P-man

Amidst all the fuss over Triple H (Hooker, Hurley and Heppell), this bloke seems to be going under the radar in the discussion on picking at the Essendon carcass. He is averaging 23 disposals over his last two seasons and provides essential drive from halfback for the Dons. Having elevated his game in 2013, he was in All Australian contention for an extended period and hasn't regressed much since, all things considered. Skilful and courageous in the air, he could be another piece of the puzzle in forming a back six that is tough, composed and reliable by foot. He's stil only 26 so young enough to be around when the club is having a tilt and old enough to provide valuable experience. He is also another left footer, for those who love the south toes. He wouldn't come with the associated hype or price tag of the others, so a second round pick would get it done. While appreciating that Melksham was brought to the club for a halfback role, additional competition can't hurt. Thoughts?

That's a reasonable case but we're talking about our leading possession getter on the weekend and best player against the Pies in recent meetings. Garlett doesn't fill that void. ANB or Brayshaw, again assuming full fitness, go closer. Stretch would come in for Garlett as he was the late in to replace him. I think we got the balance pretty right on Sunday and team selection should reflect that.

Someone else should come out for Garlett for team balance. If it's form (and fitness) based then ANB has to be a big chance.

Dumb stuff Bernie. ANB gets his chance you'd think.

Not sure if you bumped this for an "I told you so", but we played some of our best footy for a while while North were below their best, and still won, so I stand by what I said. I agree that when bringing the right level of effort, we can take it up to any side, including top 4 contenders. Consistency is the golden goose and it can take a long while to find it. Just ask our opponents from the weekend. We must, MUST follow up that performance with something similar against the Pies.

Hopefully he gets off through sheer luck of missing. Unbeliavably stupid thing to do. He had a while think about it. We need him against the Pies. BOG last time of meeting.

Don't see how we can persist with a Frost as a forward. Pedo is clearly ahead as both a forward and pinch hit ruck. Straight swap. Garlett the other obvious in with Stretch a little unlucky. Competed well but needs time. Bugg certainly now under pressure but I like his aggression. I'd like to see ANB come in especially given his ability to run out games strongly, but is he too inside oriented for a team that dominated clearances and contested ball today? Possibly. Dropping Vanders seems knee jerky. I'd give him another week.

6. Gawn 5. Vince 4. Viney 3. Oliver 2. Hogan 1. Harmes HM: Kent, Nev, Prince

Reluctant to blame the umps but that Harmes mark not being paid was ludicrous, and costly. I think Harmes would sneak in for 1 vote today. Played a big defensive role in the forward half.

Was looking to have some faith restored and got that. We bring that intensity and every game is up for grabs. Not sure about blaming the umps. Just weren't cool enough at pivotal moments towards the end.

Commentators gushing about Trac

Garland supposedly playing well. Gus playing forward and dribbles through another.

Vivian goal! Get around him!

4.8.32 1.2.8 Scorps dominating by the sounds

Horrible for the young fella. At least he'll have some exeprienced heads at the club in his recovery.

Finally the penny drops. Oh man that was embarrassing to listen to.

Commentators thinking Mitch King has changed his name b deed poll to Max King.

I'm so thankful for Richmond.

There is a vast difference in age and games experience, and if ever that team was going to challenge for a flag, I believe it is to be this year. Their record in Tassie in particular is enviable. I may be overstating a little but I do believe we'll have to be at our absolute best and/or them to be a fair distance from their best to get a result.

Last week will be their best performance for the year. Nothing surer.

My positive prediction is Salem to put in a strong 20+ possession game.

It's a horrible fixture to come after such a bad loss. On paper it's a belting, which usually results in a belting. Demonland could explode this weekend. Hopefully the boys can rally and play like their life depends on it. That's what will be required to even get close.

Denham is shooting from the hip as he normally does but the general sentiment is fair. It was a disastrous performance and a massive step back from where the club should be and wants to be. That said, where he is most unfair is actually in relation to Essendon when he describes them as "the worst team in the AFL for a long time barring Gold Coast and GWS introduction years. The worst team in the AFL since Fitzroy.." Firstly, the season is only two rounds in so the basis for this description in terms of performance, disregarding NAB Cup, is very minimal. Of the first two games, Essendon have won one. Secondly, as one of the callers rightly points out, there were only 4 top ups that played on the weekend and they are more than handy players in the likes of Kelly and Stokes. It's all very well to say that Essendon have lost 12 players but only half of them were actually best 22. Denham dismissed this as giving excuses but he's wrong. It's a valid point. Essendon may have been drastically underestimated going into the season. Or they may not win another game. We simply don't know yet. Certainly Melbourne should have won the game, but Essendon's performance shouldn't be overlooked. They did not look a terrible side by any means and it will be interesting to see how they go in the coming weeks. It may or may not be their best performance of the year but on that evidence, it won't be their only win. It's funny when listening to KB and Denham, KB accuses Denham of hating Melbourne, but you can hear the frustration in Denham's voice when talking about Melbourne. He almost has the angst of a supporter. KB on the other hand seems far more dismissive. Of the two gentlemen, I know who is a lot less keen to see Melbourne succeed, and it ain't Denham.

Your thoughts on team selection do not deserve a thread of their own.

Grimes performed well for 3 or 4 consecutive weeks? Frost was omitted and comes straight back in the following week. Based on...what? I get the theory of earning a spot but it has be applied consistently and when a team performs as unbelievably poorly as it did o the weekend, with so many putting in pitiful efforts, I would've hoped to see a talented player who had a blinder get recognised. But spilt milk. I can't see the team named getting anywhere near them. Will hope for a miracle.