Pates

I think Garlett's the only question mark, Roos was speaking about how there are even contributors across the board and that we're playing as a team. You don't want to break that mix if you can help it. While i have a bit of MFCS coming onto me I think the win and the way we did it against port can't be underestimated. The team is winning and wants to keep winning. Carlton have had good parts to this year but like us last year are showing signs of just being over it and wanting the season to end. If we get the first two goals quickly, it could turn into a big win. Conversely if we take an attitude like we did against Essendon we could be caught on the back foot. I'm confident we have learned from our mistakes earlier in the year. For me if Garlett doesn't get up its JKH or BenKen who comes in. That really and truly sucks for ANB because who's had a stellar year at Casey (surely going to win the B&F or poll the highest for a Melbourne player) but team balance is more important and it makes more sense to bring in one of JKH or BenKen.

It's funny but under better tutelage and culture I think that midfield could have been quite good. Sculldog has had a bloody good year, we all knew he had it in him which was what hurt. Trenners got unlucky and poorly managed, and Gys and Tappy showed at times good ability but our failure to develop promising youngsters into AFL players was a disgrace back then.

Anyone go on to a Kangas forum? Just curious to know how their fans are feeling about us being hot on their heels and how much their team has slumped. Surely would also feel like if they scraped in they'll probably get destroyed.

I think there would have been plenty of times through the year the football department could've taken the easy option (and the option a lot on the forum were calling for) and drop him to bring in some experience. But they stuck fat with him, and his second half to the year has been much improved. Well done Oscar and well done footy department.

If they all reach their top potential I feel Trac will be the best of them. At the moment he seems to flash in and out of games, if he puts in 4 quarter performances he could cause some massive headaches for the opposition.

I think I died a little inside thinking about that.... I do enjoy hearing people speaking of us as s bigger threat should we get in than a team that was unbeaten until round 10!

Yeah they have the grounds available in England as well, but it does make it a big day of having as many games on TVs as possible and keeping one eye on results of other games.

Haha by creeping I mean I know it's not going to happen this year, and probably not next year!

Totally agree, we've got to take things as they come and just take care of what we can do in the immediate future.

Think we'll have to do that again this week, we're the away team so I'd expect us to wear that thing. 4 in a row, 2006 the last time that happened (we actually won 5 in a row twice that year). We're starting to creep towards the most important record of them all....a premiership.

I don't think it's as big a issue as we're making it right now, but I really hope it's going to be a focus of attention in the off season. Particularly his kicking for goal 40m+ out. For such a big bloke he doesn't have a huge amount of penetration on his kicks. Players like Jesse will be always looking to improve though so I doubt it's something he's not thinking about.

My prediction was pretty much always 10 wins, that also being my pass grade for wins, with the blues coming next week we should get at least 11 (though nothing is certain with Melbourne!). What's great for the group is every week is a new challenge now, Jonesy is the only player in the team to have played in a positive winning Melbourne team (so long ago). This group is breaking new ground so the sky's the limit for them. Would be just brilliant, not just for us but the competition, if it did come down us winning in round 22. Shame our game and the north game aren't being played at the same time.

Don't mind your thinking but I don't think it'll happen. VDB is clearly rated by the match committee and only two weeks ago was the difference with Watts against GC. But I agree with you that half back doesn't suit Trenners anymore, I see him as a potential forward as you say. I'm definitely one that would like him to hang around a little longer, though that might be more sentimental than logical reasoning.

Sadly at KP, so would be a sell out regardless. As for televising it it'll depend on who's covering the game, seven or Foxtel. Incidentally I wonder at what point will the AFL stop having us as a KP away team. They haven't sent Pies, Essendon, Carlton, Richmond down there for years but surely we could argue potential higher gate returns away from Geelong. Alternative could be Etihad, not sure I want that!

Jimmy's looking at him thinking, "I know you got it in you".

Really get excited and believe....

First goal 4th quarter huge. Need Hogan, Jones, Viney etc to step up.

His game should have been over with 3-4 easy misses.

Just need someone to stand up and kick a steadier.

Keep going Dees!

Sounds like we could've been in front by more but let's continue this for 3 more quarters and a good win! Vince and Viney sounding paticularly lively.

I would venture a guess it's no less intimidating than taking the trip down the highway to Geelong. Very enjoyable experience last year, hope you guys get it at Adelaide Oval!

Interesting thoughts from Judd. I guess his point and probably what Roos will leave the players with is be pleased with the improvement but want more. No more honourable losses, we play each game to win. (Just realise I'm posting this in the Prestia thread, where did it go?!)

Haha don't be too down! This is a discussion forum after all! I think a lot of people on here also have a fair dislike towards him since seemingly every year it doesn't matter how he's playing he always seems to find a way to get up for us! I think there are better options out there though. Could be quite funny though to see the look on Buckley's and Pies fans if he went to another club and did well! Loving Buckley's coaching there!

I don't think there can be any doubt that future generations will look back on this 3 year period with PJ and Roos and point to it as a rebirth of our club. I honestly feared for the club during Neeld's final year, we needed something extraordinary to get out of that hole and Roos and PJ have done that. Unless we find ourselves incredibly in the finals (hey it happened to Richmond!) Roos's final game coaching us will be at Kardinia Park, which somehow doesn't feel right but that's the way it's fallen. Even though it's a Carlton home game I hope the club does make a bit of a song and dance as round 22 being the farewell Roos game in front of the MCC. I know he's not the sort of person that would want that kind of adulation thrown on him but I kind of feel the fans want to do it for him. I don't think he'll stay on in any kind of role at the club sadly, but I think he's earned the break. I get the feeling he'll still be happy to lend an ear to the players and maybe if/when they're back in Melbourne his wife might have a role as I've heard several players speak about her influence with meditation. For the near future though all we can say to him is thank you!