hardtack

I'm not so sure about that. The potential losses for any club if one single player comes down with the virus, could be enormous, and I'm not sure any club will want to be taking that risk by allowing supporters to attend training sessions. And with a vaccine possibly unlikely to be available until late next year (or beyond), then we had better get used to closed training sessions. At least at games, they can control how close to the grounds supporters can be (possibly only allow crowds in the second tier and up in stadiums), and stadium security can also form a barrier between players and potential supporter incursions. There will definitely be no supporters allowed anywhere near the players race (imagine if the Toigs or Bummers started performing badly and those ferals returned to their old habit of spitting on players).

Must be a slow news day.

It's a still photograph ?

Well, I was also taking into consideration Hannan, Petty and Preuss - two of whom, along with Jones and Salem, could probably have helped make a difference, and who could make a difference going into round 2, depending on general "match fitness" (although I'm not sure that's going to count for anyone in the entire comp considering the isolation).

Put my order in for a couple of the beanies for myself and son.

Exactly!! Which is why I called you out on this: "We’re highly likely to lose with this useless coach and game plan and an improved Carlton side." ?

I can see why you chose your screen name... are you talking about the coach who got us to a preliminary final in his first full season? Sure they failed miserably last year, but I'd be holding off on the crucifixion a little longer; and the first game of this year was lost in the first quarter after which they adjusted but were not good enough to overhaul what they had already given away. And have you noticed that the new "improved" Carlton have a rather extensive injury list that includes two of their main forward targets, while we are pretty much at full strength (something we were nowhere near in the first round).

So what is it with Betts... calf or hamstring?

I'm hoping that as AVB's injury was a break in the foot and unrelated to his previous foot issues, that this layoff has allowed his foot to recover to the point where the issues won't resurface. The additional time out while the break heals, will only help... in fact, I'd be surprised if we see him at all this year, unless we were to make finals in which case they may chance it.

On the previous page of this thread there is a link to a 13th May article in which Burgess states that the players are looking good and at the end of that article it provides a FULL injury list that comprises just three players: AVB, Kolodjashnij and Nietschke (the three hardest to remember how to spell). I guess this also answers the question for those wondering about Preuss; as he's not on the list, then he's obviously ready to go. https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/690530/injury-report-vandenberg-bennell-progressing-well

That’s the only part of American baseball that I like... takes me back to the Tommy Hanlon’s It Could Be You! days... by Hecla, they were good!

I'm loving Gawn's new look.

You make a good point DC... I hadn't even considered his age; in that case, yes, he needs to get some clean air.

I tend to think that the only way he will really have health and happiness is if he IS performing well and delivering on the field. I have no idea of the circumstances either, but it's entirely possible that he got himself into a situation where he was taking out pent up frustrations at not being able to play, on others, with disastrous results. I hope I'm wrong.

I got a hold of the actual file of last Sunday's performance and decided to clipicise some of the tunes. Here are a couple (happy to hear any comments or criticisms):

You'll probably find out more here in a couple of minutes: https://www.afl.com.au/news/433632/watch-live-at-12-45pm-aest-gillon-mclachlan-to-reveal-return-to-play-details

On AFL app.

Looks can be very deceiving... I'm, er, I mean, he's a pussycat.

If anyone wanted to see the results of the live stream, follow this link (be warned, it runs for something like 1hr 40mins):

I recently watched both seasons of After Life on Netflix... brilliant. Have been watching the first season of What We Do in the Shadows, downloaded on Foxtel... not as good as the film, but still very enjoyable. Currently watching Ken Burns' Country Music on DVD and Twin Peaks Seasons 1 & 2 on Blu-ray disc. Recently finished watching the His Dark Materials Season 1 on Blu-ray disc... very very good; much better than the movie version of the Golden Compass. Watched The Lighthouse and The Peanut Butter Falcon, which are both brilliant films!

Bump. Starting at 3 today

This is NOT sport related at all, but it IS virus related in as far as being a distraction from the mundane, that will waste just one hour of your life. I'm only posting here because there seem to be fewer and fewer entering the General Discussion forum since bare knuckle political infighting was, understandably, frowned upon. I hope the Admins see fit to allow this (if not, please feel free to delete - or alternatively, move it to be a standalone post of its own ?). Anyway, to the reason for my post. A few friends and myself have thrown a band together for a live stream from Sydney's Zen Studios next Sunday (10th May) from 3-4pm. The band is called Los Tromeos & the Branch Covidians and we will be playing a bunch of rough and ready, raucous even, country and rockabilly type tunes. And to make it releavant, two of us are Demons tragics. Here's a link to the Facebook Event if you would like to signify your interest (assuming there is any)... https://www.facebook.com/events/298204567836735/

As I stated in my email to the club, we wouldn’t be so interested. In our view, it would hold a similar significance to winning a pre season comp cup. But regardless of that, I would be extremely surprised if they were to hold a GF that was open to the public... in which case, will the payment be applied to next year’s comp, or will it be considered a donation to the club (in which case I won’t be doing it again)?

I'll wait to see what the club comes back with in response to my email and take it from there.

Correct... I would be very loathe to do it again as it's a big expense for someone with no income. The only reason I have done it for the past couple of years, was because I would never forgive myself if we made it to the GF and I then had to break it to my son that we couldn't go.