with one year left on his contract apparently. Not sure if it's to become number one at Melbourne, or to bring in support for Viney. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/mark-neeld-bids-to-beef-up-his-collingwood-entourage/story-e6frf9jf-1226279995438

Would be surprised to see Jamar, Green and Davey play both games. Probably Sylvia as well given his limited preparation. Interesting interview with Leigh Brown on the Dees site. He talks about it being an opportunity to see how the structures go, moreso than looking at individual players. He did single out Howe and Tommy Mc as being two to watch.

If anyone needed a bit more clarification, via Twitter: Cameron Schwab @CamSchwab For those who have asked, Todd Viney's role in 2012 will be fully focused on recruiting. We'd never compromise on this critical area

Yeah, we saw where "keeping the players happy" got us last year. Maybe you'd rather we brought back Bailey? Sam isn't being criticised here for not being perfect, he's being criticised for not doing what the team and club required of him. Discipline, structure, and doing what you're supposed to starts off the field.

The word used was "compromised". "By missing this meeting Sam has compromised his preparation for this weekend’s game, and therefore won’t be available for selection this week" The importance is irrelevant. If it's part of his required preparation and presence at the club, it's part of his required preparation and presence at the club. Sam showed in the last game last year that he needed to get his head around what's needed at the highest level. Rising Star one week, subbed off the next. Still has some work to do it would seem - hope he gets there, shows a lot of potential.

To miss 2 weeks - did something to his knee at home, slight medial strain. So Cale fails to get through yet another pre-season injury-free! Bummer, as by all reports he was doing well.

... at the end of the season.

Nothing - but this is the MFC, and there'll always be someone to take an unremittingly negative view of every post regarding every player.

About a thousand according to Burgan. Stynes is there if that's who you mean. Also Lyon.

4:05 Martin crashes in Bartram - good courage by Clint. Marking contest.