PhilReadFury

He does.... But neither she nor he like the media attention

Phil's own Fury was always a distraction..... Pretty sure Dunn was on Foley for atleast part of the match and I agree with other posters that he has done some solid stopping jobs this year. However, IMO tagging is not entirly about stopping a player, it is also about exposing them via attacking football Ie. Cameron Ling. Dunn is yet to really impact in an attacking manner while tagging - Even Bartram's early games as a tagger were more accomplished. I am all for seeing the new kids get a couple of games under the belt this year - Its all about Pre pre season for 2009.

In: Martin, Valenti, Whelan Out: Frawley, Bode, Dunn Backs: C Bartram, M Warnock, M Whelan Half backs: C Garland, S Martin, C Johnson Centres: B Green, C Bruce, P Wheatley Half forwards: A Davey, M Bate, A Wonaeamirri Forwards: C Sylvia, B Miller, A Yze Followers: J White, N Jones, B McLean Interchange: C Morton, P Johnson, J McDonald, S Valenti Dunn, Bode and Frawley have not shown enough IMO - Think its time to open the door for Martin to have his first crack - Baptism of fire against B Hall??? Valenti should never have been dropped, and Whelan's defensive pressure, run and sound decision making from Half Back has been missed.

Particularly Harsh given we WON 2 quarters and lost the 4th by just 3 points - I actually felt (with the 2nd quarter an obvious exception) we were on top for the better part of the match but just lacked the ability to FINISH!!!!

Perhaps I am guilty of the same... Implying there was once a golden age - It was more probably my ignorance as a youth believing everything I read in the paper.

I am yet to come accross a Journalist that I rate - Caroline Wilson typifies what journalism has become (misleading tripe), and with that in mind is exceptional at what she does: 1. Report only on a handful of facts, while deliberately excluding others to ensure an article has a sensationalised flavour that will sell / be contraversial but defendable. 2. When pressed, often goes against the spin she has put on an article by defending the 'facts' she reports, but not mentioning the inuendo or leading statements or "Questions"? 3. Often asks questions and provides her opinion as the answer - Then defends her stance by "Hey, I just asked the question". Although the quantity of media coverage is now exceptional.... The quality has eroded like a Fremantle lead after 3/4 time.

Geez - Who would have thought... Nathan Carroll : "Full Back of the Century"

Stats can be interpretted in so many ways.... Call me simplistic, but to me a game of 31 possessions says that Bruce either: a) Provided an option to his team mates all day all game, B) Won the ball (loose or hard) c) Played cheap touches Bowden like chip around the defensive 50 I was there and didnt see much of c). That said, his disposals were often ugly, but were still effective. All things considered, good game from Bruce who played an important role on the day. Was instrumental in moving the ball forward, but was not perfect... Just like everyone else.

I cant see Newton filling the void left by Neitz. I see Newton as more af a Sean Smith; able to take a MASSIVE mark and kick the occasional goal, but will never take the game by the scruff of the neck. Not sure what it is about Newton, but he has far from convinced me to date.

In: Martin, Bate, Out: Jamar, Neitz *If Suspended: Buckley for Moloney, Maric for Whelan FB: Carrol, Martin, Bell HB: Wheatley, Rivers, Sylvia C: Morton, McLean, Bruce HF: Dunn, Bate, Davey FF: Wonaemirri, Robertson, Green R: White, Jones, McDonald I/C: Bartram, Frawley, Buckley*, Maric*

Did Jamar get the nickname 'Russian' due to the visual of his stumbling into goal resembling a Vodka fuled drunken Russian?

Perceptions are funny aren't they.... Up until he was injured, I thought Paul Johnson was having a better season than Jeff White. I wonder if PJ was being considered for selection.... Somehow I highly doubt it. Jeff Whites inclusion in that list is laughable at best - Will be upgraded to champagne comedy if they play him loose in defence!!!

I was there with a furious hangover as company. Front row of level 3 in the MCC.... It was a mind numbing afternoon, and that was without the aid of Carlton Draught.

I find it interesting that Martin is named in the ruck. Although I am sure this is due to the injuries to Meeson and PJ, I would prefer the focus on his development was as a backman.... Jamar has got to be on thin ice - Must show something this week, else its got to be time to play the youth at AFL level. Also, is there any reason why Zomer did not get picked after his 7 goal effort last weekend?

