Hannabal

Would never get on their list. Big Fat ZERO

Obviously I don't when he'll debut, but I want him playing against the Filth on Queen's Birthday.

I don't like the cotton wool approach, but I'm happy with how they're managing Watts. That said, when he's ready play him.

I've been led to believe that Rivers isn't as professional in some aspects around a football club as others, from being responsible and diligent enough in his own rehab to being actively involved in issues usually expected of a senior player. Take that for what it's worth. Or don't.

You clearly don't place much emphasis on accuracy then, as while his style is somewhat easy and whimsical he regularly either calls the wrong player, or none at all until he does the old backtrack once he's worked out, or been told, who it was. That's not 'professional' calling.

In my opinion Norm Smith is head and shoulders above any other Demon. How can he not be when he either played in or coached 10 of our 12 flags. 1. Smith 2. Barassi 3. Ridley - player/coach/committee member/president 4. Flower - kept the spirit of long suffering supporters alive 5. Checker Hughes/ Iva Warne-Smith

Barassi never left for money, Clown. Btw, that's not to say that he didn't get far more than what Melbourne could or would pay/afford.

I have nothng but warmth and kindness for my fellow supporters. Peraps it was your "Nor I the dull bleating of the easily impressed." that provided my 'misunderstanding'. Please forgive me.

Perhaps you should be a little more understanding of your fellow supporters. Three weeks ago the club had no major sponsors, was endlessly in the media for the wrong reasons, and was the source of regular barbs from opposition supporters. Talk of dieing, merging, or relocation was a constant diet. The club has much work to do, no doubt, but the alliance with the City of Casey; which is the fastest growing demographic in Australia, together with the MCC reunification, provides an abundance of opportunities that now need to be capitalised upon. Yes, they're still early steps, but very important ones. Add the 3 new sponsorships which, if Demetriou is to be believed, places us at the top of the middle tier of sponsorships in the AFL - say around 5th ? - and over $3mil of debt reduced by supporters, then there's every reason for the worried faithful to take a moment to recognise some not so insignificant achievements over the last 6 months. Naturally the not so "easliy pleased" such as yourself, snigger at the satisfaction gained by plebians rejoicing in such relatively trivial gains. Or, maybe you could have said: "Great news, but still lots more work to do to ensure our long-term viability". That would have been balanced and reasonable, but you chose the 'hero worship' angle because it made you seem so superior. Hope you're smug.

Nah, it was interpreted just fine. I just don't like condescending crap

A more verbose response than needed, but I accept your sentiments, although I don't fit into the "club has been saved" brigade. Also, I'm far from paranoid. What was your last alias ?

That said, the silence is DEAFENING. He and wing joined within a day or two of our 150th birthday celebrations at Crown when it became apparent that there was to be a Board challenge. From the moment they started posting they showed dissent to the new guard whilst lavishly praising the old guard. They referred to the Hankook sponsorship as being minor, Kaspersky then came along but they tried to ridicule the circumstances of the deal despite the supporter at the coal face stating how impressed his APAC boss was with Stynes and his social work, and these factors were instrumental in Kaspersky becoming involved. We then announced a third new sponsorship with Betezy, but I've heard nothing. Now, we are clearly talking about 2 very passionate Demons here Rhino, so surely they'd like to shout from the rafters on these forums about how happy they are about the third sponsorship and now the not so trivial matter of the MFC rejoining the MCC. Yet not a whimper. And Fan even lauds them for their balanced contribution. Please... EDIT: And now Ho Chi Min gives us more of the 'hero worship' insinuations just as Hazy and wing did before him. Hmm. Are you thinking what I'm thinking B2 ? It seems that anyone that has a modicum of satisfaction in what Stynes and co have done to date runs the risk of being labelled 'starstruck'.

If his output has gone backwards it would be marginal. He was tagged because he does have line breaking ability and we don't have many/any that do. There's not a lot of Dees players that put fear into the opposition. That said, he's been grossly overrated as a player by Dees fans for years. I remember starting a thread a number of years ago lamenting his third placing in the B&F as being a joke at the time for reasons I won't dredge up now. Put Davey in a better side with a much better midfield and he'd create havoc - I hope that doesn't sound too contradictory. He's a victim of a midfield lacking any elite players within its rotation. And whilst I fear that many Dees fans are over the top regading his worth I recognise his value in an elite team in modern footy. Maybe someone should start a thread on McLean and modern footy.

I agree with him on the Mexican wave ...

No, your memory fails you. We couldn't read his name out quickly enough and he was widely acknowledged as a top 3 pick.

Let me qualify, William. I reckon Garland will be a very good player, but I don't quite see an out and out champion. Morton has the potential to become a star. Will he ? Who knows, but we need a couple to win a flag, hence I'm hoping that we all look back and say that Morton was CAC's parting gift and best pick during his reign. Even though it was a 'no brainer' of a selection at the time. Mr Positive

You were one of a few. I know who I was refering to and so does the recipient. If you're still not convinced read the threaed again.

It was explained to you in the "Team 4 round 1" thread why Martin shouldn't be picked and more specifically play forward. It still hasn't sunk in ?

I doubt it.

Some of their skills are poor, but I reckon the problem last night was more their mindset. It's amazing what pressure can do, it's why Finals are so different again to H&A. I bet just about all their players hardly miss a target at training, but the pressure of a real match is a whole new world. Just ask Paul Wheatley.

It will be very interesting how Cameron's tenure is remembered. It's been done to death in a few threads, but will be worth revisiting at some point. What gun player has been drafted by Melbourne this decade ? The best has been Scott Thompson, and he plays for another club and lacks elite kicking skills. Unfortunately luck does play a part in drafting. Some years are simply better than others, and there's a fair case to mount that most of the players picked up after CAC's picks haven't been great, but the facts remain he hasn't brought much quality to the club. McLean's the best, but in my view he's not much better than good/ordinary. Morton, Maric and Grimes potentially look good, but they bloody well need to be. I've critized CAC and I've also defended him, but his record is much like most of our players - ordinary - not withstanding that I reckon he didn't have a lot of luck. But that's another thread.

Cheney is needed as a small back in the absence of Whelan. Jones will definately get the nod. It would comes as no surprise if the Bunbury boys debut in the same match. It would be great for them to share such a moment and they add much needed flair and pace to the side.

It makes sense, as there's just no room for Martin and he's not a 'handy' bench player.

Thoughtful post, Fat. One of your better ones.

He's annoyed because it's not a good start for his rediculous prediction for the Bluey