Pates

I haven't written him off completely, but his injury concerns coupled with the upcoming court case have me thinking he'll struggle for a game this year. Really hoping I'll be wrong.

I hate GWS, but god it was great to see junior back imposing himself. He's lost none of his competitiveness (not that I'd expect him to), and I think he's taking a coach/teaching by example mantra. I was going to get him in dreamteam, decided not to because I can't be sure he'll play enough games, I'm regretting that choice now!

dees best and fairest? Grimes dees best 1st year player? Magner goals clark will kick? 46 games jurrah will play? 0 dees surprise of the year? Win at Etihad premiers? Geelong first coach to get sacked? None biggest off field controversy? Demetriou to have been paying Scully extra $$$$$ under the table as a sweetener for going to GWS games won by gws? 1, against the tigers

The big issue I have with this is that the coaching disruptions that the Pies (and the Cats for that matter) had going into the Grand Final were not coach-poaching. We, an other clubs, advertised a vacant position which assistant coaches who wanted to make to move up applied for. I mean if a club sacks a coach/has one leave before the end of the season are we just meant to sit on our hands and wait for the finals to finish before trying to fill the position. With, what two weeks before trade week? The Ross Lyon one was underhanded, but it's wrong to tie one hand behind the backs of clubs that are actively seeking to fill a vacant senior coach position.

Absolutely, I wouldn't want to give that away but I reckon his mantra could have a place on our emblem.

I have never been so proud of Gary, he spoke so well and straight from the heart. On your note Lace Out, I thought about how You'll Never Walk Alone gets such a powerful feeling from the Kop at Anfield but I just don't think it would work in our case. However there is another bit of inspiration from Liverpool that I thought could work with us. Obviously their moto on the shield, "you'll never walk alone" comes from the connection to the song, and there has been a lot of talk about Jimmy's moto of "Whatever it takes" and how we should use it. I suggest that we add it to our logo/shield, I'd say where EST 1858 and move that somewhere else. I remember Jimmy talking about the logo and about how everything on it is a part of the Melbourne Football Club history. Jimmy is a massive part of us, he had a profound influence on the way the game was played, his story is legend across the entire competition, and he saved out club in its darkest hour. And that simply scrapes the surface of his accomplishments. Add his story to our shield that has something to say with every part of it. EDIT: I've tried a version of it, but my graphic design skills have definitely deteriorated! But it gives an idea of what I picture. http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/804/melbournenewemblemedit1.jpg/

Only Akermanis would say something that offensive and that inappropriate about some who has just passed away. Congratulations Jason, you've once again shown how much you love attention even if it's negative. Just like a child.

Do pet memberships count towards the tally? I'd like to get another membership to add to the count (in honour of Jimmy) but I'd like it to count.

He was first pick when I made my dreamteam this year, all the best to him.

I just noticed on the HS website (so take it with a pinch of salt) that he was listed as having a leg injury and is out for 2 weeks. Did something happen to him in his first game back? Or is this just the Sun not updating his injury progress.

It's a good question, and one I've been considering as well. How long can the players ride the waves emotion attributed to Jimmy, and what sort of affect will it have on their ability to perform? I don't know whether the team should be going into the season (and all the games) with a do it for Jimmy mentality. What will honour him more in my eyes is the players remembering him in their darkest moments and using his strength to get them back on their feet and fight. It's his courage, determination, and his mantra of Whatever It Takes that we must adopt and abide by. Certain players will be more affected then others, I was quite taken aback (and humbled) to see how hard it hit Mitch Clark and I think he will be better for it. Jack and Jack both have very mature heads, but they are still so young so they will be the ones I'll be most interested to watch. What I ultimately hope is that this will galvanise the ground, and make them a closer unit.

Extremely sad, I am not a religious man but I was praying for him last night. It's a comfort to me that he went peacefully surrounded by loved ones. You will always be an inspiration to me, you saved our club, you've helped so many kids, and you did all this with the warmest smile. RIP Jim

I agree, I usually don't mind her but she kept using the journalistic tactic of asking the same question repeatedly and it was getting extremely frustrating watching it.

Jesus, not good news at all. This is definitely the first I've heard of this. Thoughts and prayers are with you Jimmy, keep fighting you champion.