In: Martin, Whelan Out: Garland, PJ Am looking forward to Stef Martin's debut - Mature body and attiude - Have a feeling he will develop quickly

Someone remind me how far into the season we are - Last game I saw was Round 1 and we got flogged. If the same thing happens next week, and the week after that, and the week after that, and there is little improvement; Only then will I be calling for blood. Give the boys half a chance, it was Bailey's first game with an inexperienced line-up against a team that has hit the ground running. Although we had a heap of inside 50's, our forward structure was poor, and the Dawks applied good pressure on the ball carrier (something we could learn as a team as a whole, not just Bruce) - thus resulting in turnovers, subsequently a lack of scoring opportunities, and a heap of rebound football that the Dawks executed very effectively. On a side note, I recall seeing we matched the Dawks in clearances (could be wrong). For the Bruce Bashers out there, Let me remind you: In 2008, Bruce has had 1 poor game while coming back from injury. It is far to early in the season to be writing off one of our most key players - Lets not forget this was a guy who was an early brownlow favourite a couple of years back. I have little doubt the boys will be hurting more than any of us after the weekends performance. It is times like these that they will need our support the most, particularly as some of the newest demons are thrown in the deep end. Lets not turn on our players like the Tigers have in recent years - We are rebuilding as a club, it is Round 2 this week, we are playing the mutts, and PhilReadFury will be there to cheer (and drink Beer), while hopefully getting a look at some new MFC debutants participate in the demons first win of our 150th year. And if we lose, there is always Round 3.

I think you have confused yourself Timmy.... Or perhaps I have... From what I understand, we have 2 outside veterans (Neitz & Yze), and 1 inside veteran (White). As we have 2 outside Veterans, we are NOT able to nominate a Rookie unless we have a player added to the Long Term Injury List, in which case Valenti or Aussie could play while that player remains injured. This is a link to the Collective Bargaining Agreement for 2007-2011 http://www.aflpa.com.au/media/CBA%202007-2...20-%20FINAL.pdf Section 12 details the rules behind the Long Term Injury List (ineligble to play for 8 weeks) Section 13 goes into detail regarding the Veterans List Section 14 details each of the Player Lists and numbers (all a bit complex for a Friday)

Without knowing all the facts, it is difficult to pass judgement as to whether the club has done the right thing here or not. How fast was he going? What was the speed limit? Without the facts, to pass judgement on this is hardly fair: Scenario A: Given the ridiculous margin for error our Speed Camera's currently have, he could have been pinged for doing 113km/h in a 110km/h zone. The subsequent 1 point penalty could have stripped him of his licence if he had already accumulated his full quota of penalties. Is this worth being dumped from the leadership group? I think not. Scenario B: He could have pulled a Steve Johnson and been doing 160km/h in a 60km/h zone resulting in instant disqualification of his licence. Is this worth being dumped from the leadership group? I think so. That said, I suspect the club would not have reacted the way they have in the event of Scenario A - But until we know for sure, the PhilReadFury Jury is out.

Jaded, You raise some good points, although I would appreciate you provide evidence contrary to what I have suggested rather than just branding it 'stupid'. - Naturally players will have down time and time up there sleave to carry out other interests - Music, computer games, gambling etc. I have no problem with that. Looking at it from my perspective though, If I had to front up and sing on stage infront of the cameras and possibly hundreds viewers on a weekly basis, that would consume a fair bit of my week. Not just from practice, but from also being in the back of mind constantly. We are all different, so maybe Robbo does not get stressed by it.... But in my mind, it would be a massive distraction from my Primary Job. then again, I struggle to go out for a dinner during the week and have it not impact me in some way the following day at work. - Agree it is Publicity for the Club, and for the lack of anything else I have seen - It can only be positive (It hurts to say that as I hate the show) - Charity is positive and all in all it is better than him partying with Cousins. I would still like to see if there are any trends with media committments and on field performance - Are there any examples where a player involved in the media has actually improved their on field performance?

Nasher, I Agree - "It Takes Two" is rubbish on every level. I also agree that Robbo's best days are behind him on field and that there are numerous reasons why a player may have a poor year. However, it would be interesting to compare how well players heavily involved with media committments have performed around those times: ie. Was it Brodie Holland who went on that dancing with the stars show? Anyone know how he performed on field around and after that time? Others to consider are Fevola and Crawford while on the Footy Show week in week out (although that would require minimal to zero rehearsal and preparation), how did they perform around then?

I read the heading to this topic and thought The Biz was replacing Andy Mayer - After further reading, I was sadly mistaken.

I would have thought a solid pre-season would not have allowed the time to dedicate to this show - Particularly when he should be trying to prove himself to the new coach. He should be focusing all efforts to his day job. 2008 prediction - Robertson dropped due to lack of form (Hope he proves me wrong)

Looking forward to receiving the stickers also - Lets just hope there isn't another balls up with the print quality and its tendancy to fade.

I got sent a letter with a card attached, and a pack with a pen and a lanyard late last year..... Have not received anything since.

Hmm.. Lets see.... In order of distaste: 1. Essendon (For everything they are, stand for and their supporters) 2. Collingwood (Didak and Rocca both play there.... and Tarrant used to) 3. Fremantle (Bunch of whingers) 4. Richmond (Purely for the supporters - So quick and keen to rag out there own, spit etc) 5. Port Adelaide (For being bad winners - That whole Chocco Williams tie choking incident was an embarrassment to their club)