Pates

That's what I'm saying, we've agreed to play there for another two year so we can't use it as an excuse and if we do then it's just opening the door for some serious anger from the fans.

Agreed, he's got a lot more runs of the board than just about anybody in the team. No need to rush Viney into the captaincy, it will come.

Can't say that if we've renewed the contract and if we do then I will flip out.

Players and coaching staff learned nothing from our first game against them this year. You could play footage of the game side by side and it would look exactly the same. We haven't turned the corner yet, and we won't have until we beat this mob.

The Saints are currently better than us, but I still feel we're in a better position. They still rely very heavily of Montagna and Reiwoldt, they aren't going to be around for much longer.

We are not better than the Saints, Melbourne fans need to stop saying that we are. BUT we should be at least close to on par and therefor we should be at least winning close to 50%, the fact we aren't shows a massive mental weakness.

That's Game. We were 5 points down when Maxxy got a free kick and gave it to Watts to go inside 50. From that moment on we have been putrid and a disgrace. Ball just leaves our 50 way too easily and somehow the players just still don't seem to work hard enough at Etihad.

Too easy. McDonald needed to run harder and make the spoil.

That whole passage from when Hogan gives away the free was so frustrating.

How has Brayshaw played this game (apart from being run down twice in the time I've been listening). I was very surprised he came straight in given the fact we rushed him in earlier in the year. C'mon Dees, this is it. This is the moment we send the Saints packing!

Bloody hell, in the UK and open the AFL app to see history repeat.

Adelaide are a good team but I still they yet to prove themselves of being at the level of Hawthorn in the finals. (Few teams have) Even though the Swans and Cats have faltered a bit in he last couple of weeks I still feel like they are the best contenders. For that matter I also feel like Hawthorn don't have the same aurora around them. They have had some very lucky escapes.

If we win this week I think the players will really start to look back on the Essendon game with real anger. For now I'm just going to enjoy watching the Kangaroos fall!

That would be my pick as well.

I really argue against the mentality that the defensive game plan is "the Roos game plan". Roos always said first he was going to build the defence and then he was going to build the attack. I'm not saying Goodwin hasn't played a big part in driving the current style, but as his mentor and current senior coach I would also imagine Roos wouldn't send the players and club down a style that he didn't feel was appropriate. Clarkson has adapted Hawthorn's list and style to where the game is going and what suits the players, no doubt Roos has been as much of a driving force behind our attacking style as Goodwin.

Actually his kick for goal has really improved this year, or at least in recent times I think it's been pretty reliable. Really happy we've got him signed, interesting that it's only a two year contract. Maybe he's backing himself in to have a really good two years and go for some big bucks with us next contract. In any case, the more WA boys we sign the better!

What I really love about Norths slide is that when they were 9-0 all their supporters were asking "why don't other fans consider us premiership contenders?" Well one thing pretty much all premiership contenders have is depth, yes they have been hit by injury but the best teams cover it. Also they had a soft as butter first half of the draw and were very lucky against us and the Saints. Both teams have improved but are hardly world beaters. Also hate Brad Scott, so seeing him miserable will bring me joy!

OMac really didn't look good at the game so I think he should be rested regardless, so Wagner comes in for him. Interesting about Brayshaw, we brought him back too quickly last time, they'd want to be sure he's good to go this time.

Hard to place Roos, he was simply the right man for the job. He and Jackson created stability at the club, Jackson at the admin level and Roos at the coaching and playing level. Together they've brought Goodwin to the party, which again has created another 3 years of stability. Some coaches leave a club with premierships as their legacy, stability and confidence will be Paul's legacy.

Yes to this just to see Maxxy dressed like the oldest male! Seriously though, if we're still a chance at finals hold off. Otherwise make it for the blues match at the G. Is that one of the replacement games?

I've tipped us, but not with much confidence. Certainly not the amount of confidence shown in this preview! This has been a massive learning year so this will need to be another game the boys need to show they've learned their lessons. For that matter Roos as well should be determined on this one, he was totally out coached last time. We have the cattle, we need the mindset to be right.

Could also be a case that neither of the players want to leave Essendon on such bad terms, not uncommon for the departing player to want the club compensated. Having said that I would love us to low ball them with that threat hanging over them.

I gotta say, this one coming up this week is one of the big ones I want irradiated! Beating saints at Etihad can't even remember the last time, and it's been 10 years since we've beaten them anywhere. 10 years FCS! I've got a fair few saints fans as well so they don't let me forget it! Also when was/have we ever won a match the week after a game in Darwin?

I actually get the feeling the when Roos finishes up and he examines the players that were at Melbourne when he started and are still there he will feel a particular amount of pride with Watts. Even in the early days of Roos and during last year there was evidence to say he won't be anything more than an average player whether it was at Melbourne or another team. But credit to both of them, they have worked extremely hard at building his confidence and a particular role in the team, and now the combination of Watts/Hogan appears to be one that will work great together for (fingers crossed) a very long time.

This has been a fantastic season by Jack and I couldn't be happier for him, also stoked to hear that he really only really had one thought on his contract and that was re-signing with us.