mikeod

Great stuff Geoff and all.

Essendon's ability to get free on the rebound is concerning. We're not working hard enough.

Started well, but have been rattled by the pressure and run of the Bombers through the midfield. Some terrible decision making by hand. Forward line that looked like it was functioning well early became non-existant.

They're running us ragged at the moment. We're doing all the chasing through the middle of the ground.

Fairly disappointing so far. Skill level moving into the forward 50 poor, and the Bombers are leading us to the ball at the moment. They're playing harder with more pressure.

Great stuff Geoff First one I'll be missing in a number of years - thanks to now residing in Sydney. Good luck with it all!

I know we're all frustrated with the second half of the game on the weekend, but I think we have to remember who and what we're dealing with. a) A younger side that finished with four wins last year b) Paul Roos who couldn't care less about whether we won or lost a pre-season game. It seems to me like important players were taken out of the game for large parts of the second half. Roos would have been happy with the endeavour and performance in the opening half, and been happy to take the foot off the pedal and give some important players a rest. Additionally, while we only won by 7, to get to a lead of 52 (when is the last time - pre-season or not - that we got that far in front of anyone?) would have been pretty pleasing. We controlled the game and utilised momentum for a half of football. Our ability to maintain that strange-hold over games will continue to build.

While I definitely agree YouTube would be a more user-friendly option, the club gets far more from utilising the club website and video option. More views for sponsors, and the club gets added benefits from more clicks on the club site. In terms of this whole issue in general - yes, it's incredibly frustrating that people had to stand around for an hour. There was clearly a miscommunication within the club (what that was, I don't know - but they would hardly intentionally keep people waiting if they didn't have to). The fact is this was a public holiday - the club's full time staff are off. I understand that - due to the public holiday - more people were able to attend training, but having admin staff work on their day off costs the club money - far more than the supposed $1000 figure bandied around regarding the permits and marquee. While I'm sure there may have been a couple of people at the training looking to purchase merchandise or membership, I don't believe any sales would have nearly covered the costs necessary. The issue here was the miscommunication - and that will surely now be rectified within the club.

Thankfully I'm not too far from a couple of AFL pubs - and I'll have to investigate the NSW Demons as well, as I wouldn't mind having a few fellow Dees around for comfort. No Melbourne games in Sydney this year either, so I'm holding out for the Rnd 2 Canberra trip.

Having moved up to Sydney late last year, I haven't yet experienced being away for the footy season. I'm already getting stressed out about not being able to be at the 'G.

Just renewed my 16 month old - supposedly Carlton supporting - nephew. My argument is, until he can consciously refuse, he is ours.

The flame is actually the eternal flame, the represent the players who lost their lives at war.

Sadly I'll be away this weekend, so won't be able to play. Good luck boys.

I got bored, so I made this one to get me pepped up for season 2012: Let me know what you think!

I should be right to play.

