rjay

I think they have a very cosy relationship where every now and then they tip a bucket (not to big) on each other just to make us believe that there is a healthy media holding the AFL to account. They are treating us as fools and I don't buy it, the industry is way to incestuous and any truly dissenting voices are run out of town. Anyone remember Grant Thomas.

He talks about the type of player drafted and the training etc. some players may have their careers cut short. He is not talking physical wear and tear here but physical characteristics. The type of player required to play the game. There is nothing new here. If you look at how we are being trained then you can see a FD despite their protestations who know the game is changing, the opposite to us were Essendon last year who tried to bulk up and prepare for a game that was quickly becoming obsolete. The only thing I don't understand is why we are waiting a year to implement the change if it is a forgone conclusion.

'Ben', I'm not against the cap but I would also like to get rid of the sub and bring it back to 4 interchange. Having played in the days of 19th & 20th man, it is an absolute pain to be sitting on the bench not knowing when or if you will get a decent run. 16 a side is getting a bit more traction recently and it may well be an option if we keep getting these rugby style mauls. Paying decisions for incorrect disposal should be encouraged to clean this up as a first option, I don't see the interchange cap having a lot of effect here until later in the game so early doors will be more of the same so 16 a side might be a solution. Someone mentioned the runner, well at least bring it back to only one runner per club. I think currently there are a couple virtually tag teaming to handle the workload. Many of the coaches say their job is limited on match day and pretty much all their work is done during the week, take the runner away from them and lets see how that story stands up.

He's (Sellar) a much better ruck option. If he plays and performs again this week then the spot is his.

How do you think Lyon and the Ox picked up media gigs. Ian Johnson ring a bell anyone. ...but I do get your point, particularly when Cloke is still playing and he's hardly the most polished media performer going around.

...and AD answered that hypothetical question because???? Sowing a seed.

Kum By Yah!

I think any supporter would be, no love for the hawks here but this is just way over the top. It's these type of decisions that splits competitions.

I think you answer your own question. Ablett might struggle a bit more with the current game but reducing interchange is meant to open the game up and would play right into his hands, less flooding back, press and ability to double team. Liam and Ablett senior weren't the best trainers in the biz and that's where they would and in Liam's case did find trouble with the professionalism required of today's players.

Yes...they are bringing over the 5AA boys by request to broadcast the game. Should make interesting listening as they won't know anyone from either team except for the SA draftees.

Said something similar in another thread, it's good to see the work on tackling is starting to show some results as you could see our guys going low and driving up through the legs. Maybe 'the hardest side to play against' could be a reality in the not to distant future.

Unfortunately networks dictated the schedule when they paid out the big bucks. When we are a top team, playing football that people want to watch then we will be scheduled in the best time slots. As for equalising the competition then I think a cap on FD spend is the best option, the so called tax really does create a wealthy v poor environment and who wants to be seen as the poor cousin. Cap spend and maybe ramp up the equalisation on game receipts, push for a rotation of Anzac day and other like games but realise this will also mean our QB game. Building our membership base is crucial but that's going to be a 10 - 20 year plan and dependant on on-field success and good off-field management. Hawthorn have built there membership on the back of premierships in the late 70's - 80's that's why you will see a lot of there supporters in the 30's to 40's age group, they were kids when Hawthorn was a power.

Liam comes from an area where drinking is a problem in his culture, why do Melbourne now cop the blame for his drinking? Unfortunately there are still people stirring the pot.

Agree with 'Biff', the guy did a pretty good job given he was probably their version of Matt. He didn't know all the players but made a good effort at identifying them. 5AA on the other hand are a joke and should have their licence revoked for a poor impersonation of a radio station.

We haven't seen the midfield group working as a whole this year, just trialling different players at the moment. Let's make a judgement call during the season proper. Some of our previous offenders have gone and I would expect to see development with others but let's wait and see.

Watching the first quarter of the game and it is good to see our tackling drills are starting to be put into practice. In last weeks games I thought we were poor but we are really applying a lot of pressure and tackling hard and low in this game. I hope a few of our senior 22 are having a good look.

Sellar is a much better ruck option than Pedersen, if he can kick goals then Pedersen will find it hard to take that spot when Clark is back.

I think it was a couple of years back when he was with Adelaide.

What he does do is hit the contest hard. It's what I noticed at last years intra at Casey, both him and Clark cleaned up anyone in their way. He might not of got the results Clark did and he may not be the player he is but he does throw himself into a contest. I hope today is a sign of a turnaround in his career.

That's the answer 'Roost', we need a period of sustained success and we will be a power again.

It's looking like Kent may be the one for the first round a bit like Tynan last year he is doing everything right and demanding a spot. Other than that it looks like Sellar has upped the pressure on Pederson, who would have been thought a walk up start. I guess with Clark missing he could still be.

They get a better TV deal or charge more at the gate. Back to the footy boys.

Thanks for that, great viewing.

Unfortunately that's not what happened, the AFL built Waverley for a purpose and whether they would have moved the big games there or not (and remember one GF was played there) the MCC felt threatened enough by the prospect. Your argument may be correct but it is a long dead horse. Agree and I would probably throw in the finals or at least a part of it.

Absolutely it is...and you could see the drop off in crowds and interest last year with a lot of one sided games.