Little Richard

A mature back up ruck would be nice. At least we have our tall defence 'covered', they just need to improve a bit.

Great stuff Little Goffy, thanks for that. You've restored my optimism which is no mean feat.

He's been reading Demonland!

I don't think this is a valid reason. We've struggled to break out of our back fifty in most of our games there, particularly yesterday against North. If it's the width of the ground, hypothetically that should also make it easier for us to break out of other teams zones. I think it's mental and it has snowballed since our first loss there this year.

Better get 'intensity and intent' registered then...

We have angry men. Poise is exactly what we need right now.

Anyone have examples in recent memory of sides who got agonisingly close in plenty of games but just fell short, and then went onto 'click' the next season and win a flag? I need some reassurance.

True. Definitely shot ourselves in the foot by not going for a mature tall or ruck in the rookie draft. As you say though, hopefully they go with a couple of talls this season.

We've recruited superbly, if we'd drafted KP's instead of the players we did we'd be lamenting the lack of quality midfielders.

I expected that we'd struggle to win today. They had a reason to fire up last week against Adelaide (Hoges), and still can't find the fire within themselves without an external influence like that. Until they can grow mentally, we'll continue to see saw.

One week is a long time in football. After the Hawthorn loss our back line was 'disgraceful' and we needed two more high quality tall defenders if we were ever going to beat anyone again. Props to Frosty who is playing some really good footy. Love how he takes the game on with dash out of the back line, but it can be a bit frustrating when he gains 20 metres on foot and then handballs to a stationary player. Hopefully he'll iron out the little kinks with time but he's coming along nicely.

I've voted for Clarrie's goal about 7 times now. He better get the nomination.

Nice little read. Sheds even more light on the benefits of having McCartney around. He sounds like a brilliant developmental coach and the players love him.

He's doing a great job so far, but I'd still say the title of leagues best coach remains with the guy who has won 4 flags. Goody is making great head way though and hopefully he can get to that level one day!

Poor kid, how much does he have to put up with in one year!? Wishing him all the best.

Even Hogan, if that choice had to be made?

Watching the game for a third time. Shoot me.

And 6 points clear on top of the Age rankings. Great stuff Clarrie!

Honestly, I thought Bernie was always going to cop a fine for that. But the fact that Guthrie, who literally pushed the umpire out his way with force gets nothing, is an absolute farce.

Enjoy. http://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/2017-05-15/rd-8-all-the-goals

So pleasing to see him back at full flight, he's such a competitive beast. Viney, Oliver and Petracca rotating through the middle is a frightening prospect for any team. The un-tackleable trio.

So are you actually a neurosurgeon? Because in another thread you didn't know that helmets don't necessarily prevent concussions.

I think the clip returns to closer to real time as the ball passes the near post, as it speeds up. You can also see the change in speed in the reactions and movements of the fans in the stand. Clean goal for me.

One post calling for him to retire, relax.

Many knocks to the head = concern. It's pretty simple. That's not a knee jerk reaction.