Melbourne v Fremantle The Demons came crashing back to earth in horrific style, with a Queens Birthday capitulation to Collingwood by 88 points. Melbourne fans had gone into the game with some hope against a slightly weakened Magpie outfit, but the stream of Demons leaving the ‘G early in the final term told a sorry tale. Fremantle had a solid win over Essendon in their round 12 encounter. The Dockers managed to stretch their lead to almost ten goals before the final break, before enduring a comeback by Essendon which saw the margin drop to below four goals. The end result, though, was a relatively comfortable 34 point win. Colin Sylvia was the only Demon to win his position on the day, kicking four of Melbourne six goals. Tom Scully managed 29 touches in the loss, but it was a dark day for the Demons. Error riddled, with a game-plan that simply isn’t working on big occasions, questions continue to be asked. For the Dockers, Matthew Pavlich was the leading goal scorer with three, while Garrick Ibbotson managed 28 disposals in what was a fairly even performance across the board. Changes: Melbourne: IN: Petterd, Dunn, Garland, Nicholson OUT: Jetta (hand) Fremantle: IN: Barlow, Bucovaz, Mellington, van Berlo, Palmer OUT: Mundy (ankle), Ballantyne (hamstring) NEW: Ben Bucovaz (Geelong U18s) An intriguing game this one. The Demons probably come in as favourites - solely because the game is being played on their home turf. This is a really important game for the Dockers - they have fallen out of touch with the top four and if they lose this one, will begin to feel the teams just outside the eight breathing down their necks. Melbourne have been up and down this year. It seems to have taken a big loss to spark them before any of their wins - will this be another case of the roller coaster Demons? Melbourne - for all their worries - sit just one game outside the eight. This is the first of a string of games the Dees have a real shot at, and if they can win - who knows? Player to watch: Brad Green (MEL) had a stinker last week. After his four goal performance against the Bombers a week prior, the Melbourne captain had just twelve touches and couple score a goal. He needs to start pulling in consistent performances - especially if he wants to play beyond this season. Melbourne by 1 The other 7 games' previews can be viewed HERE. Let me know what you think by commenting on the article. All 'likes' and comments are tallied, and the writer with the most wins a night in the CrocMedia commentary booth. You have to 'like' Wayne Schwass to comment. Your support is appreciated. Cheers.

The reason we missed James McDonald so much at the beginning of the year was because Jordie McKenzie was missing. He is a brilliant replacement. So hard at it, moves well, tackles brilliantly. Trengove has the class, Scully has the grunt. We knew they were going to be good. McKenzie and Gysberts complement them.

Melbourne v Collingwood The annual Queens Birthday match between Melbourne and Collingwood is here, and, going on recent games between these two clubs, this could be an absolute ripper. Melbourne had a possible season-turning win last week. Down and out after their round 10 loss to Carlton, the Demons were able to play confident, hard-hitting football to defeat Essendon by 33 points. It was anyone’s game in the first half of the match between Collingwood and St Kilda last week. The lead changed several times as the teams wrestled for ascendancy. Collingwood managed to hit the front just prior to the main break, and then never gave it up eventually running out comfortable 57 point winners. The return of some young but significant names was vital for the Demons last week. The ease at which Tom Scully was able to readjust to the speed of AFL football for his first game of the season was exciting yet slightly frightening for very anxious Melbourne fans. Jack Trengove – returning from three weeks suspension – also showed his class in the win. Brad Green found some form, kicking four important goals, while young midfielders Jordan Gysberts (30 touches) and Jordie McKenzie (28 touches, 13 tackles) were brilliant across the ground. Dane Swan was Collingwood’s leading goal scorer with against the Saints. Travis Cloke managed three goals and eleven marks as he begins to shore up his All Australian position, while Scott Pendlebury (32 touches) and Dale Thomas (31) played significant parts in the win. Changes: Melbourne: IN: Bartram, Bate, Petterd OUT: - Collingwood: OUT: Swan, (soreness), Thomas (suspension), Beams (foot) NEW: Alex Fasolo (East Fremantle), Luke Rounds (Geelong U18s), Tom Young (Sydney Uni) Last year, Collingwood beat Melbourne by a single point in their round 2 clash, while the Queens Birthday clash delivered an enthralling draw. Both were fantastic games to watch, and the football public is surely crying out for more. On form, you would normally predict Collingwood to romp it in against 9th placed Melbourne, but Collingwood will go into the game without some huge names. Dane Swan is in Arizona, Dale Thomas has been suspended and Dayne Beams will miss with a foot injury, The beauty of the Magpies, however, is their incredibly evenness – there are so many players waiting for the opportunity to step up. The midfield will be a massive battle - the Demons mix of youth, experience, skill and strength will be competitive against the weakened Collingwood line up. Clint Bartram is listed in the extended squad, and could come in to try to nullify the dangerous Pendlebury. The likely Cloke/Frawley contest will also be enthralling. A weakened Collingwood side is still a very good team, but expect the Demons to come out hard in this one, searching for some consistency and smelling blood. Player to Watch: Jordan Gysberts (MEL) joined an exclusive club last week, when he became just the eighth player to be nominated for the Rising Star award twice. The young midfielder – picked up with the draft pick the Demons received in exchange for Brock McLean – was one of Melbourne’s best last week against Essendon. He moves well, and makes good, quick decisions and will be an important part of the Demon midfield going forward. Collingwood by 10 points As always, you can read the rest of the previews HERE. All likes and comments get tallied, and help me win a night in the CrocMedia commentary booth. You're support is appreciated. Cheers

