monoccular

I must say that I am historically enormously optimistic at this time every year. This year however I must say I can raise little enthusiasm, despite a few months back after the draft and trades feeling very positive. Maybe a case of being let down too often. How about it guys? Give us all something to get excited about especially over the first few rounds.

Is there any word at all on gawnius maximus? I must say I have become hugely despondent about him ever pulling on the R&B again.

The "seconds" were always played in Victoria, in winter. A big difference. Only a moron would schedule a midday game in Queensland: presumably DimWitriou was involved.

The risk is very small, especially for HIV, more so for Hepatitis: but the consequences are high. Largely I suspect an AFL financial risk management policy though. And Mitchell did have a fair bit of blood on his face: more farcical are the little scratches on the shin.

I guess having too many going for the hard ball is better (or less bad) than having too few: with the new 'hard nut' coach's arrival maybe more were scared not to get in and at it....certain recent departures excepted.

And similar lack of movement on the forward line has for many years made our half backs and mids look (more) ordinary and has seen them caught with the ball time and time again waiting for someone to get off their butt and make a lead. Hopefully this is another area where Neeld will be intolerant of fools and of laziness.

So you actually sound like a pretty happy chappie yourself.

Interesting - as so many have been saying over the years "what if x was at Hawthorn, Collingwood etc.. wouldn't they be a lot better." Hawks also must have thought that they saw something in him and could fix what we couldn't; maybe it wasn't just 'our poor player development' but rather just him?

Surely all will depend on how the other mids develop: he has some positives that others so far have not shown - G&D and tagging ability, but needs to work on his decision making and delivery options. Time will tell, probably this season. It would be sad if such a great guy was overtaken, but also good as it would mean that we had put together a really good midfield. I don't think he fits any other role either.

Jury out to consider the case over the next 7 months or so, weighing the contemporary evidence as stated by so many - will return to court in October with their verdict.

Move on....the AFL Integrity Inquisitors may have a look at it.

Ho....hum How long until round 1? Seems a bit of a pointless exercise but at least many of our prized assets are being protected from the country oval.

In breaking news from Ms Wilson "It is rumoured that Robson may have at some stage spoken with Cameron Schwab, providing further incontrovertible evidence that there has been serious malpractice occurring at Essendon, and by association at Melbourne, who after all play in the same competition as Essendon, under Schwab's watch."

If it cuts out the slide to take out the legs, well and good. Too much risk of serious injury to the man tackled, and the 'culprit' may end up with a free for high contact, self induced. Does a strict interpretation mean that going for a spoil and brushing the shin with the arms means a free? If so it will remove a manoeuvre that shows true determination and courage.

I am sure that everyone most here would take any of those in a flash Bring on 2014

Good news that.....but please assure us that you weren't the guy who said $ulky was also going to be a Demon for life :-))

...and I am sure that the AFL would heavily fudge the data.

As CBDees said - who are they and where do they play? Big, small, forward, mid etc etc??????

Nick Smith #2?????

If that is the level of "evidence" that is required for a conviction, ie rumour and hearsay about a joke about something that was not illegal the previous years and was never declared to be illegal prior to Moron McLean's utterances and Caro's seeing the opportunity to pursue her petty personal vendetta, then Ned Kelly, Martin Bryant or Julian Knight would never have been found guilty of anything. EDIT: Apologies for the long rambling sentence.

Rohan Bail? As I mentioned in another post, it may be best for Rohan and for the club for Rohan to call it time before any further damage is done. I would imagine that O'Dea vs Greening would nowadays end up in court.

I guess we may be needing ECT if he is ready to play and he isn't allowed to. I havent seen the game yet but some have mentioned Carey, J Brown or pre-knee Ox. Are these fair comparisons at his age?

I may re-subscribe to The Age because Ms Wilson, being a true professional journalist, of course will go for the Toiges hammer and tongs........won't she? Had Dumbitriou has anything to say on these latest revelations yet?

....maybe trying to lure him, maybe with our 500K, to do a cameo at GWS???

Someone giving Robinson what he gave to Bail would be a great start, preferably in a legitimate contest and not, like the original dog act, behind the play. And McLean doing bugger all then limping off to the boos of the Demon faithful would almost make the day...... but a crushing win by the Dees is what matters most.