Macca

Happy to see the end of Jeff Gieschen and hopefully things will improve now that he is going. The decline in the standard of how the game has been umpired in the last 15 years has been astonishing ... and I have the utmost respect for the umpires in general - it is not their fault that they've had such incompetent people above them. Those above Gieschen also need to shoulder much of the blame including those on the rules committee. The fish rots at the head. Players are now allowed to seemingly hold on to the ball forever, they're often allowed to throw it, duck their heads into tackles etc etc. The rolling mauls and congested play can be directly attributed to how the game is umpired. Not that many years ago, a quick ball up or a free kick was paid to break up play - sometimes it worked in your favour and other times it didn't - everyone just got on with it. The game was much more open because of the interpretation of the rules ... and the occurrence of having 36 players in one quarter of the ground was rare (that now happens all too frequently) Again, this is not an attack on the umpires as I believe they should not be blamed for the way the rules of umpiring are interpreted. They're acting under instruction, Under the circumstances, the umpires have generally done a fine job and are always going to make the odd mistake. They should appoint an ex umpire into the position of umpires director (or advisor) That has worked better in the past - for instance, Bill Deller was an excellent umpires director and was highly respected.

Interesting development ... Lehmann ponders Faulkner inclusion However, this other article seemed a fair bit more definite ... ... Ryan Harris will play in Adelaide Test if he's fit, says coach Darren Lehmann

Yep, drafting is the key, 'cfh'. But like all drafts, they're not definitive and there's still a lot of luck involved. We're not badly placed at WR and our running game with Lacy involved is a lot better. We've drafted about 10 defensive players in the last 2 years - maybe a bit of time is needed or we could have drafted badly (as a consequence, not necessarily as anything that involved negligence or having poor recruiters or scouts) In the end, It still gets back to the QB. "Them's the breaks" (no pun intended!) But in all honesty, my thoughts have turned more towards the make up of the rest of the League. Seattle have this huge home field advantage in the NFC but a few doubts remain. In the AFC, Denver have an issue with regards to Manning in freezing and adverse conditions. I reckon the Super Bowl winner is up for grabs and any number of teams can win it. I still think the 49ers are a big show if they can get it all together. New England are the other team that can be very good on their day.

The Ravens might be making a move ... their next 4 are vs Minnesota, @ Detroit, vs New England and then @ Cincinnati. Scary moment when Pittsburgh's Le'Veon Bell lost his helmet near the end of today's game. Thankfully he was all right (as was his opponent, Jimmy Smith) Hell, it's a brutal sport! The Steelers could win their last 4 but that's probably what they'd have to do to have a chance of making it. Their remaining games are vs Miami, vs Cincinnati, @ Green Bay and then vs Cleveland. It's possible but losing today was a body blow. The Raiders put up a good show but the Cowboys were too good and might be heading for the playoffs - they play the Eagles at home in week 17 (that game could decide things)

Well, it had to happen. Blown away completely in a game without Rodgers. At least it wasn't a surprise. Just goes to show what can happen when you're reliant on such a top line player. I can't see an easy answer though - he's irreplaceable and any 2nd stringer is always going to pale in comparison. Rodgers is worth every cent and more. Detroit had one of their better days as well.

Yeah, I agree. I'd prefer to see that game over a couple of others although the other 2 "late" games have a lot of interest. Can't wait for the time where you can push a red button and get any game. "Red zone" would be great too. It'll happen eventually. The Rams would have to give themselves a chance although I've been waiting for the niners to hit their best form. Could be a close one, all the same. Tomorrow's games could decide a few things - loser out of the Steelers/Ravens game could be in a bit of trouble. The Packers/Lions game has similar connotations and Dallas wouldn't want to lose to Oakland at home.

I would have liked to have "liked" a number of previous posts but I guess those "likes" are there in spirit! ... the TV games ... Friday 4.30am Green Bay at Detroit (OneHD & Fox1) 8.30am Oakland at Dallas (OneHD & ESPN) 12.30pm Pittsburgh at Baltimore (Fox2 only) Monday 5.00am Miami at NY Jets (OneHD) 5.00am Tennessee at Indianapolis (Fox2) 8.25am Denver at Kansas City (OneHD) 8.25am Cincinnati at San Diego (Fox2) 12.30pm NY Giants at Washington (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 12.30pm New Orleans at Seattle (ESPN) That's not too bad hey - 9 games on the box! ... all the week 13 games Tips ... another tough week but 2 points are on offer - I'm tippin' someone will get all 3 right! New England Arizona Denver

Wishing you a full recovery Dean. All the very best to you and your family.

