Bimbo

Are those calling for the recruitment of Harley Bennell the same persons who were demanding the drafting of Dayle Garlett? We could get him cheap this year. While the clubs culture is undergoing a real improvement, Bennell is not a step in right direction.

Excluding us, the other four wins were against Gold Coast, Lions, Essendon and Bulldogs. Draw against Geelong. Last win in round 14. They only beat one team more than one spot higher than them on the ladder.

Just to show he has his goal kicking run up settled, I notice he does again stutter as he runs into the square

Still have to watch the replay numerous times if we win

Ii was merely commenting on the assertion by a number of Demonlanders that Freo took their foot off the pedal and compared the situation in other games where finalists were playing bottom 5 teams in the same round. The other similarly placed "top" teams all put in very big second halves (and still managed to take marquee players like Franklin off very early) notwithstanding players who "didn't want to get injured on the eve of finals".. I made no mention of when I, or for that matter any other Demonlander, would be "far more impressed" by the team playing well. I apologise if my post was a little too obtuse for you.

I note that several posters are of the view Freo apparently took their foot off the accelerator part way through the second quarter and that is why Melbourne outscored them after that. A win for Freo would ensure the Minor Premiership and one would imagine all players would be doing their bit to make their place in the finals makeup certain. Three other top teams played bottom teams. Hawks beat Lions by 72 points (10-4 to 2-4 after a good half time lead) Sydney beat Saints by 97 points. (10-9 to 1-5 after a good half time lead) On a shocking night for football Tigers beat Essendon by 27 points (having double the scoring kicks) (6-4 to 2-5) after half time Is it a weakness in Freo's makeup that they are unable to maintain their structure and outplay a bottom team when at home and Finals beckon? The other "top" teams seem to have gone from strength to strength right through the games. (Although Freo did kick the last 3 goals, two in time on, to make the final difference greater) (6-3 to 4-4 after half time). They did kick pretty straight as well. Or is it in fact possible that Melbourne did a reasonable job from half way through the second quarter playing in Perth against the top team?

Melbourne by 14 goals. Hogan to kick 8 Garlett to kick 5

If we lose it would stop me taking the [censored] out of my Carlton supporting friends and acquaintances for following a team of tankers

I wonder how many of those now questioning the coach, suggested that the team would win 6 - 8 games prior to the season. To now whinge, unless such prediction was qualified at the time of prediction by suggesting it would not be enough, would suggest that it is they who should be questioned. These were resonable and sensible expectations. I see a team that has, from a very low base, been addressing the question of culture over four years and actually improving its performance on the field notably this year. It has been my first game in Australia since the Geelong game. I left in a buoyant mood and my electronic support over the last two weeks has left me joyous and hopeful. The fact that I have been depressed all day and an [censored] to work with, does not detract from my very strong view that the team is on right track. It is simply not easy to rise up the ladder. There are 16 other teams trying desperately to do that every year.

Haven't been to Etihad for years. At Flinders Steet and really worried

After my initial excitement when he came onto the list, I had almost given up on Gawn. That changed in a big way on Monday. I thought his ruck work was brilliant and one of the main reason the midfield performed so well. It was also done against a reasonable ruckman. As others have indicated, Grundy became an important influence in the final quarter and there are better tap ruckmen for him to compete against. While he gave the sort of advantage Nik Nat is giving Eagles midfield, he is going to have to take a lot more marks than Nik Nat does if he cant compete all day. He is certainlycapable of this. Spencer's best game was against Cordy who is the worst tap ruckman in the league (since dropped). Although I enjoy watching his endeavour and some of his kicking, I dont believe he will ever be able to compete, even adequately against the top line rucks. His courage last year in the first few rounds when he played injured as he was the only ruck left was exemplary. I dont even think he could play as a second ruck due to his skill limitations when not on the ball. I enjoyed Jamar's game against Richmond when he had a real influence (I enjoyed the whole game against Richmond). At the moment he is probably the most likely of the three to nulify the top league ruckmen although I understand he was monstered against Mumford. However, while the other two are fit, I think they should be played in preference to him. I am looking forward to watching Gawn this Sunday against opposition who are not (yet) in the top line. The narrower ground at Etihad may help him to last out the game better. I also note that Watts has been on occassion third man in every game this year I have seen. He does this extremely well, normally giving clear advantage.

Essendon, Carlton and now FIFA. I am enjoying my sport at the moment

Watching Toumpas and Watts delivering the ball yesterday and with Salem to come back there is plenty of reason to hope for much better movement into the forward line. Will help remedy one of the more obvious long term problems.

Grimes, M Jones, Spencer and Bail didn't play last week. Were Casey a better side? Apparently not

Turned 21 in March

Its the same in New York. When the Rangers (ice hockey) team win they light up the Empire State building in Melbourne Footy Club colours.

I used to have great admiration for James Hird. The operative word in the sentence is USED. I was also of the view that G. Ablett was overrated at Geelong and made by those around him. Could not have been more wrong. Since heading North he has been extraordinary both as a role model and magnificent footballer.

1. Premiership - Port Adelaide 2. Brownlow - Ablett 3. Coleman - Hawkins 4. Bluey - Bernie Vince 5. Rising Star - Brayshaw 6. Wooden spoon - Essendon

I think "THE MOUSE IS SQUEAKING A BIT" might be more accurate

Too late for me to consider this issue again. It always gives me the option of making my house smell like that of a Richmond "supporter" by putting the card in the microwave.

It is actually David Jones who I think is on the Appeals Board as well. Grace has enough conflicts you may think being the President (I think) of Athletics Australia

Just for one happy rational sensible minute I thought I would not renew my membership.

The potential threat of being deregistered in the event of two players being suspended would be likely to give EFC standing in its current action in the Federal Court. I doubt the same applies to Hird

Love to see his bravery in being in front of packs made up of much bigger players and possibly Howe jumping over - and worried for the same reason. I hadn't realised how good-over head he is. I feared he was just a bit too slow and didn't quite know where to go. Always loved his attitude but didn't think he would make it. On the other hand, I felt Bennell would make it as a permanent player because of his ability. (I just didnt think it would be with the Eagles)

Think it might be taken next year but should become available the following year after Billy has earned it with a stellar season i n a higher number.