Bitter but optimistic

It's a slow night on D'land. Can you please be more offensive and get some argie bargie happening or I shall fall asleep?

Maybe I've had too many reds - well actually I have. But you have to explain this one. You didn't kiss him or anything did you?

Naturally. I have also imposed an Amish style "shunning".

I've supported the Dees for over 50 years. So for me, like many others on this forum, loyalty is a non negotiable and we automatically kick in our annual fees. My son, however, is of a more economic rationalist generation where performance or "return" is the only measuring stick. Loyalty falls far down the list. He will not pay this year because he thinks Melbourne's performance did not repay his investment. He will support football in general and go to what he considers matches that provide good value for money. He will follow football rather than Melbourne. I cannot understand this phenomena but I believe it is growing. And yes - I have, obviously, failed as a parent.

Posted 10 November 2012 - 11:07 AM My optimistic side just jolted out of control and I put $50.00 to win $500.00 via sportsbet for Dees to make the eight. As you can see fro the above , I've already put my money where my big mouth is and the subsequent training reports I've read have only confirmed my "optimism". Go dees in 2013! BTW I also backed Australia to win the test series against South Africa.

Well they are nowhere near big enough for a Phil Scully snack!

I read that report over breakfast. I certainly hope the assessment proves correct but I'm not sure how you can realistically rate Jones and Terlich at that level just yet.

There is a picture of Jurrah training in today's "Australian". He looks pretty fit. Perhaps someone who is less the Luddite than me can post a link.

I doubt that any of those three would have been on anywhere near the same $$$$$$ as Davey.

How could anyone forget "The Great Tea Trolley Disaster" of "68?

A curious selection (although he's not a selection yet). I'm figuring insurance/depth as we've recruited a bunch of big guys and surely you would put Spencer and Gawn in front of him at this stage.

Obviously he's been fortified to make that comment!

I have previously suggested "Carter" as a non-de-plume for Magner but didn't get much (any) uptake.

I like your thinking but I reckon it will be Spencer. He will be fitter. He has been training well. He showed real improvement and Neeld did comment on his "second efforts". Could be the surprise packet of 2013. In any event it is surprising to me that neither Gawn nor Spencer gets much of a mention in projected sides for next year.

I'll bet following MFC through 2012 was far more depressing.

You've got it all wrong. It was Ooze.

Could we please also have a "final comment" on Jack Watts thread? At least untill the season starts!

I don't get this not hating stuff. I don't get mere dislike. You must hate every other side. I will admit, however, that degrees are involved. The filth, Carlton, Essendon and Richmond must always be the most despised with the most ill will directed toward them. The rest you can simply hate in any order you decide.

Personally I liked the idea of big body Wines. Plus I thought his connection to the Viney's was a bonus. However, recent reading plus an interview where I saw the humility and commonsense of Toumpas changed my mind. I wish both these boys long and injury free careers - so long as Jimmy's is better!

Do you imbibe too much of the stuff that comes from Vines last night?

Didn't get a bat on it. Straight through to the 'keeper.

Would he get his own ball?

I'm not prepared to nominate a Brownlow just yet but this kid's footy smarts and kicking could be a beautiful thing to watch coming out of the backline and delivering to our monster forwards. Further, I really hope he succeeds just to shut up the armchair experts who have given him such an unfair caning.

I reckon this kid will kick some arse! He's still only 21. He has sublime skills. He is a good decision maker. He came to the club with ridiculous expectations but with some big body support around him he has the chance to shine. BTW I believe Neeld has already stated that Watts will play back.

OK but we do have a new game plan!