Bimbo

Knowing several, I generally dislike Carlton supporters. However, one of the reasons I like football was on display travelling from Caulfield Station and walking to the game last night. I was pleased to see a solid number of supporter groups, be they family groups or friends, which consisted of supporters of both teams. This doesnt happen in my limited experience of soccer I accept there are always going to be some pretty rabid supporters, however, it remains a game that I currently feel confident I will be able to take my 1yo granddaughter when she grows into her Melbourne jumper.

Ricky Barham who played about 150 games for them lived down the road from me in Hamilton but you are quite correct, Billy Picken was the standout. Mind you, a number of good ex VFL and SANFL retired in the district (i.e. bought a pub and coached the local team) and the Western Border team was occasionally quite strong. Part of the problem for Collingwood may have been that there were 6 SA teams in the competition.

I wondered why JJ was puffing so hard after his goal about 3 minutes into the second quarter and just had another look on replay. It started when Rivers left his man and intercepted the ball inside defensive 50. He handballed to Petracca He gave a short kick to Viney. The raging bull charged downfield while doing a blind turn and breaking a tackle. He handballed to Sparrow. He handballed to Langdon. He ran to about 60 and kicked it over the head of Fritsch and his opponent into the arms of JJ who kicked a goal from the top of the goal square. When I looked back at the start of the passage of play, JJ was comfortably inside defensive 50 when Rivers intercepted in what looked the ideal position to fill up space on the other side of the ground. He just sprinted for the other end and left his opponent for dead. It was a massive run that was rewarded. I presume many similar runs are made every game without getting near the ball but it did show how Melbourne are able to use Brayshaw at halfback or now in the midfield without losing much on the opposite wing to Langdon. And it was a terrific end to a great passage of play that might have rather pleased the coaches.

Last year after 18 rounds we were 13 - 3 - 1 with a percientage of 127.8% and having 2 losses and a draw in the previous 5 games. This year we are 13 - 4 - 0 with a percentage of 132.6% and having 2 losses in the previous 5 games. Round 19 this year (as indeed last year) we play Western Bulldogs. They were second on the ladder at this point last year. Last year we lost to the Bulldogs and then were undefeated for the rest of the season. I could live with that again.

I had to look at those figures again. Jake Melksham - 7 tackles. Must be his greatest tally ever. (also his best game of his few this year)

Odd football fact Melbourne now have more 100 game players in tonights teams (14 to 13) Not surprisingly, Geeolong are leading in the over 30's (10 to 4) Geelong average nearly 50 games per player more than Melbourne. It is the first of those points that give me hope for some years to come

Having a look at that table, you have to feel for Ted Hall who played for St Kilda about 120 years ago. He played in 73 VFL games and won one.

I do however, agree absolutely with what you say and that it is often enjoyable talking to supporters from other teams during and after games.

This was a lesson I relearnt while watchin round 23 last year. Sometime during the third quarter when Geelong were about 7 goals up, i received a text from a Cat fan saying simply "enjoying this", I courteously waited until one kick after the final siren before responding "yes". I try and think of that when we play teams such as Essendon who I dislike most of all I at least wait until after the game has finished.

Came upon it in Mexico. I have a soccer tee shirt for the team they sponsor

I rather thought May did rather well against Naughton in the Grand Final, despite having a dodgy hamstring.

I hope you never have the chance to see any such plan in action

Wasn't there a topic at the start of the season claiming he was badly out of form? Having said that, and with respect to statistics, this season he is apparently performing better than he has previously played, averaging the most disposals he has had per game, the most marks, the most goals, the most inside 50's and equal most clearances. As others have suggested, these do not show the full story. He is the best captain in the league, a great character for the Melbourne Football Club and a wonderful mentor for the younger players. He may not be as a pure footballer, the best in the league but he must be very close to the most valuable.

Jordon has made a significant improvement this year in his decision making with the ball. Last year he propped too often and stopped the flow of the play. This year he is not only taking on the first option far more frequently but doing so with accuracy and invariably to the advantage of the team. He is one of the most improved in the team and also flexible into his position I accept someone has to make way for Salem, however, I would be astonished if it was him.

They seem upset on Bomberblitz Just at the start Fine, I’ll start. 6 months to prepare for this game. 6 months. 6 months to develop a semblance of a structure that may actually be competitive. To work out how to deliver the ball to our forwards. To work out how to not let it waltz from one end of the ground to another. To learn how to make use of kick ins. To freaking mark the ball. Hit a 1m target with a handball. 6 months to even look like you wanted to be out there. ■■■■ me. They looked like they had been dragged out against their will. The signs were there in the St Kilda game, but it’s ok, we were just changing things up, just toying with them. Complete and utter failure by our coaching panel. Truck may be good at creating content for the website but there is absolutely nothing to suggest he can develop and coach a football team. Get ■■■■■■ with your scripted videos. Get ■■■■■■ you soulless, vacuous void of a football club. Scotty from marketing has more substance. You are nothing. i dont think it an overreaction to fold the club Sat in the sun for the game. Beer cues crazy long Geelong fans acting like arrogant flogs We were appalling …and yet I’m still kinda glad footy is back Essendon Football Club Where talent comes to die. happy to be at the footy on a sunny day after two years of not being able to do that much. essendon still puts the “fun” in “lack of fundamental ball skills”

I am so glad someone else is sharing the blame. I have worried for decades that it was just my voice Jim heard which caused him to run through the mark.

It is a long time since we won more than 9 in a row. We did 9 last year and counting the North Melbourne game, 8 in a row. Carlton stopped a chance at 10

Flower of course should have won at least 6

I think he got a tattoo after the GF. Doesnt that make him a permenant Dee?

Tomorrow is my birthday. I am going to give myself a real treat. I am going to watch the whole of the 2021 Grand Final

Shane Zantuck was also a former North player although he may have spent some time at Swans on the way. Each of the players you named were/are favourites of mine (although it has taken me about 3/4 of a season to warm to BBB)

Having read Captains Diary since Christmas, I am certain when Gawn's great classic book is properly and understandably made a compulsary text for VCE English students this next year, WJ's treatise will undoubtedly prove a great student resourse.

I have been checking out the size and shape of presents under the tree and I think I may have done the right thing by waiting for today instead of buying it.

You took the premiership cup into the urinal?

Post date it to include the Grand Final and Bont can do a couple of weeks