Very well laid out Redleg, I felt this stank of the AFL trying to Grandstand the issue of racism in football, especially with a lot of other issues re: recruiting indigenous players have come out recently. The endurance issue with the change in interchange has kind of merit but I feel is perhaps a bit of an overstatement, with Jurrah's recent arrest and ongoing tribal warfare in Yuendumu some have suggested this will put clubs off from recruiting in remote aboriginal communities, perhaps it will but I think what it will do more is to make clubs want to better understand the issues out there before recruiting. What i feel that AFL has tried to do with Rendell is simplify the issue to: if you don't want to recruit because of these reasons, you are really just racist. Perhaps that is me simplifying the situation, and I certainly don't condone the comments that have been reported, but nothing about how this has come out feels right. As to us getting Rendell, once the dust settles, perhaps simply ask some of our indigenous players what they think about it, if they truly are uncomfortable with it then look elsewhere. Also maybe ask ourselves whether his services would be worth the possible s-storm that could head our way if we got him.

The AFL and other people involved in rules (KB) have opening admitted that was a complete stuff up. It's funny though, i was listening to SEN tonight and Finey and Thompson (can't remember which one!) were saying that Butcher definitely should've gone. They then went on to say that it was the Sylvia rule, do whatever you want to him in the final week of pre-season because you'll get off anyway! Me personally, don't think he should've been suspended but should've been given a reprimand and given a stern warning. I don't think there was any malice, but it was extremely reckless and has seriously injured Colin. Who knows what ramifications he could have in later life because of this? Neck and backs are always bad news.

It will be very interesting to see how the MRP go with this one. Personally I don't think he should go for it, but there is not doubt that his eyes weren't on the footy, but reading about it I thought he'd been crunched by Butcher but for me he was trying to spoil the ball and Col just landed very awkwardly. Massive shame for Col, last season he got taken out just at the end of pre-season with a broken jaw and now this. Currently the gods aren't smiling down on us. All the best with recovery Col.

Couldn't agree more, I'm sick of the club parading the new recruits in numbers that have a history at the club. Our most recent legend of the club started at number 38, and he forged a career, built the respect of his teammates and coaches and got promoted to no. 9 and made it famous. Start him high or give him 23, Sylvia is has made 12 his own.

Thanks for coming on here, Cam. I wasn't sure about the blazers, but when I saw the players donning them with pride (particularly Liam) I felt it demonstrates a very important part of the MFC. Tradition, and being proud to belong to the oldest club in the AFL. I will admit I am one that is quite nervous about us running out in Round 1 without a FOJ sponsor, but I'll never deny the fact that you will fight to get what you believe we are entitled to. It's something I admire you for.

I was in and out of watching the game so I missed a fair bit, but I actually thought I saw some good things from Flash. A few chase down tackles, attempted smothers etc. The thing that I didn't like from him was he missed some pretty stock standard chances that as a forward he must kick all year. So far everything I've seen of Clark has me convinced he be a sensational pick up for us, Howe looks like he's going to have an excellent year, and again there were some good things from Watts. Our conversion rate is pretty good, but we just need to get it down there more. Disappointing game from Moloney & Sylvia, two guys that need to step up their game v quality opposition.

Thankfully it doesn't sound like serious charges if he is being allowed to return to Melbourne. But the fact that he is facing charges will mean the club will have to reprimand him in some way. But still plenty more information to come.

Been listening non-stop since someone posted that up, nothing yet. Still probably trying to get all the info.

Would be there if I could. I decided to go at the last minute last week after plans fell through and had a great night. Would recommend anyone sitting on the fence to go, we all hate the stadium but it's about going for the boys to give them a lift. You might also find you have a new favorite up and comer (as I've found with Magner).

FOJ sponsor is absolutely critical, I understand Cam wants to get the best deal for the club but we can't go into round 1 without this being filled, it will reflect extremely poorly on the club.

I agree with a few, depth isn't probably the word I'd use. Competition for spots has been a huge issue for us in the last 4 years, we've had such a young list and (rightfully) have been putting games into the future of the club, however this also means that there isn't as much jeopardy in playing a bad game. The list we've got it's time to pick the team on form, no more gifting games.