They've picked the same 12 for Adelaide but there was a small rider in there with relation to the fitness of the fast bowlers. Wouldn't surprise me if there's one change. However, we need to reinforce our advantage and the team will be itching to get at England again. It's certainly an interesting scenario though and your idea has merit, TD. I would lean more towards still only going with the one specialist spinner though (Lyon) At issue here is the drop-in pitch - how is it going to play? I reckon if they make any sort of change, Harris might be rested. Has he the capacity to be at his best for all 5 Tests? (given his injury history) Or we could just roll up our sleeves in true Aussie style and just get on with it! If we win the toss and make a stack of runs, we could therefore rule out the possibility of losing the Test. As is nearly always the case, it will be an important toss to win. I wonder if any of our Test batsmen are playing in any of the 3 Shield games that start on Friday? I'm assuming the answer is no but a couple of our blokes could do with some time at the crease ... also, it might be worth noting to see if any of our back-up fast bowlers are being rested in these matches.

Points tally in the comp ... 5 - cowboy from hell 4 - Strafford 3 - Macca 2 - pantaloons 1 - DemonDave, Gorgoroth 0 - 45HG, Norm Smith's Curse, bananas, Arrow 2 points on offer for this week - the 3rd bonus round ... A reminder that in week 17, three points are up for grabs. Also, I couldn't award a point to one unfortunate poster this week - tips were in too late - sorry) ... week 13 games ... the BS Report

Things might fall into place but I'm not banking on it. I still reckon Rodgers' injury is at least a 6 week one (which would mean he'll miss the next 3 games) We're hanging on but Flynn would have to have a big game, our few WR and TE targets would need to play well and Detroit would need to continue to play well below par. Don't like the odds, 'cfh'. Atlanta are my biggest disappointment but there's quite a few isn't there? The Ravens might still make it but they haven't done a lot. As you said, Houston have been poor. It makes a mockery of any pre-season predictions. But of course, we'll do it all again!

I was making an observation that Jonathan will be missed (perhaps more so than a few people might realise) There is no harm in saying what I said and I certainly didn't mean it in any other way other than to recognise that he's a top class batsman. A player who I have a lot of time for. Again, I wish him a full recovery.

Flynn seems to go ok but only at Green Bay - probably because he's spent a bit of time there but hell, he's been cut a few times by other teams as well as the Packers. The only reason I give us a chance at Detroit this week is because of Detroit! They could have scooted clear but they couldn't even beat Tampa at home. It's still a tall order and if Stafford can hit Megatron enough times, we'll be in allsortsa. Amazingly, the 3 best placed teams for the no.1 overall draft pick are Jacksonville (sort of expected) Houston and Atlanta. Who would have picked that? I think I had Atlanta winning the NFC South and Houston getting a wild-card! I wonder which team or teams will get "hot" from here on in? Philadelphia? maybe San Diego?

This is just a wild guess but was a bloke named Albert Trott involved? He's the only other cricketer named Trott that I can recall. Think he played at the turn of the century (the 19th to the 20th century) Hoping Jonathan Trott makes a speedy recovery from his illness. Him not playing weakens their side but it would be preferable if England were at full strength.

That's a major blow to your season, pantaloons. Hope you can hang on in there. It seems a lot of our teams have suffered some sort of major injury or 2 that has curtailed our seasons. In spite of all their injuries, the Rams, Bengals and Bears are still hanging in there. It's a pity that St Louis are in such a strong division as they are not a bad team and have had some impressive wins this year. Even my Packers are only a half game back when in all honesty, they should be out of it. Rodgers is probably still out for a bit so I'm extremely doubtful of our chances despite the Bears and Lions not capitalising on their opportunities. At Detroit on Friday The Vikes should have done a fair bit better (I picked 'em as a wild-card!) and so should have the 49ers (although San Francisco can bounce back with a win tomorrow) Denver should have won with that lead and the Steelers, Ravens, Titans, Chargers and Miami are still in with a chance after today. The big winners were Arizona and the Panthers whilst the big losers were the Giants, the Jets and Detroit (what's happened to them?) Still lots of unanswered questions but if the Colts can take care of Tennessee at home next week, they should go on and win that Division.

Mate, I didn't start the thread, I just put a different slant on proceedings ... I believe the thread was originally in reference to the collar and the stars (of which I have very little interest) 'beelzebub' has done an excellent job putting up all those different guernsey designs. The reverse of our jumper looked quite good IMO. Food for thought even if nothing changes. At least we've had some different views from those who never got involved in previous debates ... it's a bit like new posters wanting to make comments about Bailey, Neeld, Scully etc etc. It's no big deal. Those who have been involved in those topics previously don't have to get involved again.

