P-man

The reality is that Grimes will play with Garland more than likely, so it's pointless debating it some extent. To my mind however they were both very ordinary last year. They weren't dropped because there was no-one pushing for their spot. Hopefully that is changing, which will in turn push them to improve. Pedersen earned some stripes last season with some admirable performances. He won't play every game, but who else can replace Dawes and do a half decent job of it? Fitzy? What does your round 1 team look like?

It's one pre-season game. Pedo has enough runs on the board from last season to still be there at this stage for Round 1 in Dawes' stead. The likes of Garland and Grimes have more to prove in the NAB imo, Garland especially.

Your non dees supporting mate is wrong. Grimes in 2010, a year in which we weren't total rubbish, was one of our best prospects. He had aggression, speed which he used to full effect, and assuredness with ball in hand. He still has the aggression, but in possession he is a total liability. He is slow, hesitant, and executes poorly. He may get lauded for nullifying an opponent, but is that really now a par performance from him? His decline has been sad to watch as a supporter, like numerous others. He should have gone on to be twice the player he is now. But Roos appears to be backing him in so let's hope his faith is well placed.

If that's all I was talking about when I talk about his marketability then I'd agree with you. He also hasn't been given full opportunity to kick bags recently cause he's been played at the opposite end of the ground. His onfield value is obviously the primary factor, but outright ignoring his off field value is silly in my view. Ask parents who the kids flock towards at the club organised events. Watts and Howe. He has profile. He adds to the club's profile. This is part of the equation, and you can bet it will be part of the consideration for other clubs who are looking at him.

It seems you can't mention the marketability of a player without people leaping to point out that winning games is more important. Of course it's more important. One doesn't cancel out the other.

I rate Howe as a valuable asset both on and off-field. Anyone who still thinks he's just a speccy specialist must have been watching him recently with their eyes closed. His marking is a weapon no doubt but his skills overall are excellent, one of the better field kicks we have, and when he was beaten down back it was usually due to being outsmarted which was to be expected. He is a player on the up and whilst unfortunate that his pre-season has been interrupted, I expect his improvement to continue this season wherever Roos decides to play him. He's also a ripping fella who is clearly a positive influence around the club. Supporters love him. Kids especially love him. All that said, I think a vast majority would be taking Pick 6 for him, if it was actually on offer. Here's hoping his value continues to climb.

I'm all for critiquing players but this thread just seems overtly negative.

I would like to remind patrons that the OWL remains open: http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/37291-the-ollie-whines-lounge/page-8

Don't underrate the marketing value of this guy. Howey sells tickets and memberships. Period. He can also play a bit. Sign him up.

Post NAB 1: B: MCDONALD DUNN JETTA HB: SALEM FROST HOWE C: LUMUMBA JONES VINCE HF: WATTS PEDERSEN TOUMPAS F: GARLETT HOGAN KENT Foll: JAMAR TYSON VINEY Int: VANDENBURG NEWTON CROSS Sub: KENNEDY-HARRIS Dawes to replace Pedo when he returns. The only name I look at with a slight sense of dread is McDonald and with his iffy disposal and decisions. Otherwise I am liking the look of that side. Frost, Salem and Lumumba completely change the way in which we move the ball out of the back half.

Jones and Tyson did their thing, but I would like to see them use the ball a little better than they did tonight. Tyson especially just needs to show a bit more composure at times. He is an outright gun in the contest though. His second and third efforts and his evasiveness are a joy to watch.

Liked Jeffy's game. No idea how many touches he had but he showed good energy.

Vanders, Newton and Frost should play Round 1. Grimes, Bail and M Jones should not. Salem is coming along nicely and Kent is poised for a big year.

Wow, nice roost.

It begins...

Hoges with the fly. Kent with the silk. Good stuff.

Newton's kicking sticks out. He's a real find.

Geeze Dom needs to be better than that.

Ok so Newton can stick around.

Imagine not tempting fate.

Saw them live many moons ago. The support were a band from Adelaide called "Pornland", which was everything the name suggests.

Logically, I know you're right. I'm expecting a pretty solid hit out with some strong individual performances. But I'd be lying if I said I was relaxed.

What are they? Cost is the main one. AC/DC wouldn't come cheap. But in terms of suitability, stature and performance, they'd blow every past act out of the water.

Signs you're a Melbourne supporter #134 You [censored] bricks over a NAB Cup game, with the quiet chant of "please don't suck" running through your head on a continuous loop hours before the game.

That is a very strong Fremantle squad. This makes me happy. I'm not sure I could handle losing to a bunch of their kids. If we can pull off a win it will be even sweeter (yes I know, it's only a practice match..)