binman

I've got no probs with dropping Gysberts. Part of the challenge this year, and next year for that matter, is "managing" the playing list and planning, developing and moulding the team. Each young player will have a specific plan laid out for them for the couple of years which include number of games and areas to work on. As others have said Gysbersts has had a taste (coming in as he did when they rested Scullgove for the afore mentioned reason of managing the list) and he will now have things to work on. Selections for the rest of the year will not be week to week but rather with a view for the next 2 seasons. Bailey will make it clear to any young player dropped that it is not necessarily a reflection of the clubs assessment of their current rating in terms of the best 22, but rather part of their development plan. Cheney deserves a go as reward for sustained effort, though unfortunately for him it may not be this week (though he will prob. travel with the team for the experience). Big Mac is a quality player, as evidenced by being a cut above when he's gone back to Casey and i reckon Bailey considers him to be an important player. He'll play. A word on Miller. I've read the various threads on him, most of which are invariably negative. Over his career I’ve never been a great wrap for him, primarily because he hasn’t delivered on the potential he showed early in his career and also because he just doesn’t hang onto enough contested marks, even when he uses his body to advantage (shades of early Neitz). That said I agree totally with demondave. In this team his physicality is vital and he always puts his body on the line. Against Collingwood he again fluffed a couple of marks he deserved to get but he hammered packs, brought the ball to ground, led hard and made his presence felt – not to mention kicking a vital snapped goal that he read beautifully of the pack. With Watts yet to develop any real physical presence (and arguably a little wary of getting amongst it) and Bates not big fella he plays a key role. There is no coincidence the best games Watts has played at both Casey and with the dees have been along side miller. Until we find another strong mid twenties forward MFC will keep him on the list and deservedly so. He may not be there when we win our falg be will have played his part in getting us there.

Hoodoo schmoodo. Hell we just moved into AAMI park. We love the place. Its our new home!

If you want to raise questions, ask that turd burglar McBurney why he paid holding the ball against Moloney? Moloney had the ball for less than a millisecond, was jumped on by three players who all pinned his arms and then proceeded to lecture Moloney about giving him ample time to dispose of it!!

I've been reading the board for a bit and was inspired to join as i wanted to reply to profs "best team" post a week or so ago (which when i work out how to find it i will do!) I saw the robbie link and loved it. I following footy in about 75 and started going regularly in about 78 (when i was 11) and of course saw countless losses in those early years. Watching robbie owning the members wing helped me maintain my passion. I don't reckon i knew another dees supporter at primary or high school and Robbie gave me at least one thing to pump up about the redlegs to all the roos, hawks, blues and maggies fans. I remember being furious with Barrassi when he started playing Robbie on the half back flank - after 4-5 of games of it i stormed to the rooms after another flogging and demanded of the wisened door man to let me see Barass so i could let him know what i thought of his "strategy". The old fella told me Barass might know a bit more about the caper than me and then told me to bugger off (in hinsight Barass actually was a bit ahead of his time, with each team now needing a creative half bank flanker who can run) One element of Robbie's game that i thought has always been underestimated by commentators and other club's fans was his ability to play at such a consistent level of intensity and performance when for so long he played in such unsuccessful teams. He never dropped his head, never shirked the contest, always gave his all. That is the mark of a true champion. He was also terrific at bringing other players into the game, whichh is highlighted in the you tube clip. How many of those runs, weaves etc end in him didhing off to a team mate. Obviously i am biased but i have never understood how commenators such as Mike Sheean do not rate him more higly when they complie "best teams" and top 50's. In my time of watching footy the best i have seen have been Matthews, Carey, 2 of the 3 Abletts (sorry Geoff) and Robbie (not in that order). I have no doubt he is up with the best in the modern era and would be my first choice as captain. As others have noted he really shoeed his class and heart when playing for the Vics and they were always games i loved to watch. As other as noted he would absolutely kill in todays game, with his run and carry, huge tank, great hands and beautiful kicking skills (off both wings). Funnily enough he was always such a skinny bugger and looked out of place amongst some of the monsters. Today with the more atheletic running players he would look like half the league. In terms of physique Morton actually reminds me a bit of Robbie, being so tall and lanky. Some similarities in terms of time with the ball, good skills and good overhead. Perhaps i should tell Bailey to stick him on the wing!