Hot as Hell

Congrats Chas. One of our sparks when we needed them most. Great debut to remember for life.

I will back my 2 eyes, my brain and my judgement every time and stand by my words. I a surely concede l am not an AFL coach, but l have seen 100s of talented VFL/AFL players. At the moment Oscar earns his spot, all credit to him. In my book he should have to earn that right each week. Those that believe JKH is an AFL footballer would receive a similar response if he ever got a game. But he ain't a coach's favorite, so we don't need to bother.

Please. Oscar has been a roo in the spotlight because he was played way too young, deserving his pick 52 or 53 draft position. Despite embarrassing performances week after week he was persevered with. Thank God that stage appears over. I said last week was his best game for Melbourne amongst a side that played very poorly. I am unable to determine whether last week's game was a reflection of a hapless backline that elevated his performance, or a genuine break out game. I attended every Melbourne based game last year and regularly tracked his on field movement away from the ball. Believe me, l did not see much brilliance or ball reading skill. I want every player we have on our list to succeed, to make us strong. The jury is well and truly still out on Oscar in my view. One good game in a 67 point loss does not make a player special. I understand he has many fan boys on this site, so my view is the minority view. Nevertheless l have seen way too much VFL/AFL football in 6 decades to be swayed by the views of one eyed fans or coach's favorites that have kept us as cellar dwellers for most of the last 54 years.

Yep. I have been one if those who felt Oscar should gave been developed in the VFL comp under the radar. He wasn't. Over the last 2 years l have been frustrated by Oscar's regular errors and poor positioning on the field that bled goals. On Sunday, he was our best defender and took some important and strong marks for us. It was his best game for Melbourne without a doubt. Well done young man. Keep up the effort and you will make a fool of me and many others but you will also make Melbourne a stronger side.

What SWYL said! So bloody true.

I hope Jack meets the expectations of Port whatever they may be, and that he regains his self belief. He will not be a different player, just the same bloke in a different environment. He was expected to walk on water when our team was a raging torrent of mediocrity inside and out. The ferocious, sharp tongues of vocal so called Melbourne fans would never accept the club let him down, as much as him failing to get the best out of himself. For every game other than against us, l wish him well.

Injuries to key players are NEVER ever wanted. However when they are unavoidable, they create opportunities for others. Look at Hogan last year whose savagely poor luck, uncovered T Mac as a star forward! We have the chance to pick 22 players the same as our opposition. The mix will now have changed, but the objective remains the same. Who will grasp their opportunity in 2018? Hopefully ANB or Bayley or Pedo or someone else. It is there for the taking.

MFCSS alive and well for 2018. I hate seeing injuries to key players as much as anyone else but our challenge now is to get on with the task of putting 22 players on the field and getting the job done.

Hey Cassiew, l freely admit l am no photographer but here are a couple of snaps of some young guns. Unfortunately technical problems had by very best shots uploaded upside down! Guess that proves l have no business holding a camera. Apologies to Jake L who l seem to have caught at an awkward moment.

Well done Mitch. Be assured the club values your commitment and your skills. To those of us outside of the inner sanctum, it appears we have a group of talented players who want to be playing footy with each other in pursuit of the AFL's highest prize. Melbourne Football Club, under the stewardship of PJ, PR their management and coaching crews (and their successors) is finally start to look like a team on a mission. The many young guys who have now signed on to be part of our tilt at a flag is an inspiration and motivation to all who are involved in the club. Bring on 2018 so we can let our playing group loose, to do what they have in their minds and bodies to do. Play some brilliant footy.

Excellent points poita. Whilst not being at Luna Park had some upside the gaps also needed to be covered to keep the kids amused. I also thought there was insufficient planning about how the fans could get autographs with out having to line up in 3 or 4 lines to get the popular players only for many of the other players to be ignored or seemingly feel like "extras". A few tables around the space with 5 to 8 players per table would have given everyone a better shot at a happy snap, and a full autograph book. The layout of most activities on the outside of the field and nothing in the middle might have looked better on the map than it actually worked in real life. I thought Robbo did a great job knowing that a lot of the activity shortfall rested on his shoulders to fill. All good lessons for next year's event.

Beautiful day for the event and a very good crowd attended. Plenty of young kids which was also pleasing. In response to Demon77, Harmes was indeed absent today. Mmmmm. The players seemed to enjoy the more casual atmosphere in Yarra Park and were very relaxed with the endless stream of fans and autographs. The membership tent had a steady stream of people coming to it so hopefully our numbers will get a boost this week. I had an opportunity to talk briefly with PJ who, with his team, has helped to rebuild the club both off field and on. He was extremely pleased with the turnout today, and revitalised club spirit. All in all, amongst the crowd, except for the long wait to meet some players, the mood was fantastic uninterupted by the rides and distractions of Luna Park. Access to the ground by both car and public transport made the event easy for all to attend. I can only imagine it was regarded by the club as a success. Being flanked by the magnificence of our home ground, it was a genuine Melbourne Football Club event for the benefit of its members. Congrats need to be extended to Robb who worked hard today to keep the interviews with players and coaches flowing smoothly while fans went about their preferred activities. We'll done MFC.

A couple of typos in there but l think we get the gist of your point. First hand, l can confirm ltalians once trusted, are one of the most giving and loyal cultures around. Once betrayed, stay well away! Love what CP5 has done, to return the club's faith in him. MFC is slowly building and binding a very high class list for the years ahead.

A common trait amongst most of the power teams if the past from the baby bummers, through to the Swans, Cats and Hawks is that they retained most of their best young players all the way through their successful era. Although individuals will only naturally seek what is best for themselves, successful teams share the spoils from the best players down, each sacrificing something for their team, and their team mates. Max is on board, Viney was never in doubt and Clarry appears to want to stay a Dee. If CP5 can hold fat with the club talking about his career, it sends a thumping message to all the other younger players. Ultimate success although not certain, would be at the very least a realistic goal within 3 years. I am certain our player management are acutely all of this. Gee, at one function l attended even Chris Connolly was mapping out the contracted players 5 years ahead of time. Maybe, at that time we needed to worry more about the here and now instead of the future. Most of his list are now long gone. Good luck thisTruck, you are one of msny important parts of our side and our future.

The Ollie ship sailed by us years ago. We chose Jimmy's dingy instead. I suspect OW was gutted by his rejection by our lowly club and it would take 2 lifetimes for him to ever look at us again, except in contempt. Demons fans looking for a goldilocks contract outcome may be very disappointed. In my view we need to move on, just as we had to do with Liam J. What an exciting team we could have had, IF ONLY (those two fateful words)

An international sponsor and now a simple red and blue away jumper. Every step taken by the off field management has been a step in the right direction. Big one remains elusive.....a home of our own. Time needs to remain our friend and all may fall into place,both in and off the field. Good move Dees.