Essendon v Melbourne Once again Melbourne are given the opportunity to open the round on a Friday night, and would hope to put on a better showing than they managed last Friday against Carlton, losing by 47 points. Essendon are coming off a bye, with their last match being the Dreamtime at the ‘G, where they went down to a spirited Richmond by 16 points. Not a whole heap to write home about for the Demons last week. They had a depleted line up, but were non-competitive for parts of the game – criticised by both opposition and media for playing ‘bruise-free football’. No multiple goal scorers for the night – they could only manage six majors as a team – and their forward structure (or lack thereof) will be under the microscope this week. The Bombers loss to Richmond was certainly a slight stumble in their rise up the ladder. That said, their own depth is being tested, having missed captain Jobe Watson, and defenders Hurley, Hooker and Pears. David Zaharakis, Leroy Jetta and Angus Monfries all managed three goals in the loss Changes: Essendon: IN: Colyer, Browne OUT: Davey, Reimers NEW: Alex Browne (Oakleigh Chargers) Melbourne: IN: Trengove, Scully, Gawn, Strauss, Howe OUT: Bate, Warnock, Petterd, Maric, Newton (foot) NEW: Max Gawn (Sandringham U18s), Jeremy Howe (Hobart) Both teams remain somewhat under-manned, though Melbourne’s inclusion of Scully and Trengove strengthens its midfield immeasurably. The Bombers remain without Hurley, Watson, Pears and Hooker – all of whom will be in with a chance to play next week. Its hard to tip Melbourne after its performance last week, but its important to remember that the Bombers are coming off a poor loss themselves and thus far this season, the bye has been unfriendly to all who have come across it. Melbourne has a chance here if the team can increase its intensity and improve delivery up forward. Essendon, though, will anticipate the Demons’ rise in intensity. This is a big game for the Bombers to ensure its season does fall by the wayside. Essendon by 18 For all other games, please click here. Every 'like' and comment on the article gets tallied, and the winner at the end of each six rounds wins a night in the Crocmedia commentary booth. Your support is really appreciated. (You may need to 'like' Wayne Schwass first).

Melbourne v Carlton Melbourne and Carlton kick off round 10 at the MCG, with both teams looking to recover from losses last week. The Demons struggled without a number of top-line players last week against St. Kilda. They managed to keep in touch for the majority of the game – including drawing level during the third term – but the Saints were able to kick away to a 20 point win. The Blues were able to challenge ladder-leaders Geelong in what was an enthralling clash last Friday night. After Carlton maintained a comfortable lead for the majority of the first half, the Cats were able to steal the lead during the third term and – bar a short period during the last term – managed to hold onto it for a two-point win. Melbourne continue to struggle with injuries – losing Tapscott, Bartram and Davey from last weeks game adds to a long list of big names including Jamar, Scully, Garland, and Grimes. The Demons did incredibly well last week to be competitive through the midfield – Stef Martin can take much of the credit with an admirable performance in the ruck. Debutant Michael Evans was also impressive with 27 touches. Carlton would have been disappointed it couldn’t hold onto the lead they snatched during the last term. Geelong has managed to win a number of tight ones this year and this was another. Certainly, though, Carlton can take a number of positives from the game, and have proved themselves certain top 4 contenders. Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs were fantastic – and these two on fire complementing Chris Judd makes the Carlton midfield look uber-impressive. Changes Melbourne: IN: Morton, Bennell, Nicholson OUT: Bartram (hip), Davey (hip), Tapscott (hamstring) NEW: Nicholson (University Blues) Carlton: IN: Hampson OUT: Warnock (concussion) Significant outs for Melbourne with the loss of the experienced Davey and the young but tough Tapscott. Additionally, Bartram would almost certainly have had the tagging role on Judd – without a recognised tagger, the Demons will struggle to contain the Carlton big three of Judd, Murphy and Gibbs. Carlton’s loss of Warnock is significant, however made less so by the fact Jamar remains sidelined for the Demons. Expected to be wet on Friday night, which should help the Demons who – with the missing talent – will likely concentrate on tackling and pressure to try to turn the match into a slugfest. However, Carlton proved up in Sydney earlier in the year that they can match anyone in the wet. Expect the extra class of Carlton to shine through. Carlton by 24 Check out HERE for previews of the seven other matches this round.

