P-man

I would've guessed that he racked up a few possessions, not that we saw alot of the ball, but compared to his team mates. That's the only explanation I can give.

His effort and courage today was without question the highlight from our perspective.

Jones always tries his guts out. As far as flat footers go, he certainly isn't one of them.

lol

Agreed. Today was undoubtedly a day to prove something, and he proved only that he is the wrong man for the job.

I agree that people are being a bit tough on Bate. Granted he didn't have the best match but he had an interrupted preseason and took a pretty heavy knock early on. On his day he is one of our better forward targets with strength and balance in the contest, and a STRAIGHT kick. Something that can't be said for a few others. I think Miller has got to go though, with hopefully Syliva fit enough to replace him. On his performance today I'd say Warnock needs to go also, but I know he's alot better than what he showed today. As is 95% of them.

hahaha...my sentiments exactly.

What I can't understand is why Bailey addresses the players before the match, and harps on and on about "being competitive". No. How about we go out there and WIN!! They were an undermanned side that finished 9th last season. Bugger competitive, let's win the bloody thing! Drumming into the players that they need to aspire towards being competitive?? No wonder we see the performances like we saw today.

I'm with you Dan. I'm not going to get into to blame game of coach vs players, as that's a tired old debate. But with an entire pre-season to work on getting some cohesion, there seems to be almost no evidence of it. I love this club and we've already sat through 3 years of this, so what's another year.. But there's no doubt that Bailey is now associated with a losing culture at the club, and frankly the time for excuses is over.

Do these blokes actually know each other? At times it seems as if they've been introduced a few minutes before the bounce. The BASIC skill errors are still embarassing to watch and are only emphasised in the packs. Our forwards don't look like taking a mark i50, let alone kicking one between the big sticks. It's just horrible to watch. The commentators are trying to find some positives for the MFC but are struggling in that endeavour because there are few to be found. I know it's the first half in Round 1 and I'm just hot under the collar, but real questions need to be asked of Bailey now. When a team is playing like this, there's something seriously wrong.

Apparently Green is back on the bench.

Unfortunately not. We are being completely outclassed here..

I think he makes some valid points, particularly regarding the time and manner in which Watts was unveiled which was a resounding failure. However regarding the presentation of jumpers, if you watch the reactions of the players, they seem to quite enjoy all the the pomp and ceremony. It also provides an avenue for appreciation of the history of the club. Let's not forget that Melbourne is unique in the respect of being the oldest in the league, and whatever means are effective for instilling some pride in the jumper I am all in favour of.

haha...here's hoping.

What is the significance if we lose the first three matches and then go on to lose this one, given the larger expectations for the club this season? On the one hand it's only round four, but on the other hand it's the team that alot of people think are strong contenders to take the wooden spoon off our hands. I don't want to be doom and gloom, but it is certainly in the back of my mind.

Apologies if this has been posted elsewhere. http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,26796141-5018851,00.html

Could be intentional. Notice that Syliva and Green are exact opposites with socks and arms, and Davey is a mixture of the two. Then again I could be reading far too much into it.

I'd be happier swapping Petterd and Wona if anything. I think Jurrah's opportunistic style of play suits the pocket, and based on what we've seen in the last two matches his fitness could also be called into question.

I agree with Parma's structure, at least for the time being. FP: LJ, Petterd FF: Green F Flank: Wona, Bate CHF: Miller

jacey that avatar is all class. As far as the comparison goes, if we follow the same path as the circa 2000 St Kilda team I'll be happy, although hopefully we don't have to wait 10 years for them to go from being cellar dwellers to flag contenders.

Foxsports is reporting an expected 10 weeks. Not great, but not disastrous.

Sounds like we're at least now moving in the right direction in the pre-season. Great to hear Grimes was our BOG as he will be crucial to the club's immediate and long-term plans. A bit worrying that Scully went missing however.. Having Jamar back would've made a big difference. Once Bate returns to the forward line, an early win in the season is surely a chance. I have reservations about Bailey placing so much emphasis on the first quarter. Our first quarter has rarely been a problem in recent years, it has been more a case of not being able to run out the rest of the game. Yes it's important to start well, but I take alot more heart from the fact we didn't let our heads drop and came back at the Bombers after they kicked the first 6 goals. Overall, not a bad result.

I've got an Yze and a Robbo - 13 and 24, both signed. I gave the 13 to my old man for his birthday. Wearing the #24 now leaves me with a somewhat empty feeling.

I was wondering if the muslces in his arms had cramped up also. He didn't seem to be able to extend them... Like all Dees fans I love the guy, and am praying it was a stomach bug of some description.