Red Sox

Gee, I thought they were to bring this out a bit closer to the actual round to accommodate all finals participants? Two Victorian sides and they get the late one? Wouldn't it be better to have Rich/Port as the late game considering SA are behind anyway? I will be none too happy if I was North either. A real slap in the face to them as the AFL are pretty much saying they are no chance to play finals this far out. They won't make finals but this misses the point. I would love to see them make it now and see what the AFL do? Probably still make them play at 4.40 on the Sunday and then play their first final on Friday night! Crazy! Love seeing Saturday footy with so many fixtures though...just like the old days!

At least this one was WAY OFF!!

Jared Rivers: Riv started the game really well, backing his positioning and going in for his marks. He’s a really important player for us. He missed a few kicks early, but he helped out with the positioning and helped out with the match ups. Again, his experience down back is invaluable for our young defenders. People need to start getting over this. Riv is well regarded by the coaching group as the player review above shows and will continue to be a part of this team. Won't be dropped. Is better than the criticism that he receives.

Always seems to be some conflict in regards to correct heights. Is this just fun and games from players or a purpose to supplying incorrect info? Love the Ox but as a commentator not sure I would put too much credence in what he says. In any case Jurrah has the longest arms I've seen in a while.

Sounds about right Ash...was overdue to be seen with us and no doubt what you will now be looking for. Good luck for the remainder of the year.

I think anyone would know the correct answer to that Ash!! That's why I made sure that I referenced the current day players having not as much fun last night. Sure the group from 2000 still had a decent night.....50 metre penalties might have been bought up in conversation more than the flag though!!

He and Bartram are really different in how they play. Cheney certainly has it over Bartram in marking, spoiling. He shows plenty of courage for the most part in marking contests and zones off well at times, but this can be a weakness also because he leaves his opponent on the ground. Bartram plays a lot closer to his man than Cheney and would prefer the ball to hit the ground and scrap to kill the ball or allow another fellow defender to come through. They are both fairly ordinary with their disposal. Bartram I reckon understands or is starting to understand this limitation and looks to make space for someone else while keeping his man at bay. I wouldn't be against Cheney being given some more time but it would have to be at the expense of Bartram and realise that more goals are likely to be given away.

It certainly makes a world of difference when opposition defences have more to worry about. Agree that it assisted with our score yesterday and we looked threatening on most entries. Bennell IMO has so much upside to him, just needs to get involved a bit more which will come. He is so very clean, in wet and dry weather. If they kept a stat on half volley collects Jimmy would be right up there. The upside with him is that I see him becoming another 'on ball' half forward type that can rotate with the likes of Sylvia, Green even a Tapscott looking further ahead. Bit of a way to go but reckon he has a lot going for him. Will be nice to see the forward line kept together for the remainder of the year and get that continuity of game time together.

A good win by the Dees yesterday, could've been even greater had we not taken the foot off the pedal!! In any case there is nothing better than beating Essendon no matter where they are on the ladder. Even sweeter that we could at the very least send the current group of Bummers off to their celebration with some not so nice memories of playing Melbourne! Maybe that's why so many Bummers fan were walking out in droves 5 minutes into the last quarter! Go Demons!

Gee there are some strange omissions within this thread!? Why would we make three changes? As suggested above from Bailey's article that we may look to add speed in the side. From this and adding in that he has been in the top two and has speed: IN - BAIL...no doubt! OUT - Cheney. Could be Johnson but likely to hold on to counter Sandilands If junior is ready which I doubt he will be, it is going to come down to McKenzie or Jones IMO. We have to play one of Cheney or Bartram and Bartram, although I am not a massive fan is not doing a lot wrong. Cheney plays taller but uses the ball as badly as Bartram but doesn't play as tight, has to be Bartram there. Only option to this that I see is that McKenzie possibly playing as the tagging back pocket player? Jones can't do this.

Stinger wasn't a lefty just brilliant on both sides. Brad Green is a star of the game and would be held even higher if plying his trade at a club like Collingwood. He can play anywhere on the ground, 4 years ago he transformed himself from a good outside runner into a player of great courage that continually puts his body on the line. Currently sitting equal with Buddy and ahead of Roughead on the Coleman Medal tally....just highlights how well he is going.

Didn't pick it up at the game but saw it on the replay. Pretty average act, Chip kept his head well not reacting with anything over the top. Was one of Jetta's few kicks for the day!

Watts decision was a shocker. Besides that the 50's were there. Surely as Melbourne supporters we know what running over marks can do. Who cares anyway...the wins in the record books and we've suffered enough to Essendon over the years regardless of who was playing careless or undisciplined football. That double free kick to Lloyd!?

Funny!! Good thread. Happy with our picks. Wouldn't mind Rioli though

Russian, Green, Sylvia top 3 for mine but Bruce right up there. Been good the last few weeks but best of the season today.

Two real bad one's early then well on top and had a good game.

I'd say he gave Russian a rest for the last 10 minutes or so as they kicked 4! Russian was awesome, PJ was far far less awesome. As kind as I could be about him really.

And what are you standards exactly Ewok? You obviously rated every key position player a dud because they all take time and if cannot see some of the class Jack as shown the past 3 games you are obviously not at the games...you can't be!

And people still want to knock and summarise his game as nothing to excite? Not sure what some expect but his last 3 games have been some bloody good steps forward. He is looking the goods in everyway! Just add some size.

Bennell - isn't clean enough??????? Um, what are people watching???? He picks up the ball on a half volley more than anyone. Geez. 3 word analysis - more good signs! Watts - little to excite? Just a really really dumb 3 word analysis - sorry! Did some nice things again, a little more aggression, the Davey bump and the Sylvia goal he set up was super, he just needs to add more strength so that he takes those marks in the goal square. Anyone that can't see that is fair dinkum blind!! Dees well lead by the senior group today, Russian pulling them all along. Important win for morale, confidence and our progression. A good result Dees!

6 - Jamar - could be Green, Sylvia or Bruce but Russian...what an amazing season he is having. Made an agile player like Ryder look 2nd rate. 5 - Green - sitting above Roughead for goals this year thats how well he is going. Can play anywhere. 4 - Sylvia - we saw the best of Col today, more please as it is up their with the best when going. 3 - Bruce - best game of the season 2 - Garland - excellent at 2 on 1's let alone 3 on 1's where he comes out on top! 1 - Dunn - could be quite a few but 20 odd touches and 11 marks which I reckon 4-5 were contested (nearly more than our yearly total!) he had the better of Watson. Thought today our more senior players stood up as a whole with some fantastic signs from the kids again.

Picture in the paper is of his mark against Dogs...nothing against Casey but have to have the Dees jumper surely!

Certainly some good signs here. Garry Lyon talked Jack up on Triple M last night. Another Chris Yarran kicking 7 for WA? Been a few players sharing names of late? Sure there are plenty of Nathan Browns in the world but less so Jack Trengoves and Chris Yarrans and they will all be playing AFL footy by the looks of things.

Um...Demon Dave you need to do a bit more research my friend: Garry Lyon was born in Devonport, Tasmania David Neitz was born in Ulverstone, Tasmania I am fairly certain Garry had left Tassie before he was 1 or 2...he actually made mention of this on Triple M's coverage of Port/Pies last night. Not too sure of Neitz but would suggest he left Tassie at a similar age. I played junior footy against Neita so he has been a Vic since a young kid at least.

Demons to win - that is enough for me!! Nearest the pin? I'll go 23 points....Cmon Dees!