PaulRB

So, training went well?

I reckon out 22 will be defined by 1. opposition 2. kg in the midfield (bigger bodies welcome) 3. strength, speed and footskills along the flanks 4. height and strength down the spine with the CHB and CHF being especially fleet of foot. 5. creativity in the pockets I know I'm not really saying much more than observing whats happening, but I'm liking what I see.

I don't care if I watch the MFC play at the G in a 200 million dollar comp without the expansion teams or a billion dollar comp with the expansion teams. Irrespective, I'll be watching my team play at the G. More money in the AFL pot does not equate to the MFC being more likely to succeed (or exist) and if soccer (yawn) does become the dominant sport and the AFL has to play second fiddle, so what... Too many Napoleons at AFL HQ in my view and their ruthless and cynical stripping players from foundation clubs to boost their McFrancise teams has done more to strip what I love about footy then many administrations in the past. The best thing about GWS pinching Scully is that I now have a reason to feel some emotion when we play them, in stark contrast to when we play GC, Brissies, Port, Freo etc... I watch the game to enjoy the artistry and savour the victories and in general the expansion just means more white bread... And because I feel something for GWS I want them to suffer a long painful era of very little success (i.e. same as i wish for the Pies, Hawks, Blues, Dons etc...). It's a simple game.

I like that we can relax in 2012 and watch the GWS plague descend on someone else's house. If that dark cloud were to descend on the Lexus Centre I for one would not be unhappy...

In any behaviour change campaign, making a public commitment increases the likely hood that the thing committed to will be delivered. The fact that MN has publicly stated his goal to make the MFC team harder, and has publicly stated his desire for the players named to lift their game will increase the likely hood of these things happening... Hence it's all good. Go Dees

Fev told he has no role at Casey next year... The revolution continues. Go Dees.

Lovetts appointment would allow the MFC to ensure the interests of the MFC were being supported by the program being run at Casey... therefore, got to happen.

Fair enough. From the training reports it may be a couple of years for Sam to build the engine and physique to play full time in the middle. In the intrim, Sam playing as a creative HBF (with midfield cameos), allows Grimes to go into the middle..?

I think the value of the role depends on the game plan of the team. I think Wojo (and others) at Geelong often plays the rebounding HBF, Shaw or OBrien at Pies, and it works because those teams will often start their attacks from the HB line. They even "retreat" to the HB line when under pressure so they can switch and reload... in that model Sam would play a critical role, worthy even of his lofty draft pick no#.

I would have thought that breaking out of an oppositions's forward press and the ability to rapidly transition the ball into the forward like (before the opposition can flood numbers back) make Sam the ideal HBF for the modern game. He can cut through traffic under pressure and create options up forward.

I love life and I don't want to miss out Keep fighting Jimmy

Even draw with a tough first half season followed by a easier second half season. We play with 8 of the top 8 (2011) teams in the in first 11 games followed by 1 of the top 8 (2011) teams in final 11 games. We also play freo twice in the second half of the season who would be looking to re-enter the top 8 in 2012. The tough patch from Round 4 - 11 will reveal alot about how the team is travelling in 2012 relative to the tough patch we had in 2011 (i.e. leading up to 186)..

Even draw with a tough first half season followed by a easier second half season. We play with 8 of the top 8 (2011) teams in the in first 11 games followed by 1 of the top 8 (2011) teams in final 11 games. We also play freo twice in the second half of the season who would be looking to re-enter the top 8 in 2012. the tough patch from Round 4 - 11 will reveal alot about how the team is travelling in 2012 relative to the tough patch we had in 2011 (i.e. leading up to 186)..

According to the Age the AFL have had enough of the GWS Sh#tting on their investment - "Dave Matthews, currently the AFL's general manager of national and international development, will be the new chief executive of the Giants." Read more: http://www.theage.co...l#ixzz1bxZWR4Vn

Will the AFL now have to reconsider the compensation given to MFC as the payments to Scully just increased by his Dad's salary (i.e. 100,000 x 5 yrs)? Not likely I know, but given they assessed the compensation without all the facts...

Is he likely to be available for our first pick?

No.

Watched Tom's games with interest and he has a cool head, strong body and hands, reads the play well and delivered ok under pressure. With another pre-season he's a good third tall back option and should free up Garland for more creative duties. I'd hope he'd play at least 12+ games next year. I suspect with a bit of confidence he'll be a beast.

Pies then Hawks in Round 2 & 3 of pre-season cup should keep the boys grounded.

I like Tom McDonald and think his inclusion opens the door for "the Undertaker" (Garland) to move up the field (wing or even as lurking tall forward) which would have the added bonus of him playing a negating/defensive role in these attacking positions, and provide the team with more flexibility. I also think he would thrive on the challenge and possibly show us that he is a better player than we thought.

Col's crime was to further highlight how sensitive the AFL/Media is to players not taking their Irish sideshow seriously.

That's sad.

Be interested in how Mark Neeld approaches a number of players now, namely: Col, Aaron, Brad, Cale to mention a few of the obvious ones. What would you say (or do) to Colin if you were his coach?

Hey Sloonie I understand your confusion. My view is different people have different perspectives on these kinds of issues which can be entwined and cause us all confusion. 1. The Circus - From the furthest out this incident is reported in the media as irresponsible and us fans feel other supporters mocking us (as we would mock other clubs fans if the situation was reversed) and worry it might put some prospective fans off. My view on this is that the media generally slant things to the negative because this allows then to roll out an endless stream of editorials (judgements), as many have done here. 2. The Club - From the Club perspective incidents like this can be irrelevant (see Hawks win flag with Buddy or Eagles win flag with Benny) or detrimental (see Saints with Milne, what's her name, etc...). and us fans fear that these incidents are a sign of malase and ill discipline. My view on this is that footy clubs are institutions for young men and as such they have various internal methods to help keep their young men within a defined range of social behaviour, i.e. Todd Viney singles Sylvia out for a special training session or punishes the whole group to establish the behaviour... this is club business and I have no doubt the MFC is on top of this. This is private club business and should rarely be made public. I also think that a level of vibrancy in a group of young men is essential to have them bond and commit to the effort and dedication required to win a flag, and that some times these group bonds are formed with the assistance of alcohol.. 3. The Individual - There are many reason why someone might get hammered, for example their girlfriend just dumped them, they are celebrating, what ever... Its not my business to judge and none of us know Colin well enough to do anything but gossip about him. Sometimes growing up can be hard. Anyway, Bring on Pre-season and a big year from Colin. The torch is well and truely on him this year.

If I hire a player who is flawed to act in a way that requires traits that he has not shown before, am I partly responsible when things go astray? Colin is a known party boy, it's the off season, what do party boys do?