Melb-A-Toast

Jake Lever is an excellent intercept mark and spoiler. With Tom McDonald moving forward, we have been found wanting and Lever will stop 3-4 goals per game. Defensive rotations has left shorter players like Hunt, Jetta and Lewis trying to beat their taller opponents in one on one contests. Having Lever's skill to read the play and intercept is going to make those contests harder for the opposition. Once he has the ball, then the running power of Hunt, Hibberd and rotating midfield combined with the better delivery skills of Salem, Hibberd, Jetta and an improving Oscar McDonald will make the transition from backline to forward entries. This is a very good acquisition for Melbourne. To get an intercept defensive player of his quality from the draft is a lottery, so points equivalent of pick 4 is the right price. How much is stopping 3-4 goals worth?

Age is on his side. Expect a big growth spurt too.

That doesn't look like Max Gawn. :-(

Based on the quality available, Melbourne are more likely to get value by keeping as many 2018 picks.

they don't release the last rounds to keep the result in suspense

Based on prior games, Collingwood need to score over 100 points for them to win. This is something they have done a few times this year, but Melbourne's defence has been pretty solid all year. As long as the midfield holds sway...

Melbourne has the 4th best scores for and midtable (9th) on scores against. Based on Simon Goodwin's statement prior to last game that we have won the 4th most quarters, these data tend to be a positive indicator to finishing the season well. Obviously losing the close ones, and starting poorly are the aspects which will have to improve to get these positive aspects to more wins.

This is such a frustrating game. We are winning everything except for kicking at goals. Even umpires have evened out since half time.

that has a nice Ring to it.

The demonic peace? Or is that referencing the books about a demon hunting soccer mom (sic)?

Melbourne are working towards getting their DNA right ?

No I haven't as yet. Though it is interesting that both groups had my number and knew of my prior purchase. And I also thought the past players raffle was not of interest.

I have now received two different calls from past players association Melbourne Football Club regarding their respective raffles. Being a regular purchaser of MFC raffle I was under the view that the raffle had changed until I got the call from MFC. However now I suggest caution until there is validation of each's credentials.

I've been going through the games, which bring back memories. Also they show how I've forgotten players, as well as appreciate players that I didn't rate as highly way back then. Beveridge, Dyson, Clark for example.

it's the same design that Liverpool have this season.

There seems to be for some posters an OCD for OCDD. Let the club leadership sort it out and we should move on.

Hogan is a competitive beast according to his teammates. So he is a must for us to keep. His body language is sometimes a reflection of his competitiveness. Lots of other things to work on, but he is integral to ensuring future success

I have been following most of the papers, and on the whole, there are a mix of quality journalism. However there are three things that baffle me. How can editors & journalists allow/enable bad English (just an anecdotal assessment but News seems to be the biggest culprit). This includes bad spelling and of course grammar How can the Herald sun's latest information about Melbourne include (Click on the Melbourne icon) that we are 17th, with one win, and seven losses. Last year I saw articles about Dean Bailey (as coach). How can The Age (continue to employ Caroline Wilson, sorry I digress) have all the teams in the drop down list in alphabetic order... except Melbourne which is below North Melbourne! Even Kangaroos should be after Demons - the last time I checked the Alphabet.

Dee-Voted, what's the code for Barassi league? I hope my spot is still available...

Happy to be signed in at the bottom of Barassi league. I am hopeful of a better season just like Melbourne this year

Terlich suffers injury at training probably read the mfc site ...

Mark Mark Neeld's needs and then compare them with his gets. Depth in marking forwards; small defensive forwards; depth, skill and speed in midfield; ability to spread; elite delivery from half back line. All looks good to me

To coin a radio parlance term: long time reader, second time poster (maybe third) I am a tragic/optimistic supporter. Every year we witness the comings and goings of players, sometimes coaches, sometimes administrators which drives posters to make an assessment of such a transition, of which I sympathise and empathise somewhat. I have generally been disappointed to lose players/coaches and hopeful that the new players/coaches will make a significant impact in the next few years, preferably immediately. There are a few exceptions, of course. This year is significanlty different! I am not certain whether Mark Neeld is the 10 year successful coach that we clearly need, and there always seems to be a better coach/player/administrator somewherer else. Mark Neeld and his team This trading period has seen a cleanout - those who don't want to play for us (Rivers), and those who we don't want or are ambivalent towards (all the rest, seemingly). This has to be a good situation for the future, even if the short term doesn't produce the results I am hoping for. Kudos must go to Mark Neeld and coaching staff, for attempting to change the culture of mediocrity. How is this going to turn out? I certainly do not profess to know. I do however know that the status quo within the playing group had to be disrupted. Considering that the biggest externally viewable difference that occurred this year was the introduction of Mitch Clark, with his singular focus to make Melbourne successful, this is a supporter that the change has to come from without, so that they can inlfuence within. Good luck to the former Melbourne players. Welcome to the new, and may you be the foundation of the reinvigorated Demons

Does he have current form or are we looking for a spark from him?

I heard that there was really exciting talk about him last year as a great future player. I hope so. He is relatively tall and considering that he has put in a decent preseason, with a good fitness base, he provides Neeld a few options of where to play him.