Jaded No More

Weather would have had a lot to do with final selections as well. If it's going to be wet (which is likely), you don't want to have Miller, Dunn, Newton and Frawley sitting on the bench. Brown's disposal will look excellent if the weather is nasty And an official congratulations to Simon Buckley for making his debut. You've grown up loving the Dees, now it's time to win them some damn games... no pressure

Yes he does need to perform Rhino, but not every player comes in and dominates straight away. He has never been given a meaningful stretch of games to get comfortable and show his ability. Most others have, despite showing as much (or as little if you like) as CJ, and many have come good. Patience is a virtue we don't always seem to possess.

I find that going each way leaves less room for disappointment

So basically Nathan Carroll's going-out outfit? *Please note: I have never actually seen Carroll in tight leather pants

-Is everybody over this season? Very much so. Sorry, but I am. -Does anybody care if we lose this Sunday? Nope, as long as the kids show something and we don't get belted, I'm happy. -Do people actually want us to lose to get the best draft picks possible? I never want to see us lose, but I really want the best possible draft pick as compensation for this horrible season. -Will you be upset if we lose? Not really. -Are you going? Silly question. Of course. -Crowd? If the weather is ugly like today, around 38,000

CJ has all the right elements to make it, at least skills wise. IMO his biggest problem is confidence. Much like Bell and Carroll, who spent a lot of time in the obscurity of Sandy (apologies to the mighty Zebras), all he needs is the backing of the coach to say "you get the rest of the year, go play and prove to me you deserve to be here. Don't worry if you make mistakes". Don't understimate the value of feeling like you belong. CJ must be terrified of stuffing up, and being dropped. How many times did Bell get caught with the footy last year, and people were screaming that he had no awareness and should be banished from senior footy. Like Bell, CJ needs to let the fear of failure go and start to believe that there is a reason why he got drafted. It must be hard seeing players like Sylvia who got drafted alongside him, get so many opportunities. If he has the backing of the footy department, and their belief, he'll make it.

Actually I think it went something like this: ND: So Aker.... (Thinks to self: how do I break the news to this guy that he is slightly off centre...)... I'll talk to my leadership group about you Aker: What you talkin bout? ND to Leadership Group: I spoke to Aker, you're right, he's mentally unstable. ND to Aker: Sorry mate, my boys are dead against you *cough*

Damn straight! To be honest, on most current form, only Junior deserves it. McLean has had an ordinary two weeks, and Bruce... well... he can't kick *ducks*. The problem is, we are not moving forward if we let Junior captain. We need to use the opportunity while Neita is recovering from multiple injuries to test the leadership water.

I rest my case...

How's the youth policy going when Brown, Bizzell and Ward are in the team ahead of Dunn, Newton and Frawley? Miller to play CHB, with Pickett, Holland and Dunn to miss out. BTW, with Neita and Green both out, who captains the side? Junior will probably get the nod given he played a great game last week, but I'd like to see McLean get another go before Neita returns (if he returns this year).

CJ has to get a game, seriously, who else needs to fall over and get injured before he gets a go? Let's not forget, there could still be more outs. At the moment only the injured players have been named as outs, but there are a whole host of players who should probably be omitted. I'd drop Brown and add CJ to your ins.

Out: Neita (finger, knee and hamstring... so nothing wrong there really ), Bell (hammy), Green (knee), TJ (achilles) In (from): BUCKLEY, Frawley, Dunn, Miller, CJ, Pickett, Holland This is according to Ch.10, who claimed Buckley will make his debut. Hoorah!

I wouldn't bet my house on it just yet... He's been named on the extended bench according to Ch.10

Exactly. If we don't take a chance on him, someone else will. He might be a failure, but so might anyone else we appoint (Connolly?! <_< ). However, if the risk comes off, it will come off in a huge way and we'll reap the rewards for having the balls to make the move early. He won't be available at the end of 2007... in fact, this might be our one and only chance to get him.

How many 22 year olds with less than 100 games experience get asked to lend a hand in the box? I certainly don't remember any. The Judd, if he was injured, might get a gig. Who else? You usually see senior players in there, and even that doesn't happen often. Personally I think it's great. He'll learn much more than if he just walked laps for the rest of the year.

He'd love Byron Pickett, they can have eating contests together... And why oh why is Chris 'Marshmallow' Connolly still at such short odds? :angry:

Fantastic news, especially in regards to Rivers. It's important that we keep these players involved, even if their season is over on the field. It will keep them motivated and interested. I'm liking Riley a lot so far, especially since he doesn't spin any [censored]. Just tells you how it is and gets on with it. Interesting that he said the club will try to get Bryon to 200 games. He is a real goner come the end of the season, but I do hope he gets his 200 games. P.S.- How highly does the club rate Rivers?! Getting a 22 year old to assist with the coaching... what a vote of confidence!

Has a year left on his contract. Can't see him pulling the plug early, although it could free up a spot on the veterans list (Whitey can take it), leaving extra room in our salary cap, which would be handy.

Actually I saw it, threw up a little, and chucked the paper in the bin... Of course, if the same unfortunate misprint happened to the guy on the left, I probably would have framed it

I'm so sorry to hear that Ash. I couldn't begin to imagine what it would be like to lose a child. Rant away, you're not the only one who comes on here to vent their anger/frustration

It's all one big positive imo, especially Wheels, Bartram and Rivers having the rest of the year off to get themselves right. They are three key players and they need to be fit for next season. Buckley sounds like a good chance to debut as well, which is exciting.

Given this week is based on the 70's and 80's, what else are we meant to wear? Besides, for once, losing might not be such a bad thing.... it'll sure [censored] Carlton off!

Honestly, I'm a bit over this season and the sooner it ends, the quicker we can start the new chapter of MFC's history. 2008 is going to be a big year off the field for the club, as it is our 150th year. Hopefully the on-field action will match the celebrations. And trust bloody Melbourne to be dominating and participating in finals next year when I'm away at the end of September! <_<

Disagree. You were enlarging Didak's groin area... it's disturbing regardless of gender *Vomit*

Thanks everyone. That Brock picture is absolute gold. What a legend!