Jaded No More

I will, in 8 weeks time when I finally get to quit. I might just snow the entire place in Melbourne flyers

Funny, the number of expensive cars with Melbourne stickers in Brighton (where I work), has remained the same If I was allowed to I'd wear my Melbourne scarf to work and convince all the rich snobs that annoy me to spend less money on unflattering clothes and more money on the MFC.

Final bench predicition (wishes): Bell, Martin, Newton, Valenti.

It's in case they forget their names... they can chase their own back trying to identify who they are after a big night out

It is absolutely crucial that we get a priority pick this year. IMO Round 22 against Richmond is a certain victory given the amount of retirements that are on the cards, and given Richmond probably won't have anything to play for at that stage. And of course the game against West Coast will be the easiest win of the year given it's at the MCG and given West Coast are tanking themselves silly. That leaves the Freo and Essendon games as the only danger matches, but at least we play Freo at Subi (and thank god we play Port at AAMI, where we haven't won a game since 1985).

That's brilliant! Yze- Thanks for the memories, Fallout Boy The Brothers (Davey, Aussie & Whelan)- Better Together, Jack Johnson Sylvia- Sitting Waiting Wishing, Jack Johsnon Non-Melbourne related: Dale Thomas - A natural women, Aretha Franklin Barry Hall- a rush of blood to the head, Coldplay

While this is known world-wide as the worst tattoo ever, it's a bit like a car crash, ugly but you just can't look away... might have something to do with the placement of said tattoo. He could have a giant tattoo of Elmo smoking a joint on his lower abdomen and it still wouldn't look so bad

He's lucky he's an awesome footballer, because that tattoo is disgraceful! Fancy getting your own name tattooed all over your back... just how drunk was he when this piece of magic was permanently engraved on his body?! Regardless of his shocking taste in tattoos, it's good to hear he is getting daily treatment for torn abdominal/groin muscles (ouch!) and that he thinks he'll be right to go next year. I'm looking forward to the return of a fit and firing Rivers (and yes, I'm a believer).

Definitely. Being a really poor student with more bills than income, I can't really afford to donate a big lump sum to the club and I'm sure many people are in the same boat. But if I put even 50cents into a jar everytime I buy a coffee (on average 2 a day, 5 days a week), I could end up collecting an amount of money that won't hurt my back pocket but can still help out the club. I think it's a great idea, and it's especially good for kids who might get a few dollars a week pocket money. If their parents are Melbourne supporters they can put an extra few dollars in the jar each week... so that their kids can grow up watching Melbourne win premierships. I hope the club takes this suggestion on board. It's certainly a good one!

I don't know many players who get angry and punch the ground when they lose a one on one contest 80m away from goals! It shows a lot of passion and when someone really hurts when they lose a contest to me it shows that they are aware that they've let the team down. Selfish players usually get angry when they miss a goal etc... because it's an individual thing. Besides, defenders by nature are not selfish players. Being a defender is the most thankless, probably most difficult job in the team. I can't imagine how daunting it would be for a player who has played 12 games to line up on a player like Bradshaw who traditionally kicks 8 goals a match against us. That Garland was angry with himself on the few occassions Bradshaw outplayed him shows he really does want to do his absolute best for the team. It would be understandable if, at his age and with his experience, he would say to himself "oh well, it's one contest against an elite forward". But he doesn't, and that's great!

No way, really?

And clearly it worked wonders! :D

That's probably the thing I love most about Garland. He really is very determined, and I often see him punching the ground in anger when he loses a contest. I love players who hate losing even one single contest, it shows how much they care about the jumper.

Fair enough, but again his output last season stands at a grand total of 2 games. IMO that's not enough to classify someone as 'most improved'. He has been fantastic this year, without a doubt, and he has exceeded most people's expectations, but IMO it is a lot harder to improve when you've been in the system for a number of years, then it is when you are growing in experience. That's why guys like Miller, Wheatley etc... are real improvers, because after many years in the system they are finally showing us what they are capable of. Whereas with Garland, there is almost nothing to compare his current form to. This really does sound like I don't rate Garland or his development

Can I just make it clear that I am by no means trying to belittle the development or form of Garland. He has been an absolute revelation at FB and has impressed me beyond expectations. IMO those who think he is 'most improved' are probably those who thought he won't make it after 4 senior games. And Garland may not be a first year player, but he has spent a lot less time playing football than both Morton and Aussie, so he is pretty much on a level playing field.

I think you misunderstood what I was saying. Garland played 2 AFL games in 2007. How many players establish themselves in their club's best 22 after two senior games? He then went on to play 2 average games this year, and has since really established himself and grown in confidence. That is just the natural progression that most young players take. If we're going to award Garland the tag of 'most improved', we might as well mention Aussie and Morton as well. When I think of a player who has really improved this year, I think of players who have been in the system for a while and are now showing real signs of maturity. For example Miller, Wheatley and even CJ has started showing glimpses of real improvement. Garland was always going to improve with age and experience... I just can't believe it took him a whole 13 games to do it!

How does one win the award for most improved, when one has only played 4 games prior to 'improving'?

Way overdue. Should have got it the week he beat Franklin. Well done Col, and may you continue to serve humble pie to all those who put a line through your career after a grand total of 4 matches

My thoughts exactly! :D

If he wants to stay in Victoria he has to nominate for the draft this year, or he's going to the Gold Coast next year. This has "stay away W.A." written all over it. Excellent!

8

I think I read somewhere that Watts is committed to finishing year 12 next year, and will stay in Melbourne to do so even if he gets picked up by a W.A. team.

School holidays

I like what they are doing with Maric, making him understand the need for accountability by playing him in the backline.

Winning is probably not our number one priority, list development is, as evident by the continuous changes made to the team each week, and the fact that Bruce is our oldest player at the moment. However, the longer these kids play together, the more comfortable they become with the dynamics of the group and with the game plan, and if they win along the way because they are finally playing tough, accountable football, well you can't deny them that. We are obviously not risking anyone who is less than 100% fit, and we're playing the kids, you can't try and lose any harder than that... not if you want to develop a long-term winning culture, which is equally if not more important than having first pick (which I desperately want!)