Hannabal

Both aren't quick, but Selwood is far from slow.

It was the right answer to that question at that moment. He thinks quickly. You don't.

It's pretty old news mate.

I was at Dallas Brooks Hall on Sept 16, 1996 as a loosely aligned supporter of the Demon Alternative group with Mark Jenkins, Angus Graham, and Michael Dobel, amongst others. It's a night I'll never forget. I believe that the sentiment of the majority of supporters in that room were anti-merger. Some were feral in their vitriol towards those orchestrating such a move, including yours truly. I booed with venom pro-merger exponent Ron Barassi, and others, when their images came on the stage screen. We saved our best though for Tiger Ridley, Hassa Mann, Ian Johnson, Bill Guest and the rest of the Board when they appeared. There were anti-merger signs everywhere. After questions and answers from both sides, and after copping heaps for what seemed like an eternity, a defiant Ridley called his men up off their chairs to stand next to him at the front of the stage and urged them to raise their collective arms in a show of unity. We booed louder. It was one wild night. I don't feel great about abusing Melbourne icons now, but such was the passion of possibly losing my club that those emotions were hard to contain. And naturally it was a last chance to hopefully sway any swinging voters left in the room. I confess to having a grudging admiration for Ridley that night. Even though I didn't agree with him he shone amongst his peers amidst a sea of acrimony. The loudest cheers earlier in the night were for Robbie Flower when he made his way to his seat amongst supporters. Robbie had declared himself anti-merger in the preceding weeks. What many don't know, unless they were there that night, is that literally thousands of supporters were locked out of the venue. It was far too small to cater for the masses that wanted to attend and cast their vote. We did an impromptu sample survey of those queued outside and over 80% were anti-merger. They never got to vote. And it's no exaggeration to say that there were thousands locked outside. The Demon Alternative would have challenged the result in the courts due to the MFC failing to provide a venue that adequately catered to all those wishing to express a vote. Interestingly, the venue had been booked for that night by the MFC almost a year earlier. The pro-merge result now stands as part of our history, but the Board had a major advantage with proxies (including at least one Board Members private employees that didn't even barrack for Melbourne but joined up and voted 'yes' under instruction). And I don't begrudge the many supporters that faithfully voted 'yes' to the merger, as they placed their support in mostly good men, who at the time advocated the only viable solution they saw for a club lacking support. Unfortunately though, the result lends itself to dolts who have no real clue as to what it was like at the time, but like to regurgitate this part of our history in order to validate pre-conceived ideas about Melbourne supporters. If anyone wanted to know the definition of "passion" they only had to attend that night. I post this only to give a snapshot to those who know about the meeting, but were either too young to be there, or weren't able to attend. I also do it to give perspective against the backdrop of prejudice that envelops this part of our inglorious history.

Obviously players don't tank and clubs can't start orchestrating losses at round 6, but if we're within reach of a PP by round 13 it is incumbent on the club to do everything possible to ensure we make the best decisions for the long-term betterment of the list. It would be very Melbourne to end up with 5 wins. It'd make me sick.

It's not strange at all. Maric last year, Callan Ward, Dangerfield, Andrew Walker, etc.

Close thread.

Next time you know SFA STFU.

I expect Bail and Strauss to taste AFL level this season, and Bail in the not too distant future. Bail isn't competing with Grimes or Maric for a position in the side.

I thought it was his ankle ?

I particularly liked the "it's my opinion and I'm entitled to it" line in the last paragraph. Why people feel the need to point this out in advance is beyond me. Anyway, I think I've got it Doc. Now add the fact that Newton is clumsy and I diagnose Asbergers Syndrome. How am I travelling so far ?

I don't boo fullstop, but I didn't mind it. I like hearing a bit of passion from Dees supporters. It's a no biggy.

My only highlight was almost getting into a blue with a [censored] Melbourne supporter who was kicking the crap out of the mesh fence behind where people sit in front of the walkway and standing area on the MCC steps. Clown.

I too agree that Wonaeamirri was over-hyped last year, but having said that I think we presently miss him dearly. Also, he's lost a considerable amount of weight over the preseason, is moving faster, and just looks a different player. I saw him play for the Aboriginal Allstars earlier in the year, as well as an intraclub match at Casey and he was most impressive. Those judging him on his 08 output may well be surprised when they see the new version.

**trembles**

You are terribly easily pleased. Or stupid.

Dunn is a terrible footballer yet gets lauded by Melbourne supporters. Amazing.

I'll please myself when I reply. "Pathetic" is you and your mate going to ground with predictable timing.

That is a ridiculous and ignorant comment. Anzac day doesn't "glorify war" at all - no matter how overhyped it may seem.

I was standing with my Brother in our usual spot on the steps in the MCC when simultaneously we looked at each other. It was just after Newton made no attempt to make Morton's kick to him 'work'. He needed to back up slightly rather than have the ball sail over his head. He was too concerned about what might be coming behind.

Good post and I completely agree. It's interesting that in a subsequent post you use the term "un-Australian". My wife hates that term and doesn't understand what it means. I find it hard explaining it to her, although I expect it has some connotation with the good old Aussie moto of 'a fair go'. For a thoughtful and articulate thinker it's a shame that you're so unreasonable when it comes to the current Board and their achievements in difficult circumstances. But I don't want to divert the thread.

Firstly, what does "unloyal" mean. I assume you mean disloyal. Secondly, what a pathetic comment when you have no idea of supporters/barrackers personal situations.

Let's say as a hypothetical the Dogs have pick 15. You're suggesting perhaps Griffen and pick 15 ? It's getting close, but Griffen hasn't quite come on as expected and there are no certainties at pick 15 - just ask Lynden Dunn and Nick Smith. I doubt Freo would give up their Captain for that deal. And as a contracted player they hold the cards this year. No deal.

I'm sure the Dogs would love him, but to those suggesting a move there how do you propose they get him ? They'll be a top 4 side so won't have any decent draft picks to satisfy Freo, so who would they be prepared to give up that would genuinely cut the deal ? Adelaide and Port will probably be in the same boat, so returning to his home state will be exceedingly difficult.

It doesn't change your very valid point, but last year North's final membership tally was 34,342.