Jaded No More

I think Spencer is more than adequate backup but he isn't 2nd ruck material in a best 22 lineup because he isn't mobile enough. Still makes him valuable on the list as you must have a ready to go ruckman should your first option become unavailable. And given Gawn's injury history, we need one more than most.

Kid probably tackled his own placenta on the way out. Had 3 weeks off for rough conduct.

Sounds like it's Gawn or bust in the ruck. Fingers crossed he stays fit!

Is anyone else worried that Jones has been missing in action both in the match simulation and now the practice match? Anyone got any info?

Would love to go and enjoy my only bit of footy until June, but it is my last day at work and I don't think they'll be impressed if I miss my own farewell. Counting on the trusty Demonland community to provide play by play updates, and here is hoping for no injuries!

Very important for our structure. He gives us much needed speed at half forward and on the wing. Good user of the footy and aggressive to boot, plus a tidy over head mark for his size. Just needs to keep fit and keep the hammies intact. With no sub, I reckon he might be used a bit on the wing, which will be exciting. Similar to how they used Garlett in bursts last year.

Thank you all for the report So thrilled for Trenners! Anyone got anything on Jones absence?

Wish I had that problem!

This photo... the smiles... *swoon*

Viney should definitely not save those tackles for game day either, as it sounds like a 3 week suspension!

I love that we are training hard, but please please please footy gods spare us injuries! Thanks for the report everyone.

I love Viney, but TMac is actually correct It is stupid if Viney gives TMac a concussion, or worse, a neck injury. Then we are screwed!

Will the NAB challenge matches be available to view online for those of us not in the country?

The people I actually feel for are Essendon supporter This never ending drama must be incredibly exhausting. We only had to deal with the tanking disgrace for a short period, and that was hard enough. Essendon just need to let this go. They [censored] up, cop it on the chin and move on. The AFL should have put an end to this by now. If they appeal and drag the AFL's name through the mud again, the AFL should say they are not going to get a first round draft pick this year. Watch how quickly they all drop this appeal nonsense.

Thanks for the great reports! Really can't afford for Salem to have those hamstring issues carry on again. Hope it is nothing serious.

Another contender has to be Billy Stretch Had a good pre season and his body is much further ahead than it was LY

Amazing news. Thanks. Definitely deserves all the luck in the world.

I don't get why anyone would begrudge him. It's one more year of footy, good money, additional exposure which could lead to other opportunities off the field (e.g.- coaching). Jamar also has a kid on the way, so good on him for extracting another year of top dollar footy salary! The players joining Essendon now have nothing to do with the drug saga and don't deserve to be tarnished with the same brush.

I wish him luck The only silver lining in this whole Essendon disaster is that 11 players will get to have another crack at top level footy.

Hopefully Salem. We desperately need class off half back, and with Melksham out, Salem becomes even more crucial. Less Lumumba kicks to nowhere, more Salem top class disposal please!

Think what we would say if Hogan decided to take a leave of absence because he was too homesick, but we didn't wanna trade him I'm all for playing hardball with your best players, but if McCartney was so hell bent on leaving for home, and GWS refused, what have they actually gained? They are clearly not likely to convince him to stay, and if they thought otherwise, they are obviously delusional.

I agree that is a spoilt sook, but GWS grandstanding on this trade has clearly come back to bite them. Will leave for the same or less at the end of the year when he's out of contract.

The only thing I'm interested in now, is how do we keep Melksham fit and ready until next September? Can we pay for him to have a personal trainer which gets specific information from the club regarding a training and nutritional program?