Yeah, check out this blast from the past ... "softened with fresh air" Perhaps "dart" (for those bullet like left foot passes)

Nah, I'm not that computer savvy, 'dpositive'! ... 'beelzebub' might be able to do it. In the end, this discussion is dependant on whether the AFL would have any wriggle room on their ruling - some seem to think they wouldn't move whilst others believe they might. Also, I'm a great believer in 'Majority rules' - a groundswell of support to ditch the white jumper would most probably be needed (amongst the membership) And then the club itself would have to weigh things up. We know that the Tigers can use more yellow, the Bombers are using grey (and have sometimes used more red) and the Pies didn't have to change their basic design (when it seemed like at one stage that they might have to) If you don't ask, you don't get.

And I'm not concerned with all that other stuff you mentioned - hadn't even crossed my mind. Honestly. Sometimes it's best to work out whether you're on the same page with whoever you might be debating with (and agree to disagree early when appropriate) I don't mind giving ground usually but on some issues, we can all get a bit passionate - hey, at least we still all care! Anyway ... I'm done, CBF! Got nuthin' more to add (unless someone quotes me again )

I feel the same way TD. Apparently it's a drop in wicket (not sure how long that's being going on at the Adelaide Oval?) 10 days off (including tomorrow) gives our bowlers a good rest as well. The only thing that concerns me is the make-up of our bowlers for both Adelaide and Perth (which are back to back tests with only 3 days break in between) You'd reckon it will be an unchanged team for Adelaide but our bowlers won't want to be in the field for 3 days in Adelaide (which might happen if England bounce back hard with their batting) Great win in this Test though and I'm still a little shocked by it all. You probably kept the faith Edit: Ryan Harris has been named in an unchanged squad for second Ashes Test

Once again, the TV games ... Monday 5.00am San Diego at Kansas City (Fox2) 5.00am Pittsburgh at Cleveland (OneHD) 8.05am Indianapolis at Arizona (Fox2) 8.25am Dallas at NY Giants (OneHD) 12.30pm Denver at New England (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 12.30pm San Francisco at Washington (ESPN) ... all the other week 12 games Bill Simmons weekly column from 'Grantland' ... All Hail Megatron (scroll about 3/4 down on the linked page for Bill's tips)

It's interesting isn't it - people say we should concentrate on winning games but it's not like any of us supporters can do anything about that . Roos and co. and all the players would have zero interest in all this so they're hardly going to be distracted! We supporters do have a voice though - and it's issues like this where we can actually make a difference - especially if the white jumper doesn't sell. You probably can't have an alternate strip (long term) that doesn't sell. It would be an administration and marketing matter anyway and it's matters such as these which is partly what they are there for.

I don't care what the other clubs do - they can please themselves. I get it - there's a group here that are happy with the white jumper. I'm not trying to make you not like it - you can like it to your heart's content. I'm just aware that you need to be careful what you wish for. Are you saying I have to like it?

I don't believe we've seen enough experimentation or had anyone placed in a position to find out if there is or there isn't (a good alternative strip) We'll only have a definitive answer if all avenues and choices are exhausted. Look at the Pies - what now looks like an obvious answer took at least a few years to come to fruition. Why didn't they think of it earlier? As for the AFL, I believe if we came up with a decent alternative, they would at least entertain the thought (lets agree to disagree on that, shall we?) Someone with a bit more expertise in this area might come up with the answer. I've thrown out a few ideas in a few earlier posts.

(sarcasm alert) I reckon all those in favour of the white jumper should go out and buy one of these "items" and wear it proudly at our games. Just wear it every time to square the ledger. Apparently sales are a bit slow and the club could do with the extra revenue (let's face it, we're stuck with it so we may as well embrace it) Furthermore, I call on the Demonland administrators to change the jumper type of the 8 melbourne players who are on the banner. Put them all in the white jumpers please (say for 5 years or so - the other "traditional" jumper has had a decent enough run) The club's logo needs a stack more white in it too - there is a disproportionate quantity of "white" involved and it needs urgent attention. Let's all sing together ... "It's a grand old flag It's a high flying flag It's the emblem for me and for you It's the emblem of the team we love The team of the red, white and blue Ev'ry heart beats true For the red, white and blue And we sing this song to you Should auld acquaintance be forgot Keep your eye on the red, white and blue!"