Ned

Yes, St. Kilda's example is a tale of caution. Melbourne is really lacking a gorilla to protect some of our younger guys and stars at the moment. We need some sort of part animal in the team to intimidate opponents when required. This is still a short-term thing but it's really obvious, I think. I really hope DB has it in him, as I like him. But we may find in a year or two, if things don't continue on the ascent, we may need to chase someone like Paul Roos.

Sigh. There was a time in the early 1980s when 17 points down at the end of the third quarter would've meant we were sure to win. Beloved Norwood.

Just beautiful. The other thing learnt from today -- and seen with the Demons in the Queen's Birthday match -- is that if you can weather Collingwood's initial onslaught, you're totally in the game.

I thought St. Kilda were awesome. It's a filthy club, with all the criminal stuff. But Lenny Hayes and Brendon Goddard were extraordinary. You just got a sense of "there's no way we're going down" with them. They have my total respect. Hayes' goal in the last quarter and Goddard's mark were inspirational. I think the Saints are going to [censored] the filth next week. And I'll be cheering them on -- they deserve it. I can't remember who nailed Didak in the tackle. But it was absolute gold. Fabulous game and great to shut the filth fans up. I think they'll be a lot quieter this week, the ongrels.

Yep, agree totally. He did some really nice things. Seemed to tire towards then end and gave up on tackles he should have pursued. But some nice marks and classy decisions.

How many times does Moloney burst out of the centre and then spray the ball. The one tonight was worse than normal because he was closer to goal. I sometimes struggle to see what all the fuss is about with him. I really hope he isn't made captain. Hard man and all but lacking in footy smarts, in my opinion. Really frustrating. Don't even get me started on Morton. And the contrast tonight between Bruce and McDonald could not have been starker. I know which one I would've preferred to see moved on. Really disappointing. North wouldn't have sent off their captain with a last quarter like that.

This sent a shiver up my spine. Lovely writing. "Suddenly there was a disturbance to my right. I looked around sharply. A man was running along the beach, at the ocean’s edge. I stood up, galvanised to my marrow. Defiant of the surrounding colour, the runner appeared to be tinted in black and white. His arms were swinging from side to side. Whoever he was, he was clearly some sort of athlete. As he approached, I could see that he was wearing an old-fashioned Dees jumper. OMG, I whispered after a few seconds of scrutiny: it is the ghost of Neil Crompton. Onwards he ran. This must be some sort of vision, I told myself: it’s identical to the footage from the ‘64 Granny, when Froggy runs back to the back-pocket after kicking the sealer. But why here – why me – why now? Just as he had done so long ago – oh, when we were kings – Neil swivelled around, looked me in the eyes and pumped his arms in triumph. Immolation befell me. If this was a portent, surely it pointing to something more than a mere home and away victory against Norf."

They beat West Coast in Perth. We lost to them at the MCG! North Melbourne has had a very solid year. I don't think they're in our league in terms of excitement. But they are very reliable and will probably teach us a lesson again this week (unless our players decide to pull their finger out and show some respect to their captain, as North did.)

Moloney has the heart, but he doesn't have the skills of a Hodge. Green does. He can turn a game himself. It's a separate issue, I know, but Moloney's long bombs to nowhere are enough to drive me insane!

Totally agree. He's been a loyal servant of the club and should be treated with respect. I really hope Miller gets a lifeline from the GC because he seems a fundamentally decent bloke.

Rotten comparison.

Lucas fair enough. I disagree on Lloyd. You don't do that to the captain (as the Ox said of Junior today, too).

As did the Chappell brothers.

I have enormous respect for Moloney, for all of the obvious reasons. But a captain needs to represent the club off the field, too. The little I've seen of him in the media suggests he can't do that, he's not articulate enough. I think Green ticks the boxes. Solid in front of the cameras and a great player who can turn a game himself. But I wouldn't be surprised if it was Davey. It was Davey who carried Jimmy's jumper off with Junior last year and him on the new emblem video. Either would be a good choice, with Moloney as vice captain and spiritual leader. I'd love to see Col Sylvia in the mix. But I think he's still potentially too volatile.

Essendon didn't think it needed experienced players either after making the finals last year. I think people really don't appreciate the importance of having some old hands around to set the example and step up as needed. Our senior brigade have been outstanding this year. I was certain Junior would play another 12 months, after which time the younger guys would have another 20-odd games in them and his age would require him to retire. On the other hand, I am gaining confidence in Dean Bailey's judgement. Hopefully it will have turned out to be the right time. Junior is a champ, either way.

Hear, hear. I'm really disappointed that the club did this. Part of the reason we did quite well this year is because the senior players really stood up. James was playing well before the injury and should've been given another year.

I reckon decisive. If we can overcome the psychological hurdle of Hawthorn then we are very close to finals.

Nice!

In general, absolutely. But I want us to win all of the games ahead to do it, not just slink in. Today's performance suggests that's very unlikely.

Richmond have run over almost every opponent in the final quarter, when they've been within striking distance.

I know we have Brisbane next week and that will be a tough game (they're fired up after so much humiliation and we're away from home) and Richmond the week after (who, frankly, are totally unpredictable). But the match I am itching for is Hawthorn. It may sound masochistic but I want to see how our best 22 (minus Ricky) shape up against them. I desperately want to see Melbourne take it to those swine, who have humiliated us, and an even greater dream would be to cause them to drop lower in the eight. I've seen as many Melbourne smashings at the hands of the Hawks as I can take for the next decade.

Let's be honest, Watts and Dunn could've won us the game. Two gettable shots on goal each that were missed. They're forwards and kicking goals is their job. Having said that, some part of me is glad that we showed enormous spirit but didn't quite get over the line. It will just teach the team that you have to play four quarters to win (and don't get me wrong, like all of you I was desperate for us to get up). But these tight negative learning experiences are better. We are 5.5 from 16 and could easily be 9 from 16 and in the eight. But being in the eight wouldn't be giving us anything as we'd be bundled out fast. Sitting where we are now just tells our young group that there is still a mountain to climb and they need to work harder and be more consistent. So we are seeing positive signs but it's clear there's still a ton to do. I think that's about right.

jnrmac, we really need the real jnrmac back. He sets the standard.

I watched the game and like to think I know my footy. But I think St Kilda in top gear would have had us out of the game at half time given some of our disposals. Montagna and Goddard were superb, it's true.

Do you really think the Saints were playing 100%? They were coming off a huge game against Geelong and lost Kosi to boot. I thought we were playing them at their most vulnerable since Riewoldt went down. Maybe I was mistaken though.