P-man

This place has been buzzing the past few weeks. Anyone claiming otherwise is just working off a stereotype. Not sure what Melbourne fans King is speaking to. All the ones I know are totally enjoying the ride and we haven't even made the 8 yet.

Likewise mate. I was applying benefit of the doubt to begin with but it's lessened. That doesn't mean I'm certain about it, because I'm not. I'm also not just going to disregard his own pleas of innocence. He's 19 years old and still wet behind the ears at this level. So either way there's no reason to think this will define him. But I am hopeful we won't see another incident that causes focus being taken away from his talent.

His post match interview from last week is worth watching. It's a cracker. Talks about the current belief in the group like it's this foreign concept he's still trying to get used to.

Sure, I get that view. There is an imbalance in terms of the amount of focus on Oliver when he's the one whose been elbowed in the face. Schofield would've been worthy of a week suspension had it been upheld. But by the same token, I'm not a fan of staging. Never have been and never will be. I gleefully mock those who do it. Lindsay Thomas is my most hated player purely because of it. IF this is in that vicinity (and I acknowledge it's an IF), then I can't be a hypocrite and shrug my shoulders. Plus Oliver is way too good to be mucking about with this stuff.

Open the other eye, Nash. It's not beyond the realms of possibility that Clarry has added some mayo onto it. I just don't want to see this being what he becomes known for. I'm expressing a view among fellow supporters, ideally without a hissy fit coming the other way.

I get what you're saying but the phrase "entitled to lose" is an ugly one. Especially when being applied here because we are every chance of winning this one, short break or not.

I never said I was certain because you're right, there's no way of being certain. But when he falls in the exact same delayed manner from minimal contact, I become more doubtful. He won't let all the chatter bother him. Of that I am almost certain. Didn't look like a lot to me. I won't dig up the footage because I have no intention of dwelling on it. Hopefully this is a "remember when?" moment in his career and nothing more.

The exciting thing about having depth tested is we can see what mid tier players like Harmes, Bugg and Neal-Bullen are capable of when given an extended run at it. I wouldn't be taking them for granted. All in the top 7 tacklers last weekend and bobbing up with important score involvements. If you purely look at the players going out from the last game, Jeffy was relatively quiet and Salem whilst a loss was not hugely influential on the result. So in terms of the side that pulled off the greatest win we've had in years, they're not disastrous outs. If JKH gets a chance this week he must grab it. Another poor performance will cement him in some fan's minds as being incapable of taking a step up, I'm still a believer. Kent and Wagner are more like for like although Kennedy has earned a call up. Will be interesting to see who the coaches view as leading that pack.

Agree with this. Have also held back because the fire didn't require any more fuel. I was willing to apply benefit of the doubt but it was significantly lessened after watching his previous flop (no nice way to put it unfortunately) against Higgins. I'm now more just hopeful we won't be seeing this again from him. It would be a crime to have this overshadow his talent. The big positive is that he has time on his side. That said, the vicious reaction has been well over the top for a 19 year old still finding his feet on and off the field despite the crazy start to his career. West Coast fans and media especially have made the absolute most of it. For several reasons. 1. They lost the game. 2. They're keen to point the finger and have someone else besmirched for diving as the likes of Darling and Shuey are. 3. They along with the rest of the league know that Melbourne are developing a reputation as a hard team that is going places and viewed this as an opportunity to take away from that. 4. They know Oliver is a gun so a bit of tall poppy gets applied. 5. They're West Ciast fans and media. They can boo him for all eternity. It will likely make him play better.

One of the best posts I've seen in my time here

6. Viney 5. T Mac 4. Gawn 3. Pedersen 2. Harmes 1. Vince Top two were heroic tonight. Nothing short.

What a win. What a god damn mother loving win. I'll never speak another bad word about Tommy Mac. This is my vow.

Yesssssssssssssssss!!!!!!

These umps are a bit whistle happy.

That was great play on the wing.

Geeze Mitch knows where the goals are.

Thank god Kennedy isn't playing.

"My favourite smell of all, the smell of the Sherrin. If Sherrin made aftershave, I'd be wearing it now. Eau de Sherrin."

Best line was addressed to his son: "Eddie, when we lose, it isn't everyone else's fault. It's mine mate. But thanks anyway."

Love this from an Adelaide supporter on BF: "Building a good side are the Dees. Love and am somewhat envious of the "nasty" element you have bought in over the past 3-4 years, current Coach included"

6. Hibberd 5. Garlett 4. Pedersen 3. O Mac 2. Salem 1. T Mac HM: Watts, Jetta, Hannan

Jeffy has been sensational. Has not dropped off all day.

It's actually unbelievable to think this is without Gawn and Hogan. 106 points and have won the clearance count again.

Hunt and Jetta back on the ground.

Conceded 2 marks inside 50 today from 40 entries.