P-man

Just because those players you mention didn't turn out as we hoped doesn't mean that lifelong friends unexpectedly ending up at the same club shouldn't be noted, and indeed celebrated, for their sake. Will it help them play better football having that familiarity? Not necessarily, but it's still a feel good story. Are basic feel good stories really worth this level of chastisement?

Stuck between a rock and a hard place to a degree. Ideally they don't want to change leaders but they may be left with no choice if they want to avoid annihilation. The difference in circumstances is that whilst Rudd was on the nose within party ranks he still had a solid core of voters. His approval rating was 60% at one point and his dumping was largely unexpected in the electorate. Abbott has never had popularity nor would it be unexpected anymore, so the long term backlash may not be as great. Gillard still managed to get over the line after their game of knifey spooney, just, so Abbott's successor would still have a fighting chance. Bishop is my guess. Generally recognised as someone who has done an okay job in her portfolio and from memory has the highest approval of any Minister. Morrison is another possibility as he has clout, but may be seen as cut too much from the same far right cloth. I can't see them returning to Turnbull. He's Seen as someone who appeases the left but as you point out, his popularity isn't as wide ranging as some would suggest. But he remains a contender. One term governments are incredibly rare, but this mob are doing everything they can to achieve it. It's been great fun to watch, if you can park the reminder that it's the country that's ultimately suffering because of it. The only thing that surprises me is when someone says they are surprised at what a debacle it has been.

Self sabotage honestly seems plausible at this point. The Libs surely won't allow this lunacy and string of own goals to go on much longer. If he makes it to the end of the year as leader it will be miraculous. I think his time as PM will be soon be coming to an abrupt end, sending comedians everywhere into mourning.

Agreed. It's a tad early and hyperbolic to call overlooking Hannath a "disaster".

Clint, you're killing me dude.

Just remember the OWL is open til late DC.. http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/37291-the-ollie-whines-lounge/

Gawn needs to work on his contested marking if he is to become a legitimate forward ruck option. Get both of those dukes in the air, Maximus. King is the best kick out of any of them. Skillful big men should be persisted with. He just needs to add some size.

I also think we should be at shorter odds than the Dogs with the loss of their senior players, but that's neither here nor there. Neither side are winning the flag this year.

All looks about right except for Richmond at $23.00. It's like people are willing them to be good. They're not good.

I get a feeling it's going to become even more difficult after the NAB. There are several players being omitted from most teams who could turn it on - Stretch, Michie, Vanders, NB...

I'm finding myself agreeing with everyone thus far, which perhaps points to there not being one single most important position. Midfield as a collextive unit is clearly most important, but you only have to look at our side over the past few years to see how important a quality "quarterback" can be. In terms of single position, CHB and CHF are well up there. Regarding the ruckman fading in importance, whilst true to an extent, the inclusion of Mumford to GWS had mamor ramifications for their young midfield. They looked a different side and suffered when he was out injured, A quality ruckman can still make a big difference. For all of Russian's shortcomings around the ground, he's the one I want in the middle at present because he at least gives our working class midfield first opportunity.

It would appear someone is yet to master the quote button. I however recognise that as my statement so let me explain it in simpler terms for you. Toumpas has been dismissed by many as another Melbourne drafting blunder, including many of our own supporters. Hence, if he is considered a wasted pick, then were he to have a breakout season, it would come as a surprise to all those non-believers. Let me know if I need to break it down further.

I'd like to hear who RB's nomination is, having had the best vantage point of anyone the past week and a half.

In his latest interview, he looks a man full of confidence and very comfortable about his diverse role in the side. Last season was up and down and punctuated with the usual frustrations, but overall it was a forward step. 2015 could be an even bigger step if his self-belief is as a strong as it appears to be.

Arguably, not definite. J-Bomb O'Meara. Knee operations that would see him out of Round 1 last I heard.

Afternoon squire. I agree we'lll be underdogs, but not by as much as you suggest for the reasons stated. If there was a NAB Cup, or a few rounds to judge by, then maybe. The game between us was close. Both teams will have improved. Hopefully we'll have improved that little bit more.

We are playing at home against a team that finished outside the 8 and won 3 of its 11 away fixtures last season. A team that will also be missing arguably their second best player. We'll be underdog because we're Melbourne and it's Round 1, and the bookies have been fooled before, but it won't be by a "considerable margin". The point about the first 5 games is a simple one - they are all realistically winnable. Crows will be the toughest as they will want blood after we embarrassed them last season, but with that comes some doubt in their minds. We haven't even seen any pre-season form. That will also play a part.

Interesting observation and I agree. I've been shouted down for suggesting the same, but I think any reservations stem from a deep fear that he will become another Trengove if given LG responsibilities. LG is not the captaincy. Viney is a clear and obvious leader to me, speaking as a relative outsider.

Love the self pep talk. Much appreciated RB.

Thread title change is in order. Talking point: WJ finds ET boring

Thanks GV. I laugh every time I see Pencil now. He looks like he could rip iron cables apart. The lads are looking in the best nick I've seen for a long while. Howe and Watts especially are starting to look a good size.

I'll be honest in saying Toumpas is the one whose progress most interests me. How did he go today RB? Any standout play?

I'm getting married later this year. Back in the days when I was still milling it about in my head, for about a minute I thought it would be kinda cool to have Mitch as a wedding photographer. I want to go back in time and slap myself in the face at the precise moment that thought entered my head.

"Kumbaya my Lord....Kumbaya..."

It says a lot that I'll be absolutely rapt if we finish 10th.