P-man

That gap was Chunkesque (Macquarie have recently accepted this as a word) in 2013. 2014 was an interrupted year and he was trending back towards it in 2015. Will have a very consistent year in 2016. Bookmark it. DL - I've done both but I'm not a regular at either. Although snorkelling on the GBF left a lasting impression.

Having rewatched the games against Richmond and Rd18 against the Pies, I've concluded that this bloke requires a bit more love, including from me. He was a mixture of tenacity, skill and composure on both occasions. Sure, he might wear the "mental scars of the past" a little more visibly than others, but his effort can rarely be questioned. He is now a resolute and versatile defender who I have little doubt several other clubs would've been sniffing around before he put pen to paper. Seeing him slump to the ground on the verge of tears after a home and away win says everything about the journey he has been on, and what this club means to him. Here's to a great 2016 for a bloke who deserves success as much as anyone.

Hello and welcome to FootballMasochismLand.

Ugh. Well, we know it's never, ever, ever going to be smooth sailing. It's just another "Oh, you're feeling hopeful? [censored] you, cop this" moment to deal with. There will be others. This one could've been worse,

Player interviews and media coverage are important. It's just difficult not to zone out when they start talking about how much better/more professional things are than they once were. It's a tune sung every single year. The boy keeps crying wolf and maybe it really is a wolf this time. But I wanna see it for myself

No we wouldn't. I wouldn't. And I'd marry JV if Mrs P would let me. They are just fluffy words. Whose saying them is irrelevant. Clearly a lot the fans are done with fluffy words. By all means talk about the fantastic change of culture and mindset. But don't expect everyone to actually give a damn. Not until we are buying tickets to the football in September. Seeing is believing.

That Carlton performance was an absolute disgrace. I don't want to see anything close to that in 2016.

My MFCSS is acting up with these four training away from the main group. It's basically our midfield core.

I would question how much thought went into the rankings outside of 2015 stats and new signings. Two of our three best midfielders were hampered by injury last season. Bring both of them back into the frame along with Vanders at full fitness and that alone can make a sizeable difference. Couple that with several of the u23s taking a stride forward, I can definitely see the midfield comfortably sitting in the middle of the pack in 2016. The absence of Stretch is a really poor oversight on the part of the AFL website given he is very capable of cementing a spot next season. I do however like that he is going under the radar.

Merry Xmas to all my fellow inmates of the psych ward. Hopefully a few more wins in the stocking next year. Drink and be messy, er, merry.

It's foolish placing that much weight in the words of a 19-20 year old. He was placed in, what was at that time, an unprecedented situation. And with all due respect to the great Jim, I'd hope he would've understood that. I was a little annoyed at the time but in hindsight it's difficult to place too much blame on the young man. Holding a grudge against him after all this time just seems so crazy to me, especially in light of how well it turned out from our end.

It amazes me that people still give Scully a moment's thought, let alone are still bitter over what happened. The kid had millions of dollars placed in front of him. He'd frankly have been stupid not to have signed. "But he lied to Jimmy!!!111" Jesus, grow up.

This saddens me. You designed them didn't you? Or are my wires crossed?

My Air Jurrah t-shirt remains up the back of the closet. Just in case. 5% chance, and that's being favourable. But geeze it would be something to see him playing again.

Not much good can really come from this thread. You don't want to be disrespectful to guys who have worn the jumper, but clearly if these two are getting games next season, things aren't entirely going to plan. It's safe to say we've seen the best of them. Jones is now 28. It is in all likelihood their last season.

WYL still peddling his anti-Jones nonsense I see.

Laughable. Not altogether surprising, but still laughable Jones shows up Cotchin as the plodder he is every time we play them.

Beat me to it billy. As much as it was Gawn's day, Spencer certainly played his part showing that they can work together effectively. I'll throw in a nomination for Nibbler's three goals.

Don't forget Kenty.

"Ho-Ho-Hogan!" Opportunity missed.

I reckon by the end of next season, Dion will be in his manager's ear to get the deal done. Won't be shattered if it doesn't happen. We're in a good place either way.

All completely irrelevant to comments on a) what kind of person he seems like; and b) expressing hope that a fresh start will be good for him. Many have expressed reservations based on recent form. Can you seriously blame them? Melksham is a punt. Hopefully one that pays off trusting in Goodwin's judgement, but he is definitely a punt. Basically you can't provide any comments of a personal nature from posters that might contradict the positive sentiments expressed here. So yes, a frivolous and redundant point. God forbid starting off with a clean slate. You have to dwell on this crap instead. Moving on.

I look forward to seeing it. Fruitful for all concerned, Most of what I saw related to his onfield persona, his ability, or any impending ban. Find some personal comments from those who have responded positively in this thread, and we can say your frivolous point at least has some basis. And if you can convince me this isn't yet another instance of you internet point scoring, I'll award you an additional internet point.

That's exactly my point. It largely wasn't anything to do with him personally which is where the interview provides a little insight. Certainly not from anyone whose commented here that I recall. The word "hate" gets thrown around so liberally by some it has lost meaning. Many had/have reservations for various reasons, but I doubt anyone doesn't wish him the best as a Demon. It's abundantly clear he needed a fresh start.

Hoges doesn't worry about mozzes. The pressure on the kid just last season was immense. He responded by winning the Rising Star.