FarNorthernD

I know 2/5ths of bugger all about the North players but if their backs line up as named there will be some serious mismatch’s. Bonar, McKay, Atley and Ziebell are all 188/189cm, Hall is 185 and Walker the lone tall at 197. They could be both too short for McDonald, Brown and Jackson and too tall for Kozzie, Spargo and ANB.

I don’t watch enough Dogs games to know if it is always the case but Caleb Daniel looked like their most important player. He sets up the play for them and always puts players into better positions. Stats sometimes inflate a player’s importance but his 34 disposals last night at 91%m if anything, undersells him. When we play them I’d be putting ANB on him as a hard tag. Take away Daniel and the Bulldogs will struggle

You have to handle it to the Cat supporting Whately for that call. If I was commentating that and my team was about to face certain finals elimination it would sound something like “ [censored], [censored]! miss it you [censored] “

Couple of podcasts I’ve listened to lately have gone to explain our improvement Firstly Jimmy Bartel talked about the Butterfly Effect on the Age’s Jake Niall podcast . It is where each player within the playing group understands how his positioning on the field effects his teammates. He said this comes with a team maturity and all premiership teams have it. Along the same lines football commentator Andrew Mayes was saying that Melbourne players looked to now understand their role in any given situation, whereas years prior they may know what they should be doing in just 23 out 25 situations. You only need a couple of players out of kilter for it to effect how you are playing. I find this stuff really interesting and makes sense when Gus Brayshaw was talking about I ‘unrewarded running’ and how it benefits the team.

I’ve woken up and we are still 6-0 after defeating the reigning premiers. How good is this football caper!!

I thought 5 years was a year too long for Salem. I was wrong

Reminds me of Allen Iversons famous “It’s just practice” rant I’m fully on board with you EO. 200cm, 14 game, 19 year olds should be exempt from criticism particularly when they are as wonderfully exciting as Luke. None of us know where he will end up or how good he will be. We should just sit back and enjoy the ride. We have a special talent on our hands

Totally agree. We have to be at our best all over the ground to roll this mob but particularly in front of goal.

Personally I would have preferred 3-4 years but then he is super consistent coming 8th, 7th and 7th in the B & F over the past three years. You’d think, on current form, he’d be a Monty for another top 10 finish this year. For those who say he isn’t great one-on-one check out the Cats game where the Geelong full back kicked out to Guthrie on the back flank and Salem out marked him easily. 2 minutes later and another Geelong point, full back picks out Guthrie againand Salem does him cold. The third point in a row and I’m yelling at the tele ‘kick it to Guthrie, kick it to Guthrie!

Literally died Grapeviney or is it more of a literary death? Of course if it was the former I shan’t expect a reply

Jones’s specific role is to successfully get his slowing body to 300 games. With such competition for spots I think he may struggle for senior games after next week

Normally I’d be super keen to grab the team selection sheet and drop half the team. However at 5/0 and with Weid, B Brown, Fridgy and May all nearing fitness or in-form I’ll happily hand that responsibility to the people who actually know what they are doing. Tough gig picking the team atm.

How unMelbourne is this? Debating about which in-form player should make way.

I’m sort of glad I got to read this early as I’m assuming it won’t last here long. I like the bit where Jon falls out of trees by choice

Yes his press conference was a ripper wasn’t it. He was honest in his answers but without being cliched. He was interesting to listen to and entertaining. It is a difficult line the coaches have to walk, particularly with the emotions still running high, but he seems to be able to do it.

If a fractured hand means finger, sure that may mean only two weeks, but to fracture an actual bone in your hand you would think that would be longer?

Yes pick 31 for Watts, which was considered unders and we were paying some of his salary, which we then used to pick up Fritsch. Aside from that running Queens Birthday goal it could be the best thing that Watts did for us.

I understand that most people think it was accidental on Hawkins behalf (I’m not so sure given the blokes record) but even if it was unintentional isn’t there some duty of care from Hawkins not to throw a wild elbow? The fact that it no doubt caused concussion plus a head fracture surely he should be up at the tribunal? Personally I’d give him 3 weeks but that could be because of my Geelong hate

I wouldnt swap

Prediction: The players have set themselves for this match and will be up and about early. We will win this game without too much fuss. We will be 4/0 and there will be a lot a positive media about us during the week. We will all feel pretty good about ourselves and our undefeated team. We will then be second to the ball and get rolled by a more committed Hawthorn next week.

Now just need Carlton to get rolled

Unfortunately the AFL have just rezoned Dandenong as part of the Sydney Swans natural catchment area.

Do you think the selectors know that Hanks isn’t a forward and Zanker isn’t a ruck? Perhaps when they win a couple more finals Tyla and Eden can take the cup and explain to them where they play.

I hope the MFC footy dept had a quiet word with the AFL umpires during the week about Oliver been held at every stoppage.

So Geelong are missing 6(?) from their best side including two top 5 players in Danger and Cameron. I have no idea who Francis Evans is but apparently he is best 18. Anyone know more of him? Hopefully we make the most of their outs.