I'll bring then and probably hang them from my collar or something. Don't need to actually wear them for them to have an affect.

North Melbourne fell back in a heap last week. After managing their first win of the season the week prior against Port Adelaide, they were completely out played by a rampaging Geelong side. Melbourne, on the other hand, was the one on a rampage in the Demons game against Adelaide. After a week of turmoil, the Dees came out and absolutely destroyed the Crows. 96 points was the final margin, Melbourne’s biggest win since 2004. Drew Petrie was the best of the forwards in the Kangaroos loss – he kicked three – Brady Rawlings and Brent Harvey were the most prolific ball winners with 32 and 30 respectively. They would have been disappointed, however, after finding form the week prior, that they couldn’t at least keep the contest tight against the Cats. For the Demons, the goals were shared with Ricky Petterd and Colin Sylvia scoring four apiece, and a wasteful Liam Jurrah scoring three goals, four behinds. Addam Maric and Brent Moloney both gained 31 possessions, but it was Moloney’s mind-blowing 19 clearances that really helped blow the game open. It was exactly the response the Melbourne fans, and surely coaching staff, were after. That said, since Sunday it has been a horror week for the Demons. Mark Jamar has been ruled out for at least a month with a PCL injury, and worse, young defender Jack Grimes will miss the rest of the season with a broken foot. Jack Trengove went through a lengthy appeals process, but has been suspended for three games for tackling his opponent. It seems he would have been better to simple elbow Patrick Dangerfield in the head, or even kick him in the testicles – the punishment is less. Matthew Bate is the other out for the Demons, with Michael Newton, Stefan Martin and Jamie Bennell coming into the side. North Melbourne have brought Aaron Edwards and Lachlan Hansen back into their side, with Liam Anthony and Cameron Pederson both making way. A hard game to pick this one. On form, the Demons have it all over the ‘Roos, but over recent years North Melbourne have had the wood on Melbourne, and the Dees record at Etihad Stadium over the past few years has been appalling. Coupled with the enforced outs for the Demons this is a real chance for the Kangaroos to notch up their second win. The Demons spirit will be tested, but if they can maintain the pressure and intensity they showed against the Crows, they remain in with a sniff of victory. Kangaroos by 14 For previews of all other games, see HERE

Melbourne High... Always produces the best...

Another thing people don't seem to consider is the simple fact that the Melbourne Football Club has a smaller supporter base than any other team in the competition (bar the Gold Coast no doubt). The club is doing what it can to change that, but really, we aren't going to get the crowds of a Collingwood/Essendon/Carlton or even Richmond because we just don't have as many supporters.

Adelaide normally have a large travelling supporter group - add in the fact this was their only MCG game for the year. Mother's Day would have stopped many of them from coming. Mother's Day, rain and an interstate side was always going to mean a small crowd. IMO 20,000 wasn't that bad.