Lucifers Hero

Richmond had an extra 3 days rest and couldn't keep up with us after the first 20 minutes (even before their injuries in the 3rd/4th qtr). They didn't give a meow let alone a roar. Our fitness and ability to run out games is astounding. And I like the new ruthlessness we have.

Quote: "Tiger veteran Shane Edwards will come under match review scrutiny for a late bump on Dees’ midfield bull Oliver. The out of character moment happened at the 12-minute mark of the second term as Melbourne worked the ball around the member’s wing. Oliver lofted a handball over the top of a number of players as the Dees looked to attack. But after giving the handball Oliver was confronted by Edwards who chose to bump once the ball was out of the area, shirtfronting the 23-year-old and appearing to collect him high. The hit floored Oliver and upon returning to his feet went straight to the bench playing with his jaw". The writer doesn't watch much football or is a Richmond supporter - that was not out of character for Edwards. He is a serial offender of rough stuff. Does anyone have vision of Edwards bump on Oliver?

Some priceless moments of spontaneous brotherly love: Petracca and Oliver hug after Petracca's goal Max's nonchalant but ever-so-proud sideways glance at that hug Big Max and Big Luke flanking Kozzie after the cowardly Mansell and mates got into Kozzie Gus's gusto at the end of the team song.

His gusto in the last few seconds singing the song are priceless. Worth a another look. Or if someone can post the last few seconds it would be great.

Without getting ahead of ourselves, the next 3 games are an ideal opportunity to try out different ideas - nothing drastic just one or max of two at at time. At some stage we need to get Brown into the side so vs North is the ideal time, then let him settle into the team dynamics vs Sydney and Carlton before facing Bulldogs and beyond. Ditto the next three weeks is a good time to rotate any young or sore players or to try out players in the VFL knocking on the door. So a few changes in the next few weeks will strengthen our selection flexibility.

And geelong mauling of the eagle smakes the Bulldogs wins look less meritorious: Wins: Pies +16, WCE, +7, NM +128, BL +19, Suns +62 all at Mars/Marvel excdept Pies at the G. Yet to play a team inside the 8. No doubt the Bulldogs are good but not as good as their undefeated run suggests. Downhill skiers, beating up on the lesser teams; small wins vs last year's finalists. Their test is yet to come.

I like Toby?

That looks like the Ess game where Salem kicked the winning goal with 19 seconds to go - his 3rd game I think. A very special win. Is your boy wearing Salem's # 3? He knows how to pick a winner!

Why isn't Toby getting some frees! Wood is going after him head high and umpires ignore it.

P2J, can you please preface these types of posts with 'imv' so they don't come across as factual. Cheers.

I would go with Petty as the medisub as Sparrow had it last week and shouldn't miss two games. Weideman can do with another game at Casey to press his case. Similarly with Chandler. Also Petty can fill in for Fritsch or May if necessary.

If Tassie lock the teams out, play it in Melbourne.

Just read this: "North Melbourne arrived in Perth on Friday afternoon and are fixtured to face Fremantle on Saturday night. Both West Australian clubs are set to meet in Round 7 at Optus Stadium." If WA gov't stops the North/Freo game that will need to be caught up at some stage. North fly home tomorrow. So, It may not affect our round 7 game game unless the Tas or Vic governments put the North team into isolation. Even if Tassie does it can still be played in Victoria. ??

Its hard to know which are training days now that the season has started. Anyone know when/where training/captain's run are?

We are heading for a time of great list stability and as you say some 1 year contracts to a many of 2021 OOC players. The ones that a likely to miss out are those with a history of injuries: Hore, J. Smith, AvB; Nietschke or time to retire: Jetta and Jones (even tho it will be sad to see them go).. That is 6 changes without too much thought. Baker, M. Brown, Daw may not get another go. Just those changes will make our list stronger and then there are trades.

I do at every chance I get. And have defended him on DL since the day he started. And until this year he needed a lot of defending. But I'm very glad that he needs a bigger bandwagon!

My top 3 signings for this year: Oliver, Gawn and Salem are all wrapped up! Next lot: Luke Jackson: sign in 2021 to extend beyond next year - will cut out any noise of him returning to WA next year. Sam Weideman: see if he can earn a new contract. Christian Petracca: Not too worried about him now that Oliver and Salem have signed but would like him to sign sooner rather than later to forgo Free Agency and stop the nonsense that he is going to Collingwood. Angus Brayshaw: also OOC and FA next year - not sure where he sits in the pecking order but would love to see him stay a demon. Hey, why would any of our players want to leave!

That post didn't age well ? but my sentiment was good.

Glowing endorsement from the club: A versatile player with a great understanding of the game, Salem is known for his elite foot skills and his ability to rebound the ball from half-back. (Emphasis i smine) Over the past few years Salem has emerged as one the best rebounding defenders in the game and one of Melbourne’s most reliable performers. “We are absolutely rapt to have Christian commit his long-term future to the club,” List Manager, Tim Lamb told Melbourne Media. “Given he would have been eligible for Free Agency at the end of this year it is significant that he has forgone that opportunity to extend his time here so early in the season. “Christian has developed into a crucial player and we believe he still has significant growth in his game. “He is a much loved and highly respected member of our playing group and we are excited to see what he can produce for the red and blue in the years to come.” If anyone still has any doubts about his silky skills and foot IQ re-read the first paragraph. And if Lamb is correct that he still has significant growth in his game then we will have another elite footballer in our midst!!

Updated for my Equal #1 favourite player: Christian Salem. 5 year contract. A demon until 2026.

Time for a title change?

Woo Hoo! 5 Years - just as I hoped. Takes him until 31 and hopefully another one-club player!! Will have great pleasure updating the 'Contracts' thread.

He is equal 7th in the coaches votes, one of only two AFL defenders that are on the leader board (the other is Moore) so a fair chance our coach has put him in that class. Ranked better than May and Lever... He is ranked top 20 in the league: ● Ranked 14th in Total Kicks ● Ranked 19th in Total Rebound 50s ● Ranked 16th in Total Metres Gained ● Ranked 15th in Total Intercepts ● Ranked 15th in Kicks Per Game ● Ranked 18th in Metres Gained Per Game People will say he is not fast. True, he isn't is a Bulldog's JJ running type (we have Hunt for that role). But Salem's footy smarts, ability to 'stop and prop' then find a target are excellent. Very cool player. I put him in the Whitfield, Rich type of defender - the smart play maker with great skills. I mentioned in an earlier post a reason he 'looks better' this year because team mates understand their roles better and the game plan better. But he has always been very good. Not sure what your definition of an A grader is if it doesn't include a player like Salem.

I wonder for how long Salem will sign. Signing up now means he has eschewed Free Agency and suggests he could become a one club player. He is 26 would be very happy to see him sign for 4 to 5 years.

Doubt the club would announce anything, good or bad, this week to ensure nothing overshadows Jones 300th. AS it should be.