Jaded No More

I doubt anyone of us is expecting that! But DB said there will be no limitations put on the team this year, and that means that anything can happen. We certainly have the on-field talent (when un-injured) to scramble 11/12 wins together next season. Can we even think of 8 other teams that have a definitively better list, and who are certainties to make the finals ahead of us? I can think of 4 at most.

Why shouldn't we? We made finals in 2006 and our list has not got worse, in fact, with natural improvement from the likes of Jones, McLean, Bate, Petterd, Dunn, Newton, Buckley etc... our list is looking healthy and capable. Apart from Neita and possibly White, most of our senior players should continue to produce at about the same level. Why are people choosing to remember the horrible, injury-ravaged year we had in 2007, and not the 3 years in which we played finals footy? It wasn't too long ago that we were sitting pretty in the top 4, before some ordinary losses saw us drop to 7th... I understand that as Melbourne supporters we tend to expect the worst outcome, but this lack of belief in the team is really frustrating.

Absolutely terrible news. He was probably the best commentator going around. Condolences to his family and friends!

I vaguely remember that Dunn completed the run in 9 minutes something

Most airlines won't give you a refund, but many will transfer your 'credit' to another flight. Maybe see if you can fly to Melbourne for a game instead. I recommend Queens Birthday... you get a finals atmosphere, plus a free trip to the zoo :D

Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year to everyone on Demonland. Thank you to all the posters who come here to share their opinions and make this site a fantastic pool of information for all us tragic Melbourne supporters.

It's a bummer for those keen supporters who made plans, but the bottom line is, playing at the MCG benefits our club significantly and that's the most important thing. One less interstate trip, our home ground... fantastic!

Not good!

We're over 11,000 now, just ahead of the Saints and North.

You missed my point. I think that Sylvia is still stuck in that 'kick it to Col' mentality. When he's fit he always fires up in the VFL, which consequently earns him a senior spot, but often he does not perform at AFL level when given the opportunity, but he's not dropped as a consequence. For example... In round 10 against Adelaide (an actual victory!), Sylvia only got 5 disposals. He played on the next week and only got 12 disposals. He played on for the rest of the season and never exceeded 18 disposals (and that was against Carlton!). Obviously given our injury list last year, we weren't rushing to drop players, but Sylvia hasn't performed at a level where he comfortably fits into a starting 18. He's been on the cusp from the day he was drafted. Just for the sake of comparison, CJ was dropped after Round 5 (15 disposals, 6 tackles in a losing side) and did not return until round 14. He had 8 disposals in Round 16 and was dropped immediately. I know that Sylvia is more talented than CJ, but can you see what I mean when I say that Sylvia hasn't had the hardest ride in terms of getting senior games? His VFL form has earnt him a recall, but his AFL form has been shakey to say the least. I think he is a supremely talented player, but he lacks urgency and he seems to be cruising along just waiting for things to happen, instead of making them happen. At least that's what it looks like from where I sit. I hope he makes it through this pre-season uninjured, and I hope he really comes on next season. If he doesn't, it might be time for him to start looking elsewhere.

The difference between TJ and Brock, is that Brock gets his own ball every single time, so tagging him is going to be more difficult than tagging a guy who is waiting for the ball to come to him. He is also a lot physically stronger than TJ. If Brock's tagger is an equally great inside midfielder and clearance winner, Brock will have a difficult day no doubt, but just as all good players have to do, he'll need to learn to deal with this part of the game. I trust that Bailey and Co. will prepare him for that. Besides, you're underestimating Jones.

Apart from all of his body issues, he also has an attitude problem IMHO. Bailey needs to make him realise that the team he plays for no longer has a game-plan that revolves around 'kick it to Colin' (which was what he got at Bendigo). When you think about it, he hasn't really had to fight for a senior position. He's been injured alot, and on the rare occasion when he's been fit, he would almost always get a game. He's only played 9 less games than Brock... that almost doesn't seem possible, does it?

Yeah that's correct. As Jarka said, Robbo was picked up in the draft. He 'was [censored]' (not my words ) and got dropped to the rookie list. He was then promoted again. Was a good pick up considering it was his 'Legends' tape that got him drafted. Imagine the fans' outrage if that happened today... maybe at Richmond it would... oh hang on, it won't now that they stole our recruiter <_<

What a fantastic kid! You really hope that someone like him makes a great career for himself, and if he manages to juggle a nursing course alongside his AFL commitments that would be a brilliant achievement (studying nursing is very time consuming and difficult!). Also, he must be known as Mini Whopper. He looks so much like Walshy, it's actually scary!

Can he get out of the rehab group first?

Cheers DD! What's with the two bandages on Rivers' index fingers? (how I managed to focus on his fingers, I'm not sure )

Robbo wasn't picked up as a rookie. He was drafted to the senior list, but was dropped to the rookie list for lack of doing anything impressive. He was then elevated back to the senior list. At least that's how the story I've heard goes...

Thanks Craig for all of your hard work, honesty and openness that you have displayed over the years, and thank you for being such a great contributer to this website I can certainly understand the need for a fresh challenge, but hopefully if Melbourne wins a flag in the next 2-3 years you'll have a beer for us and realise that you had a lot to do with that success. All the best for the future. P.S.- a special thanks for Brock, Jones, Bell, Rivers and Bartram :D

It's a big endorsement for Barts, giving him the #3 jumper! And Grimes at 16, from everything I've read about the kid, he couldn't be more different than the last player to wear that number.

My dad and I just watched the video and the first thing dad said was "it's Aaron Davey!". I'm most excited about his tackling, which from that short clip looks first rate. He's big, unlike Davey when he first started, so he can bring them down after he chases them too!

Hooray for Valenti! Even if he doesn't make it, it's a good story that he stuck it out and we finally gave him a chance. Can't really comment on the others, given that I can barely even pronounce their names. We know most rookies don't make it.... but being on the Melbourne rookie list definitely increases your chances, so good luck to them all :D

Surprise selection, without a doubt, but very happy we took a chance on someone new and unknown. Sampi is definitely not in any sort of shape, physical or otherwise, to play footy.

My money is on Sampi. I'd rather we took someone who we knew had the hunger and the commitment to play footy, but the club obviously feels his talent and ability cancel out the question marks that hang over his head... or so it seems.

Yes, that would be nice. Saw him last week and he was looking in absolute peak condition... either that, or his shirt was 3 sizes too small. Either way, he has no more excuses, he has to give us something this season. I have a feeling that, if his health is 100%, that Petterd will really make his mark next season and will go close to winning the Rising Star (he's still eligable!). Also Bartram will be hungry after missing a whole season with injuries.

He just needs to play... consistently, uninjured, and with complete focus. We do not have the luxury of arguing what position best suits Sylvia, because we haven't seen the best of him yet. Baby steps people, baby steps.