Bitter but optimistic

Why is it ridiculous? Bailey and the FD are constantly talking up the need for consistency in our performance. We have a very high average winning margin and a very high average losing margin. The high losing margin is a result of the shockers. We have been inconsistent for years - think back to the Daniher years - top four one year bottom four the next. Improvement for us is to put in our best every week.

You just have to hate that!

I'll concede improvement when we stop producing 3 or 4 "shockers" every year. As in West Coast, Hawthorn, North and Doggies losses.

Did a draw cost us top spot?

I had every confidence in Watts - so no surprise there I wanted to get rid of Martin - think i'll reconsider that one. The big one (pun not intended) for me is Tapscott- cant wait for him to get a go in the midfield. Also another "big 0ne" is Gawn - we must keep him at any cost

Our game is focussed on speed and fast reactions. If this tackle confusion continues, players will hesitate before tackling or perhaps not tackle due to fear of suspension. It seems to me that a major change is coming to the way footy as we are used to it is played.

Unfortunately, over the years, Melbourne has often finished the season with "something special" and given supporters some hope and optimism. Then we revert to type, as on Friday night, and blow our chances for yet another year.

That game on Friday night was the most balanced team performance I've seen from Melb. for years. No change.

What do expect. They really are pigs. I remember being a members guest at Windy Hill in the 80's and watching the members abuse and spit at their players coming up the race.

GOOD. Everthing from last night.You want bad and ugly (and pathetic) spend a bit of time looking at the Essendon fan blog (bomberblitz). They are a foul mouthed lot but I reckon the following quote is worth sharing - "we are melbournes [censored] now"

The terms "one quarter" and "slow start" have a sadly familiar ring. Do we practise this at Casey and perfect it at Melbourne?

I like the term "compression". This point about having all our players at the wrong end has been made many times on this site. It was even more obvious than usual on Friday night when, on a number of accasions, the only "forward" targets were Carlton defenders. This also happened continually last year. If we supporters keep seeing this flaw why don't our highly paid coaching staff do something about it?

If only our forwards could kick goals from about 100metres out

My optimistic side hopes you are correct. Unfortunately my bitter side has has heard such sentiments all too often. Still I suppose we will crack it one day - I just hope I am not fully into mt dotage and can enjoy it.

Thinking of going to watch Scully etc today. Anyone know what the venue is like ? Parking, cover etc?

How about a gameplan?

Yes!Yes!Yes! You can find a stat on just about anything but the ultimate stat is that games are won by the side who scores the most goals. Too often we simply don't give ourselves the opportunity to convert a good possession in the HB or midfield into a goal.

Based on our performances I haven't been able to bring myself to cast votes this year. However, I continually notice Jones getting heaps of stick. I reckon this is unfair. He does make skill errors but that appears to becoming compulsory at Melbourne. BUT he does does bust his gut every week and along with Sylvia is a player who is prepared to put his body on the line every time. The other guy I'd like to mention is Jack Watts. His consistent improvement and football smarts are showing us the fantastic player he will become. Bailey's handling of his development has been one his few coaching successes.

Martin cannot continue to carry the ruck. Newton is (and has been for 4 years) useless. Give Gawn a go. His height should also provide a marking target and contest up forward.

This guy is a breath of fresh air and he's tough. Let's give him some time in the midfield - especially at centre clearances

Agree fully with Spencer - he has (and will) continue to develop especially as a tall marking option. Also agree that MacDonald is a poor disposer but on Thursday's effort that now appears compulsory.

Like the team but need to find a spot for "Junior" who had the G and D we are sadly lacking at the moment

Great post I have also been a 50 year plus supporter and agree that our "effort" was right up there with the lowlights of that period. What topped it off for me was Bailey's understatement of the century that we lacked "intensity". At least Matt Primus had the good grace and honesty to apologise for his side's showing.

Well i'm not sure what syndrome i've got but I was (and still am) so angry and appalled after the West Coast fiasco that I considered cutting up my member card and sending it back. Wiser heads prevailed however when my wife advised me not to do that. Rather, she said, lend it to people you hate so they can waste 2 hours of their life watching the rubbish MFC presents as football.