PaulRB

It has been almost been 4 weeks now, Liam is listed as 2 - 4 weeks off in the injury list. Is there any word on his progress, on his court case and on his general state of mind?

I like that we have the Bye this weekend so the coach and FD can watch the two tier 1 U18 games this weekend. No way Viney will slip to Round 2. that would result in the MFC picking up 3 top 5 players in this "super draft", the rest of the AFL would squeal like stuck pigs...

I was contemplating earlier this week about Viney (3), Stringer (4), and either Vlastuin/Menzel (12). Not a fan of trading early picks for established players although if we can pickup another Clark win for pick 12...

Always enjoy sitting near the Tigers cheer squad for their chants. Cracks me up some of their songs...

Tom Scully's over paid, doo da do da His dad is fat and over paid oh do da day Tom Scully he can't play do da do da Tom Scully's gone away hip hip hurrah

I think your are objecting to a practice (loose Journalism) that has always gone on. The difference is now we can track their "journalistic" sources via the internet, where previously they'd be getting quotes and ideas over a beer at their local. The internet and time pressure on journos to produce more with less time, make the shift in sources and journalistic practices inevitable. Not sure it equates to s decline (it may), but it is also more transparent...

I think a journo using a club discussion board to get the pulse of what the collective of Melb obsessed fans think is wise and more likely to reflect some truth (if such a thing exists) than alot of the traditional alternative sources, even former players, etc ... There is alot of research that collaborative groups generate superior results to individuals in most circumstances.

Did James play on the weekend? Keen to see him back and making his way back into the team.

I think Cale and Jack are being developed as our rebounding/switch/ kick to boundary line contest/ kick long options and Cale muffed it. The sting of humiliation is a more powerful teacher than a private video correction exercise two days later... Cale will grow or wither, I hope the former.

I was at the game and when Morton turned it over, approx 30,000 MFC fan collectively howled/cried/moaned. Cale knew he'd just humiliated himself. Being pulled and having the coach give him one is about Neeld clearly establishing standards and Cale dealing with failing to live up to these standards. Standards that every successful elite sporting team has. Babying him or having a go at MN for being too tough on him is OK for boys, but not for men, and certainly not for an experienced professional man as Cale is aspiring to be.

I think the reality bus passed the point where we could consider this year anything but "less than a success" about 6 rounds ago.At this point we are looking for morsels and glimmers of hope for next season. Sorry to be a kill joy.

Not being a Collingwood supporter is a fine form of descrimination (discernment).

I reckon when we're winning and teams start to fear the Dees at the G again, the bugler will annoy the opposition fans and grate far less...

Half the entertainment involved in following footy comes from aligning with and supporting one team (lets say they're Red and Blue) and mocking, deriding and laughing at the flaws of the other team (lets say they're Black and White). Gotta descriminate if you want to support, and so some forms of descrimination seem just fine, even essential... That said I'm not into segregation and being too precious about non-Demon fans sitting too close... and upsetting me with their wicked words..

Next time we play the Bombers, sneak into their members area and go off! It is seriously funny. Winners are grinners, the Pie's time in the sun will end.

Cale was not alone in costly turnovers, Jack Grimes had a patch too. I liked Cale's game up to the clanger. I think he is developing well under Neeld. However, he still has a way to travel to fulfil his potential.

Love Cale, he's the barometer. If I'm yelling "Moiton" like one of the stooges in the last we are in for a good day.

hmmmmm '87. A fine vintage, all upside and the monumental game at the Western Oval to top off the home and away. Crowd cheering every Hawks goal... And the iconic tragic irony a month later when the Hawks... Glory days Beat the Dons in Round 10 that year too.

I'd prefer us to name our thirteenth Premiership cup after him.

If we can get Cloak with cash. Attracting a 22-24 yr quality mid (Boak or ...) becomes easier because the MFC would have demonstrated (via a Cloke deal) that we are seriously striving to win flag asap, and we have good draft picks to use in any trade. In addition, it would also provide a reason for Jamar and Moloney to stick around because we'd have just brought the window forward a year or two.

If we can solidify and make a habit of the four quarter effort, replicate it for the rest of the year and improve then maybe 8+. However, it is a huge IF at this stage. As they say "One Swallow does not make a Spring".

Did Brent have his manager suss out his options under free agency? If thats a fact, then he's opened himself up to speculation on his future at the MFC. Once he did that (or allowed it to be done by his manager) the only way to close down the speculation is to sign a new contract... As we know from Tom Scully's pressers last year, what is said, may not be what is done.

Maldon, my thoughts were 1. "Watched the interview. Never smiled." - you just argued/agreed that he never smiles... 2. "No idea what going on with Brent." - you just argued/agreed that I don't know whats going on with Brent... 3. "Wouldn't be surprised if he leaves." - until he signs a contract we're just speculating... Not sure why you've got your knickers in such a knot.

You must not read much demonland then Maldon. I figured we are all allowed to share our thoughts and observations on Demonland. Time will tell. I hope I am wrong and he continues to come good. On his best position I'd play him in a tagging/bullocking role in the midfield rather then forward. I'd prefer Tapscott and Sylvia to Beamer as heavy HFFs.

Sellar