AgRogers

Desperately need to wake up and run out the game. This is inexcusable.

Biggest actual indicator I feel says he is going was watching the team song in the rooms on Sunday. A lot of passion around the group, and the song was ending when it got around to Tom and he looked very Dead Pan and uncomfortable, couldn't wait to break the circle and get away. Looked to me like a bloke who wanted to share the excitement of the group, but didn't want to let him self enjoy it or get hyped because he knows he is not sticking around to enjoy so much more of this in the coming years. Great to see the likes of Martin, McKenzie, Watts, Trengove, How, Nicholson etc. so excited with the win together. We just need to remember the talent we are building in our midfield, and the potential for our greatest side of the last 50 years. If Tom decides to move on we shouldn't hold that against him. On the field the players all know they have to play their role in the team, and when it comes to negotiating their share of the salary cap that should be no different. If Tom wants to chase the big bucks up North best of Luck to him, but we need to restrain any offer to him to a level that will not put the greater team at risk. No one player is bigger than the awesome team we are building. I really hope Tom sticks around and forms a core of a powerful Melbourne midfield going forward. If not though, I hope he is the professional we all know he works tirelessly to be and provides Melbourne with enough notice to negotiate the best mfc outcome from the move, plan it's list and recruiting going forwards. Just show us some respect on your way out mate. We have welcomed you like a brother and will do so again if you take an "impossible to refuse " offer but work for our best interests on your way out.

I am a long time reader and first time poster, so sorry if starting a new thread breaks with protocol. I respect the opinions of demon land members so please excuse any break with protocol. I was at the Carlton game last week and the game tonight. I am ecstatic with the improvement this week over last in attitude, intensity, creativity, and defensive awareness. We turned up to play, which was awesome. however it was all too predictable, and over recent times we have been able to find a new level when the presure is on. tonight's llevel of intensity and concentration needs to become the norm now. For tonight to mean anything, we need to see the intensity maintained in a likely loss against the pies next week, and maintained for an important win against the Dockers the following week. Tonight's effort means nothing if we are "valiant" in massive defeat next week, and insipid against Freo the week after. Consistency of this effort is what makes a team, and builds confidence in the coaching panel. Passion on the field at all times is the key! Tonight was a great game, and special mentions go to Frawley and Rivers (rock solid in defence), Trengove, Gysberts, Bemer, Scully in the midfield (fearless and creative/confident), and Green and Watts up front. The kind of football we have known you can produce, now you should own this standard going forward. GREAT signs tonight but like the Adelaide game, it only matters if they are maintained. Challenge is to build on tonight in the coming weeks, and I BELIEVE WE HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO DO THIS. Take confidence from tonight's game, remember the effort it takes to achieve this win. Strive for the feeling of a tight fought win against a highly rated opponent. You have the skills and the strength. Just KNOW IT!!