FarNorthernD

You don't want to know, I wish I didn't

I have often thought someone should write a book of personal experiences at the G. So many more things have occurred there than just football, cricket and the occasional concert.

My father, a fanatical Melbourne supporter, passed away a couple of weeks prior to the Freo match in 2008. He had already organised a couple of tables in the dining room for that day so a whole group of family and his footy mates went along and kept a seat free for him. We were lucky enough to get tables in front of the windows but we were playing 'typical' Melbourne footy and were 50 points down by half time. Biggest Melbourne comeback of all time. A fantastic last couple of quarters where, at the time, the team just seemed to do it for him. There were some tears during the song My sister and brother and I then spread some of his ashes at CHF scoreboard end after the game

I was a 12 y.o at Victoria Park that day when we beat the Pies in the final game. I remember being a bit confused after the siren as a thought the draw would get us through to the finals yet the Collingwood supporters were celebrating us failing. For a team that had just secured the spoon their supporters were a fairly nasty and vindictive lot

You don't often see such a disparity do you. If two AFL professionals at the pointyest part of the industry can't agree on even one player it is no wonder we disagree to such an extent on boards like Demonland. It is such a subjective game and beauty is in the eye of the beholder even for a highly paid coach.

Yes he is a difficult one to work out. He burst onto the scene last year with pretty much no pre-season coming off shoulder surgery. He averaged 18 possessions, 3 marks and a super impressive 5.5 tackles a game over the first 9 games with his best being a 29 disposal 11 tackle effort gaining himself 3 Brownlow votes along the way. He was missed after he got injured. His best last season was very good This year he has failed to develop and has gone backwards. No doubt other teams are more aware of his capabilities and there may be some of the second year blues even for a 24 year old. Without being in the inner sanctum it is also hard to know how much this years injury has hampered him. Probably a fair bit I'm guessing as he has had a few over a short time I assume Aaron will get back to his best (which is very good), but till then he may find himself in and out of the team

That is a very interesting point of view Mo and some good arguments that made me stop and think. I don't think you can underestimate though the stability that Roos has bought to the Club. It is difficult to believe that Hogan or Watts would have signed contract extensions if some like a Neeld was still coach. Also whilst Roos may not be regarded as an A grade match day coach the bloke did win a flag for Sydney and runner up the following year. You cannot win flags by accident. Away from the onfield contribution having someone of his statue at the Club has no doubt reassured and kept sponsors. The transition from Roos to Goodwin is shaping up to be almost seamless. When he arrived our Football Club and team were dying a slow death. It isn't too difficult to picture no Club at all if it wasn't for Roos (and Jackson) As others have mentioned he may not have been our best coach in recent history but he is certainly out most important

Wagner second on the left

As Ronald Dale set the foundations for Northey. Here's to Goodwin going one better

But the sentiment is hopefully correct. There are a few big 'ifs' involved but given a) The relative eveness of the 2008 draft with no clear superstars and b) Watts' coming of age this year It isn't unreasonable to think Jack could finish his career in five or so years as the hindsight No. 1 pick from that draft. However it pans out I'm certain he will be the better pick over time than Nic Nat

Jack, the poor bastard has had to endure more ridicule and derision than anyone in the history of the game for not being able to be that No.1 pick and saviour he was supposed to be. Through all that he has remained loyal to the MFC when nearly all others would have left. He is Melbourne to his core and I am very happy he will remain with us for the good times.

I don't know about you guys but players like Hunt, Garlett and (probably soon) Petracca* are the reason to go to the footy. They are the ones to make you sit up in anticipation when they have the ball. When they are in the play, footy is fun. Can't wait till Hunt is getting the ball 22 times a match instead of 12. Will cause major mayhem * And equally loving watching Watts this year play some really good footy. It must be very rewarding for him to silence his detractors in the media

Casey 11.12 beat Richmond 11.10

Let's hope there is still enough sentimentality left in footy that they get Jack to 100 games. He well and truly deserves that

According to the stats above has 12 disposals to half time

I have barracked for Jack since day one through the many lows and more recent highs. But unless he significantly improves he is not allowed to take one step past 271 games

Perhaps it is because he has only done 2/3rds of a pre-season coming off a TAC cup year where he was not even a draft contender for half of it due to his (lack of) conditioning. My professional diagnosis would be he is a bit knackered

Absolutely agree. With both Howe and Sylvia I have this video going in my head of Roos mouthing the words "he is a valuable member of the team and a required player of the Melbourne Football Club" whilst quietly un-packing and neatly folding away the footy gear from locker no.s 12 & 38

How do you feel about getting Brayshaw? Whilst he's not playing at the moment I bet the footy dept would make that deal all over again if given the choice.

1.10 start gives me ample reason not to start any jobs around the house. A 4.40 one means I really have no excuse to not to get something of substance done. I'm not a fan of the 4.40 kick off

That is a very good idea and may actually work

It's OK Oli, we have O Mac

I reckon a foot race to the ball between Hunt and Rohan along the wing in a few rounds time may get Bruce McAnveney's pulse racing

A key signing. My favourite player. Best fun to watch and now we'll get to do so for at least another 3 seasons. Im very happy

Agree with ins. And assume the youngsters to come will be the ones the Club feels least likely to run out the entire match after a 6 day break i think I'm in a group of one but I wouldn't be too surprised to see Kent omitted too